Grants for Nonprofits - Community Development

The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is inviting applications from organizations committed to building inclusive and welcoming entrepreneurial environments that expand equitable opportunities for all. This grant aims to empower communities in southern Minnesota to support diverse and traditionally underserved populations in pursuing entrepreneurship. By strengthening local ecosystems that remove barriers to participation, SMIF seeks to drive lasting economic vitality and ensure that prosperity is shared across racial and cultural lines. The foundation is particularly focused on initiatives that cultivate equitable access to entrepreneurial resources and that foster collaboration among community members to create long-term change. Eligible applicants include IRS-designated 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and public institutions that provide direct services or resources to help entrepreneurs start and grow businesses. Grassroots and informal organizations may also apply, provided they have an eligible fiscal sponsor. Proposed initiatives might include entrepreneurial education programs designed for BIPOC or underserved populations, community dialogues promoting inclusivity in business, or systems that expand access to funding, mentorship, and professional development. Successful proposals will articulate how their projects create tangible economic opportunities and address the systemic inequities faced by entrepreneurs of color in the region. The foundation will award grants of up to $10,000 per project, with a grant duration of up to 18 months for implementation. Each recipient is required to provide a 10% cash match and to submit both interim and final reports detailing progress and outcomes. Projects must demonstrate clear alignment with SMIF’s mission, show measurable community impact within its 20-county region, and present a plan for sustaining efforts beyond the grant period. Proposals that show strong collaboration and innovation in addressing racial and economic disparities will be viewed favorably. Certain activities and applicants are not eligible for funding. Exclusions include individuals, for-profit businesses, and general operating expenses unrelated to the project. The grant will not support capital purchases, real estate investments, feasibility studies without implementation, or re-granting activities. Likewise, projects already underway or completed before application are not eligible, nor are those focused on research or school-based internships. Organizations with an open Inclusive & Equitable Communities Grant from SMIF are also ineligible until the previous project concludes. Through this program, SMIF continues its mission to advance equitable economic growth across southern Minnesota. By investing in community-led efforts to uplift diverse entrepreneurs and dismantle barriers to opportunity, the foundation is helping to create a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous regional economy.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to states, local governments, nonprofit organizations, and tribal entities to enhance their capacity to assist businesses in securing government contracts, particularly with the Department of Defense.

This funding opportunity supports Kuwait-based non-profits, educational institutions, and individuals in creating cultural and educational programs that strengthen ties between the U.S. and Kuwait, with a focus on diversity, inclusion, and shared challenges.

The Illinois EPA is seeking proposals for projects aimed at addressing nonpoint source (NPS) pollution to enhance the quality of Illinois' surface and groundwater. Funded through the Clean Water Act's Section 319(h), this program supports the development and implementation of watershed-based planning projects. These projects may include creating new watershed-based plans, updating existing plans, providing technical assistance for NPS pollution control, and conducting environmental and social indicator monitoring. The goal is to prevent, eliminate, or reduce water quality impairments through strategic planning and community engagement. Grant renewed every year.

This program provides funding to establish training hubs across Illinois that will help jobseekers gain skills for careers in the clean energy sector by connecting them with employers and training resources.

Grant Name: DRI Main Street Facade Improvement Program Location: City of Syracuse, New York Grant Size: $100,000 to $500,000 Duration: Not specified Details: The City of Syracuse Department of Neighborhood and Business Development is offering grants to support the redevelopment and improvement of commercial, mixed-use, and/or historic properties within the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) area. Funding is available for for-profit entities seeking to make building facade improvements. A total of $1.8 million has been allocated for this program, with a maximum award of up to $250,000 per project. Eligible applicants include property owners or those under contract to purchase property in the DRI area. Both for-profit and nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply. For more information, visit NBD website.

Grant Opportunity: LEH Rebirth Grants Funding Organization: Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities (LEH) Contact Information: Contact LEH grants staff for assistance Award Details: Grant awards range from $1,000 to $5,000. LEH may award partial amounts. Matching cost share in cash or in kind is required. Eligibility: Humanities-based organizations operating within the 64 parishes of Louisiana are eligible to apply. Eligible organizations include nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, public-facing organizations within accredited institutions of higher learning, state and local government agencies, and state or federally recognized Native American tribal governments in Louisiana. Organizations reaching underserved populations are encouraged to apply. Program and Intent: LEH Rebirth Grants support programmatic initiatives focused on the humanities. Eligible projects include public humanities programs, documentary photography, podcast and radio projects, humanities-based festivals and exhibition development, digital humanities projects, speaker series, assistance with publication projects, and humanities-based educational initiatives. Projects must involve the participation of credentialed humanities scholars. Application Timeline: Applications open on April 1 each year, with decisions announced in July. Rebirth project activities should be implemented between September 1 and October 31 of the following year. The application period for 2024 Rebirth Grants is April 1 to May 1, 2024. Funding Guidelines: Humanities scholars must play a central role in all phases of the project. Projects must focus on topics and themes drawn from the humanities or bring the analytical potential of the humanities to bear on current concerns. Programs must provide a balance of viewpoints, target public audiences, involve community representatives, and avoid advocacy and bias. LEH does not fund certain types of projects, such as creative and performing arts, research exclusively for scholarly audiences, scholarships, and political action. Nonprofit status is required, and cost share is expected. Evaluation and final reports are required for funded projects.

