Grants for Nonprofits - Education

The Walter Cerf Community Fund (WCCF), administered by The Vermont Community Foundation, offers grants to address various charitable needs throughout Vermont. Its mission aligns with the Foundation's goal of supporting communities by focusing on key areas like the arts, education, historic preservation, and social services. A significant aspect of the WCCF's strategic priority is to support initiatives that address the needs of underserved populations within these focus areas. The fund also prioritizes proposals that foster cooperation, collaboration, and community building, reflecting a theory of change that emphasizes collective impact for broader community benefit. The WCCF aims to benefit organizations serving either a statewide constituency with a unique contribution to Vermont, or those located in or serving the populations of Addison County or Brandon. Approximately 70% of available funds are allocated to programs and projects in/or serving the Addison County/Brandon area, with the remaining 30% supporting statewide initiatives. This targeted approach seeks to achieve impact goals of strengthening local communities while also addressing broader state-level needs. Expected outcomes include enhanced access to arts, improved educational opportunities, preserved historical sites, and strengthened social services, particularly for underserved groups. The fund offers both small ($500-$5,000) and large (up to $25,000) grant requests. Small grants can be used for program/project support or general operating support, while large grants are strictly for program/project-specific initiatives and are reserved for organizations serving Addison County or Brandon. This structured approach to grant sizing and scope allows for both flexible support for smaller, local needs and more substantial, focused investments in specific projects with measurable results in the designated areas. The WCCF typically will not fund an entire project, preferring projects that demonstrate support from a variety of sources, which encourages broader community investment and sustainability. Eligibility for WCCF grants requires organizations to be located in or serve the people of Vermont, and to be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or be a public agency or municipality in Vermont. Nonprofit organizations without 501(c)(3) status may apply with a fiscal sponsor. The foundation maintains a strict non-discrimination policy based on actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, political affiliation, military service, and physical or mental ability, ensuring that its funding initiatives are inclusive and equitable. This commitment to non-discrimination reflects a core strategic priority to foster an inclusive Vermont where all individuals have the opportunity to participate in and benefit from community programs.

This funding opportunity supports teams of U.S. government-sponsored exchange program alumni in South Sudan to develop innovative community-based projects that promote peace, freedom of speech, and economic development while celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for training programs aimed at improving the effectiveness of initiatives that help disadvantaged students access and succeed in postsecondary education.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, local government units, and public educational institutions that serve Monona County, focusing on projects that enhance community well-being in areas such as arts, education, health, and the environment.

This funding opportunity supports promising predoctoral students in health-related fields to receive personalized research training and mentorship, helping them develop into independent research scientists.

The Genetic Counseling grant program aims to increase the availability of statewide genetic services for Illinois’ children and family members with heritable conditions or at risk for genetic concerns. Supported by the Newborn Screening fund, the program aids in early detection and continuous treatment of disorders detected through newborn screening. The program seeks to enhance awareness, access to care, and prevention strategies for potentially preventable conditions. Applicants can apply for various components, including general pediatric/prenatal services, education and promotion, outreach, and biochemical genetic counseling. Eligible applicants are genetic counseling centers providing consultation, evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment services for Illinois residents. Applications are due by July 5, 2024, with awards ranging up to $250,000 per fiscal year.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for alumni of U.S. government exchange programs to implement community-driven projects that address local and global challenges, with a focus on promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

The NIH INvestigation of Co-occurring conditions across the Lifespan to Understand Down syndromE (INCLUDE) Project seeks to improve health and quality-of-life for individuals with Down syndrome. This FOA is intended to support meritorious small research projects focused on analyses of genomics other -omics, clinical and phenotypic datasets related to Down syndrome research, with an emphasis on elucidating the underlying etiologies of risk and resiliencies to co-occurring health conditions. Development of approaches, tools, or algorithms appropriate for analyzing data relevant to Down syndrome and facilitating data sharing within the research community through the INCLUDE Data Hub may also be proposed.

The Denver Business Journal's 2024 Fast 50 Awards program aims to recognize and celebrate the fastest-growing private companies in the Denver metropolitan region. This initiative aligns with the implicit mission of the Denver Business Journal to support and highlight local business success, fostering economic growth and entrepreneurial spirit within the community. The awards serve as a platform to honor companies that demonstrate significant financial achievement and contribute to the region's vibrant business landscape. The primary target beneficiaries of this awards program are privately held, for-profit companies headquartered in the 7-county metro Denver region (Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, or Jefferson counties). The program's impact goal is to publicly acknowledge and reward these companies for their substantial revenue growth, thereby inspiring continued economic development and providing valuable recognition that can enhance their market presence and attract further investment or talent. The program's core focus and priority is to identify companies based on their percentage of growth in annual revenue over the past three fiscal years (2021 to 2023). Specific eligibility criteria include having a 3-year financial history with revenue gains from 2022 to 2023, an average of at least $1 million in revenue during the three most recent years, and no less than $200,000 in revenue in 2021. Companies must also be independently owned without a parent company and approve the publishing of their financial information. The expected outcomes of the Fast 50 Awards include increased visibility for the recognized companies, enhanced local business pride, and a benchmark for other businesses striving for growth. Measurable results will be the publication of the "Fast 50" list in a special section of the Denver Business Journal on October 20, 2023, and a special awards celebration on October 24, 2024, where finalists and winners will be honored. The verification of reported gross revenues by an independent accounting firm ensures the credibility and accuracy of these results. While the Denver Business Journal's strategic priorities are not explicitly detailed as a "foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change," it can be inferred that their strategy revolves around promoting local commerce, offering valuable insights, and creating networking opportunities for the business community. The Fast 50 Awards program serves as a key mechanism within this strategy, operating on the theory that publicly celebrating business success will stimulate further economic activity and engagement within the Denver metro area. The requirement for a C-level executive to attend the event on October 24, 2024, further emphasizes the importance of executive-level participation and recognition.

