State Grants

The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program, funded by the USDA, allocates approximately $2 million for infrastructure grants to Vermont businesses and organizations aiming to strengthen local and regional food systems. The grants support projects that improve the aggregation, distribution, manufacturing, processing, storing, transporting, and wholesaling of Vermont food products. This track encourages development of Vermont value-added products and promotes fair wages and job creation. A 50% match is required, which can be reduced to 25% for historically underserved farmers. Grants range from $100,000 to $500,000 and are available from fall 2024 through February 2027.

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.

This award mechanism seeks to fund projects that will facilitate the dissemination and implementation of successful CPRIT Prevent Program-funded, evidence-based cancer prevention and control interventions across Texas. The proposed project should be able to develop one or more "products" based on the results of a previously CPRIT Prevention Program-funded intervention project. The proposed project should describe and package strategies or approaches for dissemination to other partners, settings, and populations in the state.

9th Round of Child Care Workforce Stabilization Grant (CCWS) The Department of Human Resources is pleased to announce the 9th round of the Child Care Workforce Stabilization Grant (CCWS). These grants have been issued to child care providers since the onset of the Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020, aiming to stabilize the child care community. The CCWS grants have significantly contributed to supporting recruitment and retention efforts in the sector. Grant Details: Grant Type: CCWS Grant Grant Amount: Bonus payment up to $3,000 to eligible child care staff Purpose: Staff retention and recruitment support Eligibility Requirements: Specific eligibility requirements outlined in the grant guidance accessible at https://dhr.alabama.gov/child-care/ Application period: April 17, 2024, to May 22, 2024 No late applications will be accepted All eligible providers must complete the initial application for this round

This program provides funding to support the development of bicycle networks, helping local governments and organizations improve access and connectivity for cyclists in their communities.

The GO TEXAN – Event (GTE) Grants, under the GO TEXAN – Marketing Enhancement Grant Assistance (MEGA) Program, are offered by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). This program is designed to provide funding to Associate GO TEXAN partners who coordinate public festivals, farmers markets, and events throughout Texas. The overarching mission of these grants aligns with promoting GO TEXAN businesses, their Texas-made products, and the broader GO TEXAN Program, thereby supporting the state's agricultural and local product industries. The target beneficiaries of the GTE program are Associate GO TEXAN partners who organize public events. The primary impact goal is to boost the visibility and sales of Texas-made products and to strengthen the GO TEXAN brand across the state. The program prioritizes events that effectively showcase and promote GO TEXAN businesses, ultimately aiming to increase consumer awareness and demand for local products. The expected outcomes include a greater number of public festivals, farmers markets, and events featuring GO TEXAN products. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of events supported, the reach of these events, and potentially the economic impact on participating GO TEXAN businesses, though specific metrics beyond event count are not detailed in the provided information. The grant program's strategic priorities are clearly centered on marketing and promotion of Texas products. While a formal "theory of change" is not explicitly stated, it is implicit that by providing financial assistance for event coordination, the TDA believes it can directly influence consumer behavior and market growth for GO TEXAN businesses. The program operates with a grant duration of two years, with projects anticipated to start on August 15, 2024, and conclude by December 31, 2025. Funding ranges from $5,000 to $20,000 per event.

