State Science and Technology Grants

The Farm Transition Grant (FTG) is a competitive matching grant program designed to support Connecticut farmers and agricultural cooperatives in advancing their operations. Administered by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, the program funds projects aimed at diversification, transitioning to value-added production, and market development for locally grown products. The grant requires measurable outcomes that demonstrate significant progress beyond the applicant’s current status. For the 2025 grant cycle, applications are open from November 1, 2024, to January 10, 2025, at 4:00 PM, with awards announced by February 21, 2025. Projects are expected to begin in March or April 2025, depending on the size of the award. The FTG offers four funding categories tailored to meet different agricultural needs. The New Farmer Micro Grant provides up to $5,000 for individuals with 1–3 years of production history, requiring a 25% cash match. The Infrastructure Investment Grant allocates up to $25,000 for farmers with at least three years of production history to expand or diversify operations, with a 50% match required. The Research and Development Grant funds up to $25,000 for exploring new products, services, or markets, requiring a 40% match. Finally, the Innovation and Diversification Grant offers up to $49,999 for implementing new products or services that expand business operations, with a 25% match requirement. Each applicant may submit only one project per grant cycle. Eligible applicants must be for-profit farm businesses in Connecticut. Nonprofit organizations are excluded but may apply to other programs offered by the Department of Agriculture. Applications must include a comprehensive description of the project, demonstrate alignment with grant goals, and comply with the specified match requirements. Certain costs, such as land acquisition, routine business expenses, and previously incurred expenses, are ineligible for funding or as matches. To assist applicants, the Department of Agriculture will host a Farm Transition Grant Overview Webinar and virtual office hours on December 12, 2024, and January 6, 2025, providing opportunities for applicants to ask questions and refine their submissions. Completed applications must be submitted electronically through the grant’s online platform, accompanied by required documentation, such as budget details, quotes, and landlord consent forms if the project is on leased land. The Farm Transition Grant prioritizes projects that promote sustainability, innovation, and market expansion, with a special focus on supporting historically underserved farmers and veterans. For additional information, applicants can contact Alison Grabarz at [email protected] or visit the program’s website. This grant provides a valuable opportunity for Connecticut farmers to advance their operations and contribute to the state’s agricultural growth.

The Arizona Water Protection Fund (AWPF) is a competitive state grant program that provides funding to interested parties for the development and implementation of measures to protect water of sufficient quality and quantity to maintain, enhance, and restore river and riparian resources throughout Arizona (including projects that benefit fish and wildlife that are dependent on these important resources), and measures to increase water availability and supply. Financial Notes: Matching funds are not required to be eligible for AWPF funding; however, projects that do include matching funds typically receive higher consideration.   Administrative costs must be limited to a maximum of 5% of the total AWPF project funds requested.  Subcontractors or consultants working on your project must also conform to the 5% administrative cost limit if you are paying them out of AWPF funds.   Payments are made on a cost reimbursement basis.  Appropriate documentation (e.g., receipts, invoices, reports, data, and photographs) will be required in order to receive reimbursement.   Adequate accounting practices and record keeping will be required.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is inviting applications for agricultural research grants for projects to be conducted from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026. The projects should address various critical areas such as pest infestation impacts, Chesapeake Bay farm management practices, pollinator protection, food action plans, urban agriculture, energy in agriculture, animal health, and robotic technology in farming. Funding is contingent upon the 2024-2025 budget appropriations, and the deadline for application submission is June 7, 2024. The department will evaluate the proposals based on a 100-point scale considering project needs, research outcomes, methodology, evaluation and replicability, industry support, and research team diversity.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that can enhance access, equity, and inclusion for individuals with disabilities in workforce development programs across California.

The 2024-25 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services offers $100,000 to $500,000 to California state agencies for projects aimed at improving cybersecurity governance, assessment, mitigation, and workforce development over a 3-year period.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for the construction, maintenance, and improvement of trails and shared-use paths throughout Montana, benefiting local communities and outdoor enthusiasts.