This program provides funding to community organizations and local governments in Santa Cruz County to support projects that improve environmental health, enhance public access to parks, and promote community resilience.

Neighborhood Grants: The Neighborhood Improvement Grant program offered by the city of Aurora provides funding opportunities for residents and neighborhood groups to improve the appearance of Aurora neighborhoods and strengthen community connections. The program offers competitive grants with a maximum award of $5,000 per project. Eligible projects include those that enhance a neighborhood's physical condition, increase pride and identity, improve neighborhood communication, and bring new assets to the community. Neighborhood organizations and residents are encouraged to apply, with eligible projects needing to be within Aurora city limits and involve at least three neighborhood households. Know Your Neighbor Mini-Grant: The Know Your Neighbor Mini-Grant provides resources to support connections among neighbors through small neighborhood block parties or clean-up events. Grant recipients receive a $100 gift card for either King Soopers or Home Depot, depending on the type of event. Funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until allocated funds are used. Eligible expenses may include food and supplies for the event, but religious, political, or personal/private events will not be funded. Printing Assistance Mini-Grant: The Printing Assistance Mini-Grant offers in-house printing assistance for flyers and posters to publicize neighborhood events. This grant is available to participants registered in the Aurora Neighborhood Registration Program. Grant recipients can receive up to 25 color or 500 black and white flyers, or 10 color or 20 black and white posters. Materials must be picked up at the Aurora Municipal Center. Small Neighborhood Mini-Grant: The Small Neighborhood Activity Mini-Grant provides up to $250 for developing sustainable neighborhood groups and organizing larger-scale neighborhood events. Examples of eligible expenses include entertainment for festivals, neighborhood t-shirts, sports tournaments, or supplies for social gatherings with neighbors. Grants are awarded on a reimbursement basis and require completion of an application form and budget estimates. Please note that specific application dates for each grant opportunity are not provided in the information given.

This program provides funding to eligible entities for the construction of fiber broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas of Colorado, aiming to improve internet access and connectivity for communities.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in New York City to enhance commercial district public spaces through projects like lighting, murals, and wayfinding tools, fostering vibrant and safe environments for local businesses.

This funding opportunity supports Illinois-based nonprofit organizations with planning and capacity-building initiatives that prioritize equity, diversity, and inclusion in their public humanities programming.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Southern Arizona that offer counseling and community services to improve mental health access and resources for underserved populations in high-need counties.

The Gratiot County Community Foundation in Michigan is accepting grant applications for projects that improve the quality of life in Gratiot County, focusing on areas such as community development, arts and culture, education, and health, with preference given to innovative, sustainable projects with wide-reaching benefits and strong local support.

This funding opportunity supports innovative community projects led by alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs in Tunisia, focusing on civil society, cultural connections, and economic growth.

This program provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Laredo that address social challenges, promote community development, and enhance tourism.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that create programs and services aimed at improving the lives of Arizona's veterans, addressing issues such as employment, health, legal aid, and homelessness.

Program Name: General Program Support Funding Organization: State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture Contact Information: Main: 850.245.6470 Next Deadline: June 1, 2024, 5:00 ET Grant Period: July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 About the Program: General Program Support (GPS) funding is available for Florida's arts and cultural organizations, both public and private. The grant aims to support general program activities rather than specific projects. Funding can be used for conducting, creating, producing, presenting, staging or sponsoring cultural exhibits, performances, educational programs or events. It can also be used for providing professional services as a State Service Organization or Local Arts Agency. Eligibility: - All applicants must be either a public entity or a Florida non-profit tax-exempt corporation by the application deadline. - Ongoing arts and cultural programs within larger multipurpose institutions are eligible with restrictions. - Arts in Education program support is available for organizations promoting excellence in arts education. - Discipline-based program support is available for cultural and artistic programming in various areas such as dance, literature, media arts (film, radio or television), museum, music, presenter, theatre, traditional arts and visual arts. - Local Arts Agency program support is available for designated Local Arts Agencies (LAAs) that support arts and culture organizations and artists through advocacy and disseminating information. LAAs must be officially designated in at least one Florida county to apply. - State Service Organization program support is available for non-profit organizations operating on a permanent basis and providing services in at least 40 Florida counties. Basic Eligibility: - All current and previous grantees must be in good standing with the Division of Arts and Culture and the Department of State at the time of application. - Applicant organization must be either a public entity or a Florida non-profit tax-exempt corporation by the application deadline. - All organizations must have at least one year of completed arts and cultural programming and be able to provide their last completed fiscal year's operating budget.

This program provides funding to Soil and Water Conservation Districts to help farms manage nutrient runoff and reduce methane emissions through various conservation practices.

The Minigrant Project Grant, facilitated by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MACC) in collaboration with Regional Regranting Agencies, is designed to support small-scale projects that promote public engagement, education, and access to arts and culture. This grant emphasizes the importance of local and regional arts initiatives, offering funding for a diverse range of projects including but not limited to performances, exhibitions, workshops, and community arts programs. Final reporting on programmatic and allowable financial activities is crucial for grant agreement monitoring, project evaluation, and research purposes. Failure to submit the final report by the specified due date may result in the forfeiture of remaining funds and impact eligibility for future awards.