Grants for County governments - Diversity Equity and Inclusion

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) solicitation is a grant program designed to support the effective utilization of DNA technology in state and local crime laboratories. This initiative operates under the umbrella of the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), the largest grantmaking component of the Department of Justice. The program's foundation is aligned with OJP's mission to advance work that promotes civil rights, increases access to justice, strengthens community safety, protects the public from crime and evolving threats, and builds trust between law enforcement and the community. By funding DNA analysis capabilities, the grant directly contributes to OJP and BJA's overall goal of providing federal leadership and resources to combat violent crime and enhance the nation's criminal justice system. The target beneficiaries for this funding are states and units of local government that possess existing crime laboratories capable of conducting DNA analysis. These recipients utilize the federal support to solve crimes and protect public safety. The overarching impact goals are to combat violent crime, support crime victims, resolve existing cases, and enhance the overall administration of justice within their jurisdictions. Related BJA programs, like the Comprehensive Forensic DNA Analysis Grant Program, further demonstrate this commitment by including various governmental entities, such as special district and city governments, as well as Native American tribal organizations, to broaden the reach of forensic science improvements. The primary focus of this grant is maximizing the effective utilization of DNA technology to process DNA samples for entry into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). This is achieved through BJA's forensic science programs, such as the DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) program and the National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI). These programs are specifically prioritized to increase the capacity of public forensic laboratories, reduce the backlog of DNA evidence, and improve the timeliness of testing. This focus ensures that DNA evidence from crimes is analyzed and entered into the national database as quickly and efficiently as possible. The expected outcomes are centered on increasing the operational efficiency and effectiveness of forensic science in the justice system. The measurable results include a direct increase in the number of CODIS-eligible samples analyzed and a reduction in DNA testing turnaround times. These efforts have demonstrated success in practice, with BJA-funded programs contributing to a substantial percentage of all CODIS hits, resulting in the identification of previously unknown suspects and providing critical evidence for the prosecution of criminal cases. This grant is part of the Office of Justice Programs' strategic priority to uphold the rule of law, keep the country safe, and protect civil rights by supporting law enforcement and justice practitioners. OJP's theory of change posits that by providing targeted financial resources and technical assistance, and by focusing on evidence-based, "smart on crime" approaches, they can enhance the capacity and effectiveness of state, local, and tribal justice systems. Investing in DNA processing and CODIS entry, therefore, is a key strategy for leveraging technology to increase the certainty of identification, improve public safety, and ensure a more fair and effective administration of justice.

The Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) is offering the 2024 Vibrant Communities Grants, a program designed to support single art projects across various counties in Georgia. This initiative aligns with the GCA's mission to increase the reach of arts grants statewide, as mandated by the Georgia Legislature. The program aims to fund diverse arts programs in as many counties as possible, thereby fostering vibrant cultural landscapes and promoting artistic engagement within communities. The grants are intended to enhance local arts scenes and provide opportunities for artistic expression and appreciation. The target beneficiaries of the Vibrant Communities Grants are non-profit organizations with 501(c)3 status, local government entities, public libraries, and schools, colleges, or universities located within specific eligible Georgia counties. The impact goals are to support and expand arts programs, ensuring broad access to cultural activities. This includes enabling various artistic endeavors such as performances, art exhibits, educational workshops, and artist residencies. By funding these projects, GCA seeks to enrich communities, provide creative outlets, and promote the arts as a vital component of local development. The program prioritizes a wide array of arts projects, including theatre productions, concerts, class field trips, art exhibits, murals, art festivals, and art classes. Notably, due to the ongoing impact of COVID, online programs are also eligible for funding. The focus is on projects that can be completed between October 15, 2024, and June 1, 2025, and must take place within the applicant's county. A key requirement is a 50% cash match for the grant request amount, emphasizing community investment and shared responsibility. Projects promoting specific religious doctrines or political parties are not eligible. Expected outcomes include a broader distribution of arts funding across Georgia, leading to an increase in local arts programming and engagement. Measurable results would be the number of funded projects, the types of artistic disciplines supported, and the geographical spread of these initiatives across the eligible counties. The grants are expected to range from $1,000 to $5,000 per project, ensuring that a greater number of smaller-scale, impactful projects can be realized. This strategic approach reflects the GCA's theory of change, which posits that by decentralizing arts funding and making it accessible to a wider range of organizations and counties, they can cultivate more vibrant, culturally rich communities throughout the state.

