Private Science and Technology Grants

This program provides free support and funding for U.S.-based startups in the BlueTech sector focused on developing ocean data technologies that promote ocean health and resilience.

The Devices Grants program, supported by the KC Digital Inclusion Fund (DIF), aims to bridge the digital divide by providing essential devices like computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. This initiative directly aligns with the DIF's broader mission to advance a systemic strategy for digital equity, fill programmatic gaps, attract new funding, and strengthen Kansas City’s competitiveness for state and federal dollars. The program emphasizes supporting user interface devices to overcome technology barriers, rather than focusing on connectivity infrastructure or data plans. The target beneficiaries for this grant are individuals in need within the 9-county Greater Kansas City region, encompassing Cass, Clay, Jackson, Platte, and Ray counties in Missouri, and Johnson, Leavenworth, Miami, and Wyandotte counties in Kansas. The program specifically targets populations with limited access to technology and digital resources, aiming to empower them to access the internet and enhance their digital literacy. The impact goals include increasing access to technology for underserved communities, improving digital literacy, and fostering better internet connectivity solutions. The funding priorities for Devices Grants are centered around projects that provide access to technology, offer digital literacy training, and implement internet connectivity solutions. Priority is given to projects that are aligned with a specific program, rather than just an organization or population, and that help outcome-oriented direct-service organizations fulfill their mission by overcoming technology barriers. The core focus area is "Access to Network." Eligible applicants are direct-serving 501(c)(3) public charities, educational or governmental entities serving people in need within the specified 9-county region. While the grant size ranges from $10,000 to $100,000, the available funding is up to $75,000 with an award range of $1,000 to $20,000. The grant period is up to 6 months, with all projects expected to be completed by March 31, 2025. Grantees are notified of award status via email around August 26, 2024. The expected outcomes are that recipient organizations will be better equipped to serve their communities by providing necessary devices, ultimately leading to increased digital inclusion and improved access to digital resources for vulnerable populations.

This fellowship provides college and graduate students, who have participated in the World Food Prize Youth Program, the opportunity to work with USDA scientists on research and policy initiatives related to agriculture, food, and rural development during a paid summer program.

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County's "Access for All Fund" is dedicated to supporting charitable organizations that primarily benefit San Luis Obispo County residents, aligning directly with the foundation's overarching mission. This grant program specifically targets the disability community within the county, aiming to advance access and promote inclusion across several critical areas. The foundation's strategic priority is to foster a more equitable and accessible community for individuals with disabilities, with the Access for All Fund serving as a key mechanism to achieve this. The program's focus areas include advancing access to Health & Wellness, expanding capacity for Housing & Home Access, creating and supporting Community Participation/Inclusion, and promoting Accessible Workspaces and growing Employment Opportunities. For Health & Wellness, the goal is to improve access to healthcare services, equipment, and activities promoting physical and mental health. In terms of Housing & Home Access, the program seeks to increase options for accessible and affordable housing, along with modifications and equipment for independent living. Community Participation/Inclusion aims to ensure accessible events, physical and virtual spaces, inclusive programming, and accessible transportation. Finally, Accessible Workspaces and Employment Opportunities look to foster inclusive work environments through educational outreach, needs assessments, employee training, and improved access to services. The expected outcomes and measurable results of the Access for All Fund are directly tied to these focus areas. For example, increased access to health services and wellness activities, a greater number of accessible and affordable housing options, enhanced community participation through accessible events and spaces, and improved employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The foundation prioritizes one-year grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, with a specific amount of $5,000 available to award during the 2024 grant-making cycle. This funding approach is designed to support impactful, focused projects that can demonstrate tangible progress within a year. The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County's theory of change through the Access for All Fund is that by investing in organizations that address the specific needs of the disability community, they can significantly improve the quality of life, independence, and overall inclusion of these residents. By supporting programs that advance access in health, housing, community participation, and employment, the foundation believes it can create a more equitable and supportive environment, leading to long-term positive societal impacts within San Luis Obispo County. Eligibility criteria mandate tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) or a fiscal sponsorship, ensuring that funds are directed to legitimate charitable endeavors.

