Grants for City or township governments - Employment Labor and Training

The AARP Vermont Winter Placemaking Grant Program, open to eligible local organizations and communities, offers financial support ranging from $1000 to $10,000 for projects aimed at improving safety, accessibility, and appeal of spaces for older adults, with a focus on enhancing community design and livability during the winter months.

The Louisiana Main Street Restoration Grants program, overseen by the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development, is designed to stimulate community revitalization and economic growth within designated Louisiana Main Street districts. This initiative aligns with a broader mission of enriching cultural tourism and improving community economic health through the thoughtful reinvestment in and preservation of historic downtown commercial properties. By fostering renewed interest in shopping, working, and living downtown, the program seeks to leverage historic preservation practices as a catalyst for local economic vitality. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are property owners or tenants of commercially-zoned properties within designated Louisiana Main Street districts. The program specifically targets buildings that are at least 50 years old and contribute to the significance of the local Main Street district, with some exceptions for newer buildings meeting National Register criteria for exceptional significance. The overarching impact goal is to enhance the physical and economic health of these historic districts, ensuring the preservation of their architectural heritage while simultaneously promoting a vibrant commercial environment. The grant prioritizes exterior improvements that visually and economically contribute to revitalization, such as restoring or replicating original interior architectural features. It also supports the installation or repair of fire suppression systems for commercial ground-floor spaces or new upper-story income-producing residential developments in historic commercial buildings. A unique focus includes parapet lighting, utilizing commercial-grade white or color LED lights to create a festive atmosphere across adjoining buildings for at least one block, and the restoration of historically significant signage or theater marquees. New commercial signage is explicitly not supported. Expected outcomes include enhanced aesthetic appeal and functionality of historic commercial properties, increased community engagement and interest in downtown areas, and ultimately, a stronger local economy. Measurable results could include the number of properties restored, the amount of private investment leveraged by grant funds, an increase in foot traffic or commercial activity, and the sustained use of historic buildings. The program’s strategic approach centers on utilizing historic preservation as a core economic development tool, reflecting a theory of change that posits by investing in the physical fabric of historic downtowns, communities can unlock broader economic and cultural benefits, making these areas more attractive for residents and visitors alike.

This grant provides funding for nonprofit arts organizations, schools, and higher education institutions in Tennessee to conduct immersive professional development workshops focused on arts education and integration.

This grant provides financial assistance to small businesses in Dubuque, Iowa, to help cover operating costs and support long-term success for income-qualified owners.

This funding opportunity supports innovative research and outreach projects that improve the health and sustainability of Lake Superior and Minnesota's inland waters, targeting academic institutions, nonprofits, and collaborative teams focused on aquatic resources.

The County of Somerset Cultural & Heritage Commission's History Partnership Grant Program aims to bolster both established and nascent local history organizations in Somerset County, New Jersey. This program, administered by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission (SCC&HC) and supported by the New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC), is designed to provide financial backing to non-profit organizations and municipalities that deliver history programming, services, and development within the county. The grants are competitive and emphasize fostering excellence in local history initiatives, aligning with a broader mission to preserve and promote New Jersey's rich historical narrative at the community level. The primary beneficiaries of this program are Somerset County-based organizations, including non-profit 501(c)3 or 501(c)4 entities, units of local government, institutions of higher education, and faith-based organizations. The program's impact goals are centered on increasing access to New Jersey history, expanding knowledge of the state's historical context, and improving the management and operational capabilities of local history organizations. By supporting these entities, the program seeks to ensure that historical resources and educational opportunities are readily available to the public throughout Somerset County. The grant program prioritizes and focuses on activities that directly enhance local history programming and services. Eligible expenses span a wide range, from salaries and wages, contracted services, and marketing, to lease expenses, equipment purchases, and maintenance of collections and structures. Crucially, the program also supports staff training, capacity building, and strategic planning, including planning for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance. This comprehensive approach ensures that organizations can not only deliver compelling programs but also operate sustainably and adapt to contemporary needs. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a greater number of high-quality history programs, improved access to historical information and resources for Somerset County residents, and stronger, more resilient local history organizations. The competitive nature of the awards encourages applicants to strive for excellence, and the independent peer panel evaluation process helps ensure that funding is directed towards projects with the greatest potential for impact. While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on increasing access, expanding knowledge, and improving management suggests an expectation of tangible improvements in historical engagement and organizational health within the county.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local nonprofit organizations in Lawton to create programs that assist at-risk youth in developing essential life and career skills while promoting academic engagement and reducing crime.

