Grants for Nonprofits - Capacity Building

Program: CFMC Small Opportunity Grants Program Funder: Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) Award Details: Grants typically range between $1,000 and $5,000, with larger grants up to $10,000 considered as exceptions. The grant amount can be used to support emerging organizations and ventures, urgent needs, and time-sensitive efforts where a small amount of money will make a difference. The grants are one-time and not ongoing program support. Eligibility: Eligible organizations include 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, fiscally-sponsored organizations, and occasionally other unincorporated public benefit organizations serving Monterey County residents. Fiscal sponsors may submit applications for multiple sponsored groups. Individual organizations within a collaborative applying for a grant may also apply for their own Opportunity Grant as long as it is not for the same project as that of the collaborative. Businesses and individuals are generally not eligible, except for social enterprises associated with a local nonprofit. Application Process: Before submitting an application, it is recommended to review the Opportunity Grant Guidelines and application. A conversation with the program officer prior to submission is highly encouraged. The application process is fairly simple and online. Applications are accepted year-round, and decisions are usually made within two months of submission. Evaluation: A final report is required within one year of receiving the grant. The report should include a narrative evaluation that details how the grant was used, its impact on the organization or community, lessons learned, and next steps. To apply for CFMC Small Opportunity Grants Program or access additional information about eligibility criteria and guidelines, visit their Online Grants Manager at [https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfmco](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfmco). For any questions or further assistance regarding eligibility or applying with a fiscal sponsor, contact the staff person for the specific grant opportunity or the Grantmaking Coordinator.

The Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) aims to elevate the standard of living in rural Maryland to or beyond statewide averages by 2030, while simultaneously preserving the unique cultural heritage and rural way of life. The fund, overseen by the Rural Maryland Council, provides targeted investments in economic and community development programs. This aligns with a broader mission to encourage entrepreneurial activity, foster a balanced economy, and relieve unemployment and underemployment in rural areas, ultimately promoting the overall health and welfare of rural residents across the State. RMPIF targets all rural counties in Maryland, benefiting local governments, higher education institutions, regional councils, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving rural constituencies. The core impact goal is to facilitate sustainable rural development by enabling these organizations to leverage additional non-state resources. Key priorities include the retention of valuable farm and forest land, promotion of intergovernmental and public-private partnerships, enhancement of essential infrastructure (housing, transportation, water, wastewater, broadband), and support for rural commercial center redevelopment and community revitalization efforts. The program's expected outcomes include increased entrepreneurial activity and commerce, a reduction in unemployment and underemployment, the productive use of farm and forest land, and improved infrastructure and services in rural areas. Measurable results for Fiscal Year 2025 include a State budget of $1,500,000 in General Funds specifically allocated for the entrepreneurship portion of the RMPIF program. The fund's theory of change posits that strategic investments and collaborative efforts will lead to a more prosperous, sustainable, and equitable future for rural Maryland, directly contributing to the well-being and economic stability of its residents. Eligible expenditures for RMPIF include salaries and wages, administrative costs (construction, leasing, renovation of buildings, purchase/rental of vehicles, equipment), and reasonable meal costs with justification. Administrative expenses, however, are capped at 25% of the grant request, and indirect administrative costs at 10%. Acquisition of land is not an eligible expense. Applicants are strongly encouraged to include a statement on sustainability for future years, ensuring the long-term impact and viability of the funded initiatives.

Grant Name: Regional Touring Program Grants Donor: Mid-America Arts Alliance Location: Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas Grant Type: Grant Deadline: Ongoing Grant Size: Up to $5,000 Details: The Regional Touring Program grants by Mid-America Arts Alliance support presenting organizations in showcasing the work of artists from within the M-AAA region. Presenters can receive up to 50% of the artist's fee for booking an artist listed on a state touring roster and up to 25% for booking an artist from the region not listed on a touring roster. Rural presenters may receive an additional 10% of the artist's fee. Projects must engage regional audiences through exposure, interaction, and outreach engagement. Eligible projects must feature in-region artists from outside the presenter's home state and include public-facing events between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024. The grant does not cover indirect project costs or expenses associated with benefits or fundraiser events. Eligibility Criteria: Applicant organizations must be tax-exempt non-profit organizations or federally recognized tribal communities incorporated in one or more states in the M-AAA region. They must have a valid EIN and UEI ID and commit to M-AAA's Grantee Assurance of Compliance and Federal Suspension and Disbarment Policy. Organizations may submit a maximum of three applications per fiscal year. For more information, visit M-AAA's website.

