Grants for Independent school districts - State

The Connecticut Grown for Connecticut Kids (CTG4CTK) Grant Program is designed to provide financial assistance to various educational and childcare entities within Connecticut to foster the development of farm-to-school programs. Administered by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, this grant aligns with a broader mission to enhance the state's economy, improve child health, and enrich the educational experiences of students through connections with local agriculture. The program's core objective is to build capacity for long-term Farm to School Programs, emphasizing the integration of local foods into child nutrition programs and promoting hands-on learning about nutrition and farm-to-school connections. The target beneficiaries of the CTG4CTK Grant include local or regional boards of education, regional educational service centers, cooperative arrangements, child care centers, group child care homes, family child care homes, and any organization or entity involved in developing farm-to-school programs, including Connecticut farmers. The impact goals are multi-faceted: increasing the availability of local foods in child nutrition programs, enabling educators to use experiential learning to teach about nutrition and agricultural connections, sustaining relationships with local farmers and producers, enriching students' educational experiences, improving the health of children in the state, and boosting the state's economy. The grant program prioritizes applicants located in alliance districts or those providing school readiness programs. Another key focus is to fund applicants who can demonstrate a broad commitment from various stakeholders, including school administrators, school nutrition professionals, educators, and community members. Applicants are specifically requested to detail the support for their projects and how input was gathered during the idea formulation. This emphasis ensures that funded programs have strong community backing and are well-conceived. The CTG4CTK Grant offers several tracks, including Farm to School (K-12) Local Procurement Assistance, Farm to School (K-12) Experiential Learning, Producer Capacity Building, Farm to Early Care and Education (ECE), and a one-time Shipping Container Growing Grant. While the general grant size ranges from $10,000 to $100,000, the maximum award for Tracks 1, 2, and 4 is $75,000, with a higher cap of $250,000 for the Shipping Container Growing grant. The project period for all grants is 24 months. The expected outcomes include a greater integration of local foods, enhanced nutritional education, strengthened local agricultural ties, and overall improvements in child well-being and the state's economic vitality.

This grant provides funding to three selected New Jersey school districts to enhance career and technical education programs, helping high school students gain skills and credentials for in-demand careers.

This program provides funding and support for educational units in Colorado to enhance gifted education through regional consultants, professional development, and resources tailored to local needs.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Recycling Unit is offering grants to support recycling infrastructure projects. EGLE's mission is to protect Michigan’s environment and public health by managing air, water, land, and energy resources, with a focus on addressing climate change, diversity, equity, and inclusion. This grant program aligns with EGLE's broader mission by directly contributing to environmental protection through improved waste management and resource recovery, thereby supporting a healthier and more sustainable Michigan. The target beneficiaries for these grants include a wide range of Michigan-based entities, such as non-profit organizations, tribal governments, school districts, universities/colleges, local health departments, regional planning agencies, cities, villages, townships, charter townships, counties, municipal solid waste authorities, and resource recovery authorities. The impact goals are to increase access to recycling services and grow the statewide recycling rate, ultimately contributing to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s climate priorities. This program aims to achieve measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and benefit environmental justice communities or underserved and vulnerable populations. The program priorities include supporting initiatives with the largest projected increases in processing or collection capacity volume, access, and participation. Preference is given to programs with sustainable funding mechanisms, robust and continuing education programs, and applicants demonstrating strong collaboration and partnerships with other groups and organizations. Additionally, projects that leverage concurrent funding from other sources, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or various foundations and businesses, are highly valued. Projects that directly support Governor Whitmer’s climate change priorities through measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are also a key focus. Expected outcomes include a higher statewide recycling rate, increased access to recycling services across Michigan, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The measurable results will be evaluated by the projected increases in processing or collection capacity volume, participation rates, and the quantifiable environmental benefits, especially in environmental justice communities. The maximum funding request is $1 million, with a minimum of $5,000, for eligible projects such as the transition to recycling carts, public space recycling containers, new or improved processing infrastructure, school and multifamily recycling projects, and collection vehicles. Ineligible projects include organics/food waste, household hazardous waste, electronic waste, scrap tire recycling, and one-day collection events, which further refines the program's strategic priorities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for land acquisition projects that help with the planning and implementation of conservation efforts aimed at protecting natural communities and habitats in California.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions for projects that protect coastal habitats, improve public access, and enhance community resilience along the Illinois Lake Michigan shoreline.

