State Science and Technology Grants

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is offering the 2024-2025 Natural Community Conservation Planning Local Assistance Grant (NCCP LAG) Program. This grant program is specifically designed to support the implementation of Natural Community Conservation Plans (NCCPs) across California. Its legal authority is rooted in Fish and Game Code section 1501.5(b), which empowers CDFW to provide funding for critical activities like the preservation, restoration, and enhancement of fish and wildlife habitats. The program's core mission aligns directly with the CDFW's broader goal of conserving California's diverse natural communities and species. The primary beneficiaries of the NCCP LAG program are local public agencies, tribes, and non-profit organizations that are actively involved in or have a keen interest in executing Eligible Projects related to NCCP implementation. The program prioritizes projects submitted by "Implementing Entities" – those responsible for putting the plans into action once permitted – by awarding them additional points during the proposal evaluation phase. While the focus is on California, entities outside the state are also eligible to apply, broadening the potential for collaboration and impact. The program's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined to ensure effective NCCP implementation. These include immediate management actions on newly acquired NCCP reserve lands, restoration and enhancement of habitats or species populations, and the design and execution of biological monitoring programs. Other crucial areas are the development of individual reserve management plans, new or updated mapping activities to support NCCP management or monitoring, and targeted studies for adaptive management to evaluate and adjust conservation strategies. Additionally, the grant supports other non-land acquisition priority tasks identified by applicants and implementing partners that are essential for successful NCCP execution. The expected outcomes of the NCCP LAG program are a more robust and effective implementation of NCCPs throughout California. Measurable results will stem from the successful completion of eligible projects, such as acres of habitat restored, the establishment of effective biological monitoring programs, improved reserve management, and enhanced understanding of species and habitat responses through targeted studies. The overarching impact goals are the preservation, restoration, and enhancement of fish and wildlife habitats, ultimately contributing to the long-term conservation of California's natural heritage. The CDFW's strategic priorities are evident in its annual offering of these grants for the "highest priority tasks," which are collaboratively identified with NCCP implementing partners and federal wildlife agencies, ensuring a targeted and impactful approach to conservation.

This funding opportunity is designed to support non-profit organizations that provide financial education and savings programs for youth in foster care aged 15-21 in the District of Columbia, helping them transition to independent living.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state and local governments in Maryland for outdoor recreation projects, including land acquisition and the development or renovation of recreational facilities.

The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office administers the Community Forests Program to help communities preserve working forest heritage while balancing economic, environmental, and recreational benefits. The program supports land acquisition and complementary restoration and recreation development to keep working forests intact. Typical projects acquire forestland and may include restoration of forest and habitat health and development of recreation facilities such as trails, trailheads, parking, restrooms, campgrounds, picnic and day use areas, challenge courses, and interpretive displays. Restoration activities may include removal of fish barriers and actions that restore forest health. Approximately 3,000,000 dollars is available for awards. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, and towns, Native American tribes, nonprofit nature conservancy organizations, special purpose districts and other political subdivisions, and state agencies in partnership with one or more of these groups. All projects must include acquisition; restoration and development cannot be stand alone activities. Applications are due May 1, 2024 through the state process. Grant size and duration beyond the available pool are not specified. Further information is provided by the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office.

The Countywide Gender-Based Violence and Trafficking Prevention RFP, funded by the King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) through VSHSL funds, aims to support Domestic Violence, Sexual Violence, and Human Trafficking programs. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to foster in-depth, multi-level, coordinated prevention and community engagement strategies. The program specifically targets geographically and culturally diverse communities across King County, Washington, striving to build community bridges through responsive care networks and strengthen prevention efforts. This strategy focuses on preventing all forms of gender-based violence and human trafficking, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and commercial sexual exploitation. It builds upon insights gained from a prior VSHSL pilot program (2018-2023), emphasizing a unified approach to developing and implementing prevention and community engagement strategies tailored to the unique needs of King County's diverse populations. Priorities include prevention awareness and education, alongside survivor-centered advocacy for social change. The expected outcomes of this grant program include a reduction in gender-based violence and human trafficking through enhanced community-based prevention programs. Measurable results will likely involve the number of community-based entities funded, the reach of prevention awareness and education initiatives, and the development of stronger, more responsive care networks. The program's strategic priorities are centered on supporting community-based organizations that can effectively implement these multi-level strategies. DCHS's theory of change appears to be that by investing in community-based entities and strengthening prevention programs, they can create lasting social change and reduce the incidence of gender-based violence and human trafficking. The program encourages proposals from for-profit and nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, tribes and tribal organizations, and public or governmental agencies serving King County, with a particular emphasis on small nonprofit, community-based Black, Indigenous, and other Communities of Color-led organizations, reinforcing an equitable approach to community impact. The grant period is from October 1, 2024, to December 31, 2027, with up to $5,457,508 in VSHSL funds to be awarded.

This program provides funding to various organizations, including telecommunications providers and local governments, to improve broadband access and infrastructure in underserved areas of Utah.

This program provides financial assistance to developers in distressed New Jersey municipalities to help cover costs for various real estate projects impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Florida Online Global-Website Localization Grant aims to help exporters expand their overseas presence through website localization services. The program, in partnership with IBT Online and SelectFlorida, offers various options for website globalization, including predefined and customized websites, website redesign, and e-commerce development, all optimized for target markets. Grants cover partial costs of localization services, with SelectFlorida covering up to $8,000 and the grantee responsible for $4,000 or the balance for customized services. Eligible entities must meet specific qualifications including being Florida-based, meeting minimum sales and employment criteria, and operating in approved sectors.

