Grants for County governments - Arts

The Museums Empowered grant program, administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), supports projects that utilize professional development and training to create systemic change within museums. This special initiative of the Museums for America program targets four key areas of museum operations: digital technology, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), evaluation, and organizational management. Projects must align with one of these goals and demonstrate how professional development activities will advance institutional capacity and address strategic challenges. IMLS expects to award approximately $4,299,000 in total funding for fiscal year 2025, supporting around 20 projects. Awards range from $5,000 to $250,000, with an average award size of $214,950. Applicants must provide at least a one-to-one cost share using non-federal funds, except for research-focused projects where matching funds are not required. The performance period for funded projects may span one to three years, starting no earlier than September 1, 2025. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by November 15, 2024, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Eligible applicants include museums located in the United States or its territories that meet IMLS’s criteria, such as employing professional staff, operating on a permanent basis for educational or cultural purposes, and regularly exhibiting objects to the public for at least 120 days annually. Museums operating within parent organizations, such as universities, must demonstrate operational independence, including a separate budget and decision-making authority. Collaborations and partnerships are encouraged to broaden project impact. The application requires a detailed narrative organized into three sections: project justification, work plan, and project results. Applicants must clearly identify the selected program goal and objective, describe the need or challenge addressed, outline specific activities, provide a timeline, and explain anticipated outcomes, including how the project will result in organizational growth or systemic change. Supporting documents such as a budget justification, performance measurement plan, resumes of key personnel, and letters of commitment from partners are also required. Applications are evaluated through a peer review process based on their alignment with program goals, the feasibility of the work plan, and the likelihood of achieving meaningful and sustainable results. Reviewers assess the clarity of the narrative, the qualifications of project personnel, and the proposed methods for tracking progress and measuring success. Projects are expected to foster long-term institutional improvements, with successful proposals demonstrating the ability to implement innovative and impactful professional development strategies. Awardees are required to comply with federal reporting requirements, including interim and final performance and financial reports submitted through IMLS’s electronic grants management system. Post-award responsibilities also include acknowledging IMLS funding in project materials and participating in assessments to evaluate program impact. IMLS program staff are available to provide technical assistance, and applicants are encouraged to participate in informational webinars to enhance proposal quality.

The Chautauqua County Tourism Product Development Grant Program, with a deadline of 10/01/2024, offers $10,000 to $100,000 for projects that enhance tourism and recreation opportunities, increase visibility, and promote overnight stays in the county, with a focus on event development, marketing, and attraction enhancement.

This funding opportunity provides $5,000 to small arts organizations in Pennsylvania to support various operational and project-related expenses, requiring a matching contribution.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is offering the AGRI Value-Added Grant, a reimbursement grant ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, to support value-added businesses such as bioenergy producers and hemp processors in increasing sales of Minnesota agricultural products through investment in equipment, production capacity, market diversification, and market access.

The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation's 2024 Open Grant Round seeks to support community vitality through work that addresses six key areas: Community Connectedness, Economic Opportunity and Security, Education, Health, Housing and Transportation, and Human Services and Family Support. This grant program is deeply aligned with the Foundation's mission to foster community health and vitality by investing in solutions informed and led by those facing the highest barriers. The Foundation offers both general operating support and capital grants, aiming to provide flexible funding for nonprofits and support investments in buildings, facilities, and equipment within the East Metro area. The program targets a broad range of beneficiaries, with a strong emphasis on marginalized communities. This includes BIPOC communities, people with disabilities, low-income communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, formerly incarcerated people, women, veterans, and young people. The overarching impact goal is to advance equity and strengthen enduring community connections, heal and revitalize communities, and promote independence and stability for individuals and families. The Foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its focus on supporting organizations that prioritize marginalized communities and those that demonstrate a clear connection to the "Informs, Forms, Benefits" framework, where those experiencing barriers not only benefit from the work but also inform, form, and lead it. Key priorities and focus areas within the Community Connectedness pillar include arts and culture organizations amplifying narratives from marginalized communities, civic engagement building capacity and power among these groups, and environmental justice work contributing to a multi-racial movement for safe and clean environments. For Economic Opportunity and Security, the focus is on strengthening the entrepreneur ecosystem, increasing local ownership, expanding access to culturally appropriate services, and prioritizing employment pathways for those facing barriers to wealth creation. In Education, the Foundation prioritizes organizations blending academic, social, and emotional supports for young people impacted by educational inequity, and those working towards robust early childhood systems. Within Health, the Foundation prioritizes organizations focusing on health equity, increasing access to affordable and culturally relevant health services, and addressing the growing demand for mental health, urgent care, reproductive health, and trauma-informed care for vulnerable communities. For Housing and Transportation, the emphasis is on ensuring marginalized people experiencing housing instability and homelessness can access safe, decent, affordable, and prejudice-free housing with necessary supports, and work that addresses racial justice, climate justice, economic opportunity, and health equity in transportation. Finally, Human Services and Family Support prioritizes grants that help residents navigate life transitions, find safety and stability, and promote independence, with special attention to disability, child welfare, family, older adult, immigration, legal, and re-entry support services. Expected outcomes include a more equitable, connected, and vital East Metro region where all residents have opportunities to thrive.

