Private Workforce Development Grants

The Piper Fellows program, funded by the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, is designed to support and revitalize nonprofit leaders. This initiative directly aligns with the foundation's mission by acknowledging the demanding nature of nonprofit leadership and offering opportunities for professional development. The program provides up to six fellowship awards annually, each offering up to $30,000 for professional development to outstanding leaders of nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations. This direct investment in leadership aims to strengthen the nonprofit sector within Maricopa County, Arizona, which is a key strategic priority for the Piper Charitable Trust. The primary target beneficiaries are experienced leaders of nonprofit organizations serving Maricopa County, specifically those that have been operating for a minimum of 10 years in critical sectors such as human services, health, education, arts and culture, or religious organizations. The impact goal is to enhance the professional capabilities of these leaders, thereby strengthening their organizations and ultimately improving the quality and reach of services provided to the community. By fostering individual growth, the program seeks to create a ripple effect that benefits the wider community served by these organizations. The program prioritizes a personalized approach to professional development, encouraging Fellows to design their own plans that can include educational programs, visits to model sites, and meetings with leaders across the nation. This focus on tailored development ensures that the learning is relevant and impactful for each individual and their organization. Additionally, the fellowship includes a $10,000 grant for staff and board development within the Fellow's organization, and eligibility for an Organizational Enhancement Award of up to $50,000 after fellowship completion. These additional grants underscore the foundation's commitment to holistic organizational improvement alongside individual leadership development. Expected outcomes include enhanced leadership skills, improved organizational management, and increased capacity for innovation within participating nonprofits. Measurable results would be reflected in the successful completion of professional development plans, the effective utilization of staff and board development grants, and the successful application and implementation of Organizational Enhancement Awards. The foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in the professional growth and organizational capacity of established nonprofit leaders, they can foster more resilient, effective, and impactful organizations that better address the needs of Maricopa County residents. The program emphasizes that continued employment of the Fellow is crucial for the grant-related awards, ensuring the investment benefits the organization long-term.

This initiative provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and Tribal governments in coal-impacted communities to develop and scale innovative economic projects that create job opportunities and foster local economic transformation.

The Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation's 2024 Community Impact Grant Cycle invites proposals to support organizations making a significant difference in the Tahoe Basin. The foundation's mission, though not explicitly detailed in this description, is clearly aligned with fostering community well-being and addressing critical needs within the Nevada and California areas of the Tahoe Basin. By offering grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, with a specific request amount up to $20,000, the foundation aims to empower eligible non-profits to enhance their services and achieve measurable community impact. The primary target beneficiaries are the residents and communities of the Tahoe Basin. Organizations seeking funding must directly provide more than 50% of their services in this region, ensuring that the grants directly benefit local populations. The impact goals are broad, focusing on various community needs that align with the non-profit's mission, as long as they are not among the excluded activities. The foundation seeks to support initiatives that contribute to a stronger, more vibrant Tahoe community, although specific impact metrics are not detailed in this overview. The foundation prioritizes supporting tax-exempt 501(c)(3) public charities or schools that have held their tax-exempt status for at least two years and are incorporated in good standing in Nevada or California. A key focus is on direct service provision within the Tahoe Basin. The grants are not awarded for direct religious activity, political lobbying, special event sponsorships, pass-through funding, or reimbursement of prior expenses. This careful delineation of exclusions highlights the foundation's strategic intent to fund direct, impactful, and non-duplicative community services. While specific strategic priorities and a detailed theory of change are not outlined, the grant cycle implicitly emphasizes strengthening local non-profits and their capacity to serve. The expected outcomes are improved community conditions and enhanced services for Tahoe Basin residents, facilitated by the financial support provided. The measurable results are tied to the successful implementation of projects by the funded organizations, though the specific reporting requirements for these results are not included in this description.