This grant provides funding to California-based nonprofit organizations and local governments for collaborative art projects that address social issues in underserved communities.

The William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, managed by the Baltimore Community Foundation, is dedicated to fostering a vibrant arts and culture sector in metropolitan Baltimore. The fund's mission is rooted in the belief that arts and culture are vital for the development of healthy individuals and thriving communities. This grant program is designed to promote and sustain this sector by supporting organizational effectiveness, promoting local artists, and providing inclusive cultural experiences. The foundation's strategic priority is to enrich the life of metropolitan Baltimore through a lively creative environment and deepened civic connections. The program targets cultural organizations and their fiscal agents serving the Baltimore area, as well as individual artists using a fiscal sponsor. Beneficiaries also include residents of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, Howard, and Queen Annes counties in Maryland, who will benefit from enhanced cultural experiences and strengthened community cohesion. The impact goals are to strengthen the region’s sense of cohesion and identity, enhance residents' lives, and ensure programs are inclusive and outreach efforts are broad, welcoming people of all backgrounds. The fund's priorities include strengthening organizational and artistic practices, supporting innovative programs, and fostering cultural sector collaboration. Under "Strengthening Organizational and Artistic Practices," capacity programs are supported to improve internal management, board training, strategic planning, fundraising, and professional development for artists. "Innovative Programs" focus on initiatives that deepen audience engagement or attract new audiences, with specific small grants available for organizations with budgets under $75,000 and for professional artists. "Cultural Sector Collaboration" aims to support strategic alliances that enhance cooperation and strengthen organizational abilities within the cultural community. Expected outcomes include improved organizational and management practices for cultural groups, increased professional development opportunities for Baltimore artists, and the presentation of innovative programming that broadens audience engagement. The program also seeks to facilitate strategic alliances, leading to a more cohesive and effective cultural ecosystem. The foundation's theory of change posits that by providing artistic funding, supporting organizational health, and encouraging collaboration, it can foster a vibrant cultural sector that enriches civic life, strengthens community identity, and ensures broad access to cultural experiences for all residents. The maximum grant size is $10,000, with applications accepted year-round, requiring a Letter of Inquiry.

The Imperial Valley Wellness Foundation (IVWF) is offering its Mission Support grant to nonprofit organizations primarily serving Imperial County. This grant aligns with IVWF's mission to enhance the quality of life for all residents in the Imperial Valley, recognizing the critical need to support organizations addressing health and wellness, and community engagement within disinvested communities, particularly those historically excluded from planning and decision-making. The foundation also prioritizes supporting these nonprofits in building their capacity to effectively execute their work and mission, reflecting a strategic priority to strengthen the local nonprofit ecosystem. The grant targets a broad range of beneficiaries within Imperial County, including children, disadvantaged students, farm workers, homeless individuals, LGBTQ individuals, low-income families, seniors, and veterans. The impact goals are centered around fostering a healthier and more engaged community. Expected outcomes include improved food security, increased active living and physical activity, enhanced mental and emotional health, safer neighborhoods, and stronger social health. For community engagement, the goals involve empowering residents to address local issues, promoting collaborative efforts, creating social opportunities, increasing community awareness, and building local capacity for change. The IVWF's focus areas for the Mission Support grant are Health and Wellness, Community Engagement, and Nonprofit Capacity Building. Within Health and Wellness, specific priorities include addressing food insecurity, promoting physical activity, supporting mental and emotional health, ensuring safe and healthy living environments, and funding programs for asthma prevention, prenatal care, diabetes, and obesity. Community Engagement focuses on empowering residents to identify and address community needs, fostering collaboration, creating social connections, increasing awareness, and building community-led change. Nonprofit Capacity Building is another key strategic priority, aimed at strengthening the operational, staffing, and volunteer capabilities of organizations. This includes support for attending conferences and workshops, acquiring and improving equipment and software, and accessing technical assistance or consulting services. By investing in these areas, IVWF aims to create a ripple effect, where strengthened nonprofits can more effectively deliver services, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and thriving Imperial Valley. The foundation’s theory of change emphasizes that by empowering local nonprofits and fostering community-led initiatives, significant improvements in health, wellness, and overall community well-being can be achieved.

