Arts Grants

The Municipal Service District Grant Program, offered by the City of Salisbury, provides financial assistance to commercial property owners and building tenants. This initiative aims to enhance building facades, landscapes, and parking lots, as well as facilitate the installation of new pedestrian elements within the Downtown Municipal Service District. The program's core mission aligns with urban revitalization and fostering a more attractive and pedestrian-friendly environment, contributing to the overall economic vitality and aesthetic appeal of the city center. The primary beneficiaries of this program are commercial property owners and business tenants operating within the Downtown Municipal Service District. The impact goals are to encourage significant improvements ranging from minor repairs and repainting to substantial rehabilitation projects. This includes the introduction of new pedestrian amenities, restoration of storefronts, and overall beautification, ultimately leading to an improved urban experience for residents and visitors alike. The program prioritizes a diverse range of projects designed to significantly enhance the public and commercial spaces. Key focus areas include the installation of new pedestrian amenities such as outdoor seating, planters, awnings, café fences, lighting, bicycle racks, and art. It also supports the installation of new façade elements (signage, lighting, awnings), painting of murals, ghost sign restoration, storefront rehabilitation, removal of false façades, and repairs to windows, doors, and architectural details. Furthermore, the program encourages green building improvements like solar panels, EV charging stations, green roofs, and white roofs, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a noticeable increase in the aesthetic quality and functionality of the downtown area. The 50/50 matching grant, with a maximum City participation of $5,000, ensures a shared investment and commitment to these enhancements. Success will be measured by the number and scope of completed projects, the visible improvements in building facades and public spaces, and the increased presence of pedestrian-friendly amenities, all contributing to a more vibrant and appealing urban core. The City of Salisbury's strategic priorities, as evidenced by this grant, center on enhancing the municipal service district through tangible improvements that benefit both businesses and the community. The theory of change suggests that by investing in the physical environment of the downtown area, the city will stimulate economic activity, improve quality of life, and strengthen community pride. This grant acts as a catalyst for private investment, aligning with a broader vision of sustainable urban development and community engagement.

The Teaching with Primary Sources Program (TPS) is the Library of Congress's premier educational outreach initiative. Its fundamental mission is to enhance the ability of teachers to integrate digitized primary sources from the Library of Congress into instruction, thereby fostering student literacy, critical thinking skills, content knowledge, and the capacity to conduct original research. This core work is strategically aligned with and reflects the Library's broader outreach goals and its vision of connecting to all Americans, particularly as detailed in the institution's 2019-23 and 2024-2028 Strategic Plans. The current Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Continuing Awards is specifically open only to existing, experienced TPS Program Consortium Members who have previously received grants directly from the Library. The target beneficiaries are educators and learners representing diverse groups, including specific professions, ethnicities, geographic locations, abilities, interests, affiliations, and other attributes. The primary impact goal for this continuing award is for successful applicants to expand the use and disseminate their existing teaching materials, tools, programming, and research to meet the needs of these learners, especially those populations they have identified as being underserved by the current TPS program. The NOFO focuses on soliciting project proposals that leverage and expand upon the teaching materials, tools, and strategies developed under previous TPS awards. Applicants must commit to several key priorities to achieve this expansion. These include reviewing and revising existing TPS products, modifying them to enhance their value to educators and learners, and developing new strategies and robust networks to facilitate effective outreach to the targeted, underserved populations. The expected outcomes and measurable results hinge on applicants submitting project proposals that clearly address the demonstrated educational needs of their specific recipient populations. The proposed solutions must be effective, as suggested by standard practice, documented experience, or research. The Library strategically values TPS Consortium members as "Connectors" who are essential to achieving the institutional vision of connecting to all Americans, viewing the program's success in dissemination and expanded outreach as a key mechanism for progress toward its broader strategic goals.

