Grants for County governments - Arts

The Cultural Coalition of Washington County in Oregon is offering grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to support arts, culture, and humanities projects that promote cultural diversity, community partnerships, and public engagement, with priority given to nonprofit organizations and educational institutions that serve the residents of Washington County.

This funding opportunity supports community and faith-based organizations in Maryland to implement programs focused on preventing opioid misuse, promoting harm reduction, and aiding recovery efforts.

Love Your Block is a City of Pittsburgh program designed to empower neighbors to enhance their communities by addressing blight, fostering community assets, and building resilience. The program's core mission aligns with promoting community development and civic engagement, focusing on tangible improvements at the neighborhood level. Through a grant or reimbursement model, Love Your Block supports local initiatives that directly contribute to a more vibrant and sustainable urban environment. The overarching goal is to cultivate stronger, more connected communities through resident-led action and collaborative efforts. The primary beneficiaries of this program are the residents and neighborhoods within the City of Pittsburgh. The program aims to create a positive impact by improving public spaces, increasing community safety, and fostering a sense of ownership and pride among residents. Impact goals include revitalizing neglected areas, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of blocks, and promoting active participation in community upkeep. This program targets communities that are eager to undertake projects ranging from maintaining community gardens and organizing neighborhood clean-ups to planting trees and flowers, directly benefiting those who live and work in these areas. Key priorities for Love Your Block projects include building strong partnerships, leveraging donations, ensuring feasibility, and engaging neighbors. Successful projects are expected to demonstrate collaboration with local businesses, VFW posts, or youth service-learning components. They should also encourage residents to donate resources like plants, compost, or food for volunteer events. The program emphasizes that while creative ideas are encouraged, projects must be realistic and manageable, potentially serving as a first step for larger initiatives. Crucially, the most impactful projects involve volunteers residing within proximity to the project, fostering a sense of local ownership and long-term sustainability. Expected outcomes include a visible reduction in blight, the creation of new or improved community assets, and increased neighborhood resilience. Measurable results could include the number of community gardens maintained, the volume of waste collected during clean-ups, the number of trees and flowers planted, and the level of volunteer participation from within the project's vicinity. The program's strategic priorities are rooted in a theory of change that posits that by empowering residents with resources and support, communities will be better equipped to address their own needs, leading to sustainable improvements and a stronger social fabric. The maximum award of $2,500, provided through reimbursement after project implementation, underscores a focus on supporting grassroots, community-driven efforts that demonstrate initiative and commitment.

