State Grants

The 2024 P.E.A.R.L. Pledge Grant, offered by the Pearl Milling Company, is a significant philanthropic initiative providing $1 million in annual grants to nonprofit organizations. This program is deeply aligned with the foundation's mission to make a "P.E.A.R.L. impact" in communities, specifically focusing on addressing systemic barriers and fostering the holistic success of Black women and girls. The grant program seeks to support organizations that resonate with its core pillars, ensuring that the funding contributes to meaningful and targeted community development. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are Black girls and women, with programming specifically designed to serve their needs. The impact goals are ambitious and multifaceted, aiming to create lasting positive change across various areas. The grant prioritizes organizations that work towards prosperity, empowerment, access, representation, and leadership, as defined by the P.E.A.R.L. Pledge Pillars. These pillars serve as the strategic framework for the grant, guiding the selection of grantees and the anticipated outcomes of the funded projects. Under the Prosperity pillar, the grant focuses on alleviating systemic barriers and inequities in critical areas such as food, housing, employment, financial support, and generational wealth. The Empowerment pillar aims to inspire and encourage Black women and girls in confidence-building, self-esteem, and mental and physical health. Access is concentrated on enhancing equal opportunity in education and entrepreneurship, including scholarships, grants, capital, and financial literacy. Representation seeks to elevate Black women and girls in fields like culinary arts, food innovation, science, and media support. Lastly, the Leadership pillar is dedicated to advancing skill development and providing resources for emerging talent in public speaking, strategic thinking, teambuilding, and mentorship. The expected outcomes and measurable results are directly tied to the objectives of each P.E.A.R.L. Pledge Pillar. For instance, grants under Prosperity are expected to show reductions in food insecurity or increased access to stable housing. Empowerment-focused grants would aim for improvements in self-esteem metrics or mental health outcomes. Access-oriented projects would measure increases in educational attainment or entrepreneurial success, while Representation would look for greater visibility and opportunities for Black women and girls in specified industries. Leadership initiatives would track advancements in skill development and mentorship engagement. The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly articulated through these pillars, demonstrating a comprehensive theory of change that posits by investing in these specific areas, a substantial and sustainable impact will be achieved for Black women and girls and their communities.

The Secured School Safety Grant (SSSG) program is an Indiana state-allocated fund designed to enhance school safety through matching grants. This program directly aligns with a foundation's mission focused on ensuring the well-being and security of educational environments, as it provides critical resources for creating safer schools. The grants are available to school corporations, accredited non-public schools, charter schools, and coalitions of school corporations, ensuring a broad reach across the state's educational landscape. The core objective is to mitigate threats, improve emergency response capabilities, and foster a secure learning atmosphere for students and staff. The target beneficiaries of the SSSG program are primarily students, school employees, and the broader school communities within Indiana. The impact goals are comprehensive, aiming to reduce the incidence of violence, enhance preparedness for critical incidents, and support the mental and behavioral health of students. The grant seeks to achieve these goals by funding initiatives that directly address vulnerabilities and promote a proactive approach to safety. The SSSG program focuses on several key priorities. These include the employment of school resource officers or law enforcement officers, conducting site vulnerability assessments and critical incident digital mapping, and purchasing equipment to restrict access, manage visitors, expedite first responder notification and access, and detect various threats. The program also prioritizes enhancing emergency communications, assisting with emergency medical response, implementing student and parent support services, and providing training for canine units and school employees on safety-related topics. Furthermore, it supports the design and construction of security-enhancing additions or renovations, bullying prevention programs, and active event warning systems. Expected outcomes include a measurable improvement in school security infrastructure and protocols, a reduction in safety incidents, and an increased sense of safety among students and staff. The program also anticipates enhanced preparedness for emergencies and more effective responses when incidents occur. Through these direct interventions and support for proactive safety measures, the SSSG contributes to a strategic priority of fostering safe and supportive learning environments. The underlying theory of change is that by investing in robust security measures, well-trained personnel, and comprehensive support systems, schools can deter threats, effectively manage crises, and ultimately create an optimal environment for student success and well-being. This grant directly contributes to a foundation's strategic goal of promoting community safety and educational excellence by providing tangible resources to achieve these critical objectives.

