State Education Grants

The Opioid Abatement Fund Council (OAFC) seeks to combat opioid overdoses in Texas by awarding funds to implement a statewide program that will distribute the opioid overdose reversal medication naloxone where it is needed most, and provide related training, including airway clearance techniques. The Texas Legislature created the OAFC in 2021 to ensure funds collected through lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies are used fairly and efficiently to combat the opioid crisis in Texas. The OAFC is made up of 13 appointed experts and the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA) as the non-voting presiding officer. Grant Amount: Up to $25 million Up to $25 million is available for this grant opportunity: approximately $18.75 million for the purchase of naloxone and providing related training, with nearly $3.13 million for administrative costs and another $3.13 million for interventions in targeted counties. The expected term of the grant agreement is an initial two years, with three possible two-year renewal periods for a total project length of eight years. The grant recipient will receive funds on a reimbursement basis. Eligibility Texas governmental entities, nonprofit organizations and any entity registered with the Texas Secretary of State and eligible to conduct business in Texas are eligible to apply. Funding will be awarded to one applicant to implement the program statewide, but applicants may use qualified subcontractors or subgrantees. Companies that paid funds or currently are involved in opioid abatement lawsuits are disqualified from applying. Applicants and subcontractors must also not be subject to the general disqualifications, such as being included on the CPA debarred vendor’s list or having a conflict of interest with the OAFC. Grant applicants may submit a written request for CPA’s preliminary review of any potential conflict of interest by March 18, 2024, to [email protected]. Application and Award Process Applicants must complete an application form, including fully developed and detailed proposals and budgets, through the OAFC’s grant management system by May 7, 2024. The internet browser that works best with the grant management system is Google Chrome. A mobile app is also available. Applications will go through a multi-stage selection process, including a risk review and evaluation by an independent peer review panel. After the review process is complete, the OAFC will vote on the final grant award. The grant recipient will be required to submit timely detailed status reports that cover the grant recipient’s and any subgrantee’s performance, expenditures and any additional information requested by the OAFC. CPA may also conduct site visits during the project and after project completion to monitor progress and assess the effectiveness of the program.

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Urban Forestry Division (UFD) is offering grants to promote urban forestry activities in disadvantaged communities within the District of Columbia. This program aligns with the broader mission of enhancing urban environments and improving community well-being through nature-based solutions. The grants are designed to support a wide range of activities authorized by the USFS Urban and Community Forestry Program, ensuring a comprehensive approach to urban forest development and stewardship. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are disadvantaged communities within the District of Columbia. The program specifically targets areas that have been historically overburdened and under-resourced, aiming to address environmental inequities. The impact goals include promoting urban wood utilization, establishing urban food forests, mitigating extreme heat, fostering urban forest stewardship, improving access to green spaces, and developing a skilled workforce in urban forestry. Additionally, the program seeks to deliver nature-based interventions such as forest therapy, urban forest interpretation, and environmental education to these communities. The priorities and focuses of this grant include supporting activities that promote urban forestry through various means. This encompasses physical interventions like creating urban food forests and mitigating heat, as well as educational and engagement initiatives such as environmental education and forest therapy. The program emphasizes workforce development within urban forestry, aiming to build local capacity and create economic opportunities in disadvantaged areas. Eligible applicants include local government, non-governmental, and community-based organizations, highlighting a collaborative approach to achieving the program's objectives. Expected outcomes of this grant program include a noticeable increase in urban forestry activities and green infrastructure within disadvantaged communities. Measurable results will include the number of urban wood utilization projects, the establishment of new urban food forests, the extent of extreme heat mitigation achieved, the level of community engagement in urban forest stewardship, and the number of individuals trained through workforce development programs. Ultimately, the program aims to improve environmental quality, enhance community health and well-being, and foster a greater connection to nature in areas that need it most.

