Private Workforce Development Grants

The grant opportunity is open to organizations of all types across the USA, including nonprofits, startups, researchers, local governments, and small businesses. The grant applications are accepted bi-annually, with a spring cycle running from March 1 to May 1 and a fall cycle running from September 1 to November 1. To apply for the grant, applicants need to create an organizational and user account in the grants portal. The application can be saved as a draft and edited before submission. The grants portal also allows grantees to check the status of their grant, submit electronic grant reports if required, and access application history. All applicants are required to create an account using their email address as the username. They need to provide contact information and their organization's information, including the EIN/Tax ID number. Organizations should consolidate all applications into one user account for easy access to their full history of grants and requests. Applicants can manage their online accounts by editing contact information, beginning the application process, accessing drafts and submitted applications, and completing the reporting process for grant awards. If a grant writer works for multiple organizations, they should contact the Van Wert County Foundation to discuss their options. Before starting the application process, it is recommended to read the Grant FAQs provided on the website. To access the Grant Portal and start the application process, applicants can visit this link: [Grant Portal Link](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=VanwertGrants)

The WNC Community Enhancement grants, offered by The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC), are designed to support projects that improve the physical appearance and pedestrian experience in downtowns, commercial corridors, or districts. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission of enhancing community well-being in Western North Carolina by investing in local infrastructure and public spaces. The grants specifically target qualified charitable organizations or eligible public agencies operating within selected counties of Western North Carolina and the Qualla Boundary, aiming to foster vibrant and accessible community environments. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are residents and visitors to the targeted downtowns and commercial areas, particularly those in rural or under-resourced communities, which are given priority. The impact goals are centered on creating more attractive, functional, and pedestrian-friendly public spaces. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements such as enhanced pedestrian signals, decorative crosswalks, shade structures, public art, improved landscaping, better lighting, and the creation of spaces for economic activities like outdoor markets. These improvements are intended to directly contribute to the economic vitality and overall quality of life in these areas. The program prioritizes "stand-alone" projects that are distinct and achievable within a one-year timeframe. CFWNC anticipates projects will fall into broad categories: pedestrian/multi-modal improvements, beautification, infrastructure, and economic activities. Specific examples provided, such as bicycle racks, public art installations, stormwater management, and food truck parking, illustrate the diverse range of initiatives the foundation is interested in funding. The emphasis on rural or under-resourced areas underscores the foundation's strategic priority of equitable development and supporting communities with the greatest need. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are evident in its focus on community-led enhancement projects. By funding initiatives that improve public spaces and stimulate economic activity, CFWNC aims to create a ripple effect that strengthens local economies, encourages community engagement, and ultimately fosters more resilient and thriving communities. The grant size, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for projects not exceeding a total cost of $50,000, indicates a commitment to supporting impactful, yet manageable, projects that can demonstrate clear results within a year of the award. Through these targeted investments, the CFWNC seeks to catalyze local efforts and empower organizations to address specific community needs and opportunities.

SisterFund, a women-led giving circle in Richmond, focuses on empowering Black women and girls in the community through grants awarded annually to nonprofits. These grants target improvements in education, workforce, leadership development, and health for African American women and girls. Members contribute $1,100 each year, and grants are awarded based on member votes. The mission is to transform local nonprofits supporting Black women and girls through significant financial investments, fostering long-term positive change. Grant awards will be announced and celebrated at an event on December 12, 2024.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to schools, districts, and outdoor school providers in Oregon to create or improve outdoor school programs for fifth and sixth-grade students, ensuring all students have access to enriching outdoor experiences.

The South32 Hermosa Community Fund, established by the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona and its affiliate, the Santa Cruz Community Foundation, aims to support nonprofit organizations operating within Santa Cruz County, Arizona. This grant program is aligned with the Foundation's mission to honor community diversity and promote equal opportunities by funding organizations that do not discriminate based on various protected characteristics. The fund emphasizes local impact, requiring applicants to be 501(c)(3) organizations based in and doing charitable work within Santa Cruz County, with local leadership, financial support, and program management. The primary beneficiaries of this fund are individuals living in Santa Cruz County, with a focus on improving their well-being through supported areas such as education and leadership, economic participation, good health and social well-being, and natural resource resilience. The impact goals are to foster collaborative community efforts, empower individuals, and achieve measurable progress in these key areas. The program seeks to support initiatives that strengthen the local community and address identified needs within Santa Cruz County. Priority for grants will be given to organizations that demonstrate collaborative approaches, involving staff, volunteers, and participants in planning and implementation. The fund also prioritizes programs that enable individuals to enhance their skills, abilities, and assets, focusing on strengths rather than deficiencies. This aligns with a strategic priority to empower individuals and build community capacity. Expected outcomes include clearly articulated and measurable progress toward program goals, with organizations able to collect data to demonstrate these achievements. The Foundation also looks for clear plans for program sustainability beyond the grant period, indicating a commitment to long-term impact. This reflects the Foundation's theory of change, which emphasizes data-driven results and sustainable community solutions to address local challenges. Up to $80,000 is available each cycle, with individual requests considered up to $10,000.

