State Capacity Building Grants

This program provides funding to address the environmental and safety risks posed by abandoned oil and gas wells in Pennsylvania.

The Regional Site Readiness Program is a grant aimed at providing flexible funding for planning, due diligence activities, and infrastructure improvements to prepare various sites across 10 Economic Development Regions for future industrial development.

The WVDEP’s Office of Abandoned Mine Lands and Reclamation (AML) administers the AMLER Program, a federal funding initiative designed to support economic development projects on abandoned mine lands. This program aligns with the foundational mission of protecting public health, safety, and property, and restoring land and water resources degraded by past coal mining practices. It specifically targets projects located on or adjacent to mine sites that ceased operations before the Surface Mine Control and Reclamation Act was signed, addressing environmental liabilities and fostering economic revitalization in affected communities. The target beneficiaries of the AMLER Program are communities and environments impacted by abandoned mine lands. The primary impact goals include mitigating extreme dangers posed by coal mining practices, enhancing public health and safety, and rehabilitating natural resources. This involves the conservation and development of soil, water, woodland, fish and wildlife, recreation resources, and agricultural productivity. The program aims to transform former mine sites into productive assets, thereby improving the overall well-being and economic prospects of the regions. The program's priorities are directly established by SMCRA, focusing on three key areas. Firstly, it prioritizes the protection of public health, safety, and property from the extreme dangers and adverse effects of coal mining. Secondly, it emphasizes the broader protection of public health and safety from all adverse effects of such practices. Thirdly, a significant focus is on the restoration of land and water resources and the environment that has been previously degraded by these mining activities. This holistic approach ensures that both immediate dangers and long-term environmental damage are addressed. Eligibility criteria for the AMLER Program extend to noncoal lands and water if they were mined or affected by mining processes, abandoned in an unreclaimed or inadequately reclaimed condition prior to August 3rd, 1977, and lack ongoing reclamation responsibility from an operator or the state. The reclamation must be requested by the Governor or equivalent tribal head and be necessary to protect public health, safety, general welfare, and property from extreme dangers of adverse effects of noncoal mining practices. These stringent criteria ensure that funding is directed to areas with the most critical needs and clear justification for intervention. Expected outcomes of the AMLER Program include enhanced public safety through the removal of hazards, improved environmental quality through land and water restoration, and stimulated economic development in historically affected areas. Measurable results would include the number of acres reclaimed, the reduction in reported hazards, improvements in water and soil quality, and the creation of new recreational or agricultural opportunities. The program's strategic priorities are rooted in a theory of change where targeted investment in abandoned mine land reclamation directly leads to environmental recovery, public safety improvements, and sustainable economic growth for communities that have historically borne the brunt of mining's adverse effects.

This funding opportunity is designed to help organizations provide education and training services to individuals aged 16 and older, enabling them to secure high-demand jobs and advance their careers through structured pathways and support.

This funding opportunity supports community-based organizations in Washington, DC, to enhance health and wellness initiatives in early childhood education facilities and public/charter schools, focusing on educator well-being, physical education, and environmental education.

The Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Capacity grant program, administered by the Washington State Department of Health, aims to empower community-led decision-making for environmental justice (EJ) and climate resilience. This initiative is directly aligned with the state's broader mission to combat climate change and its disproportionate impacts on vulnerable communities. The program is a direct outcome of the Legislature's mandate to the Department of Health, based on recommendations from the Environmental Justice Council (EJC) Climate Commitment Act (CCA) funding. By focusing on capacity building, the grant seeks to strengthen the ability of communities to engage meaningfully in environmental health decisions, reflecting a strategic priority to foster equitable participation and ownership in addressing environmental challenges. The target beneficiaries of the HEAL Capacity grant program are communities most impacted by environmental hazards. This includes, but is not limited to, Native Nations, Black communities, rural communities, youth, low-income individuals, unhoused populations, disabled individuals, and LGBTQ+ communities. The program's impact goals are to equip these communities with the necessary resources to collaborate effectively with state agencies on environmental health decisions, ultimately advancing environmental justice and building climate resilience. This directly supports a theory of change that by empowering those most affected, more equitable and effective environmental and climate solutions can be developed and implemented. The program offers two distinct funding opportunities: Pass-through funding and Project funding. Pass-through funding invites community-based organizations to sub-grant funds to other community-based organizations working with overburdened communities and vulnerable populations across Washington State. This prioritizes equitable community engagement and participation in HEAL activities. Project funding allows organizations to apply for funds to build organizational and community capacity to provide guidance and input to the Environmental Justice Council on HEAL Act implementation, the Department of Health on environmental health disparities map updates, and state agencies on various HEAL Act implementations, including environmental justice assessments and Tribal engagement. These focuses underscore the program's commitment to both direct community support and systemic influence. Expected outcomes and measurable results include enhanced community-led decision-making, increased capacity of community-based organizations to engage in HEAL activities, and improved collaboration between communities and state agencies on environmental health decisions. The program, supported by Washington’s Climate Commitment Act, also aims to reduce climate pollution, create jobs, and improve public health, reflecting the broader goals of the CCA. With a total funding amount of $11.6 million and estimated awards ranging from $250,000 to $1,000,000, the program seeks to make a significant, measurable impact on environmental justice and climate resilience across Washington State.