The Opelousas Downtown Development District (ODDD), with support from the City of Opelousas and Opelousas Main Street (OMS), is launching the fifth round of funding for its Building Improvement Grant (BIG) program. This program is a grant/reimbursement initiative designed to empower property and business owners in rehabilitating commercial buildings. The overarching mission alignment for this program is to create a positive visual impact within the city, stimulate private investment, and diligently preserve Opelousas' historic identity and cultural assets. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are property and business owners within the Opelousas Downtown Development District who own commercial buildings. The core impact goals are to foster economic development through private investment, enhance the aesthetic appeal of the downtown area, and ensure the safeguarding of the city's rich historical and cultural heritage. The program directly supports the revitalization of commercial spaces, which, in turn, contributes to a more vibrant and economically robust downtown. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly on tangible and permanent building improvements. Eligible uses of funds are comprehensive, including restoration and renovation of buildings, installation of awnings (without signage), brick cleaning or re-pointing, accent lighting, removal of deteriorating or inappropriate materials visible from the street, and restoration of windows, doors, and original exterior/interior architectural features. Additionally, interior work related to ceiling repair, electrical, and plumbing is covered, as well as work on roofs, cornices, gutters, downspouts, and the cleaning, preparation, and painting of walls and trim. These priorities are aimed at holistic improvement of commercial properties. The expected outcomes include a noticeable improvement in the visual appeal of downtown Opelousas, an increase in private investment in commercial properties, and the successful preservation of historic buildings. While not explicitly stated as "measurable results" in the traditional sense, the program's structure and goals imply that the number of rehabilitated buildings, the amount of private investment stimulated, and the visible improvements in the downtown area would serve as key indicators of success. The program offers a total of $200,000 in grant funds, with a maximum application amount of $10,000 per project, providing a clear framework for financial allocation and impact tracking.

The Louisiana Architectural Foundation Grant Program invites applications for initiatives that promote architecture within the state. The foundation, established in 1996, is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing architecture in Louisiana by fostering a strong connection between the public and the architectural profession. This alignment with its mission is achieved through various programs that aim to increase public awareness, support, and participation in shaping the environment through architectural endeavors. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are organizations and individuals whose programs promote architecture in Louisiana. The foundation is educationally oriented, indicating a focus on programs that enlighten and engage the public. While specific impact goals and measurable results are not detailed, the overarching goal is to advance architecture in Louisiana, which implies an increase in public understanding, appreciation, and engagement with the field. The program prioritizes a wide variety of initiatives, focusing on those that are educationally oriented and promote architecture. These include support for books, pamphlets, brochures, museum programs, conferences, historic preservation efforts, and television/radio programs. Additionally, public forums, in-school architectural programs, and architectural programs delivered to the general public are key areas of focus. This broad scope allows for diverse approaches to achieving the foundation's mission. The foundation's strategic priorities are centered on creating a linkage between the public and the architectural profession. This involves increasing public awareness of architecture, securing public support for architectural initiatives, and encouraging public participation in processes that influence the built environment. The theory of change suggests that by supporting a diverse range of educational and outreach programs, the foundation can cultivate a more informed and engaged public, ultimately leading to the advancement and appreciation of architecture throughout Louisiana.

The 2025 Arts and Humanities Education Projects (AHEP) grant, offered by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH), seeks to support non-profit arts, humanities, arts education, and service organizations. This program aligns with CAH's mission to foster a vibrant arts and humanities ecosystem within the District of Columbia by directly investing in educational initiatives. The grant duration is less than one year, with awards ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, and a maximum of $30,000 for organization awards. The performance period is from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. The AHEP grant targets a diverse range of beneficiaries, including students in grades pre-K to 12, older adults aged 50 and up, and teachers, educational staff, and teaching artists from DC Public Schools (DCPS) and DC Public Charter Schools (DCPCS). The primary impact goals are to provide access to high-quality arts and humanities experiences that advance student academic achievement, strengthen the value of arts and humanities education, and support activities consistent with local and national learning standards. The program prioritizes various project types, including In-School Projects, Out-of-School-Time Projects, Professional Development Projects, and Older Adult Projects. The focus is on delivering exemplary programs that align with current state standards in non-arts content areas where appropriate. This strategic approach ensures comprehensive engagement across different age groups and educational settings within the District. Expected outcomes include enhanced student academic performance, increased appreciation for arts and humanities, and improved professional development for educators and teaching artists. Measurable results will likely include participation rates in various project types, student achievement data, and feedback from older adult participants and professional development attendees. CAH's strategic priority is to ensure that at least 51% of the organization's activities and 100% of the grant award dollars support programming within the District of Columbia, reflecting a theory of change that localized investment in arts and humanities education directly leads to improved community well-being and academic success.