The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) Bureau of Women’s and Children’s Health (BWCH) oversees Adolescent Health programming to improve the health and well-being of young people in the state. As of 2005, BWCH has been administering state lottery funds for the prevention of teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). According to the Arizona Vital Statistics, from 2011 to 2021, the teen birth rate for Arizona teenagers ages fifteen through nineteen (15-19) has declined from thirty-six point nine (36.9) to fifteen point three (15.3) per 1,000 females. The repeat birth rates of youth of the same age, who had already had a child decreased from 142.7 in 2011 to 135.8 per 1,000 in 2021. Despite the declines, birth rates for Arizona teens ages fifteen through nineteen (15-19)   exceeds   the   national   rate   of   thirteen   point   nine   (13.9)   in   2021 (https://blogs.cdc.gov/nchs/2023/01/20/7245/). Arizona's racial and ethnic groups exhibit significant disparities in teen pregnancy rates, with Hispanic, American Indian, and African American females aged nineteen (19) or younger experiencing the highest rates. In 2021, American Indian youth had a notably elevated pregnancy rate of sixteen point three (16.3) per 1,000 females, surpassing the state average of ten point six (10.6) per 1,000. Similarly, rates for Hispanic or Latino youth were fourteen point four (14.4) per 1,000, and for Black or African American youth, they were twelve point six (12.6) per 1,000, both above the state average, while rates for White Non-Hispanics six (6) per 1,000 and Asian or Pacific Islanders three point four (3.4) per 1,000 were considerably lower. Teen pregnancy is intricately linked with complex factors such as school failure, behavioral issues, and family challenges, which often hinder youths’ ability to avoid pregnancy. Positive Youth Development (PYD) programs present a promising approach by emphasizing the enhancement of protective factors over merely addressing risk behaviors. These programs have shown efficacy in reducing sexual risk behaviors, Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and unintended pregnancies. By fostering ongoing development and maturation, PYD programs empower youth to recognize and manage risk-taking behaviors, making them a viable strategy for teen pregnancy prevention (Gavin et al., 2010). According to the 2021 Arizona Surveillance STD case data, forty-nine percent (49%) of STD cases (chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis) in Arizona were among adolescents under the age of twenty-five (25). Since 2019, the rate of chlamydia among teenagers fifteen through nineteen (15-19) years old has been slowly decreasing but still remains high at 2,031 per 100,000 in 2019 to 1,729 per 100,000 in 2021. For gonorrhea, the rate among these teenagers increased from 384 per 100,000 in 2019 to 467 per 100,000 in 2021. As for syphilis, in 2019, twenty-two (22) per 100,000 fifteen through nineteen (15-19) year-old teenagers were reported to have syphilis, increasing to twenty-six (26) per 100,000 in 2021. Regarding STDs/STIs, major disparities between Arizona’s racial and ethnic groups also persist. The Arizona 2021 Annual STD Report indicates that Black (994 per 100,000) and American Indian/Alaska Native (787 per 100,000) populations have consistently higher rates of chlamydia, the Black population (763 per 100,000) continues to have the highest rate of gonorrhea, and the American Indian/Alaska Native (172 per 100,000) and Black (123 per 100,000) populations have the highest rates of syphilis, surpassing their Hispanic, White, and Asian/Pacific Islander counterparts. Financial Notes: Approximately $700,000.00 will be available each Grant year for a five (5) year grant period to provide services to youth for the prevention of teen pregnancies and STIs. Annual funding for services will be provided during the state fiscal year, from July through June; Therefore, the first and last years of funding will be partial funding: first year funded upon award through June 30, 2025; fifth year from July 1, 2029 through September 30, 2029. Budgets will be reviewed annually and may be decreased based on: 1. Changes in state lottery funding allocations. 2. Failure to meet the number of youths proposed to be served; or meet the required program completion by youth for Teen Pregnancy Prevention Programming. 3. Failure to comply with Grant requirements. 4. Negative audit findings. 5. Failure to spend budget funds efficiently.

This program provides a no-cost, 20-week development opportunity for small business owners in Massachusetts, Maine, or Rhode Island to receive mentorship and resources to grow their businesses and positively impact their communities.

The CALI Catalyst program, launched in 2021 by the Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI), provides unrestricted grants of up to $7,500 to California changemakers in the arts and culture sector. This program is designed to offer financial support and validation to individuals and teams who are actively working to disrupt the status quo and advance greater equity and inclusion within the field. The foundation's mission, through this program, aligns with supporting those on the frontlines who are creating tangible change and shifting power to historically underrepresented voices, recognizing the fear of financial risk can silence crucial voices. The target beneficiaries for the CALI Catalyst grant are artists and arts workers, including administrators, cultural producers, and creatives, who reside full-time in California. The program specifically seeks to impact historically marginalized communities such as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities. The overarching impact goal is to foster a more equitable and inclusive arts and culture sector by supporting individuals whose change-making actions have created tangible and measurable results at a local, regional, state, or national level. The program prioritizes and focuses on supporting actions that started on or after January 1, 2020, demonstrating ongoing or recently impactful efforts. Examples of these efforts include challenging capitalist notions of productivity to prioritize self-care for Black leaders, modeling non-hierarchical nonprofit structures led by artists of color, and creating equitable contracting practices between artists and cultural institutions. The program aims to support those who are speaking out against discriminatory practices and disrupting harmful philanthropic norms, ultimately making the arts and culture field better for everyone. Expected outcomes include continued momentum for field-wide change, with changemakers ensuring that historically marginalized communities are not overlooked. Measurable results can be observed through the ripple effects of grantees' work, such as the creation of nourishing spaces for Black leaders, the establishment of precedents for cooperative nonprofit models, and the development of equitable contracting practices. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are centered on the belief that by financially supporting these change agents, they can empower voices, mitigate financial risk, and ultimately drive greater inclusion, access, diversity, and equity across the arts and culture sector.