The Community Foundation of Grand Forks' Women’s Fund Grant Program aligns directly with the foundation's mission to empower girls and women by providing ideas, energy, and resources to achieve economic, social, and political equity. This grant program is designed to support initiatives that address the challenges and concerns facing girls and women today, while also fostering their leadership skills and confidence. The foundation strategically uses this program to encourage philanthropy among women, reinforcing a cycle of support within the community. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are girls and women within Grand Forks, Walsh, and Polk Counties. The program's impact goals are centered on creating opportunities that build leadership skills and confidence, raising awareness of critical issues, and promoting gender equity. By supporting a diverse range of projects, the Women's Fund aims to generate tangible improvements in the lives of girls and women, contributing to a more equitable society. The program prioritizes initiatives that build leadership skills and confidence among girls and women, support opportunities, and encourage women to become philanthropists. While not explicitly detailed, the foundation's theory of change appears to be rooted in the belief that by investing in these key areas, they can create a ripple effect that leads to broader societal change and improved outcomes for women. Grants are typically awarded in the $5,000 range, indicating a focus on impactful, yet often localized, projects. Expected outcomes include increased awareness of issues facing girls and women, enhanced leadership capabilities, and greater participation in philanthropic activities. While specific measurable results are not explicitly stated, the program implicitly aims for improvements in economic, social, and political equity for its target demographic. The grant duration of one year, with a grant period of October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025, suggests a focus on projects with clear, achievable objectives within a defined timeframe. The foundation's strategic priorities for this fund include supporting 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, fiscally sponsored nonprofits, public entities like libraries or schools, or units of government with principal operations in the specified counties. They also emphasize fiscal responsibility and timely reporting from previous grant recipients. This ensures that funds are directed to well-managed organizations capable of effectively implementing programs that align with the Women's Fund's vision.

The program will fund work that increases the effectiveness and sustainability of nonprofits through: Strategic planning initiatives to clarify mission, goals, and performance measures; Financial sustainability planning, including diversification of revenue streams, resulting in embedded fundraising/development skills, plans or techniques; Merger planning and implementation; and Diversity, equity and inclusion policy development and implementation. To do great work, nonprofits and municipalities need strong leaders, clear plans, efficient systems, and a robust, diversified revenue stream. This takes investment in staff and time to explore and plan—something for which many nonprofits on limited or restricted budgets have few resources to spare. In response to this gap in the resources needed to strengthen organizations, the Vermont Community Foundation has created a small fund to help. The application is designed to be easy to complete and notification is within 6-8 weeks. We welcome applications to support your organization’s planning needs around achieving your mission, through strategic planning, merger conversations, or similar efforts. Grants will be no more than $5,000 each and will support the cost of consultants for the activities below. These grants are meant to supplement other funding, as we understand that this amount is typically not enough to cover the full cost of providing these services. In the project budget, please show the additional revenue sources to be used for this work, both pending and secured. We welcome the use of these funds as challenge grants to secure the additional funds. The program will prioritize applicants with operating budgets of $500,000 or less.

Grant Opportunity: Small Business Grants Funder: City of Fort Pierce Award Details: The City of Fort Pierce is offering Small Business Grants to existing small businesses with 5 or fewer employees (including part-time employees) located in specific 'Target Areas' that are in or serve the Lincoln Park area. The grants are funded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and can be used for the purchase of equipment, signage, or other improvements that will increase the capacity and sustainability of the business. Grant recipients can receive up to $5,000 from the City of Fort Pierce. Eligibility: Only small businesses with 5 or fewer employees (including part-time employees) are eligible to apply for this grant opportunity. Nonprofit organizations are not eligible. Applicants must attend technical assistance workshops provided by IRSC-SBDC and have a current City of Fort Pierce Business Tax Receipt (BTR) and proof of registration with the Florida Division of Corporations. Other Information: Ineligible grant purchases include salaries, rent, utilities, internet, telephone service, business inventory, taxes, postage, or debt. Grant recipients will be required to enter into a contractual agreement with the City of Fort Pierce before receiving funds. Projects must begin within 30 days following contract execution. Subrecipients are responsible for maintaining records for a minimum of five years and may be subject to inspections and monitoring by Grants Administration Staff and/or HUD.