The Performing Arts Residency Cohort (PARC) program, supported by the Howard Gilman Foundation and Staten Island Arts, is in its second year (2024-2025) and focuses on nurturing the creative practice of performing artists in Staten Island. The program is not centered on project creation or providing space but rather emphasizes peer mentorship and professional development for individual artists in dance, theater, and music, at any career stage. The Howard Gilman Foundation's mission, though not explicitly stated in the provided text, can be inferred to align with supporting artistic development and fostering vibrant arts communities, which PARC directly addresses by investing in individual artists' growth. The target beneficiaries of the PARC program are individual performing artists aged 18 and over, who are not full-time students and reside in Staten Island. The program specifically welcomes artists working in music, dance, and theater. The overarching impact goal is to strengthen the creative practice of these artists and to break down the siloed community structure across different forms of expression in Staten Island. By fostering peer mentorship and professional development, the program aims to provide much-needed support for artists' creative journeys. The program's priorities and focuses include nurturing individual artists' creative practices through a 6-month residency cohort, promoting peer mentorship, and offering professional development opportunities. A key focus is on process over product, meaning the program values the artistic journey and development of skills more than the creation of specific outcomes or products. Monthly cohort meetings from September 2024 to February 2025 are a mandatory component, serving as a space for artists to share their creative practice, discuss challenges, and identify needs. Expected outcomes and measurable results include providing financial support of $6,000 to each of the 10 awarded artists. More importantly, the program anticipates an enhancement in the creative practices of participating artists, a stronger sense of community and support among performing artists in Staten Island, and increased professional development among the cohort. While specific metrics beyond financial awards and participation are not detailed, the emphasis on peer mentorship and shared experience suggests an aim for qualitative improvements in artistic growth and community cohesion. While the foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are not explicitly detailed for the Howard Gilman Foundation, their support for PARC suggests a belief that investing in individual artists' development, fostering community, and providing professional growth opportunities will lead to a more vibrant and sustainable arts ecosystem. The theory of change appears to be that by nurturing artists' practices without the pressure of project creation, and by encouraging peer-to-peer learning, artists will be better equipped to sustain their careers and contribute meaningfully to the cultural landscape of Staten Island. In summary, the PARC program, through the generous support of the Howard Gilman Foundation and Staten Island Arts, is a vital initiative designed to empower performing artists in Staten Island. It focuses on holistic creative development, community building, and professional growth, ultimately aiming to enrich the artistic landscape by supporting the very individuals who animate it.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Central Louisiana to recruit, support, and place mental health professionals in underserved communities, addressing the shortage of Licensed Clinical Social Workers and Licensed Professional Counselors.

This program provides financial support to social entrepreneurs using innovative mobile technology to address societal challenges, particularly for underserved communities.

This funding initiative provides microgrants to underrepresented artists and makers in Frederick County, Maryland, to support revenue-generating projects that enhance their marketing and online presence.

This grant provides funding to organizations and groups that create projects improving public parks and outdoor recreation in Spokane County, with a focus on benefiting underserved communities and promoting inclusivity.

This funding opportunity provides $50,000 to support diverse-led businesses in Southern California, helping them create new premium wage jobs while offering business development resources.

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Community Services (OCS) is soliciting applications for approximately $1.5 million in Community Economic Development (CED) discretionary funds. These funds are intended for Community Development Corporations (CDCs) to stimulate new CED project development through administrative capacity building. The overarching goal is to connect CDCs with CED resources for social and revenue reinvestment in local communities, ultimately sparking economic growth. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are Community Development Corporations (CDCs), particularly those in underserved and under-resourced communities, and persistent high-poverty areas with struggling economies that have previously been unable to launch viable CED projects. OCS aims to center equity in this funding opportunity by focusing resources on these communities, encouraging applications from CDCs targeting both urban and rural areas. The impact goals include stimulating new projects, reducing poverty, and fostering economic growth in these areas. OCS's strategic priorities for this funding opportunity align with several key areas. First, it supports Executive Order 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad and the Justice40 Initiative, by underscoring funding for energy communities. Second, it aims to increase equity in the geographic distribution of CED funds, as mandated by the CED statute. Third, it seeks to break down service silos and leverage existing partnerships across OCS programs to reduce poverty through a wraparound services model for communities with low incomes. The expected outcomes of the CED Planning Grants include the stimulation of new projects in underserved and under-resourced communities. By providing financial assistance for administrative capacity building, OCS anticipates enabling CDCs to overcome past barriers to project development. The awards are designed to be a crucial step in connecting CDCs with the necessary resources to achieve social and revenue reinvestment, leading to measurable economic growth and poverty reduction in local communities.

