Arts Grants

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.

The 2024-25 Physical and Digital Infrastructure Security Grant (DF) Program for Health Care Facilities, offered by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), aims to enhance physical and digital security for healthcare facilities in California. This program aligns with the foundational mission of protecting vital health services and ensuring the safety of facilities that provide abortion-related and reproductive healthcare, which are often targets of violence and vandalism. The grant seeks to mitigate these threats, thereby supporting the continuity and accessibility of critical healthcare services across the state. The target beneficiaries of this grant are currently licensed community health centers, tribal health programs, non-profit hospitals not part of large health systems, and non-profit organizations whose membership includes such licensed facilities. All eligible applicants must be located in California and provide abortion-related services (or referrals) and reproductive healthcare services. The impact goal is to strengthen the security infrastructure of these facilities, creating safer environments for both patients and staff, and ensuring uninterrupted access to essential healthcare. The program's priorities and focuses include providing funding for physical facility enhancements, such as improved security measures for buildings, and digital security enhancements to protect against cyber threats and data breaches. The grant specifically targets facilities that may be vulnerable to violence and vandalism due to the nature of the services they provide. The funding aims to directly address these vulnerabilities, thereby safeguarding the operational capacity of these crucial healthcare providers. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a demonstrable improvement in the physical and digital security posture of funded facilities. This could involve a reduction in incidents of vandalism or violence, enhanced data protection, and increased patient and staff safety. The grant period is from September 1, 2024, through December 31, 2026, during which time facilities are expected to implement and integrate these security upgrades. Applicants can request up to $750,000 from the total available funding of $7,798,822. While specific "Foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change" are not explicitly detailed for Cal OES in the provided text, the underlying theory of change for this grant program appears to be that by providing targeted funding for security enhancements, the state can directly reduce risks to essential healthcare infrastructure. This proactive investment is expected to lead to greater resilience for healthcare facilities, particularly those offering sensitive services, thereby upholding public health and safety and ensuring that all Californians have access to necessary medical care without fear or disruption.

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is proud to support the nations arts sector with grant opportunities so that together we can help everyone live more artful lives. The arts contribute to our individual well-being, the well-being of our communities, and to our local economies. The arts are also crucial to helping us make sense of our circumstances from different perspectives as we emerge from the pandemic and plan for the future. Grants for Arts Projects is our largest grants program for organizations, providing comprehensive and expansive funding opportunities for communities. Through project-based funding, the program supports opportunities for public engagement with the arts and arts education, for the integration of the arts with strategies promoting the health and well-being of people and communities, and for the improvement of overall capacity and capabilities within the arts sector. We welcome applications from a variety of eligible organizations, including first-time applicants; from organizations serving rural, urban, suburban, and tribal communities of all sizes; and from organizations with small, medium, or large operating budgets. An organization may submit only one application under these FY2025 Grants for Arts Projects guidelines. If an organization applies to the Challenge America category, it may not also apply to the Grants for Arts Projects category. The National Endowment for the Arts support of a project may start on or after June 1, 2024. Generally, a period of performance of up to two years is allowed.

The Monona County Community Partners Foundation (MCCPF) grant program aims to address present and emerging needs within Monona County, Iowa, by awarding grants in areas such as Arts & Culture, Civic, Education, Environment, Health, and Human Services. The grants are available to nonprofit organizations, units of local government, and public education institutions that serve Monona County and are tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The application process opens on December 1, and the deadline is March 1, with final determinations made in the first week of April. Grants typically range from $250 to $15,000, focusing on projects with potential for long-term impact and collaboration with other community groups. The MCCPF provides funding every other year. Applicants funded in 2024 are not eligible for the 2025 cycle. Priority is given to projects that collaborate with other nonprofits and have potential for long-term community impact.

The Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo offers Arts Fund Project Support grants to support organizations aiming to engage culturally diverse and/or underserved communities within Kalamazoo County, emphasizing ethnic/minority, tribal, and rural communities. This initiative seeks to enhance the quality and diversity of arts in the region. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 organizations with annual budgets under $500,000, especially those targeting underserved communities. Projects must occur solely within and cater exclusively to Kalamazoo County's citizens. Two application periods are open for this grant: July 15 - September 20, 2024, and December 16 - February 14, 2025. The maximum grant amount is $5,500 or up to 50% of the project's budget.

This grant provides financial support to individual artists and nonprofit arts organizations in Montana to enhance their professional development, expand their market reach, and engage the public through artistic activities.

The Ottawa County Community Foundation (OCCF) annually awards Community Grants to support charitable programs and initiatives across diverse fields including education, health, social services, economic development, natural resources, and the arts. These grants are funded through various sources such as Unrestricted and Donor Advised Funds, alongside annual donations. Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations located in or serving Ottawa County, who must submit their proposals exclusively via the Foundation’s online application portal between January 1 and March 1 at 11:59 p.m. each year.

The Kendrick Foundation aims to improve the physical and mental well-being of all residents in Morgan County, Georgia. This mission is central to their grant program, which seeks to partner with innovative community organizations. These partnerships are designed to implement scientifically supported, evidence-based, or evidence-informed strategies that align with the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps What Works for Health, or other credible sources. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are the residents of Morgan County, GA, with a specific focus on addressing critical health issues. The foundation's impact goals are centered on improving mental health, reducing substance use, and promoting physical activity and nutrition within the community. By investing in these areas, the Kendrick Foundation seeks to create tangible, positive changes in the overall health landscape of Morgan County. The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly defined through its focus areas: Mental Health, Substance Use, and Physical Activity and Nutrition. These priorities reflect a theory of change that posits that by investing in evidence-based interventions in these key areas, there will be measurable improvements in the health outcomes for Morgan County residents. The foundation is looking for projects that demonstrate a clear understanding of these priorities and propose strategies that have a proven track record of success. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantitative targets, the foundation emphasizes the use of scientifically supported and evidence-based strategies. This implies an expectation that funded projects will have clear, measurable objectives and will be able to demonstrate their impact on the chosen focus areas. Organizations applying for grants should be prepared to articulate how their proposed initiatives will lead to positive changes in mental health, substance use, or physical activity and nutrition among Morgan County residents.

The Case Management Pilot Program (CMPP) makes funds available through a solicitation to local governments and/or nonprofits to provide voluntary case management and other services to eligible noncitizens. CMPP funds will be awarded through a competitive solicitation process to eligible subrecipients by the CMPP National Board, chaired by the Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. CMPP services are to be made available to non-detained eligible noncitizens in geographic locations served by the CMPP. Services can include: mental health services; human trafficking screening; legal orientation programs; cultural orientation programs; connections to social services; and for individuals who will be removed, reintegration services. Once awarded, the National Board will release its own solicitation to request applications from local governments and nonprofit organizations to provide CMPP services to eligible noncitizens enrolled in the program.Applicants can submit applications for this funding opportunity through FEMA Grants Outcomes (GO). Access the system at https://go.fema.gov/

The Community Pride Foundation offers grants to support youth activities that encompass arts, athletics/sports, education, and leadership. Eligible applicants include public schools, youth organizations, nonprofit organizations, and public/governmental agencies. The grant does not fund individuals. Proposals must be youth-centered, involve active youth participation, and focus on the program rather than equipment. Collaboration and leveraging other funding sources are important evaluation criteria. Applications must be submitted by email or post-marked by the deadlines of May 1 or November 1. Awards range from $500 to $2,500 with total available funding of $10,000 annually.