In alignment with Center for Disease Control (CDC) viral hepatitis goals and current epidemiology, the Illinois Department of Public Health Office of Disease Control Viral Hepatitis Program is requesting applications for Hepatitis B (HBV) outreach, education, and linkage to care programs targeting populations disproportionately impacted by hepatitis B (foreign born Asian and/or African immigrant or refugee population, and persons who use drugs (PWUD). Through the provision of outreach and education services, this funding seeks to increase the priority population(s)’s knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B, increase hepatitis B screening, link people who are chronically infected with hepatitis B into care and decrease viral hepatitis-related morbidity and mortality within priority populations. This funding opportunity will allow organizations to expand their reach through partnering with community partners focused on health equity to enhancing their ability to reach disproportionately affected populations at high risk for hepatitis B. The Initiative is funded through State of Illinois general revenue funding to establish relationship with stakeholders, individuals, and organizations for the purpose of providing Hepatitis B outreach and education programs to underserved foreign born Asian and African immigrant, refugee communities, and persons who use drugs (PWUD) with educational messaging and referral linkages to screening and vaccination services. In 2021, approximately 880,000 to 1.89 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B in the U.S. Chronic hepatitis B can lead to serious health problems, including cirrhosis, liver cancer, and death. Currently, data on the HBV seroprevalence among foreign born and refugee populations from Asian and African communities is not recorded systematically in the US. However, the prevalence of HBV among Asian and African immigrant, refugee communities tend to reflect the prevalence in their country of origin. HBV is highly prevalent (>8%) in East Asian, sub-Saharan African nations, and tend to have high rates of chronic viral hepatitis. The focus of any funded program shall not be screening and vaccination, or treatment efforts, but the outreach to, and the education of, the target population regarding Hepatitis B and referral and linkage opportunities for screening, vaccination, and treatment services. These populations face unique problems that place them at greater risk for Hepatitis B infection, mistrust of traditional western medicine, stigma associated with viral hepatitis, barriers to accessing medical care (Language, insurance, undocumented). Programs should be unique, culturally innovative to the specified target group, and increase ongoing efforts of the Department to eliminate the disparities in screenings, vaccinations, medical management, transmission, and overall health outcomes experienced by Asian and African immigrant, refugee communities, and persons who use drugs (PWUD) relative to Hepatitis B.

This funding opportunity provides $10,000 per year for two years to organizations in New Jersey that create free arts-based learning experiences for older adults aged 55 and over, promoting creativity and engagement in the community.

This grant provides financial support to New Jersey companies for hiring Ph.D. candidates and graduates to conduct technological research and foster innovation in the state.

The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), formerly part of the FAST Act, provides funding for diverse transportation projects such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities, recreational trails, safe routes to school, community improvements, and environmental mitigation. The program is competitive, with an 80% federal funding share and a 20% local match requirement. Eligible projects include infrastructure-related activities promoting non-motorized transportation and community improvements. The application deadline for the 2024 cycle is May 31, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. Grant renewed every year.

The Minnesota State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) Program, overseen by the Minnesota Trade Office (MTO) within the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, invites eligible Minnesota-based small businesses to apply for funding aimed at facilitating export development activities. This initiative is designed to support businesses either embarking on exporting or looking to expand their exports from Minnesota. With a fund of approximately $200,000 available for the program year ending on June 30, 2022, the STEP program offers financial and technical assistance to qualified applicants. The grant mandates a 50% matching fund from recipients, capped at $7,500. Applications are evaluated competitively upon receipt, with a recommendation for early submission to ensure timely review, especially for activities involving travel. Rolling (applications accepted until funds are fully allocated)

The Energy Transition Navigators Program will provide outreach and recruitment for the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) workforce and contractor programs. The Department seeks to contract with the community-based provider(s) (“Navigator Teams”) to connect people to the CEJA workforce and contractor programs. Navigator Teams will provide outreach and recruitment services to eligible populations to ensure they are aware of and engaged in the statewide and local workforce and contractor development programs.

This grant provides financial assistance to local governments and authorities in Minnesota for investigating and cleaning up contaminated sites to promote redevelopment and increase property tax revenue.

This funding opportunity provides resources to healthcare organizations in Illinois to improve infection prevention and control practices in long-term care facilities and acute care settings, promoting health equity and effective healthcare measures.

Grant Opportunity: Short-term Teaching Artist Residency Program (Illinois) The Short-term Teaching Artist Residency Program in Illinois supports elementary schools, community centers, and public libraries in engaging teaching artists for short-term residencies. The program prioritizes advancing equity and access in the arts, particularly for underserved audiences such as BIPOC communities, individuals with disabilities, older adults, and those with limited access to the arts. Eligible applicants can request a minimum of $250 and a maximum of $4,500 to cover 75% of residency costs. Additional percentages can be added under specific conditions. Applicants must be tax-exempt organizations or units of government in Illinois, while the selected artists must be based in Illinois. The application deadline is at least eight weeks before the project start date. For more information, visit Short-term Teaching Artist Residency Program.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is offering approximately $4.5 million in grants to support organics management projects aimed at reducing the amount of organic material sent to landfills or incinerators. This funding is intended for projects that enhance or establish collection, processing (through composting, anaerobic digestion, or feeding to animals), and education/outreach initiatives related to organics management. Eligible entities must serve or operate within Minnesota, and include not-for-profit organizations, businesses, institutions, political subdivisions (e.g., counties, cities), state agencies, and tribal governments. Applications are due by 4 p.m. Central Time on June 10, 2024.