The Planning and Development Grants, part of the Local Parks Grant Program managed by Parks California, aim to support the initial stages of community-oriented projects that connect local communities to California’s cultural history and natural areas. These projects include building partnerships, artist selection, and developing project plans. This initiative enhances community well-being and sustainable connections. The grant cycle runs from October 2024 to May 2025.

The Forever Idaho Regional Grant Program is now accepting applications, with a focus on providing general operating grants to organizations working in areas such as Family Homelessness and Basic Needs, Mental and Physical Health, Educational Opportunities, Access to Services, and Community Benefit. Priority will be given to organizations operating within these areas of impact. If awarded, funds can be used for various direct and indirect costs related to the organization's activities, including payroll, rent, utilities, supplies and equipment, project costs, capital improvements, and programmatic needs. Applicants will be asked to self-select the specific Area of Impact in which they are working.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and educational institutions in Oklahoma to create community programs that promote discussions and engagement in the humanities.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) is offering grants under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program. This program aims to transform the food system by increasing options, improving access, and creating new and better markets for small and mid-size producers. The core mission is to build a more diversified, distributed, and local food system to enhance its resilience and benefit consumers, producers, and rural communities. The RFSI program targets a broad range of beneficiaries, including agricultural producers and processors (or groups thereof), nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, local government entities, tribal governments, and institutions such as schools, universities, or hospitals. The primary impact goal is to strengthen the middle of the food supply chain in Pennsylvania. Expected outcomes include increased production capacities for food processors, improved storage for produce and grains, and enhanced aggregation points like food hubs and farmer cooperatives. Funding priorities are aligned with addressing critical gaps in Pennsylvania's middle food supply chain. Specifically, the program prioritizes projects that establish or enhance aggregation points, improve food processing infrastructure (including equipment upgrades and moves to licensed spaces), and expand storage facilities, particularly cold storage in urban areas and storage for identity-preserved grains and dry beans. The USDA also encourages projects that benefit underserved farmers and ranchers, new and beginning farmers, veteran producers, and businesses owned by socially disadvantaged individuals. The grant program offers Simplified Equipment-Only Grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, which do not require cost sharing or matching. These are fixed-price grants solely for equipment purchases, with funds to be awarded no earlier than July 1, 2024, and projects completed by June 30, 2026. This focused approach on equipment aims to directly support tangible improvements in the food system's infrastructure, enabling producers and processors to expand and diversify their operations.

The Mississippi Humanities Council offers grants to support projects that engage communities in meaningful dialogue, attract diverse audiences, and are participatory and engaging, applying humanities to everyday life. Grants support public humanities programs, exhibits, planning of larger projects, and the development of original productions in various media. Regular grants : start at $2,500 to $10,000. Regular grants applications are accepted on May 1st and September 1st Grant renewed every year.

This funding opportunity supports educational institutions, nonprofits, and government agencies in Hawaiʻi to develop projects that boost local business growth, job creation, and sustainability on the island.

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.