This grant provides funding to non-profit organizations in Missouri that support entrepreneurs in developing high-tech companies and creating sustainable jobs through innovation and commercialization of new technologies.

The Jean P. Fitton Grant Program, funded by the Community Foundation for Monterey County, is accepting applications from 501(c)3 nonprofits, public schools, and public-school foundations in Monterey County, California, offering $1,000 to $10,000 for programs benefiting K-12 teachers, nonathletic scholastic and arts programs, and necessary equipment and facility improvements, with a deadline of October 4, 2024.

This grant provides access to advanced genetic and genomic analysis services for research projects focused on understanding genetic factors in human health and disease, particularly those linked to existing NIH research grants.

The Creative Howard grant program is offered by the Howard County Arts Council (HCAC) to support small nonprofit arts organizations and arts businesses in Howard County, Maryland. The program aims to strengthen the vitality of the arts community and provide funding for eligible activities. Grants of up to $2,500 are available, and there is no matching fund requirement. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit arts organizations or arts businesses located and operating in Howard County for at least one year with an operating revenue of $100,000 or less. The program supports a wide range of arts activities, including dance, design, folk and traditional arts, history exhibits, literature, media arts, music, theater, visual arts, and workshops. Applications can be submitted on a rolling basis with a deadline of the first day of each month at 11:59 PM. The grant period for FY24 is from September 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. Applicants may receive funding for only one application per fiscal year. The application process must be completed online using the Submittable platform. A final report is required within 15 business days after the funded project occurs.

This funding opportunity supports Baltimore-based nonprofits in implementing community-driven programs that improve digital literacy and access to technology for vulnerable populations, including older adults and minorities.

This funding opportunity supports researchers conducting experimental studies with humans to explore how sleep and circadian rhythms are connected to substance use disorders, aiming to improve understanding and treatment of these issues.

This funding opportunity supports programs that engage underserved communities, enhance behavioral health services, promote environmental stewardship, and provide significant benefits to AmeriCorps members, particularly focusing on youth, veterans, and public health initiatives.

The Public-Space Activation Fund (PAF) is a grant opportunity offered by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs. The grant program aims to fund temporary, creative projects in public spaces within LA City neighborhoods where arts and culture are absent or scarce. The funding levels range from $600 to $45,000, depending on the category and complexity of the proposed projects. The grant is open for monthly submissions from October 2023 to July 2024. Eligible applicants include Los Angeles-based community entrepreneurs, independent artists, cultural activists, nonprofit organizations, and collaborative partnerships under the stewardship of one lead-agent. There are four categories under PAF: Neighborhood Expressions (NE), Arts and Social Wellness (ASW), International Festivals & Intercultural Foods (IFIF), and International Participation And Promotion Projects (IPAPP). Each category has specific requirements and funding ranges. The primary aim of PAF is to activate designated public spaces through creative-connectivity for well-defined audiences. The deadline for applications is July 31, 2024, at 12:00 am. For more information on eligibility requirements and application instructions, prospective applicants are encouraged to refer to the PAF program guidelines available at dcaredesign.org/artsactivate or contact Armando Smith at armando.smith@lacity.org or Ben Espinosa at ben.espinosa@lacity.org.

The DC Bar Foundation's General Support Grants Program offers private funding to legal services providers in the District of Columbia. This program is a cornerstone of the Foundation's mission to fund civil legal services, primarily for District residents with low incomes. Funding is sourced from individual, law firm, and corporate donations, alongside revenue generated by the Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA) program, which the DCBF administers. This ensures a consistent and dedicated stream of resources to support vital civil legal aid initiatives, directly aligning with the Foundation's commitment to access to justice. The target beneficiaries of this program are District residents with low incomes who require free civil legal services. The primary impact goal is to provide these essential services, addressing critical legal needs within this population. Strong applications will demonstrate an organization's ability to identify and respond to pressing civil legal needs, ensuring appropriate supervision, training, and development of staff, and utilizing stakeholder and client feedback for continuous improvement. Furthermore, applicants are expected to offer services that increase accessibility, such as self-help strategies, online legal information, and community legal education. The Foundation prioritizes applications that expand legal assistance for DC residents, avoid duplication of services, and enhance accessibility. Priority is also given to programs that expand pro bono participation by recruiting, training, and supervising law firm attorneys, and those that strategically leverage DCBF resources to support other service providers. Importantly, the Foundation seeks to fund services not supported by other funding sources and those that test innovative approaches to achieving these priorities, reflecting a forward-thinking and impactful strategy. Organizations applying for this private funding must demonstrate adequate capacity, as evidenced by experience in providing similar services and related current work. Sustainability is also a key factor, with the Foundation considering potential funding sources beyond DCBF and longer-term service delivery strategies. The expected outcomes include an expansion in the number of DC residents receiving legal assistance, improved accessibility to legal services, and the effective use of resources to address the most pressing civil legal needs of low-income residents, contributing to a more equitable justice system in the District of Columbia.

The Simmons Family Foundation, established in 1986 by Roy W. and Elizabeth E. Simmons in Salt Lake City, is dedicated to enhancing the virtues of good citizenship through support for religious, medical, community, art, and educational initiatives. With a focus on serving the people of Utah, the Foundation prioritizes projects and organizations that align with its mission. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) or 170(c) non-profit organizations. The Foundation emphasizes a preference for direct project funding over organizations that grant funds to others.

This grant provides significant funding to local nonprofits in Indianapolis that are tackling community challenges in key focus areas, with a structured application process culminating in an annual awards celebration.