The General Appropriation Act of 2020 (1A of 2020) and the Supplement to the General Appropriation Act of 2020 (Act 17A of 2020) together appropriated a combined total of $5,000,000 to establish the State Facility Closure Transition Program (SFCTP). The SFCTP is intended to ensure adequate community support following the closure of commonwealth facilities in directly impacted and contiguous counties. Financial Info: The General Appropriation Act of 2020 (1A of 2020) and the Supplement to the General Appropriation Act of 2020 (Act 17A of 2020) together appropriated a combined total of $5,000,000 to establish the State Facility Closure Transition Program (SFCTP). The SFCTP is intended to ensure adequate community support following the closure of commonwealth facilities in directly impacted and contiguous counties.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profit organizations and local government units in the Bronx and Manhattan to deliver mobile outreach services focused on harm reduction for individuals who use drugs and face barriers to care.

The COVID-19 PA Hazard Pay Grant Program was established to help employers provide hazard pay to employees in life-sustaining occupations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Hazard pay is intended to keep front-line employees working in sectors that are vital to every Pennsylvanians’ existence. The program will help employers provide hazard pay for their employees to retain current employees. This reimbursement-based grant is for employers who will be offering hazard pay over the eligible program period. For general questions about the program or specific application questions, visit our Hazard Pay FAQs. Hazard Pay FAQs Financial Info: The COVID-19 PA Hazard Pay Grant Program was established to help employers provide hazard pay to employees in life-sustaining occupations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Hazard pay is intended to keep front-line employees working in sectors that are vital to every Pennsylvanians’ existence. The program will help employers provide hazard pay for their employees to retain current employees. This reimbursement-based grant is for employers who will be offering hazard pay over the eligible program period. For general questions about the program or specific application questions, visit our Hazard Pay FAQs. Hazard Pay FAQs

This funding initiative provides financial support to organizations in New Mexico that promote creative entrepreneurship and industry development, particularly those serving rural and underserved communities.

This program is aimed at assisting economic development organizations or local governments in Mississippi with the development of greenfield sites for industrial use. It provides grants to support site due diligence or improvements on publicly owned industrial property, including public infrastructure improvement or expansion, and acquisition of real property for industrial development. The program supports both Ready Sites and Premier Sites, focusing on making these sites competitive and marketable with a preference for rail-served locations and those with access to airports or ports.