The San Francisco Arts Commission (SFAC) is offering Special Project Grants of $100,000 to $500,000 for a 3-year period to arts nonprofit organizations for youth arts programs, arts service organizations, and Asian and Pacific Islander arts and culture programming, with the application deadline set for October 9, 2024.

The Noble County Community Foundation, in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, is offering grants to nonprofits, schools, and public organizations for projects and programs that benefit Noble County residents and communities. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to advance opportunities within the county by addressing key areas of need, known as the Pillars of Prosperity. The program seeks to empower local efforts and unleash the potential within Noble County. The grant program targets individuals of all ages within Noble County. The core impact goal is to create opportunities, meet pressing needs, and foster the potential of the community. The focus is on supporting a wide range of projects and programs that contribute to the overall well-being and development of the county's residents. Priorities for funding are centered around five critical areas: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. The foundation emphasizes supporting efforts that are spearheaded by local individuals and organizations. While funding requests typically range from $500 to $2,500, larger requests may be considered based on their potential for significant impact within these priority areas. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements and advancements across the Pillars of Prosperity. Measurable results will likely be tied to the specific goals of each funded project, demonstrating how they address community needs and create opportunities. The foundation's strategic priorities are deeply rooted in community development and empowerment, with a theory of change that posits by investing in these key areas, the overall quality of life and future prospects for Noble County residents will be significantly enhanced.

This funding program provides financial and strategic support to early-stage for-profit start-ups developing innovative solutions to combat climate change, particularly those benefiting underserved communities in select U.S. cities.

The United Way of Southern Kentucky is seeking proposals for grants aimed at implementing community impact strategies in the areas of Education, Income, Health, and Safety Net, inviting tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations that align with these strategies to apply before the deadline on 09/30/2024.

The Mid-Career Professional Development Grant, provided by Forecast, offers $5,000 to Minnesota-based artists to fund activities like residencies, conferences, travel, study, and project development, aimed at advancing their public art careers, with the grant period running from January 1, 2025, to November 30, 2025.

This funding initiative provides financial support to Michigan-based nonprofits and higher education institutions that assist startups, aiming to boost innovation and economic development in the state.

Propeller’s Impact Accelerator is a 5-month program designed to support mission-driven entrepreneurs in growing their businesses through coaching, community building, curriculum, and technical assistance. The program aims to catalyze transformational growth by connecting entrepreneurs with contract opportunities, markets, and customers. It is sponsored by the Clif Family Foundation, Capital One, Nasdaq, RosaMary Foundation, WK Kellogg Foundation, and Baptist Community Ministries, aligning with their missions to foster economic development, education, and community well-being by empowering local businesses. The Impact Accelerator targets growth-stage entrepreneurs in five key areas: community economic development, education, food, health, and water. Specifically, it supports BIPOC entrepreneurs operating brick-and-mortar establishments in underserved New Orleans corridors for economic development; early childhood education and care providers for education; CPG brands emphasizing sustainable, healthy, and affordable products for food; direct health and wellness service providers, especially those serving BIPOC clients, for health; and entrepreneurs in green infrastructure, stormwater management, native plant cultivation, and coastal restoration for water. The program's overarching impact goal is to facilitate the scaling of revenues and teams, while also embedding racial equity, social, and environmental impact goals into business operations. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly delineated within each sector. For community economic development, the focus is on Black-owned brick-and-mortar storefronts in specific New Orleans neighborhoods, aiming for job creation and community ties. In education, the priority is on increasing enrollment, growing staff, and expanding business locations for early childhood education providers. For food, the emphasis is on CPG brands that are environmentally sound, locally sourced, healthy, or have compelling social/environmental impacts, with a prioritization of BIPOC-led companies. Health focuses on direct clinical care and services impacting social and physical determinants of health, especially for BIPOC client bases, striving for increased accessibility and staff growth. The water sector prioritizes green infrastructure, urban stormwater management, native plants, and coastal restoration, seeking to increase the supply of native plants for green infrastructure. Expected outcomes and measurable results include participants setting ambitious yet achievable goals for growth and long-term sustainability, an increase in business revenues and staff, and the successful attainment of social/environmental impact goals. Entrepreneurs receive over 16 hours of lead mentor office hours for goal setting, 12+ hours of business development curriculum during meetups, and 20+ hours with subject matter experts for project assistance. Additional benefits include a detailed work plan, coaching on racial equity and impact goals, introductions to stakeholders, free coworking space, and membership in a network of over 250 alumni. These structured interventions are designed to remove growth barriers and accelerate the development of entrepreneurial ventures, leading to tangible economic and social improvements within the targeted communities and sectors.

This program provides funding to community organizations in New Jersey to create job opportunities and hands-on environmental experiences for underserved youth aged 16-20, focusing on fostering a diverse green workforce.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Santa Barbara County that are dedicated to improving youth mental health by addressing staffing challenges and enhancing the well-being of mental health providers.

