Oklahoma Employment Labor and Training Grants

The WVDEP’s Office of Abandoned Mine Lands and Reclamation (AML) administers the AMLER Program, a federal funding initiative designed to support economic development projects on abandoned mine lands. This program aligns with the foundational mission of protecting public health, safety, and property, and restoring land and water resources degraded by past coal mining practices. It specifically targets projects located on or adjacent to mine sites that ceased operations before the Surface Mine Control and Reclamation Act was signed, addressing environmental liabilities and fostering economic revitalization in affected communities. The target beneficiaries of the AMLER Program are communities and environments impacted by abandoned mine lands. The primary impact goals include mitigating extreme dangers posed by coal mining practices, enhancing public health and safety, and rehabilitating natural resources. This involves the conservation and development of soil, water, woodland, fish and wildlife, recreation resources, and agricultural productivity. The program aims to transform former mine sites into productive assets, thereby improving the overall well-being and economic prospects of the regions. The program's priorities are directly established by SMCRA, focusing on three key areas. Firstly, it prioritizes the protection of public health, safety, and property from the extreme dangers and adverse effects of coal mining. Secondly, it emphasizes the broader protection of public health and safety from all adverse effects of such practices. Thirdly, a significant focus is on the restoration of land and water resources and the environment that has been previously degraded by these mining activities. This holistic approach ensures that both immediate dangers and long-term environmental damage are addressed. Eligibility criteria for the AMLER Program extend to noncoal lands and water if they were mined or affected by mining processes, abandoned in an unreclaimed or inadequately reclaimed condition prior to August 3rd, 1977, and lack ongoing reclamation responsibility from an operator or the state. The reclamation must be requested by the Governor or equivalent tribal head and be necessary to protect public health, safety, general welfare, and property from extreme dangers of adverse effects of noncoal mining practices. These stringent criteria ensure that funding is directed to areas with the most critical needs and clear justification for intervention. Expected outcomes of the AMLER Program include enhanced public safety through the removal of hazards, improved environmental quality through land and water restoration, and stimulated economic development in historically affected areas. Measurable results would include the number of acres reclaimed, the reduction in reported hazards, improvements in water and soil quality, and the creation of new recreational or agricultural opportunities. The program's strategic priorities are rooted in a theory of change where targeted investment in abandoned mine land reclamation directly leads to environmental recovery, public safety improvements, and sustainable economic growth for communities that have historically borne the brunt of mining's adverse effects.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in rural Oklahoma communities with populations under 50,000, aiming to strengthen local initiatives and foster community partnerships.

This funding opportunity provides up to $40,000 for community groups and local agencies in the Oklahoma City Metro area to enhance public spaces through projects like tree planting and landscaping that promote public engagement and accessibility.

This funding opportunity supports Oklahoma municipalities in implementing initiatives that promote tobacco-free environments, improve access to healthy foods, and encourage physical activity to enhance community health and well-being.

The Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SSARE) Education Grants program is designed to fund education and outreach activities that benefit the sustainable agriculture community. This grant directly aligns with SSARE's mission to promote efforts in farmer innovations, community resilience, business success, agricultural diversification, and best management practices. The core objective is to support projects that develop sustainable agriculture systems or move existing systems towards sustainability. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are farmers and farming communities, including those involved in indigenous agriculture producing for community food systems. Academic institutions, non-profits, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), 1890 land-grant university faculty/extension cooperators, 1862 land-grant universities, other colleges and universities, and government agencies are eligible to apply, acting as facilitators for these educational initiatives. The impact goals are centered on fostering a more sustainable, resilient, and economically viable agricultural sector through knowledge dissemination and practical application. Education Grants prioritize projects that clearly articulate what is being taught, to whom, and how the goals will be accomplished. Focus areas include experiential learning (demonstrations, on-farm tours, field days, workshops), integrative approaches (conferences, seminars, course curriculum), and reinforcement methods (fact sheets, bulletins, videos, online technologies). SSARE also encourages proposals on quality of life topics, such as heirs property, farmers’ markets, food hubs, local/regional processing, and urban agriculture systems, emphasizing the social health of farming systems. Expected outcomes include the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices, enhanced farmer innovation, increased community resilience, improved business success for agricultural enterprises, and greater agricultural diversification. Projects should yield results that are realistic, acceptable to farmers, logical, and capable of leading to tangible actions and benefits described in the proposal. The grant projects are strictly focused on education and outreach, with no research component, and are paid by reimbursement of allowable expenses. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in the grant requirements, which mandate that project outcomes focus on sustainable agriculture systems and clearly demonstrate how education and outreach efforts will be implemented and evaluated. The theory of change underpinning this program is that by providing targeted education and outreach, knowledge and best practices will be transferred to farmers and communities, leading to the development and widespread adoption of sustainable agricultural methods and improved quality of life within farming systems. Project maximums are $50,000, with a duration limited to two years. Applicants from the Southern region, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, are eligible. Farmers involved in these projects must have farming/ranching as their primary occupation or part-time farming with at least $1,000 of documented annual income from their operation, with exceptions for indigenous agriculture.