The Hudson County History Partnership Program (HPP), offered by the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs/Tourism Development (HCOCHA/TD) in partnership with the New Jersey Department of State – New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC), provides matching grants to non-profit organizations within Hudson County, New Jersey. This program aligns with the broader mission of preserving and promoting the history of Hudson County and its 12 municipalities through high-quality historical programming. The grants are administered by HCOCHA/TD, a unit of Hudson County government, under the authority of Hudson County Executive Craig Guy and the Hudson County Board of County Commissioners. The HPP targets Hudson County-based, non-profit history-related organizations, units of government (including schools, libraries, colleges, and universities), private non-profit universities offering local history programs, non-profit arts organizations presenting artistic history programming, and non-profit business organizations that engage in local history programs. The primary impact goals are to broaden, deepen, and diversify the audience for history in Hudson County; strengthen and develop existing history organizations; initiate new programming; improve management of historic sites; expand public understanding of historical resources; increase participation in historical programs; enhance accessibility for diverse communities; increase the body of historical information; and preserve materials for study. The program prioritizes initiatives that clearly demonstrate a commitment to preserving and promoting Hudson County's history, based on merit and financial need. For FY25, grants are offered in two categories: Program Support (maximum $12,500) and General Operating Support (maximum $15,000). The project period for these grants is January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025. Eligibility criteria include being incorporated in New Jersey, having been in existence for at least one year as of January 1, 2023, and being defined as a non-profit under IRS sections 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or 501(c)(6). Non-profit arts organizations must allocate at least 20% of the grant cost to consultation with qualified historians for artistic history programming. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in the number and diversity of individuals engaging with Hudson County's history, improved organizational capacity and programming quality among local history entities, the creation of new and innovative historical programs, better preservation and interpretation of historic sites and collections, and a greater public awareness and understanding of the county's historical resources. The HCOCHA/TD's strategic priorities, affirming those of the NJHC, underscore a theory of change that by investing in local history organizations and initiatives, public engagement, education, and preservation efforts will be significantly enhanced, leading to a more historically conscious and connected community.

The Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation's 2024 Community Impact Grant Cycle invites proposals to support organizations making a significant difference in the Tahoe Basin. The foundation's mission, though not explicitly detailed in this description, is clearly aligned with fostering community well-being and addressing critical needs within the Nevada and California areas of the Tahoe Basin. By offering grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, with a specific request amount up to $20,000, the foundation aims to empower eligible non-profits to enhance their services and achieve measurable community impact. The primary target beneficiaries are the residents and communities of the Tahoe Basin. Organizations seeking funding must directly provide more than 50% of their services in this region, ensuring that the grants directly benefit local populations. The impact goals are broad, focusing on various community needs that align with the non-profit's mission, as long as they are not among the excluded activities. The foundation seeks to support initiatives that contribute to a stronger, more vibrant Tahoe community, although specific impact metrics are not detailed in this overview. The foundation prioritizes supporting tax-exempt 501(c)(3) public charities or schools that have held their tax-exempt status for at least two years and are incorporated in good standing in Nevada or California. A key focus is on direct service provision within the Tahoe Basin. The grants are not awarded for direct religious activity, political lobbying, special event sponsorships, pass-through funding, or reimbursement of prior expenses. This careful delineation of exclusions highlights the foundation's strategic intent to fund direct, impactful, and non-duplicative community services. While specific strategic priorities and a detailed theory of change are not outlined, the grant cycle implicitly emphasizes strengthening local non-profits and their capacity to serve. The expected outcomes are improved community conditions and enhanced services for Tahoe Basin residents, facilitated by the financial support provided. The measurable results are tied to the successful implementation of projects by the funded organizations, though the specific reporting requirements for these results are not included in this description.