The 2025 Clean Water Construction Treatment Works Projects grant program, offered by the District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), seeks to fund voluntary projects that will enhance clean water in District streams and rivers. This initiative directly aligns with the broader mission of environmental stewardship and public health by addressing critical water quality issues within the District. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are the residents and ecosystems of the District of Columbia, who will benefit from improved water quality and a healthier environment. The program's impact goals are centered on achieving compliance with the Clean Water Act (CWA) and fostering a sustainable water infrastructure. This will lead to cleaner waterways, enhanced biodiversity, and a safer environment for all District inhabitants. The program prioritizes projects within four key categories: Sewage Infrastructure, Stormwater Grey Infrastructure, Stormwater Green Infrastructure, and Emerging Contaminants Infrastructure. These categories reflect strategic priorities aimed at comprehensive water management, addressing both traditional and emerging threats to water quality. The focus on these specific areas is designed to create a holistic approach to clean water initiatives, from reducing sewage overflow to managing urban runoff and tackling new pollutants. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in water pollution, improved ecological health of District streams and rivers, and enhanced public awareness of clean water issues. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on CWA compliance strongly implies metrics related to water quality standards and pollutant reduction. The DOEE's strategic priorities, rooted in the Clean Water Act, guide this program, and it operates under the theory of change that by investing in infrastructure and innovative solutions, the District can achieve and maintain healthy water systems for current and future generations. The minimum project cost requirement of $250,000 indicates a focus on substantive, impactful projects.

The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) is offering a grant to reduce harmful chemical exposure for individuals in disadvantaged communities and to increase the use of safer and more sustainable cleaning products among Cleaning Service Providers (CSPs) serving or residing in District Wards 5, 7, and 8. This initiative aligns with the broader mission of environmental justice and public health by directly addressing disparities in environmental exposure. The grant, funded by the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) FY 2023 Pollution Prevention Grant, supports the DOEE Green Cleaning Program (GCP), which seeks to promote the adoption of environmentally friendly cleaning practices. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are individuals in disadvantaged communities within District Wards 5, 7, and 8, who will experience reduced harmful chemical exposure. Additionally, Cleaning Service Providers (CSPs) in these wards will benefit from financial and technical resources to transition to safer products. The impact goals are to improve public health outcomes by mitigating environmental hazards and to foster a more sustainable cleaning industry within these specific communities. The program’s strategic priorities include outreach, capacity building, networking, and subsidizing initial transition costs to overcome barriers to adoption. The grant's focus is on incentivizing CSPs from or working in Wards 5, 7, and 8 to adopt safer cleaning products. This involves identifying eligible CSPs, developing and implementing an outreach strategy, providing technical assistance, and managing subsidies to facilitate the initial shift. The theory of change is that by supporting CSPs in their transition, the use of safer products will increase, directly leading to a reduction in harmful chemical exposure for residents in the targeted disadvantaged communities. Expected outcomes include effective management of the DC Green Cleaning Program, successful community outreach and engagement, provision of participant support, and enhanced capacity building among CSPs. Measurable results will be reported on the transitioning process and lessons learned, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in achieving its goals. The project aims to contribute to best practices in pollution prevention and environmental justice, with a total available funding of $284,000 for a 24-month project period.