The City of Bellevue Art and Cultural Facility Grant Program aims to fund capital projects by arts and cultural organizations within Bellevue, Washington. This program directly supports the city's commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural landscape, recognizing the importance of well-maintained and accessible facilities for artistic expression and community engagement. The program's mission aligns with the broader goal of enriching the lives of Bellevue residents by ensuring robust and sustainable cultural infrastructure. It prioritizes the physical foundations that enable arts and cultural organizations to thrive, acknowledging that facility health is critical for long-term operational success and public service. The target beneficiaries are nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Bellevue that require funding for capital projects or facility maintenance. The ultimate impact goal is to enhance the longevity, functionality, and accessibility of cultural facilities, thereby expanding access to arts and culture for underrepresented groups and the general public. Expected outcomes include improved physical spaces for performances, exhibitions, workshops, and educational programs, leading to increased participation and engagement from Bellevue residents. Measurable results could include the number of facilities renovated or maintained, the increase in program offerings, and the growth in audience attendance or participant numbers. The program has two distinct focuses: Capital Projects and Facility Maintenance. Capital Projects encompass acquiring property, building new facilities, acquiring specialized equipment, and major building renovations. Facility Maintenance focuses on preventative maintenance and repairs to preserve existing arts and cultural facilities. Both types of projects are prioritized, reflecting a comprehensive strategy for supporting the physical infrastructure of the arts. The funding structure for Capital Projects allows for requests up to $499,999 for renovations and equipment, with potential for higher requests for land acquisition or new construction, provided it doesn't exceed 40% of the total project budget. Facility Maintenance grants also cap at $499,999. Eligibility criteria emphasize a commitment to public benefit, a sustainable financial model, and a strong presence in Bellevue. Organizations must be nonprofits in good standing for at least two years and not be dependent on City funding for their operational staffing or facility maintenance. A key strategic priority is to ensure that public funding translates into tangible public benefits, such as free or reduced-fare tickets, scholarships for arts education, and services that expand access to underrepresented groups. This aligns with a theory of change where investment in cultural infrastructure and organizational stability directly leads to increased public access and engagement with the arts. Project eligibility also requires site control and a commitment to operating the facility for a minimum of five or ten years, depending on the project size, demonstrating a long-term vision for cultural sustainability in Bellevue.

This funding opportunity provides $20,000 to independent creators and freelance artists in the US and Canada to help overcome financial challenges and support their creative projects.

This grant provides financial support to Illinois artists and non-profit organizations for various arts-related projects, programming, events, and professional development opportunities.

The Men's Fund of Vanderburgh County, managed by the Vanderburgh Community Foundation, aims to improve the quality of life in Vanderburgh County, Indiana, by collectively funding significant grants for charitable initiatives. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to address current community needs and create positive social change through the efforts of male philanthropists. The fund is open to nonprofit organizations deemed tax-exempt under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, as well as governmental agencies serving Vanderburgh County. Non-501(c)(3) public charities may also be considered if their proposal is charitable, supports a community need, and meets the stated criteria, requiring a fiscal sponsor in such cases. The target beneficiaries of the grants are underserved residents of Vanderburgh County, with impact goals centered on improving their quality of life. The fund prioritizes both program activities and capital projects across various areas, including Community Development, Education, Health/Mental Health, Human Services, and Other Civic Endeavors (Arts & Culture, Environment, Recreation, and Youth Development). Endowment creation is also an area considered for both program and project funding. The strategic priorities emphasize supporting organizations that demonstrate long-range planning, financial stability, sustainability, and sound plans to address ongoing or emerging issues. Key considerations for funding include a commitment to long-range planning, financial stability, and sustainability. Organizations should have sound plans to address ongoing or emerging issues identified by research, specific and realistic plans for program or project evaluation, and a desire to promote collaboration to prevent duplication of services. The fund also values project methodologies utilizing preventative strategies for addressing issues and solving problems, along with evidence of organizational planning and management. This reflects a theory of change that emphasizes well-managed, collaborative, and preventative approaches to community challenges. The expected outcomes include significant improvements in the quality of life for Vanderburgh County residents through funded initiatives. Measurable results are tied to the specific evaluation plans outlined in successful proposals. The 2024 Impact Grant Award will be for $30,000, and funded programs and projects must commence within six months of the award and be completed within two years from the grant receipt date. Past recipients of the Impact Grant must observe a two-year waiting period before reapplying, ensuring broader access to funding for various community organizations.