Advancing Nonprofits offers the AMPT grant, a capacity-building initiative designed to strengthen the organizational health and long-term development of small nonprofits on Chicago’s West and South sides. The grant program directly aligns with Advancing Nonprofits' mission to support and empower Black/Latinx leaders and communities. This initiative is committed to transforming philanthropy by addressing systemic racial inequities and serving as a model for anti-racist systems and processes, reflecting a strategic priority to foster equitable and inclusive community development. The target beneficiaries for the AMPT grant are Black and Latine-led organizations with budgets under $2,000,000, serving Black and/or Latine neighborhoods in Chicago, specifically on the South and/or West side. The program also prioritizes organizations that have not previously received a grant from AMPT or another funding entity. The impact goals are to amplify, build power within, and support communities of color in thriving and living happy, healthy lives, ultimately contributing to community well-being and self-sufficiency. The grant prioritizes projects that enhance organizational capacity, such as supplementing program expenses, developing new programs, providing professional development for staff, or covering fees related to hiring external consultants. This focus aims to build stronger, more resilient organizations capable of effectively serving their communities. The expected outcomes include increased organizational stability, enhanced program delivery, and the development of leadership skills within beneficiary organizations. The Advancing Nonprofits' strategic priorities and theory of change are centered on the belief that by investing in and empowering Black/Latinx-led nonprofits, systemic racial inequities can be addressed, and communities of color can achieve greater well-being and power. The $5,000 capacity-building grant is a direct mechanism to support these organizations, enabling them to expand their reach and impact. Measurable results would include the successful implementation of funded projects, improvements in organizational capacity, and ultimately, a positive impact on the communities served by these strengthened nonprofits.

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 Projects for Organizations grant opportunity, offered by the Idaho Commission on the Arts, aims to support public projects and events by nonprofit organizations, informal arts groups applying through fiscal agents, and arts-in-education projects within schools and school districts. This grant aligns with the Commission's mission to foster arts and culture within Idaho by directly funding initiatives that engage the public and promote arts education. The program specifically targets organizations operating in Idaho for at least one year with a valid 501(c)(3) status or governmental units including schools. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are the citizens of Idaho, who benefit from increased access to public arts projects and events, and students within the state, who gain from enhanced arts-in-education programming. The impact goals include enriching community life through cultural offerings and fostering artistic development and appreciation. The grant prioritizes projects that compensate professional artists and meet specific eligibility criteria, ensuring a high standard of artistic endeavor and professional practice. Funding information indicates that grants are up to $1,100 and require a 1:1 match (cash or in-kind), funding up to 50% of projected expenses. This demonstrates a strategic priority to leverage additional resources and encourage community investment in arts projects. While specific measurable results beyond successful project completion and financial accountability are not explicitly detailed, the focus on public projects and arts-in-education implies expected outcomes such as increased community engagement in the arts and improved arts literacy among students. The Idaho Commission on the Arts' strategic priority, as reflected in this grant, is to provide accessible funding for a diverse range of artistic and cultural projects across all counties in Idaho. Their theory of change appears to be that by providing financial support and setting clear eligibility and project guidelines, they can empower local organizations and schools to deliver high-quality arts experiences, thereby enriching communities and fostering a vibrant arts ecosystem throughout the state. The requirement for final reports for past grants also indicates a commitment to accountability and continuous improvement within their funding programs.

The Oregon Arts Commission's Arts Learning Grants program aims to foster high-quality projects that enhance learning in and through the arts for K-12 students. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission by promoting artistic engagement and education, recognizing the vital role of arts in student development. The program seeks to bridge the gap between artists and educators, facilitating a knowledge exchange that enriches both teaching practices and student experiences. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are K-12 students who will gain responsive learning opportunities in the arts. The program also targets artists and educators, fostering collaboration and professional development. The overarching impact goals are to improve the achievement, skills, and attitudes of learners by providing access to high-quality arts education. This focuses on holistic development, recognizing that arts education contributes to academic success, critical thinking, and personal growth. Key priorities for this grant include the quality of learning opportunities, the responsiveness of the project to specific population needs, and the appropriateness of the selected teaching artists' skill sets. Artistic excellence and merit are also critical considerations. The program emphasizes strong project support, evaluating the readiness of staff, the viability of recruitment plans for target populations, and the commitment to supporting teaching artists throughout the project. The clarity and relevance of the project budget are also reviewed to ensure efficient and effective use of funds. Expected outcomes include enhanced artistic skills, improved attitudes towards learning, and increased achievement among K-12 students. Measurable results will be assessed based on the articulation of changes in learners as a result of the project and the viability of the process used to measure these changes. This structured evaluation approach ensures that projects are not only well-intentioned but also demonstrably effective in achieving their stated goals. The Oregon Arts Commission's strategic priority through this program is to strengthen arts education across the state. While a specific "theory of change" is not explicitly detailed, it can be inferred that the commission believes that by investing in high-quality arts learning opportunities and fostering collaboration between artists and educators, K-12 students will experience improved outcomes in their artistic abilities, academic achievement, and personal development, ultimately contributing to a more culturally enriched and educated populace.