The LGBTQIA+ National Grant, provided by Founders First Community Development Corporation, aims to empower eligible small businesses within the LGBTQIA+ community. This initiative directly aligns with Founders First's overarching mission to foster the growth of diverse founder-led businesses that generate over $1 million in annual revenues. By offering financial support and valuable resources, the program seeks to address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs and contribute to their economic success and sustainability. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are LGBTQIA+ identifying business owners who serve as CEO, President, or Business Owner of an active, U.S.-based business. To be eligible, businesses must have an annual revenue not exceeding $5 million, employ between 2 to 100 individuals, and have been in operation for a minimum of one year. The impact goal is to make significant investments in 25 LGBTQIA+ led businesses across the United States, thereby facilitating their growth and increasing their capacity for job creation and community contribution. The program prioritizes businesses that meet the outlined eligibility criteria, focusing on those with a demonstrated need for capital and a clear potential for growth. Beyond the direct financial support of $25,000 grant packages, a key focus is providing access to resources. This includes connecting grant recipients with like-minded entrepreneurs through the Founders First family network, and offering exclusive access to webinars and other valuable educational resources designed to enhance business acumen and operational efficiency. The expected outcomes of the LGBTQIA+ National Grant include the direct financial empowerment of 25 small businesses within the LGBTQIA+ community. Measurable results will include the number of businesses receiving grants, their continued operation and growth, and their engagement with the provided resources. Founders First's strategic priorities are clearly centered on increasing the number of successful, diverse founder-led businesses, and this grant program serves as a critical component of their theory of change, which posits that targeted financial investment combined with robust support systems will lead to sustained economic impact and a more equitable entrepreneurial landscape.

The Jazz & Heritage Presenting Grant, offered by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, is designed to create job opportunities for Louisiana performing artists. This is achieved by providing financial support to local nonprofit organizations. The core purpose of the grant aligns directly with the Foundation's broader mission: to promote, preserve, perpetuate, and encourage the music, culture, and heritage of Louisiana communities. By funding events that employ local musicians, dancers, actors, and other onstage performers, the grant contributes to the Foundation's strategic objective of supporting cultural, educational, civic, and economic activities within the state. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are Louisiana-based arts nonprofit organizations and, by extension, Louisiana-based musicians and performing artists. The impact goal is to facilitate increased employment opportunities for these artists through festivals, concerts, and other public cultural events. The grant specifically focuses on live public performance fees, ensuring that the funds directly support artists' livelihoods. This strategic focus ensures that the grant's resources are channeled into direct artistic engagement and economic support for the performing arts sector. The grant prioritizes activities that occur between September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025, emphasizing a clear timeline for impact. Eligibility is restricted to 501(c)(3) organizations or registered Louisiana nonprofits, with individuals and commercial organizations explicitly excluded. This ensures that the funding reaches established entities committed to public benefit and cultural development. The expectation is that successful applicants will demonstrate a strong alignment between their proposed activities and the Jazz & Heritage Foundation's mission, thereby contributing to the broader cultural fabric of Louisiana. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the number of paid performance opportunities for Louisiana artists and a greater proliferation of cultural events across the state. While specific metrics are not detailed, the emphasis on "job opportunities" and "employment opportunities" suggests a focus on the economic empowerment of artists. The Foundation's theory of change posits that by supporting nonprofit organizations in hiring local talent, it can directly contribute to the sustainability of Louisiana's unique cultural heritage and provide economic stability for its artists. The maximum grant amount of $7,500 ensures that funds can support numerous smaller-scale initiatives, fostering a broad impact across various communities and cultural expressions.