The Monterey Peninsula Foundation awards grants to nonprofit organizations to benefit the community within specific focus areas: arts & culture, community & environment, education, health & human services, and youth. This aligns with the Foundation's mission to address the community's most pressing and unmet needs by fostering creative responses and building local support for essential services. The Foundation's strategic approach emphasizes identifying and funding initiatives that demonstrate strong management capacity, clear project evaluation plans, and a commitment to collaboration among service providers. The target beneficiaries of these grants are residents of Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties, served by eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, public K-12 schools, and public agencies. The impact goals are centered around providing quality services and programs, supporting important community resources, and strengthening infrastructure across whole communities. The Foundation seeks to achieve measurable results through robust project evaluation and outcome measurement, ensuring that funded initiatives effectively address identified community needs. The Foundation prioritizes applications that offer innovative solutions and show promise for sustained local support. They look for organizations with a broad base of funding support, indicating community engagement and financial stability. Their theory of change is rooted in empowering effective organizations to deliver impactful services and build resilient communities. Exceptions to the one-grant-per-applicant rule are considered for emergencies or one-time significant community-wide benefits, highlighting the Foundation's responsiveness to critical needs. The types of support offered include operating support, program support, and capital support, providing flexibility for organizations to deliver services, run programs, or invest in infrastructure. The grant period for a single-year grant is October 1 to May 31 (8 months). The Foundation is committed to supporting organizations that uphold principles of non-discrimination and financial accountability, excluding funding for activities solely promoting religious doctrine, academic research, endowments, fundraising campaigns, political purposes, or organizations that have been in operation for less than three years.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is offering the Solid Waste Recycling Enhancement Act (REA) Higher Education Research Grant Program. This grant program is designed to fund projects that align with and support the objectives of the Recycling Enhancement Act. The core mission is to enhance existing resources, tools, or methodologies, or to create new ones, all in furtherance of the REA's goals. This initiative demonstrates a strategic priority to foster innovation and practical advancements in recycling within New Jersey, reflecting a theory of change that posits that targeted research and development will lead to improved recycling practices and outcomes for the state. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are New Jersey institutions of higher education. These institutions may implement projects in conjunction with, or by subcontracting or partnering with, other entities as permitted by law. The primary impact goal is to support the objectives of the REA through various projects. This includes enhancing the capabilities of the higher education sector to contribute to environmental sustainability, specifically in waste management and recycling. The program aims to leverage academic expertise to generate solutions that have tangible benefits for the state's recycling infrastructure and policies. The grant prioritizes projects in several key areas: recycling demonstration, research, or education, including professional training. This focus allows for a broad range of initiatives, from practical applications and pilot programs to in-depth academic studies and workforce development. The expected outcomes include the development of new or improved resources, tools, and methodologies that directly contribute to the objectives of the Recycling Enhancement Act. Measurable results could include, but are not limited to, new recycling technologies implemented, increased public or professional understanding of recycling best practices, and data-driven insights that inform future policy decisions. Approximately $1 million in grant funding has been allocated for this opportunity, with individual grant amounts ranging from $500,000 to $1 million. Awardees and grant amounts will be determined based on the strength of the proposal, adherence to selection criteria, and the availability of funds. The grant is designed to cover personnel costs (salaries/fringe benefits), other direct costs such as supplies, printing, mailings, mileage, and contractual services, as well as indirect costs. Indirect, fringe benefits, or administrative costs should be estimated using an approved negotiated cost agreement, or a rate of 10% of modified total direct costs if such an agreement is not available. This structure ensures that funded projects are adequately resourced to achieve their stated objectives and contribute effectively to the REA.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Kansas cities and counties for the construction of sidewalks and trails that benefit low- and moderate-income residents.

This grant provides financial support to New Jersey-based nonprofit organizations focused on history and humanities, helping them address specific operational challenges and enhance their stability through targeted projects.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is offering two grant programs: the Rebuild Downtowns & Main Streets (RDMS) Capital Grant Program and the Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recovery (RISE) Implementation Grant Program. Both programs aim to accelerate Illinois' economic recovery and promote long-term, sustainable, and inclusive growth, aligning with a mission to revitalize communities and foster economic development. The total funding expected is $20 million for RDMS and $10 million for RISE Implementation, with individual grants ranging from $250,000 to $2 million. The RDMS program specifically targets communities that have experienced disinvestment, particularly those hardest-hit by the COVID-19 crisis. The goal is to facilitate investment to revitalize commercial corridors and downtown areas in Illinois through capital grants. Eligible applicants for both programs include economic development organizations (EDOs), local units of government (e.g., municipalities, counties, townships), and private businesses. Special purpose local units of government are not eligible. The priorities for RDMS include supporting capital projects that improve and repair roads, sidewalks, and lighting; develop public spaces to attract events; improve water and sewer infrastructure; and facilitate mixed-use development to add vitality to commercial corridors and downtowns. These priorities are aimed at tangible infrastructure and development projects that directly contribute to the revitalization of downtown areas. Expected outcomes for these programs include accelerated economic recovery and the promotion of long-term, sustainable, and inclusive growth throughout Illinois. Measurable results will likely involve the number and scale of capital projects completed, the revitalization of commercial corridors, increased economic activity in targeted areas, and improvements in public infrastructure. The grant duration is 2 years, with the period of performance expected to be late calendar year 2024 through the end of calendar year 2026. The DCEO's strategic priority is clearly to stimulate economic recovery and growth through targeted investments in key community infrastructure and development.