The 2024 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards, presented by the Kansas Department of Commerce, is an annual program designed to recognize companies and individuals throughout Kansas for their significant positive impact on their communities and the state's economy. While the provided text doesn't explicitly detail the "foundation's mission alignment" or "strategic priorities and theory of change" in a traditional philanthropic sense, the program's very existence aligns with a governmental department's mission to foster economic growth, community development, and business excellence within the state. The "awards and prizes" grant type indicates a focus on acknowledging past achievements and incentivizing future contributions rather than funding new projects. The target beneficiaries of this program are a diverse group of companies and individuals across various sectors in Kansas. The impact goals are clearly to acknowledge and celebrate those making a positive difference, thereby indirectly encouraging continued innovation, community engagement, and economic contributions. The program aims to highlight success stories, which can serve to inspire other businesses and individuals, contributing to a more vibrant and prosperous Kansas. The program's priorities and focuses are outlined through its specific award categories. These include AgriBusiness for agricultural excellence; Apprenticeship Champions and Partners for entities excelling in registered apprenticeship programs; Business Innovation for companies incorporating innovative technologies; Healthcare/Nonprofit for noteworthy services; Manufacturing/Distribution for outstanding achievement in these sectors; Non-Traditional Talent Pools for companies hiring individuals with justice system involvement, youth, seniors, or individuals with disabilities; Retail/Service for exceptional performance; Under 30 Entrepreneurs for young business successes; and Welcome Back for entrepreneurs who have returned to Kansas. These categories demonstrate a broad interest in supporting a diverse and inclusive economic landscape. The expected outcomes and measurable results, while not explicitly quantified in the provided text, can be inferred from the nature of an awards program. Success would be measured by the number and quality of nominations, the recognition of deserving entities, and the positive publicity generated for the awardees and the state's business environment. The program implicitly aims to strengthen the Kansas economy by promoting excellence and showcasing successful models, which could lead to increased investment, job creation, and overall economic vitality.

This competitive fellowship provides $5,000 to Maine-based artists across various disciplines to support their professional development and recognize their artistic excellence.

The Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants (OVSJG) is offering crime victim services grant funding for FY 2025 in the District of Columbia. The primary purpose of this grant is to enhance and maintain a comprehensive network of trauma-informed services for victims of crime. This includes addressing issues of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault with a focus on victim safety and offender accountability. The grant also aims to improve the treatment of crime victims by providing necessary assistance and services to aid their restoration after a violent criminal act, and to support them through the criminal and civil justice processes. The funding period for these projects is from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. The target beneficiaries of this grant are victims of crime in the District of Columbia. The impact goals are to create a more comprehensive and coordinated network of services and referral systems, ensuring that victims receive trauma-informed care and support. The grant seeks to aid victims in their recovery and help them navigate the justice system effectively. The priorities and focuses of the grant include strengthening a coordinated network of services and referral systems for crime victims in the District. Specific funding sources supporting these efforts include Locally Appropriated Funds (LOCAL), the Stop Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program (VAWA), the Crime Victim Assistance Grant Program (VOCA), and the Sexual Assault Services Formula Grant Program (SASP). Expected outcomes include a more robust and accessible system of trauma-informed services for crime victims, leading to improved victim safety, increased offender accountability, and better support for victims' restoration and engagement with the justice system. The measurable results would likely involve metrics related to the number of victims served, types of services provided, improvements in victim well-being, and the effectiveness of coordinated referral systems, though specific metrics are not detailed in the provided information. Eligibility for this grant extends to any public or private, community-based non-profit agency, organization, or institution with an active System for Awards Management (SAM) registration and Unique Entity ID, along with a District business license, that provides services or goods within the district. For-profit organizations are eligible for local funding, provided they do not include profit in their grant application, and can also participate as subcontractors.

The Scholarships for Opportunity and Results (SOAR) Act Educator Pipeline grants, issued by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), aim to enhance the quality and quantity of educators within District of Columbia (DC) public charter schools. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission by directly addressing the critical need for a robust and skilled educator workforce, thereby supporting educational excellence and opportunity for students in DC's charter school system. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are DC public charter local education agencies (LEAs) and third-party nonprofit charter support organizations. The overarching impact goal is to strengthen the educator supply chain for DC public charter schools, ensuring that these schools have access to high-quality teaching staff. The grant prioritizes organizations with a demonstrated history of success in developing similar educator pipeline programs within DC charter schools. Expected outcomes include an increased pool of qualified educators for DC public charter schools and improved educational outcomes for students due to enhanced teacher quality. Measurable results will be based on the number of educators impacted and the success of the pipeline programs in placing and retaining teachers. Awards are made on a per-teacher basis, not exceeding $10,000 per teacher, demonstrating a focus on directly supporting individual educator development. The grant program's strategic priorities are centered on fostering collaboration between LEAs and experienced nonprofit organizations to leverage their expertise in educator development. The theory of change posits that by investing in proven educator pipeline programs, OSSE can directly influence the supply and quality of educators, leading to a stronger public charter school system in DC and ultimately improving student learning experiences and achievements.