The Boise City Department of Arts & History Catalyst Grant program is a one-time funding opportunity designed to support small-scale and mid-sized arts, history, and cultural activities. These activities include public programs, events, projects, exhibitions, and tours throughout the year. This pilot program aligns with the Department of Arts and History's (A&H) mission to cultivate a distinct sense of place that reflects Boise’s rich past, diverse communities, and unique natural setting. It achieves this by creating opportunities that nurture and sustain Boise’s creative economy, with an overall vision of bringing people together and building positive relationships to create "A City for Everyone." The target beneficiaries of this grant are individuals or representatives of organizations or nonprofit Friends groups associated with a government agency. The projects must directly benefit residents living within Boise City Limits, and if an event is involved, the venue must also be located within Boise City Limits. The impact goals are to strengthen Boise’s cultural base, promote community engagement, and foster a creative economy. The program prioritizes projects that contribute to a distinct sense of place, celebrate Boise's diverse communities, and are accessible to all residents, adhering to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and the Department of Arts & History's Equal Opportunity Statement against discrimination. The program focuses on a wide range of arts, history, or cultural initiatives. Examples of activities include public programs like presentations, workshops, walking tours, and trainings; events; performances; exhibits; educational opportunities; oral history projects; collaborations; innovative production that cultivates the cultural community; research, planning, and/or analysis available for Boise residents; and virtual/online projects with a clear intent to reach Boise residents. These diverse activities aim to achieve the broader strategic priorities of the A&H mission. The expected outcomes include the successful execution of numerous small-scale and mid-sized cultural activities that enrich the lives of Boise residents. Measurable results for this one-time pilot program include awarding a standard size of $2,000 per grant, with a total of $40,000 expected to be awarded in FY2024. Five applications are anticipated to be funded in each round. The theory of change for the Boise City Department of Arts & History through this Catalyst Grant is that by providing accessible funding for diverse cultural activities, they will foster a more vibrant and inclusive creative economy, ultimately leading to a stronger sense of community and a more interconnected "City for Everyone."

The Twin County Community Foundation (TCCF) is offering its 2025 grant program, aligning with its mission to support qualified 501(c)(3) organizations or government entities serving Carroll County, Grayson County, and the City of Galax in Virginia. The foundation aims to promote and improve the health of citizens by addressing unmet needs, supporting health education, and funding programs geared toward improving and/or reducing illness and disease. This program offers three funding opportunities: Project-Based, Capacity Building, and Capital Needs applications. Target beneficiaries for these grants are the citizens of Carroll and Grayson Counties and the City of Galax, particularly those with unmet healthcare needs, those affected by obesity, health and nutritional issues, mental health challenges, and substance abuse. The impact goals include improving overall community health, strengthening organizations serving these areas, and fostering new projects that address critical needs not traditionally covered by other funding sources. The TCCF prioritizes projects that meet specific health-related needs such as unmet healthcare needs, obesity, health and nutritional issues, mental health, health education, substance abuse prevention, and environmental health. Additionally, the Board places importance on projects accompanied by matching funds, those with minimal administrative overhead (preferring support for direct staff positions over administrative roles), and those that are not recurring unless absolutely necessary. A key strategic priority is to encourage new and innovative projects. Expected outcomes include measurable improvements in community health indicators, stronger and more sustainable non-profit organizations, increased access to vital services, and the development of new programs addressing identified health disparities. For example, Project-Based Grants require clear demonstrations of community need, measurable outcomes, and activities designed to meet those needs. Capacity Building Grants aim to strengthen organizational skills, abilities, processes, and resources, leading to more viable and impactful organizations. The TCCF's theory of change is rooted in the belief that by investing in these key areas and supporting robust, efficient organizations, they can effectively contribute to a healthier and more resilient Twin County community.

