Grants for City or township governments - Diversity Equity and Inclusion

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 program provides funding to organizations for projects that improve broadband access in underserved and unserved communities across Illinois, promoting digital equity and economic growth.

The Artistic Legacy Grant (ALG), funded by the San Francisco Arts Commission, offers $10,000 to $100,000 for a 3-year period to support and celebrate an artist who has significantly contributed to San Francisco's arts and culture for at least 25 years, with funds to be used for professional development, artistic planning, sabbaticals, and other related costs.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in Illinois to establish a peer-staffed phone line that offers free, confidential emotional support and resources for individuals facing mental health challenges.

This funding opportunity is designed for healthcare institutions and organizations in the U.S. to improve the management and outcomes of migraine patients in emergency departments.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, government entities, and schools in Missouri to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that improve the quality of life for underrepresented communities.

This funding initiative provides technical assistance and support to organizations that help high-barrier populations, such as youth, veterans, and justice-involved individuals, improve their workforce readiness and economic mobility in California.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in New York State to establish training centers that will prepare peer workers with lived experience in health-related issues for roles in the public health workforce, promoting health equity and access to employment resources.

This program provides funding to Connecticut local governments and non-profits to improve urban forests, focusing on preserving trees and expanding tree canopy in underserved communities.

This funding opportunity provides up to $1 million to organizations focused on improving maternal and infant health equity in communities of color through innovative, community-driven programs.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to pediatric and family medical practices in New York State to implement the HealthySteps model, which enhances early childhood development and mental health services for children ages 0–3 and their families, particularly in underserved areas.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and public entities in Sangamon County, Illinois, to create accessible recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

This funding opportunity supports projects that promote sustainable pest management practices to protect human health and the environment, particularly in underserved communities and agricultural areas near schools.

This grant provides financial support to individuals, artists, and community organizations in Worcester County to develop projects in the arts, humanities, and sciences that enhance the cultural landscape and benefit local residents.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that advance the conservation of California's coastal waters, particularly benefiting local agencies, universities, nonprofits, and Native American tribes.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Indiana's state and local government agencies, as well as tribal governments, to enhance criminal justice systems, improve crime prevention efforts, and implement data-driven strategies for public safety.

The Ramsey County's Critical Corridors Development & Infrastructure program is a redevelopment grant, offering $100,000 to $500,000 for projects that intensify land use, facilitate multifamily housing, improve pedestrian or bicycle infrastructure, and promote development in disinvested areas within transit, economic, and cultural corridors in Ramsey County, Minnesota.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and community groups in Central Berkshire to improve the quality of life for residents through projects in arts, education, environment, and health services, with a focus on underserved populations.

The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity is offering the Rural Communities Opportunity Grant (RCOG) to empower rural communities in Utah to drive their economic development. This grant aligns with the office's mission to foster economic growth and opportunity across the state, particularly in areas identified as rural. The program is designed to enable these communities to take responsibility for economic development planning, project implementation, and managing their unique opportunities, reflecting a strategic priority to build local capacity and self-sufficiency. The primary beneficiaries of the RCOG are various rural entities within Utah, including counties of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth class, cities, towns, and metro townships located within those counties, municipalities with a population of 10,000 or less in counties of the second class, and Associations of Governments. The grant's impact goals are to address critical economic development needs, ultimately leading to improved economic vitality and quality of life in these rural areas. This includes enhancing business environments, strengthening workforces, and upgrading essential infrastructure. The grant prioritizes several key areas to achieve its objectives. These include business recruitment, development, and expansion; workforce training and development; and infrastructure, industrial building development, and capital facilities improvements for business development. These focus areas are designed to create a comprehensive approach to economic development, tackling various facets from job creation to foundational support for businesses, which aligns with a theory of change that posits strategic investment in these areas will lead to sustainable economic growth. Expected outcomes from the RCOG include increased business activity, a more skilled and adaptable workforce, and modern infrastructure capable of supporting economic expansion. While specific measurable results such as the number of new businesses created, jobs retained or added, or the value of infrastructure improvements are not explicitly detailed as quantitative targets, the competitive nature of the funding and the requirement for matching funds suggest an expectation of tangible, high-impact projects that demonstrate effective use of state resources and strong local commitment. The funding structure, with varying limits for different types of entities, also indicates a tailored approach to maximizing impact based on community size and need.