The Classic Center Cultural Foundation's 2024 Community Grant program aims to support performing, visual, or culinary arts efforts and workforce development initiatives in Athens-Clarke County, specifically those aligning with the hospitality industry. This grant directly supports the Foundation's broader mission to provide resources that entertain and educate the local community and foster economic growth. The Foundation achieves this by supporting diverse arts programs and workforce development initiatives, while also maintaining The Classic Center as a state-of-the-art venue. The target beneficiaries for this grant include organizations and initiatives within Athens-Clarke County that are actively involved in the performing, visual, or culinary arts, or are developing workforce skills relevant to the hospitality sector. The primary impact goal is to enhance the cultural vibrancy and economic prosperity of the local community through arts and hospitality-related development. By investing in these areas, the Foundation seeks to create a more engaged and skilled community. The grant prioritizes projects that demonstrate a clear alignment with both arts and hospitality. This focus includes, but is not limited to, programs that offer educational opportunities, public performances, exhibitions, or culinary training that can lead to employment within the hospitality industry. The Foundation seeks proposals that will contribute to both community enrichment and economic stability. Expected outcomes include an increase in high-quality arts programming and a more skilled workforce in the hospitality sector within Athens-Clarke County. Measurable results could involve the number of participants in workforce development programs, attendance figures for events, or the number of impressions generated by supported projects. Grant funding is available up to $5,000, with proposals needing to clearly outline an itemized project budget and the amount requested, not exceeding this limit. The Classic Center Cultural Foundation's strategic priorities are rooted in a theory of change that posits by investing in arts and workforce development, especially within the hospitality industry, they can contribute to a thriving local economy and an enriched cultural landscape. The Foundation believes that supporting these initiatives directly leads to a more educated, entertained, and economically stable community, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of life in Athens-Clarke County.

This funding opportunity is designed to assist cultural organizations in Louisiana in strengthening their emergency preparedness and response strategies to better withstand the impacts of natural disasters.

The Juneau Arts and Humanities Council, with support from the Juneau Community Foundation, offers Individual Artist Grants to assist experienced artists of exceptional talent in producing original work or advancing their careers. The program invests in local artists across disciplines to strengthen the cultural vitality of Juneau, Alaska. Eligible disciplines include visual arts, creative writing, music, dance, theater, design, and other creative fields. Grants may not exceed 1,000 dollars and support projects taking place from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. Funds may be used for project costs, materials, professional development, or other expenses directly tied to creating new work or career advancement. Applicants must submit original work samples demonstrating exceptional talent and professional commitment, have been a Juneau resident for the past year, plan to remain in Juneau for the duration of the project, and be current on reporting for any prior awards. Artists who received an Individual Artist Grant in the previous cycle are not eligible in the current cycle. Applications are due May 1, 2024. Additional information is available from the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council.

The Accion Opportunity Fund, in partnership with LegalZoom, the NBA, WNBA, and NBA G-League, has launched a grant program designed to support small business owners and emerging entrepreneurs across the United States. This initiative provides grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, along with free LegalZoom services valued up to $500. Administered by the nonprofit Accion Opportunity Fund, the program's core mission aligns with empowering business owners by offering essential tools and resources for starting and growing their ventures. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and investing in the success of small businesses nationwide. The program targets two primary beneficiary groups: existing small businesses and emerging entrepreneurs. Existing small businesses applying for the $10,000 grant and LegalZoom services must be U.S.-based, have been in operation for at least 3 months, have an annual revenue under $1 million, possess an active business bank account, and not be in an ineligible industry. Those in business for 12 months or more need to provide their most recent business tax return, while those in business for 3 to 12 months require specific formation documents or licenses. Emerging entrepreneurs, seeking LegalZoom services, must also be U.S.-based and either be in operation for less than 3 months or provide a business idea summary. The program's priorities and focuses revolve around encouraging entrepreneurship and providing tangible support to small business owners. This includes offering direct financial assistance through grants, as well as crucial legal and business formation resources via LegalZoom. The initiative aims to provide a "perfect play" for businesses, signifying a holistic approach to support that addresses both financial needs and structural requirements for growth. By focusing on both established and nascent ventures, the program seeks to create a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the successful establishment and growth of small businesses, increased access to legal services for entrepreneurs, and a reduction in the barriers faced by new and existing ventures. While specific quantitative metrics for success beyond the grant distribution are not explicitly detailed, the underlying theory of change suggests that by providing financial capital and legal support, businesses will be better equipped to sustain operations, expand, and contribute to local economies. The program's design, with its clear eligibility criteria, is structured to ensure that resources are directed to businesses poised for positive impact and growth.

This grant provides over $1 million to local nonprofit organizations in specific Massachusetts counties to support a wide range of community-focused initiatives, including human services, social justice, education, healthcare, and environmental efforts.

This funding opportunity supports organizations that help students aged 18 to 25 gain essential career skills and job placements through innovative programs and partnerships with industry.