Youth Service America's (YSA) "We Serve to Remember 9/11 Day of Service Grants" program is designed to empower young changemakers aged 5 to 25. This initiative directly aligns with YSA's mission of engaging youth in service and fostering active citizenship. The grants support organizations, schools, and youth changemakers in planning and implementing service activities that honor and pay tribute to those affected by 9/11. The program emphasizes youth leadership, ensuring that projects are driven by the young participants themselves, thereby developing their leadership skills and sense of community responsibility. The program's target beneficiaries are primarily youth, with a strong focus on engaging those who are not typically asked to serve and face systemic barriers to participation. This includes young people of color, youth from underserved low-income families and neighborhoods, and youth who are often beneficiaries of service rather than participants. Specific groups identified include youth in rural communities, those experiencing homelessness, youth in foster care, youth with disabilities, youth in the juvenile justice system, immigrants or refugees, youth from military families, LGBTQ+ youth, and English language learners. The impact goal is to create a more inclusive service environment and empower a diverse group of young people to contribute to their communities. A key priority of this grant program is the engagement of at least 100 youth volunteers per project, with 80% of these volunteers identifying as youth facing systemic barriers to participation. Projects must include elements to honor and pay tribute to those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, and those who responded in service. All activities must take place on or around September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance (September 11, 2024). This specific timing reinforces the program's focus on remembrance and national service. YSA expects to award up to 100 grants of $1,000 each. The expected outcomes include a significant increase in youth engagement in service, particularly among marginalized groups, and the successful execution of service activities that commemorate 9/11. Measurable results will include the number of grants awarded, the number of youth volunteers engaged, and the percentage of those volunteers who identify as facing systemic barriers. The program also aims to foster a sense of civic duty and historical awareness among participants. The foundation's strategic priorities are centered on youth empowerment and inclusive participation in service. YSA's theory of change posits that by providing resources and opportunities, particularly to underserved youth, they can develop leadership skills, strengthen communities, and create a lasting impact. By focusing on youth-led projects and ensuring diverse representation, YSA aims to build a generation of civically engaged individuals who are committed to addressing community needs and remembering significant historical events. Applicants must be based in the United States, with activities benefiting people in the U.S., including its territories. This geographical focus ensures that the grants support local communities across the nation. The emphasis on reaching youth who face systemic barriers aligns with a broader strategic goal of promoting equity and inclusion within the service sector, demonstrating YSA's commitment to a more representative and impactful youth service movement.

The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) is offering up to $10.3 million through the Grid Enhancement Grant program, leveraging federal funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). This initiative aims to enhance and modernize America's power grid, particularly in Arkansas, by strengthening its resilience against natural disasters and reducing the impact of electric outages. The program is aligned with a broader mission to improve the reliability of the electric grid, protect against outages, and support economic development through grid infrastructure improvements. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are the residents of Arkansas, especially those in communities more susceptible or vulnerable to electric power outages. The impact goals are to increase grid resilience, reduce the frequency and duration of sustained interruptions, and decrease the number of customers affected by all-hazard events. The program also seeks to encourage investments into the state’s grid workforce, thereby supporting the development of a skilled workforce responsible for these enhancement projects. The DFA's priorities and focuses for this grant are clearly outlined through three main objectives: increasing the reliability of the Arkansas electric grid, achieving whole community impact, and supporting the development of the state’s grid workforce. These objectives aim to reduce outages, ensure benefits reach vulnerable communities, and foster professional and workforce development opportunities for grid enhancement. Expected outcomes include a more resilient electric grid, fewer and less impactful electric outages, and a stronger, more skilled workforce to manage and maintain grid infrastructure. Measurable results would involve a reduction in outage frequency and duration, particularly for high-impact customers, and an increase in the number of trained and retained individuals in the state's grid workforce. The program's strategic priorities are to deliver direct benefits to Arkansans, increase grid resilience, protect against outages during natural disasters, and encourage investments into the state’s grid workforce. This aligns with a theory of change that by investing in adaptive protection, advanced modeling, hardening infrastructure, and workforce development, Arkansas can create a more robust and reliable electric grid that better serves its communities and fosters economic stability.

The Community Foundation of Louisville's Vogt Invention & Innovation Awards offers a significant opportunity for early-stage entrepreneurs in the Louisville metropolitan area. This program provides awards and prizes ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, with up to six businesses each receiving $25,000 annually. The initiative aims to propel businesses to the next level by fostering innovation and economic growth within the region. While the grant duration is not explicitly mentioned, the focus is on supporting businesses that are past the conceptual stage and have an early prototype of their technology. The primary beneficiaries are for-profit entities headquartered in the 13-county Louisville Metro area, encompassing specific counties in Indiana (Clark, Floyd, Washington, Scott, Harrison) and Kentucky (Bullitt, Henry, Jefferson, Nelson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, Trimble). Eligibility criteria also require businesses to be registered with either the Indiana or Kentucky Secretary of State and in good standing. The program targets businesses in their early stages, with customer revenue less than $250,000/year to date and a lifetime funding maximum of $500,000 (excluding founders' personal investments). The overarching impact goal is to stimulate innovation-led product and service development, creating customer demand and contributing to the economic vitality of the region. The Vogt Awards define innovation as a new idea or the invention of a new product or service that creates customer demand, aligning with the foundation's strategic priority to support groundbreaking advancements. Stronger consideration is given to applications that demonstrate leveraging technology for customer service, competitive advantage, or market evolution, and those that utilize technology in new or unique ways. This focus on technological advancement is a core tenet of the program's theory of change, believing that such innovation is key to sustainable business growth and regional prosperity. Additionally, the program prioritizes businesses with a protectable advantage (intellectual asset) in the market and a scalable business model that promises quick revenue growth and improving profitability. The exclusion of businesses requiring long regulatory approval cycles, such as new drug companies, further refines the focus to innovations that can more rapidly enter and impact the market. Expected outcomes include the successful development and scaling of innovative products and services, leading to increased customer demand and economic benefits within the Louisville Metro area. Measurable results would likely include the number of businesses successfully launched or expanded, job creation, and revenue generation by award recipients.