The District of Columbia Department of Human Services (DHS), Family Services Administration (FSA), is offering a grant for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 to provide Emergency Shelter and Supportive Services, Non-residential Counseling and Case Management, and Education and Outreach. This grant aligns with the federal Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) state grant, which DHS administers in partnership with the DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence (DCCADV). The program's mission is to prevent incidents of family, domestic, and dating violence, and to provide comprehensive support for survivors and their dependents. This directly aligns with the broader goal of fostering community safety and well-being by addressing the root causes and immediate needs related to violence. The target beneficiaries of this grant are survivors of family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence, and their dependents. This includes children exposed to violence, underserved populations, and victims from racial and ethnic minority populations. The impact goals are to provide immediate shelter and supportive services, offer access to community-based programs, and deliver specialized services that address the unique needs of vulnerable groups. The program aims to create a safe and supportive environment for individuals and families impacted by violence, enabling them to heal and rebuild their lives. The grant prioritizes three key categories: Shelter and Supportive Services, Non-residential Counseling and Case Management, and Education and Outreach. The funding allocation reflects these priorities, with the largest portion dedicated to Shelter and Supportive Services ($567,522.20), followed by equal amounts for Non-residential Counseling and Case Management ($101,343.25) and Education and Outreach ($101,343.25). These categories are designed to provide a holistic approach to addressing violence, from immediate crisis intervention to long-term prevention and recovery. The strategic priorities are to establish, maintain, and expand programs that effectively prevent violence and support survivors. Expected outcomes include a reduction in incidents of family, domestic, and dating violence, increased access to immediate shelter and supportive services for survivors, and enhanced community-based programs. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of individuals served, the duration of shelter provided, the utilization of counseling and case management services, and the reach of education and outreach initiatives. The theory of change posits that by providing comprehensive and culturally appropriate services, the program can empower survivors, prevent future violence, and foster safer communities for all. The total estimated program award funding for this grant is $770,209.00, with an award period from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. Eligibility criteria specify that entities must be a local public agency or a nonprofit private organization (including faith-based, charitable, community-based, tribal, and voluntary associations) with a documented history of effective work concerning family, domestic, or dating violence. Partnerships of two or more agencies or organizations, including one with the described experience and another with a demonstrated history of serving populations with culturally appropriate services, are also eligible.

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 Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) aims to elevate the standard of living in rural Maryland to or beyond statewide averages by 2030, while simultaneously preserving the unique cultural heritage and rural way of life. The fund, overseen by the Rural Maryland Council, provides targeted investments in economic and community development programs. This aligns with a broader mission to encourage entrepreneurial activity, foster a balanced economy, and relieve unemployment and underemployment in rural areas, ultimately promoting the overall health and welfare of rural residents across the State. RMPIF targets all rural counties in Maryland, benefiting local governments, higher education institutions, regional councils, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving rural constituencies. The core impact goal is to facilitate sustainable rural development by enabling these organizations to leverage additional non-state resources. Key priorities include the retention of valuable farm and forest land, promotion of intergovernmental and public-private partnerships, enhancement of essential infrastructure (housing, transportation, water, wastewater, broadband), and support for rural commercial center redevelopment and community revitalization efforts. The program's expected outcomes include increased entrepreneurial activity and commerce, a reduction in unemployment and underemployment, the productive use of farm and forest land, and improved infrastructure and services in rural areas. Measurable results for Fiscal Year 2025 include a State budget of $1,500,000 in General Funds specifically allocated for the entrepreneurship portion of the RMPIF program. The fund's theory of change posits that strategic investments and collaborative efforts will lead to a more prosperous, sustainable, and equitable future for rural Maryland, directly contributing to the well-being and economic stability of its residents. Eligible expenditures for RMPIF include salaries and wages, administrative costs (construction, leasing, renovation of buildings, purchase/rental of vehicles, equipment), and reasonable meal costs with justification. Administrative expenses, however, are capped at 25% of the grant request, and indirect administrative costs at 10%. Acquisition of land is not an eligible expense. Applicants are strongly encouraged to include a statement on sustainability for future years, ensuring the long-term impact and viability of the funded initiatives.