The Otto Bremer Trust is a private charitable trust based in St. Paul, Minn. Created in 1944 by Otto Bremer, it is committed to supporting a better quality of life for residents of Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Since its founding, OBT has invested nearly $1 billion and provides ~$105 million annually to nonprofit organizations in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Applications are due on a rolling basis on these dates: February 4, 2024; April 4, 2024; June 6, 2024; August 1, 2024. - General Operations Application: General operations grants provide unrestricted funding that enables an organization to carry out its mission. Typical uses could include support for an organization’s administrative and infrastructure costs, maintaining core programs and/or staffing. This application is for organizations seeking $75,000 or more in general operations support. - General Operations Short Application: This application is for organizations seeking general operations support of less than $75,000. - Restricted Application: Restricted grants provide funding for a specific program or project. These funds may not be used for other purposes, although a portion may be utilized for overhead or indirect costs of administering the program or project. - Capital Application: Capital grants support constructing, repairing, renovating, or rehabilitating an organization’s physical space. Capital grants can also support the purchase of equipment necessary for an organization to carry out its work.

This program provides funding to nonprofits, tribal organizations, disadvantaged farmers, and academic institutions to enhance the competitiveness of Nevada's specialty crops through marketing, research, and education initiatives.

The Cumberland County Cultural & Heritage Commission in New Jersey is inviting nonprofit groups to apply for its Arts and History Re-Grant Program, offering funding for special projects, general programming, and operating support for arts or history-related activities, with the aim to increase exposure to art in the community.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Connecticut municipalities and regional entities for projects that improve waste management infrastructure and promote recycling and waste reduction initiatives.

The City of Lafayette, through its Historic Preservation Board (HPB), offers competitive grants aimed at the direct support and preservation of older buildings within Lafayette city limits. These grants are designed to maintain and enhance the historic character of the community, aligning with the broader mission of preserving local heritage and extending the lifespan of significant structures. The program underscores a commitment to fostering a sense of place and historical continuity for current and future residents. Target beneficiaries for this grant program are owners of commercial buildings, houses, churches, outbuildings, and barns that are 50 years old or older and located within Lafayette city limits. The impact goals are to encourage the restoration, repair, and overall improvement of these historic structures. Expected outcomes include the physical preservation of architectural heritage, improved structural integrity of older buildings, and the continued use of historic materials or the use of identical/similar materials when original ones are not feasible. The program prioritizes projects that extend the life of the building, enhance its historic character, and, where possible, involve Lafayette-based businesses or DIY efforts. Projects that remove non-historic features to expose original ones are also encouraged. Urgency of need is a significant factor in assessment, alongside the longevity impact of the project and the appearance achieved through the use of historic materials. Research on the property's history is also encouraged, drawing on local historical resources. Eligible improvements include structural repairs (like foundation work), restoration of original windows and doors, roof repair/replacement, gutter installation, masonry cleaning and restoration, and the reconstruction of original architectural details. Painting is also eligible, with an emphasis on determining original colors. Measurable results include the number of buildings preserved, the extent of historic materials retained or accurately replicated, and the overall improvement in the condition and historic authenticity of funded projects. The underlying theory of change is that by providing financial incentives and clear guidelines, the City of Lafayette can empower property owners to take an active role in preserving the city's unique historical fabric, contributing to community pride and economic vitality.

Humanities Texas awards grants to nonprofit organizations and governmental entities for public programs grounded in the humanities. These programs aim to engage the general public, including adults and young people outside of traditional educational settings, as well as specific groups like K-12 teachers and ethnic communities. The foundation's mission is to support and promote the humanities by funding initiatives that foster open and informed inquiry and make humanities scholarship accessible to a broad audience. This aligns with a strategic priority to enrich public life through the humanities and ensure their relevance to diverse communities. The grant program targets a wide range of beneficiaries, from the general public participating in lectures, discussions, and exhibits, to K-12 teachers and community groups who benefit from specialized workshops and programs. The impact goals include increasing public engagement with humanities topics, fostering critical thinking, and promoting a deeper understanding of cultural and historical contexts. Through these programs, Humanities Texas seeks to strengthen communities by providing opportunities for shared intellectual and cultural experiences. Humanities Texas offers various grant types with specific focuses. Mini-grants fund up to $2,000 for smaller public humanities programs, such as speakers or traveling exhibitions, and are particularly accessible due to their rolling application basis. Major grants for community projects, up to $20,000, support comprehensive public programs like seminars, conferences, and interpretive exhibitions, emphasizing substantial participation from both humanities scholars and target audiences. Additionally, major grants for media projects, also up to $20,000, fund the development and production of humanities-related film, radio, television, or interactive programming, ensuring scholars play a key role in content. The expected outcomes of these grants include the successful execution of public humanities programs that are firmly grounded in the humanities and actively involve humanities scholars in their design and delivery. Measurable results could include attendance figures for events, participant feedback, the reach of media projects, and the development of new educational resources. The foundation's theory of change posits that by funding these diverse and accessible programs, it can cultivate a more informed and engaged citizenry, strengthening the role of the humanities in public discourse and community life across Texas.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection administers the Community Based Deer Management Grant Program to assist local communities and nonprofits in addressing overabundant deer in urban landscapes. Funding supports planning, implementation, and support activities that facilitate safe and effective deer management. Eligible initiatives include signage for community based hunting programs, deer population density estimates or surveys, forest health surveys, and support for venison donation programs. For signage, the department contracts for production and delivery rather than providing direct financial awards. Deer must be processed at health inspected facilities and donated to New Jersey food banks in the venison donation initiative. Eligible applicants include county and local government units within New Jersey, including municipal park systems, and local nonprofit organizations recognized under Section 501(c)(3) that are authorized to operate in the state. Applicants may seek support for one or more initiatives, and awards are subject to department discretion and available funds. Applications are due May 3, 2024. Grant duration is not stated. Additional information is available from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