The Community Foundation of South Alabama (CFSA) offers competitive program grants to local nonprofits in Mobile, Baldwin, Escambia, Monroe, Conecuh, Choctaw, Clarke, and Washington Counties, Alabama. These grants are funded through the Foundation’s unrestricted and field of interest funds, established by donors to address critical community needs. The program aligns with CFSA's mission to support sustainable initiatives that produce meaningful results on community priorities. For 2024, the Foundation is exclusively awarding one-year program grants, focusing on specific projects that benefit the community and demonstrate potential for efficacy and sustainability. CFSA's grant-making is strategically guided by six key focus areas: Family, Education, Work, Racial Equity, Arts and Culture, and Mental and Behavioral Health, all within its eight-county footprint. For 2024, the Foundation has defined six specific priorities for grant applications. These include promoting parenting education; expanding opportunities for young people to secure well-paying jobs through workforce training; increasing access to preschool education and youth extracurricular activities; advancing racial equity with a focus on underprivileged youth; increasing youth access to equitable, high-quality arts and culture; and providing mental and behavioral supports for individuals and families. The target beneficiaries are individuals and families within the eight-county region, particularly underprivileged youth, who will directly benefit from these programs. The expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around the successful implementation of projects that address the stated priorities. CFSA seeks to support programs that can demonstrate a positive impact on community priorities and needs. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed for each priority, the emphasis on "meaningful results" and "efficacy and sustainability" suggests that applicants will need to articulate their intended outcomes and how they will measure success. For instance, programs focusing on workforce training would aim for increased job placement rates, while those on preschool education would look at improved school readiness. The Foundation's theory of change is implicitly rooted in the belief that by funding targeted programs within its six focus areas, it can create a ripple effect of positive change across the eight-county region. By supporting initiatives that promote parenting education, workforce development, early childhood education, youth engagement in arts and culture, racial equity, and mental health, CFSA aims to foster a more resilient, equitable, and thriving community. The preference for programs not exceeding 50% of their total budget also indicates a strategic priority for diversified funding and community buy-in, ensuring broader impact and sustainability beyond CFSA's initial investment. Grant amounts range from $5,000 to $15,000, with requests not to exceed $15,000.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for the construction, renovation, or enhancement of arts facilities in Alabama, benefiting local arts organizations and communities.

The Arts Operating Grant provides financial support to arts organizations in Vermont, aimed at those offering year-round, high-quality arts programs and services that align with the mission of advancing arts and creativity throughout the state. This initiative supports Outcome Three of the Arts Council's Strategic Framework, focusing on building vibrant and creative communities through organizations and artists. For FY2025, the grant offers one-year operating funds to eligible organizations demonstrating significant community involvement and partnerships with civic, non-arts, and educational entities to ensure broad access to arts and creativity. Applicants must choose between applying for an Arts Operating Grant or an Arts Project Grant and cannot be current three-year operating grantees. Grant renewed every year.

The 2025 Massachusetts 250 Grant Program, offered by the Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) through the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT), is a competitive grant designed to fund programming and interpretation related to the American Revolution in Massachusetts. The program aims to increase tourism and travel within the state by highlighting its pivotal role in the nation's founding. This aligns with a broader mission to promote Massachusetts' historical significance and attract visitors, thereby bolstering the state's economic development through tourism. The grant targets municipalities, public agencies, tribal entities, and nonprofit organizations (501(c)3, 501(c)5, or 501(c)6) operating in Massachusetts. Eligible projects must demonstrate a direct connection to the American Revolution, link to themes of revolution and independence, celebrate significant historical "firsts" in Massachusetts, or offer creative approaches to commemorating the nation’s semiquincentennial. The program emphasizes that grant funds can be utilized for both programming and marketing initiatives. The primary priorities and focus areas for this grant include fostering a deeper understanding of the American Revolution's impact in Massachusetts and enhancing the state's appeal as a historical destination. The grant's strategic priorities are centered on supporting projects that interpret and tell these stories effectively, ultimately driving increased tourism. This implicitly supports a theory of change where investments in historical programming and marketing lead to greater engagement, visitor numbers, and economic benefits for the state. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in tourism and travel to and within Massachusetts, successful programming that engages visitors with the American Revolution, and effective marketing campaigns that raise awareness of Massachusetts' historical significance. While specific quantitative metrics are not detailed, the competitive nature of the grant and the emphasis on increasing tourism suggest that successful applicants will demonstrate a clear plan for achieving these outcomes and, presumably, for measuring their impact. The program anticipates awarding up to $1,500,000 in FY25, with individual grants ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. This substantial funding demonstrates the state's commitment to commemorating the American Revolution and leveraging its historical assets for economic growth. Eligibility also requires compliance with regulations such as the MBTA Communities Act for municipal applicants, good standing with the Commonwealth, and current tax payments, ensuring responsible use of public funds.