The Regional Development Corporation Tribal Economic Diversity Fund offers grants to businesses owned by federally recognized Indian tribes or their enrolled members. The program aims to provide critical technical services and equipment to these businesses, supporting economic diversification and growth within Northern New Mexico. The fund aligns with the broader mission of sustaining and assisting developing businesses, thereby creating jobs and diversifying the region's economy. The target beneficiaries are business enterprises owned by federally recognized Indian tribes, or at least 51% owned by enrolled members of specific Pueblos (Cochiti, Jemez, Nambe, Ohkay, Picuris, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, Santa Clara, Taos, or Tesuque). These businesses must be headquartered in Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, Northern Sandoval, Santa Fe, or Taos County, have a business-only bank account, and have been in operation for at least six months. The impact goals include diversifying revenue, leveraging other investments, creating new jobs, and implementing systems that lead to business growth. The grant prioritizes competitive awards for services that achieve these diversification and growth objectives. Funds can be used for procuring business equipment and tools, advertising and marketing costs, consulting services, and specialized software. Preference is given to first-time applicants and those previously unawarded, indicating a focus on broadening access and supporting new and developing tribal businesses. Expected outcomes include the establishment of new jobs, increased revenue streams for tribal businesses, and the implementation of strategic systems that contribute to long-term economic stability and expansion. Measurable results would likely be tracked through job creation figures, revenue diversification indicators, and the successful acquisition and utilization of funded equipment or services. The program's strategic priority is to strengthen the economic landscape of Northern New Mexico by empowering tribal businesses. The foundation's theory of change posits that by providing targeted financial support for essential services and equipment, tribal businesses will be better equipped to diversify their revenue, expand their operations, and ultimately contribute to job creation and economic resilience in the region. This investment in tribal enterprises is seen as a key driver for sustainable economic development and a more diverse regional economy. The funding ceiling is up to $8,000, with grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.

This program provides $2 million in funding to support manufacturing and research organizations in Washington, encouraging innovation and job creation in key sectors like aerospace, clean technology, and advanced manufacturing.

The Clean Power Alliance (CPA) offers Community Benefits Grants (CBG) to support organizations that are advancing clean energy, fostering green jobs, promoting environmental education and stewardship, and championing energy equity and diversity within the communities served by CPA. This grant program directly aligns with CPA's mission to drive sustainability and resiliency through various pathways, reflecting their strategic priority to invest in community-level initiatives that complement their core energy services. The CBG program targets several key beneficiaries, particularly focusing on environmental and social justice communities. These include areas predominantly inhabited by communities of color or low-income populations, those underrepresented in policy and decision-making processes, and communities disproportionately affected by environmental hazards. Specifically, targeted communities include disadvantaged communities (based on CalEnviroScreen scores), all Tribal lands, and low-income households or census tracts. The impact goals are to alleviate environmental burdens, promote equitable access to clean energy benefits, and empower these communities through education and workforce development. The program prioritizes projects and organizations that advance clean energy, sustainability, and resiliency through specific focus areas: Research, Environmental and Social Justice Communities, Workforce Development, and Education. These priorities are designed to address systemic inequalities and foster a just transition to a clean energy economy. The expected outcomes include increased community engagement in clean energy initiatives, the development of a skilled green workforce, improved environmental literacy, and a reduction in environmental disparities in historically underserved areas. Awards for this grant range from $15,000 to $30,000, with a grant duration of one year. Eligible applicants must be IRS-designated 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations operating within the CPA service territory, which encompasses numerous cities and unincorporated areas in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. While previous grant recipients can apply for the 2024-2025 cycle, they are ineligible to receive funds for more than two consecutive years. This structure aims to ensure a broad reach of funding and sustainable impact across the service areas.

This grant provides funding to support professional development and networking opportunities for teaching artists in the Philadelphia area, enabling them to deliver high-quality, inclusive arts education programs for youth.

This program provides financial support to artists and culture bearers in specific Minnesota counties to help them enhance their creative development and pursue artistic opportunities.

The Access to Recreation Program, an initiative of the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, is designed to support accessible recreation projects for individuals with disabilities and special needs. This includes adaptive sports, games, and programs, as well as capital projects, addressing various needs such as sensory, physical, mobility, cognitive, developmental, emotional, and psychological disabilities. The foundation's mission, as evidenced by this program, aligns with fostering inclusive community participation and removing barriers to recreation. The program primarily targets nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, public or private schools, and units of government or municipalities that serve residents of Sangamon County, IL. The goal is to provide opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in indoor or outdoor recreation activities without barriers. The program seeks to fund initiatives that are specifically designed for and/or about people with disabilities but are also available to the general public, promoting broader community inclusion. The program prioritizes requests that support accessible recreation, focusing on activities that enable participation for individuals with disabilities. This includes projects that facilitate adaptive sports, games, and various recreational programs. The emphasis is on creating an environment where disabilities do not hinder access to recreational activities, thereby enhancing the quality of life for individuals with special needs within Sangamon County. Expected outcomes include increased participation of people with disabilities in recreational activities, the development of more inclusive recreational programs, and the establishment of accessible facilities. Measurable results could include the number of individuals served, the types of adaptive programs implemented, and the improvements made to existing facilities to enhance accessibility. The foundation's strategic priorities appear to revolve around community well-being and equitable access, with a theory of change that posits by funding accessible recreation, they can directly improve the health, social integration, and overall life satisfaction of people with disabilities in their service area.