This funding opportunity supports local parks in California by providing financial assistance for both arts programs and art installations, benefiting communities and enhancing public spaces.

The Food Safety Education Fund grants program, administered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD), is designed to enhance food safety throughout Michigan. Funded by assessments on licensed food establishments, the program aligns with a mission to protect public health by providing critical food safety training and education. This initiative directly supports the broader goal of ensuring a safe food supply for all Michigan residents. The foundation's strategic priority is to prevent foodborne illness through proactive education and the empowerment of various stakeholders within the food system. The program primarily targets two key beneficiary groups: Michigan consumers and food service establishment employees, as well as agents of the director who enforce food regulations (e.g., local health department sanitarians and MDARD food safety inspectors). The impact goal is to improve food safety knowledge and practices among these groups, ultimately reducing the incidence of foodborne illnesses. Eligibility is restricted to Michigan governmental and non-profit organizations and entities, ensuring that the grants support organizations deeply embedded in community health and public service. Producers, marketers, processors, and growers are explicitly excluded to maintain the program's focus on education and training. For the 2024-2025 grant cycle, up to $365,600 is available, with a specific allocation of $242,500 for consumer food safety education and $114,100 for food service establishment employees and regulatory agents. This demonstrates a clear prioritization of widespread public education while also fortifying the knowledge base of those directly involved in food handling and enforcement. The grant duration is typically one year, though multi-year proposals are considered on an individual basis, contingent on future funding availability. Proposals should specifically avoid requesting funding for routine or required training, such as HACCP or ServSafe certification, emphasizing a focus on innovative and supplementary educational initiatives. Proposals are evaluated based on several key criteria, including goals and objectives to improve food safety, assessment of statewide need and audience, measurable outcomes, potential for partnering with other organizations, inclusion of matching funds, and opportunities to build upon previously funded projects. These selection criteria reflect the program's theory of change, which posits that strategic partnerships, evidence-based interventions, and quantifiable results are essential for achieving sustainable improvements in food safety. The expected outcomes include a more informed public, better-trained food service professionals, and more effective enforcement of food safety regulations, all contributing to a safer food environment across Michigan.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in Cook County that help low-income seniors in Chicago access fresh, locally grown produce, promoting their nutritional health and food security.

The "Addressing the Impact of Structural Racism and Discrimination on Minority Health and Health Disparities" grant aims to fund research projects that explore and address the effects of structural racism and discrimination on the health of minority and disadvantaged groups, with the goal of improving health outcomes and promoting health equity.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit and government organizations in California to engage and educate communities about methane emissions using satellite data, promoting climate action and environmental justice.

This funding opportunity supports arts projects that enhance access for underserved and underrepresented groups, including ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, seniors, and military families.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to designated Ohio communities for projects that celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States through storytelling and educational initiatives.

This grant program, offered by the Minnesota Department of Education, aims to support the Minnesota's LSTA Five-Year Plan (2023-2027) by funding projects that align with Goals A, B, and C. The overarching mission is to reduce barriers to access, promote equity, showcase libraries' contributions to the community, and empower Minnesota's library workforce. This aligns with the state's broader strategic priorities of closing racial and economic achievement gaps and supporting the goals of the World's Best Workforce, as highlighted in Goal C. The target beneficiaries of this grant are legally established public libraries, library cooperatives or consortia, libraries in Minnesota’s public schools or public colleges and universities, and special libraries operated by Minnesota registered 501(c)(3) organizations. The impact goals are centered around increasing collective impact through coalition building (Goal A), reimagining access through partnerships (Goal B), and changing the narrative to better showcase libraries' vital contributions to thriving communities (Goal C). The program prioritizes and focuses on new projects that can serve as models or pilots. However, it also considers new phases of existing projects or ongoing projects that reach new audiences, incorporate new methods, or significantly expand their reach. Collaboration and partnerships with community-based organizations are highly encouraged, reflecting a strategic priority to leverage collective efforts for greater impact, though not a strict requirement for application. Expected outcomes and measurable results are tied to the achievement of the LSTA Five-Year Plan's goals, particularly in areas like reducing access barriers and promoting equity. While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided text, the focus on "changing the narrative" and "increasing collective impact" suggests qualitative and quantitative improvements in community engagement, library service utilization, and workforce development. The grant period from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, provides a timeframe for achieving these outcomes, with grant awards ranging from $10,000 to $75,000 to support these initiatives.