This program provides $5 million in funding to nonprofit organizations in New York State to support mental health, workforce development, or housing initiatives for individuals aged 0-24 in communities disproportionately impacted by past drug policies.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments in Illinois for water and sanitary system projects that improve public health and safety in communities with significant low-to-moderate income populations.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) invites proposals for a community air monitoring pilot grant program, targeting neighborhood-scale air quality monitoring in the Twin Cities metro area. Eligible organizations, primarily community nonprofits and their partners, will develop a dense network of fixed and mobile air sensors. Priority will be given to projects in environmental justice communities with robust community engagement. The objectives include monitoring air quality, fostering community cooperation, and providing actionable air quality data to MPCA. The application deadline is 4:30 p.m. Central Time on June 28, 2024.

The Colorado Department of Local Affairs is offering a grant program for local government planning departments to increase their capacity and expedite the review process for affordable housing projects, with funds potentially used for implementing new technologies, regulatory changes, planning efforts, and other strategies that align with the program's goals.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture is offering a grant of over $1 million for the implementation of dairy digesters on California dairy farms, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by converting methane into renewable energy, with a focus on projects that use at least 80% dairy livestock manure as feedstock.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is offering 2025 Source Water Protection Grants to fund projects aimed at safeguarding public drinking water sources. These grants are designed to support activities that reduce the risk of contamination to drinking water, ensuring the long-term quality and safety of Idaho's water supply. The program aligns with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, specifically Section 1452, which provides funding for source water assessment and protection efforts. By focusing on preventative measures and community-wide protection, the DEQ seeks to uphold its mission of protecting human health and the quality of the environment. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are public water systems, local government units, special districts, associations, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and tribes within Idaho. The impact goal is to improve the protection of one or more public water supply sources by reducing the threat of contaminants. Projects are expected to provide long-term benefits to source water quality, ultimately ensuring safe and reliable drinking water for communities across the state. The program prioritizes efforts that go beyond normal operational standards and existing infrastructure deficiencies, focusing on proactive and sustainable solutions. The program's priorities and focus areas are diverse, encompassing various strategies to protect source water. These include contaminant source identification through research, contaminant pathway removal such as the closure of abandoned wells, contaminant removal through hazardous waste collection and pollution prevention, and contaminant management via the implementation of best management practices and structures to divert contaminated runoff. Additionally, the grants support the restoration and conservation of ecological functions within source water protection areas, as well as education and information sharing campaigns to raise awareness. Security measures to protect physical extraction structures like wells, springs, and intake structures are also eligible, including fencing, gates, alarms, signs, cameras, locks, and lights directly related to source water area protection. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in the risk of drinking water contamination, improved source water quality, and enhanced long-term protection for public water supplies. The grants anticipate fostering a proactive approach to water resource management, leading to more resilient and secure drinking water systems. With up to $750,000 available for project funding in SFY2025, and a maximum request of $24,000 per project proposal, the program aims to support numerous initiatives that collectively contribute to a safer and more sustainable water future for Idaho. The emphasis on community public water supply systems and aquifer/watershed-wide protection efforts reflects a comprehensive strategic approach to water resource stewardship.

This funding opportunity provides $5 million to Minnesota's tribal nations and local governments for projects that improve community resilience against climate change impacts, such as extreme heat and wildfires.

The Regional Site Readiness Program’s Capital Ready Grant Program, funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, offers between $250,000 to $3,000,000 to local governments, economic development organizations, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, and private landowners for infrastructure and capital improvements to prepare sites for future industrial and manufacturing development across all counties in Illinois.

This grant provides financial support to Illinois artists and non-profit organizations for various arts-related projects, programming, events, and professional development opportunities.

This program provides financial support to nonprofit arts and culture organizations, local arts districts, and individual professionals in Pennsylvania to help them recover and stabilize after the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This grant provides funding to established researchers in Texas to advance innovative cancer research and prevention efforts, ultimately aiming to improve treatment and outcomes for cancer patients.