The Genetic Education and Follow-Up (GEFU) grant program, managed by the Illinois Department of Public Health, aims to implement a Department-approved genetic screening tool to provide referral recommendations for children and family members in the Champaign region. Supported by the Newborn Screening fund, the program seeks to enhance awareness of genetic services, improve access to care, and promote early and uninterrupted treatment for diagnosed conditions. The total program funding is $300,000, with annual funding of $100,000 for fiscal years 2025, 2026, and 2027. Applications are accepted from April 1, 2024, to May 29, 2024, with no cost-sharing or matching requirements.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Ohio educational institutions for enhancing school safety and improving school climate through training and equipment, with a focus on collaboration with local law enforcement.

This funding opportunity supports community programs that teach and engage diverse families in fishing, boating, and aquatic conservation efforts throughout California.

This grant path focuses on the prevention of unintentional and intentional firearm-related harm through education and community outreach specifically around safe storage and Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs). The goal is to reduce unauthorized firearm access and educate at-risk individuals and their communities about temporary out-of-home gun storage options. Projects under this path should focus on promoting, educating, and providing access to firearm safe storage and/or lethal means counseling. Additionally, they should educate the public on ERPOs as a legal mechanism for temporarily reducing access to firearms for individuals deemed at risk of harming themselves or others. Grants are targeted towards organizations that can deliver these educational services effectively within Colorado communities. Applicants must attend a pre-application webinar

The New American in the Long-Term Care Workforce grant, administered by the Department of Human Services (DHS) in Minnesota through its Grants, Equity, Access, and Research (GEAR) Division, aims to support New Americans in obtaining, maintaining, and growing within the long-term care (LTC) workforce. This initiative directly aligns with the broader mission of strengthening the LTC sector by addressing workforce shortages and promoting diversity and inclusion. The grant is designed to provide specialized services and supports to New Americans, fostering their professional development and contributing to the stability and quality of LTC organizations across all counties in Minnesota. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are New Americans seeking to enter or advance in the LTC workforce. The program's impact goals include increasing the number of New Americans in LTC, enhancing their skills and career pathways, and ultimately improving the capacity and cultural competency of LTC organizations. By focusing on this specific demographic, the grant seeks to create a more inclusive and robust workforce, which is a critical component of ensuring high-quality care for residents. The grant prioritizes several key areas to achieve its objectives. These include offering onsite Occupational English classes and training, establishing in-house mentorship programs, providing cultural competency and humility training for LTC employers and staff, and offering hiring bonuses and incentives. Furthermore, the program emphasizes digital skills training, developing mentorship and career-pathways programs for employee retention, career navigation and education, financial literacy coaching, and training stipends or tuition reimbursement. Crucially, it also provides wraparound support services such as mental health assistance, medical career education, childcare, and transportation, recognizing the holistic needs of New American workers. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in the number of New Americans successfully placed and retained in LTC positions, improved career progression and skill development among participants, and enhanced cultural competence within LTC facilities. The grant anticipates awarding up to $12 million in the first round of applicants, indicating a significant investment in these outcomes. The grant period from August 1, 2024, through July 31, 2026, allows for a two-year window to implement and measure the effectiveness of these programs, with an emphasis on creating sustainable pathways for New Americans in the LTC sector. Eligible applicants for this grant include nonprofit organizations, community-based agencies, educational institutions, LTC employers, and government entities that demonstrate a strong commitment to serving New Americans. This broad eligibility ensures that a diverse range of organizations can contribute to the grant's goals. The strategic priorities of DHS, as evidenced by this grant, include fostering equity and access within critical sectors like long-term care, leveraging grant contracts to achieve workforce development goals, and supporting underserved populations. The theory of change behind this program is that by providing targeted support, training, and resources to New Americans, the state can simultaneously empower individuals, strengthen the LTC workforce, and enhance the quality of care provided to its residents.

The Iowa Arts Council, part of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, administers Art Project Grants to support high-quality arts and cultural projects in Iowa. These grants are available to individual artists and various organizations, including nonprofits, schools, and government agencies located in Iowa. For artists, the grants support a range of arts-related activities, prioritizing projects that exhibit artistic excellence and serve Iowans. Organizations can apply for grants to fund arts events, performances, exhibitions, and other arts-related activities, with a focus on community engagement and public value. Applications are accepted online, with a deadline of May 15, 2024, for the funding period of July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. Grant renewed every year.

The Missouri Energy Audit Reimbursement Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, is designed to support energy efficiency improvements through Level II ASHRAE energy audits. Eligible entities can receive up to $20,000 in reimbursement for audits conducted on facilities located in Missouri. The program aims to reduce emissions, lower total energy usage, improve energy efficiency, and create jobs.

Grants for Workforce Development Innovation Initiatives in the District of Columbia are available to support innovative solutions for residents to enter and sustain employment, ultimately contributing to the District's economy. The grant program encompasses various areas such as youth programs, initiatives for returning citizens and adults with barriers to employment, labor market research, workforce and federal programs, labor standards, unemployment insurance outreach, paid family leave support, and infrastructure job assistance. Service categories include work readiness, job readiness, occupational skills development, job placement assistance, research, and education/outreach efforts.