This program provides financial assistance to cannabis entrepreneurs in Massachusetts, specifically targeting pre-licensed businesses and licensed establishments owned by individuals from social equity backgrounds, to support their entry, operational needs, and growth in the cannabis industry.

The Expand Massachusetts Stories Grant - Open Track offers funding up to $20,000 for projects that amplify under-recognized narratives and voices in Massachusetts. Focused on using humanities tools such as inquiry, contextualization, and reflection, this grant seeks to enhance public understanding of the diverse histories and experiences within the state. Projects eligible for funding include oral histories, community-centered museum exhibitions, and other humanities-focused initiatives. The grant is competitive, with applications reviewed based on their contribution to a more inclusive narrative of Massachusetts.

Deadline: May 31, 2024, at 4 p.m. CDT. Eligible Recipients: Not-for-profit organizations with preservation, conservation, cultural, historical, or archeological missions, including HBCUs, tribal nations, and government entities. Eligible Projects: Must be within the Delta Region, focusing on cultural heritage, public roads, regional music, museums, and more. Priority Criteria: Projects addressing immediate needs, new initiatives, completed within 18 months, and enhancing heritage tourism. Where: Projects within the Delta Region, not on federal property. When: Applications open April 15, 2024, and close May 31, 2024, at 4 p.m. CDT. Selected projects announced by September 2024. Webinar: Optional webinar on April 24 at 10 a.m. CDT. Register here. Contact: For project inquiries, email us. For technical support, contact grants@jnpa.com.

This funding opportunity is designed to assist small organizations in New York with limited budgets in providing accessible and engaging public humanities programs to underserved communities across the state.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Native women-led organizations working to address the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit Peoples by promoting awareness and healing within tribal communities across the U.S.

This program provides flexible funding to Ohio arts and cultural organizations of all sizes to support high-quality artistic experiences for the community.

This funding opportunity is designed to support local nonprofits, government entities, and public school agencies in Buena Vista County with various project needs.

The Oregon Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program aims to reduce fossil fuel emissions, decrease overall community energy use, and improve energy efficiency across various sectors including transportation and buildings. This initiative is aligned with a broader mission to build a clean and equitable energy economy, specifically prioritizing disadvantaged communities and promoting equity and inclusion in workforce development and deployment activities. The program seeks to solicit subgrant applications from eligible local governments not already receiving direct EECBG formula grants from the U.S. Department of Energy, through a rolling selection process. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are Oregon units of local government and the communities they serve. The impact goals are centered on environmental sustainability and maximizing benefits to communities. Key objectives include reducing fossil fuel emissions in an environmentally sustainable manner, reducing a community's total energy use, and improving energy efficiency in transportation, buildings, and other sectors. A significant focus is placed on the Justice40 Initiative, ensuring that disadvantaged communities are prioritized in the transition to a clean energy economy. The program prioritizes projects related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, and transportation. The Oregon Department of Energy has approximately $1.2 million available for these grants, with individual grant amounts ranging from a minimum of $50,000 to a maximum of $100,000 for qualifying communities. The strategic priorities are clearly outlined through the objectives, emphasizing a holistic approach to energy conservation and equitable distribution of benefits. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in fossil fuel emissions and total energy consumption within participating communities. Improved energy efficiency in various sectors and the creation of equitable workforce opportunities in the clean energy sector are also anticipated. The grant duration for projects is generally 24 months from the date of the Performance Agreement, allowing sufficient time for implementation and completion of the energy-saving initiatives.

This grant provides funding to various organizations in Washington State to create outdoor education and recreation opportunities for underserved and historically excluded youth.

This grant provides funding to local governments, tribes, and nonprofits in Oregon to improve tourism infrastructure and promote inclusivity for underserved communities, boosting the state's visitor industry and local economies.