This grant provides funding for cultural heritage preservation projects in Georgia that demonstrate a connection to American history or influence, targeting reputable non-profit organizations and cultural institutions.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit arts organizations in New Hanover County to enhance community arts experiences through operational and programming initiatives.

The BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program, presented in collaboration with Deloitte, aims to support the advancement of women-owned businesses. This program is an extension of BMO's long-standing commitment to recognizing the achievements and contributions of women, a tradition that has celebrated over 240 women since 2012 through the BMO Celebrating Women Program. The grant initiative was specifically created in 2020 to continue supporting women during the pandemic when in-person celebrations were canceled, demonstrating BMO's dedication to providing financial aid and fostering growth for women entrepreneurs, aligning with its purpose to "Boldly Grow the Good in Business and in Life." The primary target beneficiaries are women-owned businesses operating in the U.S. that meet specific eligibility criteria. These businesses must be at least 51% owned or controlled by women, currently active and operating legally, and have a physical location in one of the selected states. They must also be for-profit with annual revenues of $5 million USD or less and have been in operation selling a product or service for at least two years as of April 1, 2024. The program's impact goal is to provide an additional source of financial aid to these businesses, thereby promoting their growth and resilience. The program prioritizes supporting business growth, welcoming applications that detail high-level plans for new products/services or expansion into new markets. BMO is offering fifteen $10,000 grants, aiming to directly inject capital into these businesses to fuel their development. This focus on financial support underscores the program's theory of change, which posits that direct funding can empower women-owned businesses to achieve their growth objectives, contribute to economic development, and overcome financial challenges, especially those exacerbated by events like the pandemic. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of business growth plans by the grant recipients, leading to sustained or increased operational capacity and market presence. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the utilization of the $10,000 grants for specific growth initiatives. While the grant duration is not explicitly mentioned, the immediate financial aid is designed to produce tangible improvements in the short to medium term. The program reflects BMO's strategic priority of fostering diversity and inclusion within the business landscape by actively investing in women entrepreneurs.

This grant provides financial support to local nonprofit organizations in Volusia and Flagler Counties to enhance programs focused on education, financial stability, and health for community improvement.

The Onion Foundation aims to connect Maine residents with arts experiences, both as audience members and creators, fostering opportunities for expression, learning, and inspiration. This aligns directly with the foundation's mission, which recognizes the arts' crucial role in creativity, cultural exchange, intellectual development, joy, compassion, and human connection. The foundation seeks to support a vibrant arts sector in Maine, ensuring that the arts are accessible and beneficial to the state's population. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are Maine residents, with a focus on increasing access to arts education, supporting public engagement in arts programs, and building the capacity of Maine's arts sector. The impact goals are to enhance intellectual development, foster joy and compassion, and strengthen feelings of connection among individuals through artistic engagement. The foundation prioritizes organizations that are 501(c)3 public charities, fiscally sponsored projects, public education institutions, or Maine governmental units, with work based in Maine and benefiting its people. The program offers two types of grants: general operating and project support. General operating grants provide unrestricted funds for organizations whose activities align with the foundation's strategies, offering multi-year support of up to $20,000 per year for organizations with annual budgets over $50,000, and up to $7,500 per year for those under $50,000. Project support grants fund specific activities or programs, also with multi-year options and similar funding tiers based on project budgets. The expected outcomes include a more engaged public in Maine arts, a stronger arts education infrastructure, and a more robust overall arts sector in the state. The Onion Foundation's strategic priorities are clearly outlined in its three guiding strategies for the arts program: Strategy I: Increase Access to Arts Education in Maine, Strategy II: Support Public Engagement in Maine Arts Programs, and Strategy III: Build The Capacity of Maine’s Arts Sector. The theory of change implicitly suggests that by funding these areas, the foundation will achieve its broader mission of connecting Maine residents to arts experiences, leading to expression, learning, and inspiration, and ultimately fostering a more creative, compassionate, and connected society. Measurable results would likely include increased participation rates in arts programs, growth in arts education initiatives, and the sustained health and development of arts organizations in Maine.