The Florida Department of State's Cultural Facilities Grant program provides funding for the renovation, new construction, or acquisition of cultural facilities. This program is designed to support organizations whose core mission involves arts and cultural programming across various disciplines. The grant aligns with the state's strategic priority to enhance and sustain Florida's cultural infrastructure, thereby fostering a vibrant arts and culture sector that benefits communities statewide. The theory of change suggests that by investing in cultural facilities, the state can improve access to arts and culture, strengthen cultural organizations, and contribute to local economic development and quality of life. The program targets organizations dedicated to arts and cultural programming. These include single-use facilities like theaters, performance centers, museums (including aquariums, botanical gardens, history centers, and zoos), and art centers. It also supports multi-purpose facilities such as community centers, recreation centers, civic centers, and municipal buildings, provided their projects are directly related to arts and cultural activities. The impact goals are to ensure the continued availability and improvement of spaces where cultural activities can thrive, serving a broad public audience across all counties in Florida. The grant prioritizes projects that directly conduct arts and cultural programming and demonstrate clear plans for facility use. Specific focuses include ensuring legal status of the applicant, unrestricted use of property (evidenced by a 10-year restrictive covenant or surety bond), and ownership retention of improvements. For leased properties, eligibility is restricted to leases with public or not-for-profit entities as lessors. Additionally, applicants must provide documentation of financial support, matching funds, current architectural plans, budget estimates, and local official support. A critical focus is also placed on historical structures, requiring a determination letter from the Division of Historical Resources if a facility is 50 years or older. Expected outcomes include improved and expanded cultural facilities capable of hosting diverse arts and cultural programming, increased community engagement with the arts, and enhanced organizational capacity for cultural institutions. Measurable results will include the number of facilities renovated or constructed, the percentage of time facilities are used for arts and cultural purposes, and the total public served by these improved facilities. The program also aims to ensure long-term sustainability of cultural infrastructure, evidenced by the 23-month grant duration and a policy encouraging applications every other year for grantees with ongoing projects. The maximum grant amounts of $500,000 for purpose-built facilities and $200,000 for multi-purpose facilities reflect a strategic allocation of resources to achieve these outcomes.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to California-based nonprofits and government entities for arts education projects that engage and empower young people, particularly those from underserved communities.

The Boulder County Strategic Fuels Mitigation Grant Program (SFMG) provides cost-share funding through competitive grants to support large landscape and community-wide forest and grassland management projects. Funded by the county’s voter-approved wildfire mitigation sales and use tax, which went into effect in 2023, the program aims to leverage other federal, state, and local funding sources. The program's mission is aligned with the county's strategic priorities to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire, protect water supplies, and promote resilient ecosystems, directly addressing the environmental and safety concerns of its residents. The target beneficiaries include local government entities, private utilities, ditch companies, water providers, state agencies, Homeowners Associations, and non-profit organizations in Boulder County. The program's impact goals are to mitigate wildfire risks across private, local government, and federal lands, safeguarding communities and natural resources. This includes protecting critical water supplies and fostering ecosystems that can better withstand and recover from wildfires. The program prioritizes fuels reduction by various methods, including mechanical thinning, prescribed fire, mowing, and grazing. Specific focuses include the creation or maintenance of fuel breaks, removal of woody materials with utilization plans, and disposal of slash and non-merchantable materials. Cross-boundary projects involving multiple land types are also emphasized, as are updates or development of new Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs). For planning grants, a cap of $250,000 is set for the total, with up to five proposals funded annually at a maximum of $50,000 each. Expected outcomes include a significant reduction in potential fire intensity and a decrease in the risk of catastrophic wildfires, directly benefiting public safety and property. Measurable results will be seen through the implementation of fuel breaks, successful fuels reduction projects in forests and grasslands, and the development or update of CWPPs. The long-term impact aims to foster more resilient ecosystems and secure water supplies for the community, aligning with a theory of change that proactive, collaborative mitigation efforts lead to enhanced environmental health and community safety.

The Hospital Health Protection Grant Program (HHPGP-Equity25) for State Fiscal Year 2025 provides funding to named safety-net hospitals in Illinois. The aim is to improve health equity, access to quality care, and reduce health disparities in underserved communities. Funding will support ordinary and contingent expenses for hospitals participating in the State’s Medicaid managed care program. The grant is authorized under the Safety-Net Hospital Health Equity and Access Leadership Grant Program. The total funding available is $71,430,640.00, with individual awards ranging from $646,600.00 to $9,000,000.00. Applications are due by August 30, 2024.