The Public Works Board (Board) Broadband program is authorized by state statute (RCW 43.155.160). Its purpose is to loan and grant funding to promote the expansion of broadband access to unserved populations in rural and urban communities across the state. $2 million per project loan/grant award limit with a 50% match. Projects in financially distressed areas and Indian country may receive up to 90% of the total project cost for a total not to exceed $5 million.

The State of Texas has established the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), which may issue up to $6 billion in general obligation bonds to fund grants for cancer research and prevention. CPRIT is charged by the Texas Legislature to do the following: • Create and expedite innovation in the area of cancer research and in enhancing the potential for a medical or scientific breakthrough in the prevention of, or cures for, cancer • Attract, create, or expand research capabilities of public or private institutions of higher education and other public or private entities that will promote a substantial increase in cancer research and in the creation of high-quality new jobs in the State of Texas • Develop and implement the Texas Cancer Plan

The Golden LEAF Foundation's Open Grants Program is designed to strengthen North Carolina's economy, particularly in tobacco-dependent, economically distressed, and/or rural communities. This program aligns directly with the foundation's mission to use its entrusted funds for projects with the highest potential for economic impact. The grants, ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, are available to governmental entities and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations across all North Carolina counties. The program targets communities and organizations capable of driving economic development in three priority areas: Job Creation and Economic Investment, Workforce Preparedness, and Agriculture. The impact goals are to foster economic growth and create opportunities in these specific sectors, ultimately benefiting the residents and businesses within the designated communities. The foundation's strategic priority is to invest in projects that demonstrate a clear potential for strengthening the state's economy. Competitive projects are those that seek funds to develop new workforce training programs, implement career pathways in high schools for high-demand fields, extend infrastructure to enable industrial development and job creation, or support new crops, expand agricultural markets, and provide farmer training. These focuses reflect the foundation's theory of change, which posits that targeted investments in these areas will lead to measurable economic improvements. While most awards are expected to be $200,000 or less, projects eligible for grants over $200,000 must demonstrate additional outcomes commensurate with the increased funding, result from multi-organizational planning with continued community engagement, build on a history of success to scale projects, be collaborative with innovative or regional features, leverage significant funding from other organizations, or be from applicants with limited resources where phased implementation would compromise outcomes. The expected outcomes are the creation of full-time jobs, enhanced workforce skills, improved agricultural practices, and overall economic revitalization in North Carolina.

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.

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 Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is offering a $10 million grant to tribal nations and local governmental units in Minnesota for projects aimed at preparing local wastewater infrastructure for climate change impacts, with a focus on protecting water quality, increasing resilience, and promoting energy and water efficiency.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to California organizations that have received federal clean energy grants, helping them cover the required cost share to access additional federal funding.

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.

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 Advanced Industries Early-Stage Capital and Retention Grant aims to support Colorado-based advanced industries technology businesses in developing and commercializing new technologies that will be created or manufactured in the state. The grant addresses the market's underinvestment in early-stage technologies by offering financial support of up to $250,000, with the possibility of exceeding this amount for projects impacting multiple advanced industries. Eligible businesses must be involved in creating disruptive technology, be registered and in good standing with the Colorado Secretary of State, have a significant presence in Colorado, provide a 2-to-1 non-State funding match, and have limited prior financial support and revenues. Preference is given to applicants with ties to Colorado research institutions, entrepreneurship programs, and those recognized by investment groups for their commercial potential. Applications are accepted biannually Grant renewed every year. Grant Summer Annual deadline: July to September

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is offering the Illinois Grocery Initiative New Stores in Food Deserts program to enhance access to fresh food in underserved areas. This grant program is designed to incentivize the establishment of new grocery stores within "food deserts," which are census tracts characterized by specific poverty standards, population density, and limited food accessibility. The core mission alignment is to combat food insecurity and improve public health by addressing the systemic issue of inadequate access to nutritious food. The primary target beneficiaries of this program are communities residing in identified food deserts across all counties in Illinois. The impact goals are to alleviate food insecurity, increase the availability of fresh and healthy food options, and foster economic development within these communities. The program prioritizes supporting the establishment of new grocery stores by offering competitive grants to cover eligible capital and non-capital costs, effectively reducing the financial barriers for businesses willing to operate in these challenging environments. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in the number of new grocery stores operating in food desert areas, leading to improved food access for residents. Measurable results will be tracked through quarterly performance data submitted by grantees. These measures encompass the completion of new store project milestones, quarterly food sales, the sustained operation of new grocery stores for at least one year post-completion, and the number of employees in full-time equivalents. These metrics will allow DCEO to assess the program's effectiveness in achieving its objectives. The DCEO's strategic priority through this initiative is to directly address social determinants of health and economic equity by ensuring all Illinois residents have equitable access to healthy food options. The underlying theory of change is that by providing financial incentives for new grocery stores in food deserts, the market will respond to the unmet demand for fresh food, thereby improving community health, increasing local employment, and revitalizing underserved areas. The total funding allocated is $14 million across multiple rounds, with individual awards ranging from $160,000 to $2,400,000, demonstrating a substantial commitment to this strategic goal. The project period is from July 1st, 2024, to December 31st, 2026.

This grant provides funding to organizations developing a web-based mental health literacy curriculum and print guide to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in understanding and managing co-occurring mental health challenges.