Fiesta Bowl Charities is dedicated to strengthening communities by supporting organizations focused on youth, sports, and education. This grant program aligns directly with their mission to enhance the success of these key community pillars. The grants, ranging from $15,000 (Kickoff Grant) to $50,000 (Touchdown Grant), are designed to support a variety of initiatives that build organizational capacity, fund direct services and program projects, and cover associated direct costs like project management, marketing, and equipment. The target beneficiaries are residents within Arizona's geographic boundaries, served by 501(c)(3) organizations or organizations using a qualified fiscal agent. The impact goal is to foster thriving communities through strategic investments in youth development, athletic programs, and educational initiatives. Fiesta Bowl Charities particularly encourages proposals that demonstrate matching funds, engage in mission-driven collaborations, and contribute to the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the applying organizations. The program prioritizes proposals that support direct services and program projects, as well as those that build the capacity of organizations. This includes funding for administrative support, legal, or accounting functions directly attributable to the project. The expected outcomes include stronger community programs, increased opportunities for youth in sports and education, and enhanced organizational effectiveness among Arizona non-profits. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the types of projects supported, the emphasis on fiscal accountability and the encouragement of capacity-building suggest a focus on sustainable and impactful initiatives. The foundation's strategic priorities are to invest in direct services and programs, foster partnerships, and leverage additional funds to maximize the reach and effectiveness of their grants, embodying a theory of change that by strengthening these core areas, they contribute to a healthier, more educated, and engaged community.

The California Energy Commission (CEC) is offering the INDIGO Program grant to support the deployment of advanced decarbonization and/or grid support technologies at California industrial facilities. This initiative aims to promote electrification and significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the industrial sector. The program aligns with the CEC's mission to advance clean energy and reduce climate-warming pollution, specifically targeting the industrial sector's environmental impact. The grant targets a broad range of beneficiaries within California's industrial sector, including existing industrial facilities, utilities, equipment manufacturers, energy service companies, project aggregators, and project developers. The impact goals are multi-faceted, focusing on reducing fossil fuel and thermal energy usage, decreasing criteria air pollutants and carbon footprints, and supporting electrical grid reliability, especially during net peak periods. Projects are particularly encouraged to benefit priority populations by reducing air pollutants and engaging directly with low-income or disadvantaged communities. The program's priorities and focuses include deploying cutting-edge, emerging industrial decarbonization technologies that demonstrate cost-effectiveness and scalability. Key project goals include electrifying industrial processes, maximizing GHG emission reductions, driving the scalability of project technology to other facilities and industries, reducing electrical demand during net peak periods, and providing air pollution benefits to priority populations. Entities associated with oil and gas production or processing are ineligible, as are food and beverage industries already receiving funding for the same projects from CEC’s Food Production Investment Program (FPIP). Expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around the adoption of electrification and other eligible decarbonization technologies, leading to quantifiable reductions in annual GHG emissions and other criteria air emissions at industrial processing facilities. Additionally, the program anticipates improved grid reliability through the adoption of commercially available and emerging technologies. Successful projects are expected to demonstrate the potential for widespread adoption across multiple industrial facilities, fostering increased confidence in these advanced technologies. The CEC's strategic priorities, as evidenced by the INDIGO Program, center on accelerating California’s transition to a clean energy economy by supporting technological innovation and deployment in key sectors. The theory of change behind this grant is that by providing significant funding for the demonstration and deployment of cutting-edge decarbonization and grid support technologies in industrial settings, the CEC can catalyze widespread adoption, leading to substantial reductions in GHG emissions, improved air quality, enhanced grid stability, and equitable benefits for all Californians, particularly in vulnerable communities. With up to $46,200,000 available for grants, individual projects can receive between $4,000,000 and $10,000,000. This substantial funding aims to incentivize large-scale, impactful projects that can serve as models for future industrial decarbonization efforts across the state.