The Field Trip Experiences (FTE) grant program, supported by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH), aims to provide access to comprehensive arts and humanities field trip experiences for students in the District of Columbia. This program aligns with CAH's mission to advance student achievement through strategic planning and delivery of field trip experiences and associated programming. The grant also emphasizes creating authentic connections to curricular content across targeted grade levels and encouraging collaboration between arts and humanities organizations to build a "community of practice" and foster new relationships with public schools. The target beneficiaries of this grant are students and teachers in the District of Columbia. The program's impact goals include advancing student achievement in the arts and humanities, ensuring a strategic approach to field trip planning and delivery, and making strong connections to existing curricula. The grant prioritizes organizations that can provide engaging field trip experiences and professional development opportunities for educators, as well as pre/post-field trip workshops for students. Key focuses of the FTE grant include enhancing educational outcomes through arts and humanities, promoting collaboration among cultural organizations, and strengthening partnerships between these organizations and public schools. The program also highlights the importance of demonstrating measurable impact, ensuring that the field trip experiences and associated programming lead to tangible benefits for participating students and teachers. Expected outcomes of the FTE grant include increased student engagement in arts and humanities, improved student achievement, and enhanced professional development for educators. Measurable results are expected in areas such as student participation rates, teacher feedback on professional development, and demonstrated improvements in students' understanding of curricular content. The grant's duration is one year, with a period of performance from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. Funding information indicates support up to $50,000, with an overall grant size ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.

This funding opportunity supports K-12 schools in nine Minnesota counties to collaborate with professional artists on various arts projects, promoting access to the arts for historically marginalized communities.

The Florida Department of Health's Sickle Cell Disease Research and Treatment Grant Program aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare services for individuals living with sickle cell disease (SCD) in Florida. This initiative also seeks to advance data collection and analysis to support SCD research. The program's mission is directly aligned with the department's public health goals, focusing on improving health outcomes for a vulnerable population through both direct care and scientific inquiry. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are persons living with sickle cell disease in Florida, along with community-based sickle cell disease medical treatment and research centers operating within the state. The impact goals are to improve healthcare services and foster research that can lead to better treatments and understanding of SCD. This involves supporting existing centers of excellence and developing new ones, ultimately creating a more robust and accessible healthcare infrastructure for SCD patients. The program has two key priority areas: sickle cell disease workforce development and education, and sickle cell disease treatment centers of excellence. These priorities are designed to address both the human capital and infrastructure needs within the SCD care landscape. The grant funds, totaling up to $10 million, can be utilized for a variety of expenses, including personnel, facility upgrades, technology acquisition, and contractual services, all aimed at bolstering these priority areas. Expected outcomes include improved health service utilization, better patient outcomes, and a stronger network of SCD treatment centers across Florida. Projects are required to include impact evaluation plans to measure these changes. The program emphasizes the importance of proposals demonstrating how an applicant's strategic priorities integrate facility enhancement or the creation of new centers, as well as showcasing the organization's experience in securing and managing funding. This ensures that projects are not only well-conceived but also sustainable and capable of delivering measurable results in line with the department's objectives.