The George W. Wells Foundation offers grants to bolster quality educational, human services, and healthcare programming for underserved populations. This aligns with the foundation's mission to support initiatives that address critical community needs and improve the well-being of vulnerable groups. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its focus on these key areas, aiming to create a positive and lasting impact on the lives of those it serves. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are underserved populations in Massachusetts, particularly within Southbridge and its surrounding communities. The foundation gives special consideration to local charitable organizations, demonstrating a commitment to regional development and community-centric impact. The overarching impact goal is to enhance access to vital services and opportunities, fostering equitable outcomes in education, health, and human services. The Wells Foundation prioritizes grant requests for general operating support or program support, recognizing the importance of flexible funding to sustain and expand effective initiatives. Small, program-related capital expenses can also be included, allowing for essential infrastructure or resource improvements that strengthen program delivery. This approach reflects a theory of change that effective, well-supported organizations are best positioned to achieve significant and measurable results within their communities. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the foundation's focus on "quality programming" suggests an expectation of positive and tangible improvements in the lives of beneficiaries. Given the 1-year grant duration for the majority of awards, programs are likely expected to demonstrate progress and impact within this timeframe, contributing to the foundation's broader strategic goals of fostering stronger, healthier, and more educated communities.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that empower disadvantaged communities and improve quality of life through impactful programs and initiatives.

The Black Hills Area Community Foundation (BHACF) is offering its Summer Capacity Building Grant, a program designed to strengthen the effectiveness, sustainability, and efficiency of eligible organizations within specific counties of South Dakota. While the description doesn't explicitly detail the BHACF's overarching mission, the focus on "capacity building needs" suggests an alignment with fostering a robust and resilient non-profit sector in the Black Hills area. This grant directly supports the foundation's implied strategic priority of empowering local organizations to better serve their communities through enhanced operational capabilities. The target beneficiaries for this grant include IRS 501(c)(3) public charities, schools, government entities, and religious organizations operating within Oglala Lakota, Fall River, Custer, Pennington, Meade, Lawrence, and Butte counties in South Dakota. The core impact goal is to strengthen these organizations, enabling them to achieve greater effectiveness, sustainability, or efficiency. This focus on internal organizational health indicates a theory of change where by investing in the operational capacity of these entities, the foundation expects a ripple effect of improved service delivery and community impact. The grant prioritizes several key areas for capacity building. Eligible projects include measurements and evaluation, partnership development, strategic planning, board engagement/development, marketing and donor engagement, technology needs and technical support, and staff development/retention. These focus areas are indicative of the foundation's understanding that a holistic approach to organizational development is necessary for long-term success. The expected outcomes are directly tied to improvements in these areas, leading to more effective and sustainable organizations. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the types of eligible projects, the emphasis on "measurements and evaluation" as a funding area suggests that grantees will be expected to demonstrate how their capacity-building efforts lead to tangible improvements in their operations and service delivery. The grant duration of one year and a maximum grant amount of $5,000 further indicate a focused approach on achievable, short-to-medium term improvements in the selected capacity-building areas. Ineligible projects, such as religious or political activity, fundraising, debt retirement, or multi-year funding, further define the boundaries and strategic intent of this capacity-building initiative.