The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy is offering a 2024 Grant Funding Program designed to support and promote the cultural economy of New Orleans. This program aligns with the office's mission to foster economic growth through cultural activities. For the FY24 cycle, twenty-five grants of $2,000 each will be awarded. The grants target individuals and organizations that are actively engaged in promoting the cultural economy. This includes educating youth, training cultural producers, providing networking opportunities, and creating cultural events. Eligible applicants include State and federal 501(c)3 nonprofits, for-profit businesses licensed with the City and State (for community/cultural activities only), and individuals such as artists who have secured a fiscal agent. The program aims to strengthen the cultural sector by supporting initiatives that build capacity and generate economic activity. The program prioritizes workshops, training, and conferences that enhance the capacity of cultural non-profits, neighborhood organizations, and cultural businesses. This capacity building encompasses networking, skill development (such as fundraising and grant writing), programming improvement, education on sustainability, and learning new concepts like place-based planning. Additionally, the grants support workshops, training, and conferences within specific Cultural Economy segments including Entertainment, Design, Preservation, Culinary Arts, Literary Arts and Humanities, and Visual Arts and Crafts. Expected outcomes include the creation of cultural events, increased employment for cultural workers (e.g., musicians), and increased sales for art and cultural vendors, thereby attracting tourists. The program's theory of change is that by investing in cultural education, training, networking, and events, the Office of Cultural Economy can stimulate economic growth and enhance the vibrancy of New Orleans' cultural landscape. All funded programs, events, and activities are required to acknowledge support from the Office of Cultural Economy, ensuring visibility and accountability.

This funding opportunity supports New Jersey local governments in collaborating on shared services projects to improve efficiency and reduce costs through intergovernmental cooperation.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments, tribal entities, and certain non-profits in Oklahoma for various solid waste management initiatives, including cleanup efforts and equipment purchases, to promote environmental sustainability.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Staten Island artists, collaborative groups, and community arts organizations for public art and cultural projects that engage the local community and promote under-resourced disciplines.

The Bitsie Clark Fund for Artists (The Bitsie Fund), housed at the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, aims to support individual artists in pursuing new work and achieving specific creative and career goals. This aligns with the Foundation's broader mission to foster a thriving community by supporting local talent and development. The fund's focus is on individual artist development, rather than community development, signifying a strategic priority to invest directly in the artistic growth of residents within the Foundation's service area in Greater New Haven. In 2024, The Bitsie Fund will award two $5,000 grants, one specifically for a Black artist and another open to all eligible artists. This targeting reflects a commitment to equitable support within the artistic community and addresses potential disparities. The grant's impact goals are centered on enabling artists to tackle major artistic development goals, take risks on new directions in their work, or advance their careers. The expected outcomes include a more vibrant artistic community with empowered individual artists. The fund prioritizes individual artists at a significant point in their personal development, encouraging both established artists with a substantial body of recent work and those emerging in their field to apply. This inclusive approach to eligibility ensures a broad reach within the artist community. The focus is on supporting a wide array of creative disciplines including dance, music, theater, visual arts, design, craft, literary arts, voice, poetry, playwriting, composition, and film. Measurable results would be evidenced by artists successfully utilizing the funds for approved uses such as purchasing materials, compensating for time spent developing projects, hiring others, covering performance or touring costs, travel for proposals, renting studio space, and production expenses. Ultimately, the Bitsie Fund's theory of change posits that by directly supporting individual artists in these ways, it will contribute to their personal and professional growth, thereby enriching the cultural landscape of Greater New Haven.