Firelight Media's Documentary Lab is an 18-month fellowship program designed to provide comprehensive support for emerging filmmakers from racially and ethnically underrepresented communities in the United States. This program aligns with Firelight Media's mission to support artful and innovative documentary films that take risks and offer new narratives on pressing contemporary issues. The fellowship includes professional development retreats, customized mentorship from prominent documentary leaders, networking opportunities, and a $25,000 project grant, aiming to foster both project development and career growth. The primary target beneficiaries are filmmakers in the United States and U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. Samoa, Guam/Northern Mariana Islands) who identify with racially and ethnically underrepresented communities. Specifically, the program is for those directing their first or second feature-length documentary film. The impact goals are to empower these filmmakers to create compelling and diverse stories, enrich the documentary landscape with fresh perspectives, and establish sustainable careers within the industry. The program prioritizes long-form/feature-length documentaries that are currently in early production, production, or post-production stages. Firelight Media is open to various documentary types, including historical, investigative, personal, vérité, and experimental, emphasizing projects that are innovative and challenge conventional narratives. Key focuses include supporting films that address significant societal issues and promoting artistic risk-taking, ensuring the production of impactful and thought-provoking content. Expected outcomes include the successful completion and distribution of feature-length documentaries from diverse voices, leading to increased representation and visibility for underrepresented filmmakers. Measurable results could include the number of films completed, festival selections, distribution deals, and the career advancement of fellows. By investing in these filmmakers and their projects, Firelight Media's strategic priority is to cultivate a more inclusive and dynamic documentary film ecosystem, contributing to a broader understanding of critical social issues through the power of storytelling.

The UpPrize Social Innovation Challenge, powered by Innovation Works and funded by the BNY Mellon Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania, is an annual competition designed to foster entrepreneurship with a lasting community impact in Southwestern Pennsylvania. This initiative creates cross-sector partnerships to tackle pressing community problems, aligning with a broader mission to promote social innovation through investment, grants, and educational assistance. Since its inception in 2015, the UpPrize Challenge has allocated over $3.1 million to local nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and other participants, demonstrating a commitment to empowering community-driven solutions. The primary beneficiaries of this challenge are nonprofits, businesses, and individuals who are based in and whose startup's impact is within one of the following Pennsylvania counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, or Westmoreland. The program specifically targets those who are 18 years or older and have not received $50,000 or more in previous UpPrize cycles. The core impact goal is to launch or expand startups that leverage technology to address social inequities, thereby creating a meaningful and lasting community impact in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The program's priorities and focus areas revolve around technology-driven solutions to social inequities. This is evidenced by the prize structure, which offers combined prize monies and accelerator assistance to the top three finalists to facilitate the launch or expansion of such startups. The challenge encourages innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in areas that can demonstrate tangible benefits to the community through the application of new technologies and creative problem-solving. Expected outcomes include the successful launch or expansion of promising startups, leading to measurable improvements in social equity within the targeted counties. The challenge's structure, which awards significant prize money ($125,000 for first place, $100,000 for second, and $75,000 for third), incentivizes the development of impactful solutions. These investments are intended to translate into direct community benefits, fostering a more equitable and innovative environment in Southwestern Pennsylvania through the practical application of entrepreneurial endeavors.