This program honors and recognizes women leaders in the Denver metro area who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and community impact through their professional and volunteer efforts.

This funding opportunity provides up to $10,000 to nonprofit organizations and educational institutions in Oklahoma for projects that preserve and digitize important humanities collections to enhance public access and research.

This grant provides financial support to non-profit organizations focused on social betterment, including disaster relief, basic needs, education in STEM fields, health initiatives, and programs for individuals with disabilities.

The Long Island Sound Futures Fund (LISFF), managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Long Island Sound Study (LISS), seeks to restore the health and living resources of Long Island Sound. This grant program, with approximately $12 million available in 2024, aligns with the foundation's mission by supporting efforts to test innovative conservation approaches, deliver transformative projects, and engage communities that value and protect the Sound. Major funding is provided by EPA through the LISS, with additional support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Zoetis Foundation, demonstrating a collaborative strategic approach to environmental conservation. The LISFF targets a broad range of beneficiaries, including non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local and municipal governments, Tribal Governments and Organizations, and educational institutions. The impact goals are centered on improving water quality, enhancing and restoring coastal habitats, and fostering sustainable and resilient communities around the Long Island Sound. The program’s strategic priorities are guided by the Long Island Sound Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan 2020-2024 Update (CCMP), which emphasizes three core themes: Clean Waters and Healthy Watersheds, Thriving Habitats and Abundant Wildlife, and Sustainable and Resilient Communities. Cross-cutting principles of resiliency to climate change, long-term sustainability, and environmental justice are also integral to the program's theory of change. Under the "Clean Waters and Healthy Watersheds" theme, the program prioritizes reducing nitrogen pollution, combined sewer overflows, impervious cover, stormwater runoff, and point and nonpoint source loading. This includes funding for "shovel-ready" projects that result in quantifiable pollutant prevention, particularly those addressing water quality at a larger scale. Planning activities, such as community engagement, feasibility studies, site assessments, conceptual design, and final design and permitting, are also supported. Projects in the Upper Basin states (MA, NH, VT) are specifically focused on quantifiable nitrogen/nutrient prevention with a documented benefit to Long Island Sound. The "Thriving Habitats and Abundant Wildlife" theme focuses on enhancing or restoring coastal habitats to maintain resilience and function, supporting fish, bird, and wildlife populations, and sustaining the Sound's ecological balance. This involves implementing "shovel-ready" habitat restoration and nature-based or green-gray hybrid resilience projects, as well as planning activities for such projects. The program also aims to foster diverse, balanced, and abundant populations of fish, birds, and wildlife, encouraging proposals that consider the LISS Habitat Restoration Guidelines. The "Sustainable and Resilient Communities" theme supports vibrant, informed, and engaged communities through projects that offer hands-on conservation experiences. Expected outcomes include quantifiable pollutant reductions, enhanced and restored coastal habitats, increased resilience to climate change, and more engaged communities actively participating in the Sound's protection and sustainability. For water quality projects, measurable results will include quantifiable pollutant prevention, particularly nitrogen/nutrient reductions. For habitat projects, long-term maintenance plans and ecological improvements are expected. The LISFF's strategic framework, rooted in the CCMP, aims to accelerate local and regional water quality improvements, natural resource restoration, coastal resilience, environmental justice, and community outreach, ultimately leading to a healthier, more productive, and resilient Long Island Sound for both people and wildlife.

This award provides funding and support for early career researchers focused on studying the experiences and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ older adults in the United States.

The District of Columbia Department of Health (DC Health) is offering a grant program aimed at improving the recruitment and retention of the dental workforce within the District. This initiative directly aligns with the broader mission of enhancing public health by addressing critical shortages in dental care, particularly in designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). By strengthening the dental workforce, DC Health seeks to ensure greater access to oral health services for all residents, thereby contributing to the overall well-being of the community. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are dental professionals practicing or intending to practice in dental HPSAs. The impact goals are to alleviate the shortage of dental workers, reduce burnout among existing staff, and create more stable and effective dental care environments. The grant prioritizes the implementation or development of targeted training programs, the creation of initiatives to address organizational gaps impacting oral health workforce retention, and other strategies designed to combat burnout within the dental field. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number of dental professionals working in HPSAs, a reduction in staff turnover rates, and the establishment of sustainable and scalable approaches to meet the needs of dental organizations. Measurable results will likely involve tracking recruitment numbers, retention rates, and the successful implementation of new programs aimed at improving workforce stability. The goal is to identify and address the drivers of administrative and clinical support staff retention, ensuring a robust and resilient oral health workforce. The funding available for this project is substantial, with an anticipated amount of $80,000, and individual awards ranging from $60,000 to $80,000. The project period is set to begin on August 1, 2024, and conclude on July 31, 2025. Eligibility is extended to Federally Qualified Health Centers and dental clinics currently providing care in dental Health Professional Shortage Areas. This strategic investment reflects DC Health's commitment to a theory of change that posits by directly supporting the dental workforce, the District can achieve significant improvements in oral health equity and access.