The Orange County Enhanced Mobility for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities (EMSD) Program is a locally funded initiative designed to support local agencies in delivering activities similar to those eligible under FTA 5310 federal programs. This program maintains all the beneficial elements of its federal counterpart, but utilizes local funding. Its core mission aligns with addressing the critical transportation needs of older adults and people with disabilities, particularly when existing services are unavailable, insufficient, or inappropriate. The program aims to ensure that these vulnerable populations have reliable access to transportation, thereby enhancing their overall mobility and quality of life within Orange County. The primary target beneficiaries of the EMSD Program are older adults and people with disabilities in Orange County. The program's impact goals are centered on improving mobility for these individuals, supporting local agencies and non-profits that provide services within their communities, and supplementing existing transportation services like the OCTA Senior Mobility Program, OC ACCESS, and OC Bus fixed-route service. A significant focus is also placed on providing seamless service through improved first- and last-mile connections, recognizing that initial and final legs of a journey can often be the most challenging for individuals with mobility limitations. The EMSD Program prioritizes several key areas to achieve its objectives. It encourages the incorporation of technology-based solutions to create more efficient and accessible mobility options. Furthermore, it emphasizes promoting outreach efforts by non-profit and public agencies to senior and disabled patrons, with a particular focus on reaching disadvantaged, underrepresented, and diverse communities to ensure their specific needs are met. Funding is also prioritized for agencies that demonstrate collaboration through partnerships, aiming to create efficiencies and lower operating costs, and for those that commit to increasing vehicle revenue hours beyond a minimum of ten hours per week, ensuring greater service availability. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an overall improvement in the mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities across Orange County. This will be achieved through increased access to transportation services, enhanced first- and last-mile connections, and the adoption of innovative technology-based solutions. The program also anticipates a strengthened network of local agencies and non-profits providing these essential services, leading to more comprehensive and effective support for the target populations. The availability of $8.5 million in funding, with a total maximum request of $1.5 million per applicant across various capital and operating categories, is a measurable commitment to achieving these impactful results.

This program provides financial assistance to small business owners in Richmond who have been adversely affected by COVID-19, helping them stabilize and grow their operations.

The Juneau Affordable Housing Fund (JAHF), established by the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ), aims to increase affordable (0% to 80% area median income (AMI)) and middle-income (80% to 120% AMI) housing in Juneau. This initiative aligns with the CBJ's broader mission to address housing needs within the Capital City. The JAHF directs financial resources towards various activities including funding capital costs for rental and ownership housing, supporting capacity-building efforts for non-profit housing developers, and leveraging CBJ investments with other funding sources to maximize the creation and preservation of quality affordable and middle-income housing units. The primary beneficiaries of the JAHF are households within the affordable (0-80% AMI) and middle-income (80-120% AMI) ranges, as well as non-profit housing developers, public housing authorities, tribal governments, and for-profit developers who contribute to the creation of such housing. The impact goals include increasing the number of available affordable and middle-income housing units, fostering long-term affordability, and encouraging downtown housing development. The JAHF prioritizes the use of capital to develop housing units, specifically funding for acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, or preservation of affordable, middle-income, and senior housing, as well as homeowner opportunities. A key focus is on long-term affordability, with a preference for units created with affordability covenants or that are permanently affordable. Additionally, the fund prioritizes housing development within the boundaries established by the Downtown Juneau Residential Tax Abatement Map. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in the supply of affordable and middle-income housing units in Juneau. Measurable results will be tracked through the number of housing units created or preserved, the proportion of units designated for long-term affordability, and the geographic distribution of new developments, particularly in the downtown area. The CBJ’s strategic priority, as reflected in the JAHF, is to implement its Housing Action Plan by directing financial resources and incentives to address the critical need for diverse housing options across different income levels, thereby enhancing the overall livability and economic stability of the community.