Grant Opportunity: RISCA Project Grants in Education (PGE) Program Funding Organization: Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) Contact Information: For grant support and assistance, reach out to RISCA staff through one-on-one meetings, grant workshops (in person and online), or drop-in hours. Pre-recorded grant workshops and helpful videos are available on RISCA's YouTube Channel. Contact the program director for the specific grant program you are interested in applying to schedule a meeting. Accommodations for disabilities or language barriers can be requested by contacting the program director at least three weeks prior to the application deadline. Award Details: Up to $10,000 for organizations and up to $3,000 for individuals. Eligibility: Pre-K-12 schools (public, public charter, private, alternative, special education schools, career and technical centers) based in Rhode Island; non-profit or fiscally sponsored organizations based in Rhode Island; arts educators and teaching artists in partnership with a school based in Rhode Island. Application Process: The application consists of a written application and an interview. Successful applicants will demonstrate experience in artistic disciplines, knowledge of arts instruction and commitment to professional learning, as well as understanding of their intended audience's learning needs and styles. Artists already listed on the Rhode Island Teaching Artist Roster can renew their listings annually by completing a background check and updating their profile on CreativeGround. Additional Information: Grants are decided through a rigorous panel process involving peers and cultural leaders from across the country. Panelists evaluate applications based on need, relevance to the community, diversity, equity, access, and inclusion. Funding recommendations are made by panelists after reviewing applications. Partial funding is common, so it is recommended to ask for the needed amount along with an accurate budget. Changes or updates to funded projects should be communicated to RISCA staff via email. Grant notifications are sent out via mail. The grant review process takes approximately six to twelve weeks. RISCA staff can provide support beyond grants and offer learning programs, events, and convenings to connect people in the arts and culture ecosystem in Rhode Island.

This funding opportunity provides $70 million to support early childhood literacy and readiness programs for children under six, prioritizing projects that expand preschool access and innovative literacy strategies in underserved areas.

The College and Career Success for All Students Act (105 ILCS 302) establishes criteria to “ensure each Illinois student has a sufficient education for success after high school and that all students have equal access to substantive and rigorous curriculum designed to challenge their minds, enhance their knowledge and skills, and prepare them for success in college and work.” The purpose of the program is to encourage eligible school districts to implement or expand AP® programs designed to offer rigorous course work necessary for all students to succeed in postsecondary education or in the workplace. Training for teachers and administrators is necessary to build capacity within schools to offer AP® courses.

Program Name: LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND (LWCF) PROGRAM Funding Organization: Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Contact Information: For assistance with LWCF grants, contact Pam Rood, your regional DNR Stewardship contact. Award Details: Grants cover 50% of eligible project costs. Eligible Applicants: Towns, villages, cities, counties, tribal governments, school districts or other state political subdivisions. Eligible Projects: 1. Land acquisition or development projects that provide opportunities for public outdoor recreation. 2. Property with frontage on rivers, streams, lakes, estuaries and reservoirs that provide water-based outdoor recreation. 3. Property that provides special recreation opportunities such as floodplains, wetlands, and areas adjacent to scenic highways. 4. Natural areas and outstanding scenic areas that preserve scenic or natural values and are open to the general public for outdoor recreation use without impairing the natural attributes of the areas. 5. Land or development within urban areas for day-use picnic areas. 6. Land or development of nature-based outdoor recreation trails. 7. Development of basic outdoor recreation facilities. 8. Renovation of existing outdoor recreation facilities in danger of being lost for public use. Ineligible Project Examples: 1. Projects not supported by a local comprehensive outdoor recreational plan. 2. Acquisition and development of golf courses. 3. Projects where stormwater management is the primary purpose. 4. Lands that include cell towers. 5. Land that will be used for non-outdoor public recreation purposes. Deadlines and Funding Cycles: - Completed applications must be submitted to your regional Stewardship community service specialist by May 1 each year. - Department of Natural Resources regional staff review and rate eligible projects in early June. - Final project listing is compiled in July with projects ranking the highest selected for grants based on available funds. - Final selected projects will be reviewed and approved by the National Park Service before the sponsor receives an agreement with the DNR. Note: The grant is renewable every year, and the application period closes on May 1st each year.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to educational organizations in Illinois to improve training and resources for preschool programs serving children with disabilities.