Launched in 2024, the TSCRA Leadership Development Foundation's Working Grant Program aims to support individuals in the beef industry, including ranching, beef production, or related areas supporting the beef value chain, who wish to start or grow their businesses. Financial assistance is provided to overcome barriers like equipment purchase, operational expenses, infrastructure building, or labor hiring. Eligibility is determined based on operation in economically depressed areas in Texas or Oklahoma, disadvantaged status, and difficulty in obtaining conventional financing. Grants are not guaranteed even if all eligibility requirements are met, and the foundation retains the discretion in funding decisions. Grant renewed every year. Grant Spring annual opening/closing deadline: May 1st to May 31st

The Community Impact Grants program, offered by the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, is designed to award grants from unrestricted funds to improve policies and practices within the Greater Dubuque community. The core mission of this program is to achieve the greatest possible impact through strategic investments. This aligns with the Foundation's broader goal of fostering positive change and strengthening the region by supporting initiatives that address critical community needs and enhance overall well-being. The program primarily targets nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations, churches, schools, or government organizations that provide services in Clayton, Clinton, and Dubuque counties. Organizations without 501(c)3 status are encouraged to find a qualifying fiscal sponsor. The overarching impact goal is to support capacity-building efforts among these nonprofits, thereby empowering them to deliver more effective and sustainable services to the community. This focus on capacity building aims to create a stronger, more resilient network of organizations serving the region. Project proposals for Community Impact Grants can focus on a variety of areas, demonstrating the program's broad priorities. These include community programming, individual and team leadership development, organization-wide planning and development, equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives, network development, communications, evaluation and learning planning, and digital and physical security. These diverse focus areas reflect the Foundation's strategic commitment to addressing a wide range of needs that contribute to a healthy and thriving community. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the emphasis on capacity-building efforts and the various project focus areas imply expected outcomes such as enhanced organizational effectiveness, improved leadership capabilities, more inclusive practices, stronger community networks, better communication strategies, and increased ability to assess and learn from program impacts. By supporting these areas, the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque operates on a theory of change that by strengthening the infrastructure and capabilities of local nonprofits, it will ultimately lead to a more impactful and sustainable benefit for the residents of Clayton, Clinton, and Dubuque counties.

Launched in 2024, the TSCRA Leadership Development Foundation's Working Grant Program aims to support individuals in the beef industry, including ranching, beef production, or related areas supporting the beef value chain, who wish to start or grow their businesses. Financial assistance is provided to overcome barriers like equipment purchase, operational expenses, infrastructure building, or labor hiring. Eligibility is determined based on operation in economically depressed areas in Texas or Oklahoma, disadvantaged status, and difficulty in obtaining conventional financing. Grants are not guaranteed even if all eligibility requirements are met, and the foundation retains the discretion in funding decisions. Grant renewed every year. Grant Fall annual opening/closing deadline: November 1st to November 30th