The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa's Black Hawk County Grants program offers one-time grants to organizations and projects that benefit residents of Black Hawk County, Iowa. These grants are designed to support a wide range of initiatives across various areas, including Arts and Culture, Community Betterment, Education and Youth Development, Environment and Animal Welfare, Health, and Human Service. The foundation's mission is deeply aligned with improving the quality of life for Black Hawk County residents by investing in programs that foster community well-being and address critical needs. The grants target beneficiaries across all age groups and demographics within Black Hawk County. The impact goals are broad, aiming to enhance access to arts and cultural opportunities, protect historical infrastructure, develop local talent, stimulate economic development, promote civic engagement, create or expand public amenities, improve child care, support youth mentorship and career readiness, conserve and restore ecosystems, educate on environmental issues, provide behavioral healthcare and wellness services, prevent various social issues, and meet basic human needs. The foundation prioritizes requests that align with these program areas and community initiatives, seeking to achieve long-lasting positive changes within the community. The program's priorities and focuses are further guided by specific community initiatives. These include Advancing Racial Equity, with a commitment to supporting BIPOC-led organizations and populations; Expanding Child Care, aiming to increase equitable, accessible, and sustainable child care; Enhancing the Arts, by enriching an inclusive arts community; Strengthening Workforce Readiness, to create a more qualified workforce; and Building Nonprofit Capacity, to strengthen the work of their partners. The foundation embraces organizations that address two or more of these initiatives, demonstrating a holistic approach to community development. Expected outcomes include expanded access to essential services, improved educational and career opportunities, a healthier environment, a reduction in social challenges, and a more vibrant and equitable community. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed for each program area in the provided text, the foundation's emphasis on addressing defined needs within Black Hawk County suggests an expectation of tangible improvements in the lives of residents. The majority of competitive grants range from $5,000 to $25,000, indicating a focus on funding a diverse portfolio of impactful projects rather than a few large-scale initiatives. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are centered on identifying and investing in critical community needs and fostering collaborative efforts. By focusing on specific initiatives such as racial equity, child care, arts, workforce readiness, and nonprofit capacity, they aim to create systemic change. Their theory of change appears to be that by supporting organizations that address these key areas, they can empower communities, strengthen infrastructure, and improve the overall well-being and resilience of Black Hawk County residents. This approach emphasizes targeted investments and community-driven solutions to achieve their philanthropic goals.

This grant provides funding to California-based organizations to support fellowships for individual artists, promoting artistic excellence and community engagement across various disciplines.

The Pigeon River Fund (PRF), managed by The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC), aims to enhance the streams and rivers within Haywood, Buncombe, and Madison counties. This mission directly aligns with CFWNC's strategic priority of improving regional environmental health and quality of life. The fund primarily targets projects that provide direct benefits in areas such as improved surface water quality, enhanced fish and wildlife management and habitats, expanded public access to waterways, and increased citizen awareness regarding their roles in protecting these vital resources. This aligns with a theory of change that by investing in direct improvements and community engagement, the overall health and sustainability of local aquatic ecosystems will be uplifted. The PRF supports a range of projects with specific focuses and priorities. Higher priority is given to efforts that address water quality issues in streams or watersheds identified as priorities in county action plans, especially those promoting collaborative or coordinated projects with long-term benefits. Education and awareness initiatives, particularly those helping individuals understand their impact on the river basin's health, are also highly valued. Furthermore, the installation of water quality Best Management Practices (BMPs) or other stream improvements that are part of a coordinated, multi-faceted effort and result in significant water quality improvement are considered high priority. Conversely, scattered projects, government agency operating support (especially staffing), and projects related to regulation enforcement are generally lower priority. The grant program seeks to achieve measurable results and expected outcomes. Projects are anticipated to lead to tangible improvements in surface water quality, as well as an increase in the health and diversity of fish and wildlife populations. Expanded public access to rivers and streams is another key outcome, fostering greater community engagement with these natural resources. Additionally, the program aims to increase citizens' awareness and understanding of water quality issues, empowering them to take more active roles in environmental protection. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $35,000 for one year, with some exceptions, and are contingent on the leveraging of other funds or in-kind resources to maximize impact. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and governmental entities serving Buncombe, Haywood, or Madison counties. The grant requests are expected to demonstrate how they will address at least one of the four focus areas, contributing to the fund's overall impact goals. The emphasis on coordinated, long-term, and educational projects reflects CFWNC's strategic approach to fostering sustainable environmental improvements and building a more engaged and knowledgeable community in Western North Carolina.

This program provides financial support to organizations in Texas that offer mortgage education and counseling to help individuals achieve and maintain homeownership.