The Town of Trumbull is offering grants to community-based organizations and nonprofits that serve Trumbull residents through eligible programs, services, and capital investments. This funding originates from the federal government's ARPA program, specifically targeting the COVID-19 public health and economic response. The program aims to address the pandemic's impact on public health, as well as economic harms to households, small businesses, nonprofits, impacted industries, and the public sector within Trumbull. This initiative aligns with the town's commitment to supporting its community and mitigating the ongoing effects of the pandemic. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are Trumbull residents, who will benefit from the services, programs, and capital investments provided by the selected community-based organizations and nonprofits. The overarching impact goal is to support the COVID-19 public health and economic recovery within the town. This includes addressing public health challenges exacerbated by the pandemic and alleviating economic hardships experienced by various sectors of the community. The program prioritizes projects, programs, and services exclusively within the Town of Trumbull that directly support the COVID-19 public health and economic response. Eligible activities include those that address the pandemic's impact on public health and mitigate economic harms to households, small businesses, nonprofits, impacted industries, and the public sector. There is a strong focus on organizations that demonstrate a palpable presence within the Town of Trumbull. Expected outcomes include improved public health conditions, reduced economic hardship for households and businesses, and enhanced capacity of local nonprofits and community-based organizations to serve Trumbull residents. Measurable results will likely involve reporting on the number of residents served, the specific public health and economic issues addressed, and the overall impact of the funded programs. Applicants are required to comply with federal reporting guidelines, including periodic project and expenditure reports, ensuring accountability and the ability to track progress. The Town of Trumbull's strategic priority in launching this grant program is to effectively deploy federal ARPA funds to create a tangible positive impact on its community in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The theory of change is that by providing financial support to local organizations, the town can empower these entities to deliver targeted, effective interventions that directly address the pandemic's multifaceted challenges, thereby fostering a stronger, more resilient Trumbull. This program is not intended to replace other federal, state, or local ARPA assistance, reinforcing its role as a supplementary and focused effort.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to arts organizations in specific Minnesota counties for creating and promoting diverse artistic activities that engage local communities, particularly those benefiting underserved populations.

The Inspiration Grants opportunity provides Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding for California libraries that are inspired to implement projects outside of the State Library’s other funding opportunities. Inspiration Grants provide funding for projects that may not fit within the bounds of the other grants offered by the State Library and/or for ideas that are generated outside of other funding opportunity application timeframes.

The Chester County Community Foundation's Fund for ChesCo Capacity Building Grants program is designed to strengthen the effectiveness of nonprofit organizations (NPOs) serving the Chester County region. This aligns directly with the foundation's mission to support and enhance the community by empowering the organizations that work within it. The grants aim to help NPOs achieve a higher level of operational, programmatic, financial, or organizational maturity, enabling them to fulfill their missions more effectively and efficiently. The target beneficiaries for this program are NPOs located in and serving Chester County, specifically those with budgets of $500,000 or less. The impact goal is to enhance the overall effectiveness and sustainability of these organizations. By building their capacity, the program seeks to ensure that essential services and programs continue to be delivered to the community, ultimately leading to a stronger, more resilient Chester County. The program prioritizes several key areas for capacity building, including Mission, Vision & Strategy; Governance & Leadership; Partnerships & Collaborations; Operations & Technology; and Fundraising, Development & Marketing. Within these broad categories, specific focuses include organizational assessments, strategic planning, board development, executive transition planning, coalition building, financial management, technology improvements, and various resource development campaigns. Expected outcomes include improved organizational assessment and strategic planning, more effective governance and leadership structures, enhanced collaborative efforts among NPOs, more robust operational and technological infrastructure, and stronger fundraising and marketing capabilities. Measurable results could include documented strategic plans, increased board engagement, new or strengthened partnerships, implemented technology solutions, and successful development campaigns. The foundation's strategic priority is clearly rooted in a theory of change that posits that by investing in the foundational strength and operational capabilities of NPOs, the overall health and well-being of the Chester County community will improve. This approach recognizes that effective nonprofits are crucial drivers of positive social change, and by strengthening them, the foundation can achieve a broader and more sustainable impact across various sectors.