The Rochester Area Community Foundation's John F. Wegman Fund offers grants ranging from $1,500 to $10,000 (with a median of $7,300) to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving Monroe County, NY. These grants are primarily one-time awards for specific, participant-driven projects. The fund aligns with the foundation's mission by addressing key community concerns through targeted financial support, focusing on areas identified as critical for local well-being and development. The fund targets three primary areas: concerns of the elderly, character-building opportunities for youth, and improved labor/management relations through education or other means. The impact goal is to provide small amounts of money that significantly benefit community-based programs. Examples include funding affordable transportation for seniors to health appointments, empowering at-risk youth with workplace skill development, and supporting the republishing of historical labor union books to accurately portray their history. The John F. Wegman Fund prioritizes agencies, projects, and programs that are small-scale, start-up, innovative (developing or adapting new strategies), and participant-driven (based on identified needs of beneficiaries). This focus reflects a strategic approach to fostering new initiatives and ensuring that funding directly addresses community needs as articulated by the beneficiaries themselves. This emphasis on innovation and direct community involvement aligns with a theory of change that small, targeted investments can create significant, lasting positive impacts. While the fund supports a range of initiatives, it specifically does not provide support for annual giving campaigns, capital building, fellowships, individuals, operating deficits, political campaigns, or religious activities. Limited consideration is given to land acquisition, renewable grants, and staff training. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in the lives of the elderly, enhanced development for youth, and better understanding and relations within the labor and management sectors in Rochester. Measurable results are typically project-specific, demonstrating the direct impact of the one-time grants.

Maine: Investing in Leaders of Color Grant Program offers a maximum award of $6,950 to support nonprofit leaders of color and their organizations. The program provides one-on-one coaching, a stipend for professional development and operating costs, and networking opportunities. It is designed for people of color in leadership positions in nonprofit organizations that serve communities of color and promote racial equity in Maine. Priority is given to leaders from organizations led by people of color. The grant consists of capacity-building funding, including one-on-one coaching, professional development, and operating costs. The program aims to promote and increase racial equity in Maine through supporting leaders and organizations serving communities of color.

This grant provides funding to organizations that will deploy Starlink satellite internet units to improve connectivity for rural tribal nations in Arizona, enhancing access to essential services and benefits for veterans.

The Community Foundation of North Louisiana (CFNL) offers Primary Grants to existing organizations with annual revenues of $250,000 or more, focusing on critical program areas within Louisiana's Bossier and Caddo Parishes. While the exact mission of CFNL is not explicitly stated in the provided text, the grant program's alignment with "Civic Engagement," "Economic Development," "Education," "Environment," "Health & Science," "Human Services," and "Organizational Development" indicates a commitment to fostering a healthy, thriving community across various sectors. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are the residents of Caddo and/or Bossier Parishes, as all proposed programs must serve these geographic areas. The grants are designed to support initiatives that address specific community needs within the identified program areas. Although specific impact goals and expected outcomes are not detailed, the focus on these broad categories suggests an aim to improve overall quality of life, strengthen local economies, enhance educational opportunities, promote environmental stewardship, and provide essential human services. The emphasis on "Organizational Development" also suggests a goal to build capacity and sustainability within the non-profit sector. The grant prioritizes programs with a duration of 12 months or less, starting no earlier than June 1, 2025, and ending no later than December 31, 2026. This timeframe indicates a focus on projects with a defined scope and measurable impact within a reasonable period. The eligibility criteria, including IRS tax-exempt status, specific audit requirements based on gross revenue, and good standing with Form 990 filings, underscore the foundation's commitment to supporting financially responsible and compliant organizations capable of effectively managing grant funds. While a formal "theory of change" is not explicitly articulated, the grant's structure implies that by investing in organizations working within the specified program areas and adhering to rigorous eligibility standards, CFNL believes it can contribute to positive systemic changes and address key challenges in Caddo and Bossier Parishes. The foundation's strategic priorities appear to be centered on empowering local organizations that demonstrate both programmatic alignment and organizational integrity, thereby fostering a stronger, more resilient community through targeted and responsible philanthropy.

This grant provides funding for nurse-led teams to develop innovative solutions that improve workplace conditions and well-being in health systems worldwide.