The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) Support for Organizations grant program offers flexible general operating and programming funding for non-profit organizations across all counties in New York State. This grant aims to align with a mission of fostering a vibrant artistic and cultural landscape within the state by providing crucial financial support to organizations that contribute to the public's engagement with arts and culture. The program's design reflects a commitment to nurturing creativity and ensuring public access to diverse artistic experiences. Target beneficiaries for this grant include non-profit organizations, State or Federally recognized Native American nations, and units of local or federal government in New York State that offer arts/cultural programming open to the public. There is a strong emphasis on organizations that prioritize service to historically underrepresented communities and demonstrate conscientiousness in removing barriers to participation. The impact goals are to support well-designed, distinctive, and relevant programming that makes a significant and creative contribution to the field, artists, and/or the public, while also promoting inclusive marketing and active connections within local or artistic communities. The program's priorities and focuses are articulated through three main evaluation criteria: Creativity, Public Service, and Managerial & Financial. Creativity assesses whether programming reflects a clear artistic/cultural vision, is well-designed, distinctive, relevant, and makes a significant contribution. Public Service focuses on an organization's commitment to underrepresented communities, understanding of its service area, inclusive marketing, and community engagement. Managerial & Financial criteria ensure that organizations have skilled leadership, sound financial management, best practices in governance, and clear artist compensation information. Expected outcomes include a stronger, more diverse, and more accessible arts and cultural sector in New York State. Organizations receiving funding are anticipated to deliver high-quality, impactful programming that enriches communities and supports artists. Measurable results will be assessed through the application of the three evaluation criteria. While specific quantitative metrics are not detailed in the provided information, the qualitative criteria suggest that successful outcomes will be evidenced by programming that meets organizational missions, demonstrates clear public service, and is underpinned by strong managerial and financial practices. Awards range from $10,000 to $49,500, indicating a strategic allocation of resources to support a broad spectrum of eligible organizations.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CT DOT) is offering the 2024 Active Transportation Microgrant Program to solicit projects aimed at improving active transportation. This grant program aligns with a mission to foster equitable, safe, accessible, and sustainable transportation options, thereby encouraging healthier and more environmentally friendly travel modes. The program's core objective is to make conditions safer for individuals of all ages to engage in walking, biking, and other active forms of transit, contributing to broader community well-being and environmental sustainability. The primary beneficiaries of this program include municipalities, schools, school districts, and nonprofit organizations, all of which are encouraged to apply. The impact goals are centered on enhancing access and conditions for active transportation users across Connecticut. This includes increasing safety for pedestrians and cyclists, promoting the use of non-motorized transport, and supporting educational initiatives that raise awareness about active transportation benefits and safety. The program prioritizes non-infrastructure projects, explicitly excluding design and construction costs. Eligible activities focus on improving access and conditions for active transportation users. This includes providing bicycle helmets, locks, lights, and maintenance training. It also covers the rental or purchase of bicycle fleets, including adaptive bicycles, League Cycling Instructor (LCI) training, and various programs and materials for pedestrian and bicycle safety education, such as safety vests. The emphasis is on practical, immediate interventions that directly support active transportation without requiring extensive infrastructural development. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in the adoption of active transportation methods, a reduction in accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists due to enhanced safety measures, and a rise in community participation in active transportation events and educational programs. The funding limits for individual microgrants range up to $5,000, with an overall grant size between $1,000 and $10,000, indicating a focus on numerous smaller-scale, impactful projects rather than a few large ones. This approach suggests a strategic priority to broadly distribute resources to foster active transportation at a grassroots level across various communities in Connecticut.

This grant provides funding for a variety of entities, including governments, educational institutions, and farmers, to research and demonstrate the integration of solar energy systems with agricultural practices in Colorado.

