Private Workforce Development Grants

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Scott County, Iowa, and Rock Island County, Illinois, to implement projects that enhance youth education, promote financial stability, and improve community health.

The City of Oakley's Small Business Grant Program aims to bolster local businesses that have faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic shifts. This initiative directly aligns with a broader mission to foster a resilient local economy and support the foundational stability of small enterprises within the community. By offering financial assistance, the program seeks to mitigate the adverse effects experienced by businesses, helping them to navigate market fluctuations and maintain operational health. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are small businesses located within Oakley City Limits, holding a valid City of Oakley Business License, and employing fewer than 25 individuals. The program specifically targets private corporations, LLCs, and similar entities that can demonstrate financial hardship directly attributable to the pandemic, while excluding publicly traded companies. The impact goals are centered on ensuring the survival and sustained operation of these businesses, thereby preserving local jobs and maintaining essential services within the community. The program prioritizes businesses based on their annual revenue in either 2020 or 2021, categorizing them into two tiers. Businesses with an annual revenue of less than $100,000 are eligible for a $2,500 grant, recognizing their potentially more acute needs. Those with an annual revenue of $100,000 or more can receive a $5,000 grant, acknowledging their greater operational requirements and significant contributions to the local economy. This tiered approach ensures that support is proportionally distributed based on a business's economic scale and impact. Grant funds are designed to cover essential business expenses, offering flexibility to address immediate needs. Permitted uses include implementing safety protocols, covering rent and utilities, retaining employees, and investing in marketing and promotional activities. The expected outcomes include enhanced business stability, a reduction in business closures, and the preservation of local employment. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of businesses supported, the types of expenses covered, and the overall economic health indicators of participating businesses. The strategic priority is to build a stronger, more stable local business environment, with a theory of change rooted in the idea that targeted financial support can directly enable small businesses to overcome economic shocks and contribute to long-term community prosperity.

This initiative provides $50 million to U.S.-based nonprofits focused on enhancing AI literacy, fostering community innovation, and creating economic opportunities for traditionally underserved populations.

This grant provides $50,000 to diverse-led small businesses in Pennsylvania and New Jersey that meet specific criteria, aiming to support underrepresented entrepreneurs in creating new jobs and fostering business growth.

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 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 to award approximately $1.5 million in Community Economic Development (CED) discretionary funds through the CED Planning Grants. This funding opportunity is specifically aimed at Community Development Corporations (CDCs) to stimulate new CED project development by providing financial assistance for administrative capacity building. The overarching goal aligns with OCS's mission to reduce poverty by connecting CDCs with CED resources for social and revenue reinvestment, ultimately helping to spark economic growth in local communities. The primary objective of the CED Planning Grants is to stimulate new projects in underserved and under-resourced communities. The funding is centered on equity, focusing resources in persistent high-poverty areas with struggling economies that have previously been unable to put forth a viable CED project. The target beneficiaries are CDCs operating in these high-poverty areas, targeting both urban and rural communities, with the impact goal of strengthening their administrative capacity to successfully develop and execute CED projects. OCS has outlined specific priority areas for this funding opportunity. These priorities include aligning with Executive Order 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad and the Justice40 Initiative, underscoring support for energy communities. The OCS also prioritizes increased equity in the geographic distribution of CED funds, consistent with the CED statute. Furthermore, a key focus is breaking down service silos and leveraging existing partnerships across OCS programs to reduce poverty through a wraparound services model for communities with low incomes. The expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around the success of CDCs in using the administrative capacity building funds to develop viable CED projects. The goal is that these awards will serve as a crucial step, connecting CDCs with the necessary CED resources for future social and revenue reinvestment. This theory of change suggests that by first strengthening the administrative foundations of CDCs in high-need areas, OCS can enable these organizations to successfully secure and utilize capital for subsequent CED projects, thereby fostering sustainable economic growth and reducing poverty in historically struggling economies.

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.

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.

This grant provides financial support and educational resources to diverse-led businesses in Illinois, helping them grow and create new jobs.