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

The Juneau Community Foundation’s Douglas-Dornan Foundation Fund offers grants to organizations dedicated to improving the health, education, and welfare of individuals in Southeast Alaska. This aligns with the Foundation's broader mission to support and enhance the quality of life within the community. The grant specifically targets non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations, charitable foundations, childcare institutions, foster parent programs, and early childhood education initiatives within this region, ensuring that support is directed where it can have a direct and meaningful impact on vulnerable populations and community development. The fund's strategic priorities and theory of change are centered on fostering a healthier, more educated, and supportive environment for Southeast Alaska residents. This is achieved through various avenues of support. For instance, the fund can defray costs for tuition, transportation, or lodging for employees of eligible organizations attending professional conferences, training, or educational programs. This investment in professional development aims to enhance the capabilities and knowledge of individuals working directly with beneficiaries, thereby strengthening the organizations themselves and improving service delivery. Furthermore, the fund prioritizes supporting events and special services that enrich the overall quality of life in the community. This includes sponsorships for amateur sports organizations, children’s music, and theater activities, which encourage broad participation and access for all individuals. By funding these types of programs, the Foundation seeks to create vibrant communities, promote well-being, and provide enriching opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable, contributing to a holistic approach to community welfare. Applications for the Douglas-Dornan Foundation Fund are meticulously evaluated to ensure alignment with the fund's objectives and to maximize impact. Key assessment criteria include the quality and relevance of the program or event being supported, the reasonableness and accuracy of the proposed budget, the background and experience of the applicant organization, and the extent of support from other sources. These measures are designed to ensure that grants are awarded to well-conceived initiatives with a high probability of success and demonstrable positive outcomes for the individuals and communities in Southeast Alaska.

The Economic Development Fund, supported by the East Tennessee Foundation, is designed to advance regional economic development through charitable and educational programs. This grant program directly aligns with the foundation's mission by fostering economic growth and stability within selected counties of Tennessee. The foundation's strategic priority is to invest in initiatives that contribute to the long-term well-being and prosperity of the region, utilizing a theory of change that posits that targeted support for economic and educational programs will lead to a more vibrant and sustainable local economy. The program targets 501(c)(3) public charities, units of government, and public educational institutions. New or emerging groups without nonprofit status can apply with a fiscal sponsor. The ideal beneficiaries are organizations that demonstrate a commitment to non-discrimination, ensuring that their projects do not exclude individuals based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, familial status, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status. The impact goals are centered on strengthening the economic infrastructure and educational opportunities within the community. The fund prioritizes projects that contribute to regional economic development, with a particular focus on programs that align with the foundation’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. While faith-based organizations are welcome to apply, their projects must not have explicit religious content, express a particular religious view, limit participation based on faith affiliation, or require participation in religious activities or services. This ensures that the grants support broadly accessible community-focused initiatives. Expected outcomes include enhanced economic activity, increased educational attainment, and a more robust regional economy. Measurable results will be assessed through the one-year grant term, from August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025. The grants, ranging from $5,000 to $6,500, are intended to provide meaningful support for projects that can demonstrate tangible progress within this timeframe. The foundation expects to see clear evidence of how the funding has contributed to the stated economic development and educational goals.

The Nexus Grant, offered by the City of Austin, is designed to support new and emerging local small organizations, individual artists, and small arts businesses in producing creative public projects. With an award of $5,000, the program aims to nurture the creative community by funding activities that enrich the city and its tourists through community-centered arts and collaboration. This aligns with a broader mission to foster cultural vibrancy and accessibility within Austin. The primary beneficiaries of the Nexus Grant are new and emerging applicants within the creative community, including artists, culturally specific groups, LGBTQIA and disability communities, nonprofits, and social advocacy organizations. The program's impact goals are centered on supporting creative public activities, encouraging community engagement, and promoting cultural collaboration. Through these efforts, the grant seeks to strengthen Austin's artistic landscape and provide diverse cultural experiences for both residents and visitors. The program prioritizes applicants who represent, serve, and are accountable to communities at immediate risk of cultural erasure and displacement within Austin, and those that have been historically marginalized and under-funded by the City of Austin Cultural Arts Division. This includes communities such as Black/African American, Native American, Asian, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern, Pacific Islander, LGBTQIA+, and disability communities. Additionally, priority is given to applicants who have not received City of Austin Cultural Funding awards in the last five years, emphasizing support for truly emerging entities. Eligible activities for funding include exhibitions, performances, workshops with a performance or exhibition component, and public art projects accessible to the public. Grant funds can cover various expenses such as administrative and artist payments, space and equipment rentals, supplies, marketing, insurance, and fiscal sponsor fees. The expected outcomes are the successful production of these creative public projects, increased community engagement in the arts, and the empowerment of underrepresented voices within Austin's cultural sector. Measurable results would include the number and type of projects produced, audience reach, and the diversity of communities served, contributing to the city's strategic priorities of cultural equity and inclusion.