The "Building Healthy Communities: Reducing Health Disparities in Elementary Schools" program, funded by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, is a school-based initiative designed to address the social determinants of health contributing to widespread disparities across Michigan communities. This program aligns with a broader mission to foster healthier environments and reduce health, education, and economic disparities at the elementary school level. It recognizes the critical link between social determinants and a child's overall well-being and academic success, positioning schools as key environments for intervention. The primary beneficiaries of this program are elementary school children, educators, and the broader school community within districts most affected by health, education, and economic disparities in Michigan. The impact goals are multifaceted, aiming to facilitate healthier school environments, assist educators in recognizing and addressing issues of trauma in children, improve children's mental health, and ultimately increase school attendance and academic achievement. By focusing on these areas, the program seeks to create a more supportive and equitable learning environment for all students. The program's priorities and focuses include providing necessary resources and professional development to educators. This involves equipping them with the tools to identify and respond to trauma, promote mental well-being, and implement strategies that enhance overall school health. The core strategy is to engage entire school districts, from central administrators to individual teachers, to ensure a comprehensive and sustained commitment to the program's objectives. This district-wide approach is crucial for integrating the program effectively into the existing educational framework. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a significant improvement in children's mental health, a demonstrable increase in school attendance, and enhanced academic achievement. The program also aims to create measurably healthier school environments and reduce the impact of trauma on children's education. While specific metrics are not detailed, the emphasis on state and national data to identify and recruit participating districts suggests a data-driven approach to tracking progress and demonstrating impact on reducing disparities in health, education, and the economy within targeted communities.

CJI’s Leadership Circle is soliciting proposals from grassroots organizations led by formerly incarcerated and directly impacted individuals. The program aims to transform and reimagine the U.S. criminal legal system by building alternative community-based solutions and organizing to prevent the criminalization of marginalized identities and communities. This initiative directly aligns with CJI's mission to support meaningful, transformative, and systemic change within the criminal legal system, empowering future leaders who have often experienced incarceration themselves. The foundation's strategic priority is to support movement-building organizing that creates a new world, a "world they demand NOW." The target beneficiaries are formerly incarcerated individuals and directly impacted people, including primary family members, as well as marginalized groups within their communities (e.g., poor, houseless, young, elders, queer, trans, people with mental illness, people with disabilities). The program's impact goals include ending mass criminalization and incarceration, creating safe and healthy communities that do not rely on arrest and incarceration, and re-establishing rights and access for those formerly incarcerated or newly criminalized. The Leadership Circle's theory of change emphasizes shared authority among donors and community organizers, many of whom have lived experience with incarceration, to drive systemic change. The program prioritizes several key areas. This includes building alternatives to traditional carceral systems, investing in approaches that end mass criminalization, creating policies to reform and dismantle repressive legal systems, and uplifting the leadership and experience of those affected by the criminal legal system. Other focuses include re-establishing rights for formerly incarcerated individuals, promoting transformative and restorative justice, and supporting culturally appropriate healing programs connected to the criminal justice movement. CJI also has specific funding preferences for organizations led by formerly incarcerated individuals, groups operating in difficult political environments, those developing new leaders from marginalized backgrounds, and work addressing discrimination against incarcerated or detained people, particularly in the South, Indian country, and other rural areas. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the development of community-based interventions, changes in policies and institutions (like parole and probation), and a demonstrable commitment to systems change through organizing. The program seeks to empower new leaders, particularly from marginalized communities, and foster innovative collaborations among diverse organizations. While specific quantitative metrics are not provided in the description, the emphasis on "movement-building organizing" and "achieving systems change" suggests that the success will be measured by the demonstrable impact on criminal legal system reform and the empowerment of affected communities. CJI is particularly committed to supporting smaller, emerging organizations with budgets of $1 million or less, indicating a focus on grassroots impact and capacity building.

This grant provides funding to North Dakota organizations for tailored workforce initiatives that address regional employment challenges, including talent attraction, retention, and infrastructure investments.