The Waukegan Arts Council (WAC) 2024 micro grant program is designed to provide financial assistance to working artists in Waukegan for the production of their art. This program aligns with the WAC's mission to support the local arts community by directly investing in the creative endeavors of individual artists. The grant aims to empower artists by helping them overcome financial barriers to their artistic development and output. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are Waukegan artists who are actively engaged in their chosen medium and can demonstrate a need for funds. The program targets artists with a "Waukegan connection," ensuring that the support directly benefits the local community. The impact goal is to foster artistic production, enhance the cultural vibrancy of Waukegan, and provide tangible support to artists, ultimately strengthening the local arts ecosystem. The WAC micro grant program prioritizes funding for specific needs, including the purchase of supplies or equipment, securing a venue for artistic expression, or attending classes and obtaining necessary resources to engage in their art form. Grants are capped at $500 per artist, with a total funding pool of $2500 for the program, indicating a focus on numerous smaller, impactful awards rather than a few large ones. Notably, the grant explicitly excludes funding for salaries or benefits, emphasizing its role in supporting direct artistic production costs. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number of art projects and works produced by Waukegan artists. Measurable results would be the successful utilization of grant funds for the stated purposes, such as new equipment purchased, venues secured, or classes attended. Applicants are required to describe how the grant funds will be used and how they will benefit the Waukegan community, which serves as a mechanism for accountability and alignment with the program's objectives. While not explicitly detailed as a "strategic priority" or "theory of change" in the provided text, the WAC's approach implicitly suggests a belief that direct financial support to artists at the micro-level will lead to a more active and vibrant arts scene in Waukegan. By removing financial hurdles for supplies, venues, and education, the program aims to unleash artistic potential and enrich the cultural landscape for the entire community. The focus on local artists with a Waukegan connection underpins a strategy to build local capacity and engagement within the arts.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local nonprofit organizations in Lawton to create programs that assist at-risk youth in developing essential life and career skills while promoting academic engagement and reducing crime.

The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management is offering a reimbursement grant program, funded by the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, for municipalities, counties, or other government entities to enhance emergency response capabilities through projects like training centers, public safety centers, and equipment purchases, with a preference for projects that benefit multiple jurisdictions and have a comprehensive approach to preparedness.

The Hospice Foundation of Oklahoma at OCCF grant opportunity, managed by the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, is dedicated to enhancing end-of-life care and promoting awareness of hospice and palliative care options across Oklahoma. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission to support critical community needs, focusing on areas that directly improve the well-being and dignity of individuals during a vulnerable life stage. The grant aims to foster a more informed and supportive environment for patients and their families by addressing gaps in education, awareness, and accessible care models. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are healthcare professionals, patients, families, and the general public throughout Oklahoma. The impact goals are multifaceted: to improve the quality and accessibility of end-of-life care, to increase public understanding of available options such as hospice, palliative care, and advance directives, and to develop innovative social model hospice services. By empowering healthcare providers with specialized training and informing the community, the grant seeks to ensure that individuals can make informed decisions about their end-of-life journey and receive compassionate support. The grant program prioritizes three key areas: Education, Awareness, and Social Model Hospice. Education programs focus on training healthcare professionals in hospice, palliative care, and end-of-life issues. Awareness programs aim to inform patients, families, and the public about their rights, care options, and legal aspects like advance directives. The Social Model Hospice category is designed to establish or expand non-medical hospice facilities and services, offering dedicated home-like environments with round-the-clock individualized care, particularly when dying at home becomes unmanageable. This includes support for facility purchasing, remodeling, furnishing, equipment, and general operating costs. Expected outcomes include a better-educated healthcare workforce, an increase in public knowledge about end-of-life care, and the establishment of new or expanded social model hospice facilities. Measurable results for education and awareness grants, typically ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, could involve tracking the number of professionals trained or the reach of public information campaigns. For social model hospice grants, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 over two years, outcomes could include the number of new facilities, beds available, or individuals served. The foundation’s strategic priority is to invest in programs that demonstrate a clear theory of change, leading to tangible improvements in end-of-life care infrastructure and community understanding across the state.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that provide career development programs for Black youth aged 14-24 in designated NBA markets.

This funding opportunity provides up to $10,000 to nonprofit organizations in the Oklahoma City area for ongoing community programs that address local needs and demonstrate measurable impact.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in the Tulsa Metro area that deliver impactful community programs and demonstrate sound fiscal management.

This grant provides funding to support nonprofits in Muskogee County and organizations in Oklahoma that offer educational and vocational opportunities for young people with disabilities, as well as initiatives promoting Jewish education and culture.

This grant provides funding to local governments and nonprofit organizations in Tulsa to create and improve affordable housing options for low and moderate-income families.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to private nonprofits and governmental agencies in Tulsa to deliver essential public services, housing assistance, and economic development initiatives aimed at benefiting low and moderate-income individuals and families.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments, tribal entities, and certain non-profits in Oklahoma for various solid waste management initiatives, including cleanup efforts and equipment purchases, to promote environmental sustainability.

This program provides funding to various organizations and institutions in Oklahoma to improve the competitiveness of specialty crops, such as fruits and vegetables, through innovative projects that benefit the broader agricultural community.