The Community Project Grants program, offered by the Arts Council for Long Beach, is designed to support the artistic, cultural, and arts educational projects and programs of arts and cultural organizations within Long Beach, California. This program aligns with the Arts Council's mission to foster a vibrant cultural landscape by partnering with local organizations to deliver impactful programming. The target beneficiaries of this grant are nonprofit or non-incorporated arts and cultural organizations in Long Beach, particularly those with a successful track record of planning and managing effective programs. The program aims to encourage innovative, creative, diverse, and unique programming that meets community needs and identifies specific audiences. Key priorities and focuses of the grant include supporting projects that reflect the rich cultural diversity of the community and demonstrating a clear understanding of local needs. The Arts Council seeks to fund initiatives that contribute to the cultural enrichment of Long Beach residents through well-planned and effectively managed programs. Expected outcomes include an increase in diverse and innovative arts and cultural programming available to the Long Beach community, a stronger network of supported local arts organizations, and projects that effectively engage identified audiences. Measurable results would likely involve the number of projects funded, the reach of those programs, and the demonstrated community impact, though specific metrics are not detailed in the provided information. While the "foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change" are not explicitly detailed as separate sections, the program's goals implicitly reveal the Arts Council for Long Beach's strategic priorities. These include promoting creativity, diversity, and community engagement through the arts, and supporting established local organizations. The theory of change appears to be that by funding well-designed and culturally relevant projects, the Arts Council can enhance the overall cultural vitality and community well-being in Long Beach.

The Olive Smith Browning Charitable Trust provides grants to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to charitable, religious, scientific, literary, or educational pursuits. The Trust's mission is aligned with fostering community well-being and development through support for a diverse range of program areas, including arts, culture, and humanities; education; environment and animal welfare; health; human services; public/society benefit; and religion. This broad scope reflects a commitment to addressing various societal needs and enriching the lives of individuals and communities. The primary beneficiaries of the Olive Smith Browning Charitable Trust's grants are organizations operating within Twin Falls, Idaho, reflecting a strong commitment to local impact. The Trust prioritizes supporting initiatives that demonstrably contribute to the betterment of this specific geographic area. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed for individual grants, the overall goal is to empower organizations that provide essential services and foster positive change within their respective program areas. The Trust's grantmaking priorities are clearly focused on supporting organizations within Twin Falls, Idaho, indicating a strategic preference for concentrated local impact. This geographic focus allows the Trust to cultivate deeper relationships with grantees and potentially observe more direct and tangible results of its funding. The average grant size ranges from $2,500 to $10,000, with an average total giving per year of $35,000, suggesting a model that supports multiple smaller-to-medium sized projects annually. To be eligible for funding, organizations must hold exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications are required to be submitted through an online grant application form, or an accessible alternative for assistive technology users. The Trust's strategic priorities are centered on consistent support for established non-profits within its focus areas in Twin Falls, contributing to the sustained health and vitality of the local community. While a formal "theory of change" is not explicitly stated, the practice of supporting a diverse array of foundational program areas within a specific geographic region suggests an implicit theory that targeted, consistent funding in these areas will lead to overall community improvement and resilience.