This program provides financial support to organizations and event planners to develop and promote multi-day athletic events in Virginia Beach, boosting tourism and the local economy.

This grant provides funding to local nonprofits, government entities, schools, and churches to address community needs and improve the quality of life in the Mountain Grove area.

The Berkeley FILM Foundation (BFF) is offering a 2024 Student grant program designed to support emerging filmmakers in various stages of production, post-production, and distribution. This initiative aligns with BFF's mission to foster film talent and contribute to the vibrant film community within specific California counties. The foundation's strategic priority is to provide financial assistance to student filmmakers, ensuring the continuity and development of cinematic arts. The target beneficiaries of this program are student filmmakers over the age of 18, residing in Berkeley, Emeryville, Albany, El Cerrito, Richmond, or Oakland. Crucially, applicants must be currently enrolled full-time in a film studies program within Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, or Marin counties. The program specifically focuses on supporting individuals who are the primary creators of their submitted work. Former grant recipients are eligible to apply for a new film proposal only after their previously funded film has been completed, encouraging a commitment to seeing projects through to fruition. The grant program prioritizes short documentaries (40 minutes or less) and long documentaries (over 40 minutes). This focus on documentary filmmaking indicates an interest in projects that explore real-world subjects and narratives. The maximum request per project is $5,000, with overall grant sizes ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. This tiered funding aims to support a variety of project scales, from early development to final distribution. The expected outcomes of the BFF student grant program include the successful completion and distribution of student film projects, contributing to the cultural landscape of the Bay Area. Measurable results would involve the number of films funded, the completion rate of these projects, and any subsequent screenings or awards received by the grant recipients. By supporting student filmmakers, BFF aims to cultivate a new generation of cinematic voices, thereby contributing to the long-term health and innovation of the film industry.

The Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MACC) offers the Experience Support Grant Program to expand access to meaningful arts and cultural experiences across the state. This program is designed specifically for organizations whose primary mission is not arts- or culture-centered but that wish to incorporate creative projects into their work. By providing funding for one-year initiatives, MACC aims to foster collaboration between the arts and other community sectors, encouraging innovation, cultural engagement, and community enrichment through creative programming. Applicants may apply for funding in one or more of four categories: Project Support, Facility Enhancement & Equipment Purchase, Professional/Organizational Development, and Transportation. Project Support grants, offering up to $20,000, fund the creation, presentation, or production of arts and culture experiences that are open to the public. These projects may range from single events to ongoing programs throughout the grant period. Funding must be dedicated solely to arts-related activities rather than any of the applicant organization’s non-arts programs, ensuring that each supported initiative creates a direct cultural impact. Facility and Equipment grants provide up to $30,000 to help organizations improve venues, studios, or community spaces used for arts programming, or to purchase necessary equipment for cultural activities. To qualify for facility improvements, applicants must demonstrate either ownership of the property or a long-term lease. Professional/Organizational Development grants, capped at $1,500, support training opportunities for staff, contractors, board members, or volunteers to build capacity and deepen their knowledge in arts and cultural management or practice. Transportation grants, also up to $1,500, assist with the costs of moving participants to and from arts experiences, whether traveling to an organization’s own venue or visiting another site for cultural engagement. Eligible applicants include a broad range of Michigan-based entities such as PreK–12 schools (including home schools, districts, and Head Start programs), colleges and universities, municipalities, tribal entities, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits whose missions are not primarily arts-focused. This inclusive approach allows civic, educational, and community organizations to bring arts and culture directly into environments that may not otherwise have access to them. All funded projects must occur within the grant period of October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. Through the Experience Support program, MACC reinforces its commitment to embedding the arts in everyday community life. By empowering organizations from diverse sectors to integrate creative expression into their missions, the program helps broaden public access to the arts, inspire local participation, and enrich Michigan’s cultural identity. This initiative not only enhances the visibility of the arts but also demonstrates their essential role in education, community well-being, and civic vitality across the state.