The Indiana Office of Community & Rural Affairs (OCRA) is seeking applications for its Building Socially Connected Communities Program, a grant initiative designed to address concerning public health statistics in Indiana through a community and economic development lens. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance community resilience and foster economic growth across the state. By investing in initiatives that build social connections, strengthen community bonds, and enhance the overall quality of life for Hoosiers, OCRA aims to strategically counter social isolation and loneliness, which diminish social capital and impact individual and community well-being. The program targets all counties in Indiana and aims to benefit individuals experiencing social isolation and loneliness, local businesses affected by decreased community engagement, and communities striving for greater economic vibrancy and social cohesion. The impact goals are to improve individual health outcomes, enhance community well-being and social capital, foster community engagement, support local businesses, and contribute to the overall economic health of Indiana’s communities. The program's priorities and focus areas include Community Infrastructure Enhancement (e.g., community centers, meeting spaces), Social Clubs & Interest Groups tailored to older adults, Community Well-Being Programs (e.g., mental health awareness, loneliness stigma reduction, accessible resources), Local Business Support (e.g., creating inviting spaces for social interactions), Transportation Accessibility in rural areas, and Intergenerational Initiatives. These focus areas reflect the foundation's strategic priority to create strong, connected communities. Expected outcomes and measurable results include increased social connections, stronger community bonds, enhanced quality of life, greater community engagement, improved economic vibrancy through local business support, and increased access to community events and essential services. The foundation's theory of change posits that by strategically investing in these areas, communities will experience a positive shift in social fabric, economic health, and overall well-being, contributing to Indiana’s statewide development goals. Funding information includes a total of $200,000 available. Applicants can apply for either Quick Action projects (maximum $5,000, minimum $1,000, 1:1 match with 30% in-kind) or Large Impact projects (maximum $50,000, minimum $5,001, 1:1 cash match). Eligible applicants are local government, non-profit organizations, and community groups. Ineligible activities range from plants and Wi-Fi to one-time use products, permanent public restrooms, taxes, food/drink, gaming, illegal/political/unsanctioned activities, demolition, salaries, administration fees, and pre-award expenses.

Under the broader Program Enhancement Projects for Adult Education, Section 243 focuses on Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE). This program supports English language learners in improving their literacy and understanding of American civics, aiming for better integration, employment, and educational opportunities. Eligible providers are encouraged to propose projects that combine IELCE educational services with integrated education and training (IET), reflecting the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act’s (WIOA) objectives. This funding opportunity, spanning fiscal years 2025 through 2028, promotes collaborations to fulfill the educational needs of English language learners in Connecticut. Grant renewed every year. It will be a 4-year program ( last application probably around May 2027)

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local nonprofits and community organizations working to improve health outcomes and address disparities in mental health, financial stability, and access to healthcare for residents in the Emerson Health service area.

This program provides funding for community-based arts projects in Fulton, Montgomery, and Saratoga Counties, aimed at enhancing public engagement and accessibility to the arts.

The Initiative Foundation offers grants to nonprofits and local government units, focusing on program or capacity-building support, projects that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion, and strategies to address workforce shortages. This aligns with the Foundation's mission to serve its 14-county region in Minnesota and Native nations of the Leech Lake and Mille Lacs Bands of Ojibwe, by fostering community and economic development. The grants are intended to be strategic investments, not ongoing support, with individual grants seldom exceeding $7,500. The grants target 501(c)(3) nonprofits, school districts, or local government units serving specific counties and Native nations within the Initiative Foundation's geographic service area. The impact goals are to strengthen communities by addressing urgent needs, particularly in low-income communities, promote behavioral change towards diversity, equity, and inclusion, and develop community-based solutions for regional workforce shortages, leading to family-sustaining wages. The Foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrably contribute to these outcomes. Priority consideration is given to proposals focusing on capacity-building support for nonprofits, especially those addressing urgent needs or low-income communities, including business planning, fund development, training, or pilot programming. Other key focuses include cost-share for projects creating behavioral change related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and advancement of community-based strategies to tackle regional workforce shortages in sectors with family-sustaining wages. Support for early-stage feasibility or pilot projects by local and regional community and economic development entities is also a priority. Expected outcomes include strengthened organizational capacity for nonprofits, measurable progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and tangible reductions in regional workforce shortages. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on "behavioral change" and "community-based strategies" implies a desire for demonstrable and sustainable impact. The Foundation's strategic priorities are clearly laid out in the priority areas, indicating a theory of change that by investing in these key areas, they can foster stronger, more equitable, and economically resilient communities. Ineligible expenses include grants to individuals and businesses, expenses incurred before grant receipt, capital expenses, projects not directly benefiting residents in the service area, replacement of government funding, religious activities, lobbying, school curriculum development or athletic programs, and out-of-state travel. Healthcare, arts, and historic preservation are not focus areas for discretionary grants, and potential applicants in these areas are encouraged to consult with staff before applying.