The GrowBoston grant program offers a total of $15,000 to nonprofit organizations to support outreach and community-building events related to urban agriculture. The primary goal of this grant is to engage Boston residents more deeply in existing urban agricultural resources and broader urban agriculture activities. These events must be open to the public and focus on activities such as gardening, farming, food forest stewardship, beekeeping, henkeeping, and the consumption of locally-produced food. This initiative aligns with a mission to foster community engagement and education around sustainable food practices within urban environments, directly contributing to local food production and awareness. The target beneficiaries are Boston residents, with a particular focus on engaging them in various aspects of urban food production. The impact goals include increasing public participation in urban agriculture, enhancing community connection to local food systems, and promoting a greater understanding of sustainable living practices. The program prioritizes events that are planned for spring or summer 2024 and are specifically focused on Boston-based food production or urban agriculture. Examples of eligible events include garden-opening events, farm or food forest "open houses," and farmers market opening days, as long as they highlight urban agriculture. The expected outcomes of this grant program are a more engaged and informed Boston populace regarding urban agriculture. Measurable results could include the number of events hosted, the total attendance at these events, and the diversity of urban agriculture topics covered. While educational components are not mandatory, their inclusion would further support the program's objectives. The overarching strategic priority is to strengthen Boston's urban food ecosystem by encouraging community participation and utilizing existing resources effectively. The theory of change behind this grant program is that by funding accessible, public events focused on urban agriculture, GrowBoston can increase residents' engagement and knowledge, leading to a more robust and sustainable local food system. By supporting community-building initiatives, the program aims to cultivate a sense of collective responsibility and participation in urban food production. Allowable uses of funding include event supplies, food, non-alcoholic beverages, entertainment, and outreach materials, with up to 10% for indirect/administrative costs. This ensures that the grants directly facilitate event execution and community outreach, reinforcing the program's core objectives.

The **Women’s Giving Circle (WGC)**, a fund of the **Eau Claire Community Foundation**, supports initiatives that enhance the lives of women and children in **Eau Claire County, Wisconsin**, through the power of collective philanthropy. By pooling the resources and generosity of local women, the WGC aims to create meaningful, lasting change in the community. Its grant program funds projects that directly address the needs, challenges, and opportunities facing women and children, fostering greater equity, empowerment, and well-being. For the **2025 grant cycle**, the Women’s Giving Circle will consider funding requests of up to **$7,000**, with a grant period running from **January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025**. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or those working with a qualified fiscal agent, as well as tax-exempt government, educational, and religious institutions. Projects must primarily benefit **women and/or children under 18 years old** and serve Eau Claire County residents. Applications should demonstrate cultural sensitivity and alignment with community needs, avoiding duplication of existing programs or services. The WGC places a strong emphasis on fairness, inclusion, and collaboration. Grants are not awarded to organizations that engage in discrimination based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics. Additionally, to ensure equitable distribution of funds, organizations funded in two consecutive years are ineligible to apply in the third year but may reapply in the fourth. Proposals should demonstrate how the initiative complements existing community efforts, fills an unmet need, and produces tangible outcomes for the intended beneficiaries. Certain requests will be evaluated **on a case-by-case basis**, including travel that supports project implementation and funding requests from other foundations or endowments. However, some types of funding are **not supported**, such as annual fundraising drives, capital campaigns, debt reduction, building funds, political activities, scholarly research, or religiously focused projects. The WGC also avoids grants for ongoing operational expenses or unrelated asset purchases, keeping its focus on direct-impact initiatives that create measurable improvements in the lives of local women and children. When reviewing applications, the Women’s Giving Circle prioritizes proposals that are clear, purposeful, and aligned with the applicant’s mission. Strong applications define a specific goal, outline how success will be measured, and demonstrate a lasting positive effect on the community. Through this program, the Women’s Giving Circle continues its mission of empowering women to be catalysts for change—investing in local solutions that nurture the health, education, and advancement of women and children throughout Eau Claire County.