The LGBTQIA+ National Grant, provided by Founders First Community Development Corporation, aims to empower eligible small businesses within the LGBTQIA+ community. This initiative directly aligns with Founders First's overarching mission to foster the growth of diverse founder-led businesses that generate over $1 million in annual revenues. By offering financial support and valuable resources, the program seeks to address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs and contribute to their economic success and sustainability. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are LGBTQIA+ identifying business owners who serve as CEO, President, or Business Owner of an active, U.S.-based business. To be eligible, businesses must have an annual revenue not exceeding $5 million, employ between 2 to 100 individuals, and have been in operation for a minimum of one year. The impact goal is to make significant investments in 25 LGBTQIA+ led businesses across the United States, thereby facilitating their growth and increasing their capacity for job creation and community contribution. The program prioritizes businesses that meet the outlined eligibility criteria, focusing on those with a demonstrated need for capital and a clear potential for growth. Beyond the direct financial support of $25,000 grant packages, a key focus is providing access to resources. This includes connecting grant recipients with like-minded entrepreneurs through the Founders First family network, and offering exclusive access to webinars and other valuable educational resources designed to enhance business acumen and operational efficiency. The expected outcomes of the LGBTQIA+ National Grant include the direct financial empowerment of 25 small businesses within the LGBTQIA+ community. Measurable results will include the number of businesses receiving grants, their continued operation and growth, and their engagement with the provided resources. Founders First's strategic priorities are clearly centered on increasing the number of successful, diverse founder-led businesses, and this grant program serves as a critical component of their theory of change, which posits that targeted financial investment combined with robust support systems will lead to sustained economic impact and a more equitable entrepreneurial landscape.

The Sharks Foundation's Community Assist Grant program aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance the lives of youth and families in the community. This is achieved through a focus on education, health and safety, and character development. The grant is designed to support non-profit organizations that are dedicated to these areas, providing financial assistance ranging from $10,000 to $300,000. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are youth and families, with a special emphasis on at-risk and underrepresented populations within the Bay Area, specifically San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz counties, including Gilroy. The foundation's impact goals are to close opportunity gaps, build future leaders, drive innovation, provide educational resources to underserved communities, and create pathways to employment and career readiness. This is supported by funding programs that directly benefit youth or youth and their families. The grant program has specific monthly focal areas and giving campaigns, which include September for Latinx and Hispanic Heritage, October for Healthy Living, November for Hockey Fights Cancer, December for Holiday Assist, January for Education Equity, February for Celebration of Black History, March for Equality, April for Environmental Awareness, May for Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage, and June for Pride. These campaigns highlight the foundation's diverse priorities and its commitment to fostering inclusive communities and positive social change. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the direct benefit of grant funding to youth and families, with 100% of the funds used for their exclusive benefit and at least 51% directly benefiting those in the Bay Area. Funding must be applied to specific programming elements and used by July 1, 2025. The foundation’s strategic priorities are evident in its focus on supporting organizations that address critical community needs and align with its monthly campaigns, thereby driving its theory of change through targeted, impactful investments in youth and family development.