The Aquatic Stewardship Grant Program, formerly known as the Aquatic Education Grant Program, is organized by the ODNR Division of Wildlife. It aims to foster aquatic stewardship through hands-on educational experiences facilitated by partnering organizations. Eligible projects must offer an aquatic education learning experience and include educational components beyond mere fishing skills, aimed at promoting aquatic stewardship. A final report must be submitted to the ODNR Division of Wildlife upon project completion. Suggested activities include the Teen Leadership Fishing Retreat, OSU Stone Lab Program, Water Quality & Fish Monitoring Program, and Aquarium setup for the Trout in the Classroom program. Competitive activities are excluded. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: February 1st to March 15th

This grant provides funding to eligible organizations in Arizona to expand registered apprenticeship programs in construction and skilled trades, aiming to strengthen the state's workforce by increasing the number of apprentices by 2026.

This program provides funding to organizations in Maryland that promote equitable access to outdoor recreation for underserved communities, addressing barriers like transportation and cost.

This funding opportunity supports academic enrichment and youth development programs for students in high-poverty, low-performing schools during non-school hours, while also providing family literacy and educational support.

This grant provides funding to Delaware public school districts and charter schools to implement evidence-based early literacy instruction for students in pre-kindergarten through third grade, particularly in schools with low literacy proficiency.

The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service State and Private Forestry, offers the Community Challenge Grant program to fund projects that promote tree planting, care of trees, and education on tree issues, with the aim of enhancing the quality of Arizona’s urban and community forests, and requires applicants to contribute at least 10% of the total project cost.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking grant proposals from applicants interested in conducting projects that will benefit some of Washington’s most imperiled wildlife. The Wildlife Diversity Grant Program aims to support recovery actions for a suite of Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) that are state-listed or candidates for listing. Grant funding can also be awarded for projects aimed at collecting data and information on species abundance, distribution, and habitat associations with priority for those whose habitats are under significant threat of incompatible development, land use, or resource management. Funding for the Wildlife Diversity Grant program comes from a significant investment by the state legislature to restore and protect biodiversity in Washington, and the Department expects this funding to be available in future biennia to continue this grant program. Priority Activities for Funding Priority activities include: Implementing recovery and conservation actions for eligible Washington endangered, threatened, sensitive, and candidate species that directly and measurably benefit species populations. These projects contribute to increased species abundance, distribution, population health, or clear abatement of direct threats. Collecting data and information on the abundance, distribution, habitat associations, or natural history of eligible state endangered, threatened, sensitive, and candidate species, with additional priority given toward species whose habitat is under significant pressure from development, land use, or resource management (i.e., shrubsteppe, eastside forest, prairies, and oak woodlands). Completing direct actionable steps toward achieving increased populations of eligible species (e.g., conservation translocation feasibility studies) or baseline data collection (e.g., developing survey protocols or assessing habitat use) for eligible species. Ineligible activities include habitat restoration, conservation easements, land acquisition, outreach and education, and projects that primarily target benefits for species outside the WDFW Wildlife Diversity Division’s scope of responsibility, including fish, aquatic invertebrates, wolves, and harvested wildlife. Review the grant opportunity announcement for more details on priority, eligible, and ineligible activities for inclusion in grant proposals, including a list of eligible species. How to apply Grant applicants must email their complete proposal to [email protected] no later than 11:59 pm on May 5, 2024. Please refer to the grant announcement for instructions on the required application components and their formats. Agency contact info Questions and communications concerning this grant opportunity may be directed to: Jenna Judge Wildlife Diversity Assistant Division Manager Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife [email protected]

This funding opportunity provides financial support to public school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools in California to improve the quality of school meals and enhance the recruitment and retention of school nutrition professionals.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to California-based nonprofit organizations and local governments to promote and preserve folk and traditional arts by directly funding artists and community projects rooted in cultural heritage.