The Libra Foundation's grant program is designed to enhance the quality of life for Maine residents by strategically deploying its financial resources to stimulate economic development, foster entrepreneurial ventures, and create employment opportunities within the state. This initiative directly aligns with the foundation's core mission to support innovative and sustainable Maine-based business initiatives and programs. The foundation's strategic approach involves leveraging its assets to achieve economic benefits for Maine and its residents, while also prioritizing the welfare and betterment of children. This reflects a dual focus on both economic prosperity and social well-being, indicating a holistic theory of change that sees economic growth as a means to improve overall societal conditions, particularly for vulnerable populations. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are Maine residents, with a specific emphasis on children who stand to benefit from the funded initiatives. The foundation aims to achieve significant impact by supporting organizations that can develop and implement programs offering potential economic benefits across the state. This includes job creation, economic growth, and the fostering of entrepreneurial activity, all contributing to an improved quality of life. The expected outcomes are centered on measurable progress in these areas, with successful applications demonstrating clear pathways to sustainable development and positive community impact. The foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in innovative local businesses and programs, it can create a ripple effect of economic and social improvement throughout Maine. The Libra Foundation's priorities and focuses are broad, encompassing various areas of giving such as Arts, Culture & Humanities, Education, Environment, Health, Human Services, Justice, Public/Society Benefit, and Religion. This wide scope allows the foundation to address diverse needs within Maine while remaining committed to its overarching goals of economic development and child welfare. While the grant program has a general size of $10,000 to $100,000, individual grants will not exceed $25,000. This suggests a strategic allocation of resources to support a wider array of smaller, impactful projects rather than a few large ones, thereby maximizing the reach and diversity of its funding. To ensure the effectiveness and accountability of its grants, the Libra Foundation has clear eligibility criteria. Only organizations that have been determined to be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and "not a private foundation" under Section 509(a) of the Code are considered. This ensures that the foundation partners with legitimate and transparent entities, reinforcing its commitment to responsible philanthropy. The requirement for evidence of this determination at the time of application underscores the foundation's due diligence and strategic focus on supporting organizations that meet specific legal and ethical standards, thereby safeguarding its investments and maximizing the potential for positive outcomes for the residents of Maine.

The Central Alabama Community Foundation (CACF) offers Technical Assistance Grants designed to bolster the internal operations and overall effectiveness of nonprofit organizations situated in Lowndes, Macon, and/or Montgomery counties, Alabama. These grants align with the foundation's mission to support and strengthen the community by investing in the capacity of its nonprofit sector. By providing essential operational support, CACF aims to foster more robust and impactful organizations that can better serve their constituents and address critical community needs. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are nonprofit organizations operating within the specified Alabama counties that are seeking to enhance their foundational infrastructure and strategic capabilities. The impact goals are centered on improving organizational efficiency, strengthening governance, and ultimately leading to more effective program delivery and sustainable community impact. The grant directly addresses these goals by offering funding for key areas of organizational development. The program prioritizes several critical areas for organizational improvement. Funding is available for strategic planning, which helps organizations define their long-term vision and roadmap for success. It also supports organizational and board infrastructure development, ensuring strong governance and operational frameworks. Furthermore, the grants focus on fund development and marketing/public relations, enabling nonprofits to secure necessary resources and effectively communicate their mission and impact to a wider audience. The maximum award for a single grant application is $3,000, with the overall grant size ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. The expected outcomes of these grants include more strategically aligned organizations, improved operational efficiency, enhanced fundraising capabilities, and increased public awareness and support for the beneficiary nonprofits. Measurable results could include the development of a comprehensive strategic plan, the establishment of a more effective board, an increase in secured funding, or an expanded reach through improved marketing efforts. While the grant duration is not explicitly mentioned, the focus is on providing targeted support for specific capacity-building initiatives. CACF's strategic priorities and theory of change appear to be rooted in the belief that by strengthening the organizational health of nonprofits, they can amplify their collective impact on the community. By investing in technical assistance, the foundation enables these organizations to move beyond immediate programmatic needs and build long-term sustainability and resilience. This approach ensures that funding translates into enduring improvements in how nonprofits operate and serve their communities, fostering a more vibrant and effective social sector in Central Alabama.