The Proposition 47 Request for Proposals (RFP), announced by the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC), aims to provide approximately $152 million in grant funding over a period from October 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028. This program aligns with the BSCC's mission to enhance public safety and criminal justice in California by focusing on rehabilitation and community-based solutions, rather than solely incarceration. The grant is designed to support mental health services, substance use disorder treatment, and diversion programs for individuals within the criminal justice system. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are people in the criminal justice system in California who require mental health services, substance use disorder treatment, and/or diversion programs. Eligible applicants are public agencies located within the State of California, including counties, cities, Indian reservations or Rancherias, school districts, municipal corporations, and various other public entities. The overarching impact goal is to reduce recidivism, improve public health outcomes, and foster safer communities by addressing the root causes of criminal behavior. The program prioritizes the provision of mental health services, substance use disorder treatment, and diversion programs. Additionally, applicants are strongly encouraged to offer supplemental housing-related services and other community-based supportive services. These supportive services include job skills training, case management, and civil legal services, which are critical for successful reintegration into society and long-term stability. The grant structure includes two categories: a Small Scope Category, offering up to $2 million per project with $60.8 million available in total, and a Large Scope Category, providing between $2 million and $8 million per project, with $91.2 million in total funds available. The expected outcomes include a measurable increase in access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment, a reduction in the number of individuals entering or re-entering the criminal justice system, and improved rates of employment and stable housing for program participants. The BSCC's strategic priorities, reflected in this RFP, emphasize evidence-based practices and community-driven solutions. The underlying theory of change posits that by investing in comprehensive services that address the social and economic determinants of criminal behavior, individuals can achieve sustained recovery and successful community reintegration, thereby leading to a more just and equitable society.

The California Interagency Council on Homelessness (Cal ICH) is offering $20 million in Tribal Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (Tribal HHAP) grant funding. This program is designed to provide culturally responsive solutions to address homelessness within tribal communities in California. The foundation's mission, as evidenced by this grant, aligns with supporting self-determination and empowering tribal communities to design and implement interventions tailored to their unique needs. The target beneficiaries are California Federally Recognized Tribes. The primary impact goal is to reduce homelessness by enabling these communities to develop and implement a variety of interventions. The program prioritizes culturally responsive programming and tribal self-determination, ensuring that solutions are relevant and effective for the communities they serve. The Tribal HHAP program supports flexible use of funds across broad categories including permanent housing solutions, interim housing solutions, and services. This flexibility is a strategic priority, allowing tribes to address the specific housing and support needs of their members. The theory of change is that by providing funding directly to tribal communities and allowing them to design their own interventions, more effective and sustainable solutions to homelessness will emerge. Expected outcomes include an increase in available housing solutions (both permanent and interim) and an expansion of services aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness within tribal communities. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the program's emphasis on culturally responsive solutions and tribal expertise suggests that success will be measured by the effectiveness of the implemented interventions in meeting community needs and improving housing stability.

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.

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 Wyoming Arts Council's Visual Arts Fellowships, established in 1986, offer $5,000 unrestricted awards of merit to Wyoming visual artists. These fellowships are based on the artist's portfolio, recognizing serious and exceptional aesthetic investigation. The program's mission aligns with the broader goal of fostering artistic excellence and supporting the creative community within Wyoming. The target beneficiaries are Wyoming residents who are visual artists, at least 18 years of age, not full-time students in art-related degrees, and who meet specific residency and citizenship criteria. The impact goal is to honor and support the work of these artists, providing them with financial assistance and opportunities for recognition and exhibition. The program prioritizes artists working in any media, including film and video, whose work demonstrates a high level of aesthetic investigation. Applications are juried by external artists, curators, and visual arts professionals. Up to three fellowships may be awarded annually, along with honorable mentions, emphasizing a focus on quality and artistic merit. Expected outcomes include the continued production of high-quality visual art by Wyoming artists, increased visibility for these artists through the Wyoming Arts Council Biennial Exhibit, and sustained artistic development within the state. Measurable results include the number of fellowships awarded, the participation of recipients in the biennial exhibit, and the overall quality and impact of the artists' work. The foundation's strategic priorities are to support individual artists, promote artistic excellence, and contribute to the cultural landscape of Wyoming through direct financial support and exhibition opportunities.