This program provides funding to states, local communities, tribes, and territories for projects that reduce disaster risks and enhance resilience through innovative infrastructure improvements and hazard mitigation planning.

This funding opportunity is designed to support projects that improve water and habitat conditions affected by climate change, targeting wildlife conservation efforts and emergency restoration activities.

This grant provides funding to California's public higher education institutions to develop innovative AI projects that improve teaching and learning outcomes through collaboration among faculty and institutions.

Impact Projects grants support arts organizations for collaborations between local artist(s) and community members to develop and express their own creative and artistic goals and address a community-defined need. Collaborative projects will utilize various creative practices to impact social issues affecting their communities, including but not limited to systemic marginalization, incarceration/justice systems, arts learning, poverty/economic disparity, health disparities, accessibility for people with disabilities, housing insecurity, violence, food insecurity, cultural/social justice, intergenerational/multigenerational learning, veterans’ issues, and environmental sustainability

This funding opportunity provides financial support to conservation districts in Utah to organize workshops and conferences that educate agricultural producers on soil health practices.

Projects should address one or more of the following Creative Youth Development program goals: Provide social-emotional creative experiences in safe, healthy and appropriate learning environments. Foster creative abilities of youth through culturally and linguistically responsive arts learning. Support arts programs that seek to activate youth voices, narratives, and perspectives. Utilize cultural assets of the local community to support positive self-identification and respect for diverse cultures. Empower youth through the preservation, revitalization, and/or reclamation of cultural practices. Cultivate the development of transferable life skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, and collaboration.

The Minneapolis Foundation's Reimagine Education grants initiative seeks to advance equity and support youth voice within local K-12 schools, aligning with the foundation's broader mission of fostering a more just and vibrant community. This grant program is designed to create a bridge between schools, families, and communities by empowering student and community voices. The foundation's strategic priority in this area is to address systemic barriers to racial equity in Minnesota’s education system, reflecting a theory of change that emphasizes community-led solutions and culturally responsive educational practices to improve academic and social outcomes for students. Target beneficiaries for these grants include public schools, school districts, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits that work with students, parents, and community members. The program specifically prioritizes proposals impacting Minneapolis but also considers organizations in inner-ring suburbs such as Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Robbinsdale, and St. Louis Park. The impact goals are centered on elevating student and community power, providing educators with equity and race understanding, and advocating for policies that promote racial equity. The grant program's priorities and focuses are multifaceted, encompassing student leadership and power building, recruitment and retention of diverse educators, principal and teacher leadership, development of equity and climate frameworks, and local/state policy advocacy. It also supports professional development for educators in evidence-based literacy instruction, strategies for student mental health, and efforts to engage students and families in decision-making. These areas collectively aim to create more inclusive school environments and improve educational outcomes for all students. Expected outcomes and measurable results include improved school climates, enhanced academic outcomes, increased understanding of race and equity among educators, and the implementation of culturally responsive and inclusive school strategies. The grants aim to foster stronger connections between schools and communities, leading to more equitable and supportive educational experiences. Funding ranges from $10,000 to $75,000, with an average award of $25,000 to $40,000, for a grant period from September 2, 2024, to June 13, 2025, ensuring a focused and impactful investment in critical areas of educational equity.

Grantees will be required to accomplish the following within the Grant Activity Period: Convene a standing committee of community members and stakeholders tosupport development of new SLP structure and strategic framework. Model equity practices and principles in the development of new SLP mission,vision, programming, and services. Identify and retain a dedicated staff member to lead new SLP and provide mentorship to that individual. Identify and maintain an accessible public office space for the new SLP. Create and implement a realistic operating budget for new SLP, with appropriate portion of grant funds going directly to support new SLP. Supply anticipated outcomes for a one-year grant and outline any next steps anticipated to occur beyond the grant activity period to fulfill the goals of the grant program. 

The nature of this partnership includes funding, information exchange, cooperative activities, and leadership. The partnership enables individuals, organizations, and communities to create, present, and preserve the arts of all cultures to enrich the quality of life for all Californians.