The City of Athens is offering the 2025 Tourism Development Grant, a program specifically designed to promote tourism and attract overnight visitors to Athens. The primary mission of this grant aligns directly with the city's strategic priority to enhance and grow its tourism, convention, and hotel industry. The program is open to eligible organizations or events located within the Athens city limits, with a core focus on projects that are demonstrably effective in drawing visitors from outside the city. This initiative reflects the City of Athens' theory of change, which posits that targeted financial support for tourism-enhancing projects will lead to increased economic activity and the overall development of the local hospitality sector. The target beneficiaries of this grant are organizations and events that contribute to the tourism ecosystem within Athens, ultimately aiming to benefit local hotels, businesses, and the general economy through increased visitor traffic. The impact goal is to substantially increase the number of overnight visitors and, consequently, boost economic activity in Athens. This is achieved by ensuring that funded projects directly enhance and promote tourism and the convention and hotel industry. The grant has specific priorities, including advertising, promotion of the arts (with a cap of 15% of annual Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax revenues), sporting event promotion, tourist transportation systems, and signage directing tourists to local attractions. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in hotel occupancy rates, greater attendance at local events, and an overall rise in tourist-related spending within the city. The program emphasizes that projects must be specifically designed to attract overnight visitors, ensuring that the allocated funds directly contribute to this key objective. While the City of Athens is not obligated to allocate collected Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) revenues unless a funding contract is in place, the council's final decision on fund allocation ensures that projects are vetted for their potential impact and alignment with strategic goals. To ensure accountability and effective use of public funds, applicants must meet several eligibility requirements. These include demonstrating good financial standing and having safeguards in place to protect public funds. Applicants must also be legal entities capable of entering into contracts, governed by a board of directors or similar structure, and demonstrate public accessibility for their programs or events. The focus on direct benefit, where funds must enhance tourism by attracting visitors from outside Athens, serves as a measurable result, ensuring that the grant achieves its core objective of promoting the city as a desirable tourist destination.

The Ohio Valley Jaycees Charitable Fund Grant is managed by the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley (CFOV) with the goal of providing support to qualified nonprofits and students within the Upper Ohio Valley region. This grant program is a direct extension of the CFOV's core mission, which is to operate as a tax-exempt, publicly supported organization dedicated to managing charitable funds, providing grants, and awarding scholarships. By offering financial assistance to community-serving organizations, the grant actively works to foster local development and address crucial needs within the Ohio Valley, aligning its activities precisely with the foundation's established charitable mandate. The grant program is specifically designed to target legally established non-profit entities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, public charities classified under Code Section 509(a), or organizations that secure a partnership with a non-profit fiscal agent. Qualified charities encompass a range of organizations, such as charitable, religious, and educational groups, as well as public institutions like school districts, public libraries, and government-affiliated organizations. Excluded from funding are individuals and any for-profit endeavors, ensuring that all resources are channeled strictly toward community-focused initiatives. The program's primary beneficiaries are the residents of Ohio and Marshall Counties in West Virginia, and Belmont County in Ohio, who receive services from the awarded organizations. Consequently, the grant prioritizes organizations that operate within this specific geographic area. While the document does not detail specific strategic thematic focuses beyond serving these regions, the emphasis on supporting charitable, religious, and educational groups inherently suggests a focus on enhancing overall community well-being, education, and social services. The foundation's strategic approach, or theory of change, is based on empowering established and legitimate non-profit entities. By directing resources to these qualified organizations, the CFOV assumes they can most effectively and efficiently distribute funds to areas of greatest need, thereby creating a meaningful and positive ripple effect across the community. The grant size for 2024, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, reflects a commitment to providing substantial support capable of funding impactful projects. The expected outcome of the Ohio Valley Jaycees Charitable Fund Grant is the successful implementation of the projects and services undertaken by the award recipients. The ultimate impact goal is to improve the conditions and opportunities available to the residents of the Upper Ohio Valley. Though specific measurable results or performance metrics are not explicitly outlined, the underlying assumption is that by funding strong nonprofits, the grant will foster measurable charitable, religious, and educational growth within the community.