This program provides financial support for a variety of arts-related projects in Iowa, targeting organizations and initiatives that promote regional and statewide arts events or align with strategic arts goals.

The Arts Grants, offered by the City of Fort Myers, aim to serve and support art installations and advancements within the city. This grant program aligns with the city's broader mission to foster arts and culture, recognizing the valuable contributions of local artists, artist groups, and organizations to the community. For Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, the City Council has allocated $110,000 for these grants, demonstrating a clear commitment to enhancing the cultural landscape of Fort Myers. The primary beneficiaries of this program are artists, artist groups, and organizations located within the City of Fort Myers. The overarching impact goal is to further the reach of arts and culture throughout the community, enriching the lives of its residents. The program specifically prioritizes projects that will have a direct and measurable effect on the City of Fort Myers, ensuring that the allocated funds directly benefit the local community. Projects that primarily impact other municipalities or counties will not be considered, reinforcing the focus on local development. Applications are assessed based on both technical and qualitative criteria. Technical evaluation ensures that applicants complete all required sections, include necessary attachments, and demonstrate community support through letters of support. This ensures a foundational level of project preparedness and community engagement. Qualitative evaluation further assesses the project's necessity, its potential for strong community benefit, clearly defined goals, and a proposed timeline for accomplishment. Applicants must also provide a brief description of services or activities for each budget category, demonstrating reasonable cost-effectiveness. The expected outcome is projects that not only meet artistic goals but also provide a direct and significant benefit to the City of Fort Myers, leading to a more vibrant and culturally rich community.

The 2025 Mobility and Transportation Innovation (MTI) Grant Program, offered by the Vermont Agency of Transportation, is designed to foster innovative strategies and projects aimed at improving mobility and access for transit-dependent Vermonters, while simultaneously working to reduce the reliance on single-occupancy vehicles and lower greenhouse gas emissions. The program aligns with a broader mission to create more sustainable and accessible transportation options within the state. The primary target beneficiaries of this program are transit-dependent Vermonters, along with employers and employees seeking to adopt Transportation Demand Management (TDM) measures. The grant's impact goals are clearly defined, focusing on enhancing mobility and access for these transit-dependent individuals, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing the overall use of single-occupancy vehicles. These goals are also intended to complement existing mobility investments within Vermont. The MTI Grant Program prioritizes several key focal areas. These include the extension and creation of new TDM programs, the development and marketing of TDM resources, the expansion of first-mile/last-mile programs, and providing support for employers and employees to adopt TDM measures. Furthermore, it encourages the implementation of planned TDM programs such as bike share, car share, and microtransit initiatives. Funds can be utilized for various purposes, including matching funds for other TDM grant awards, covering TDM program delivery costs, microtransit planning and implementation, and both capital and operational expenses. The program categorizes grants into Small (around $10,000), Medium (around $50,000), and Large (around $100,000+) to accommodate diverse project scopes. Expected outcomes and measurable results are directly tied to the performance metrics, which emphasize improved mobility and access, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and a decrease in single-occupancy vehicle use. While the "foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change" are not explicitly detailed as a separate foundation, the Vermont Agency of Transportation's initiative implicitly operates on the theory that strategic investment in innovative transportation solutions and TDM will lead to measurable improvements in public mobility, environmental sustainability, and overall community well-being by empowering transit-dependent populations and fostering more sustainable travel behaviors.