Employment Labor and Training Grants

The Movember Indigenous Men’s Wellbeing Innovation Initiative is a grant funding and capacity building program aimed at empowering Indigenous-led organizations. This initiative supports the development, implementation, and evaluation of innovative programs and interventions to enhance Indigenous men's social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB). As one of four initiatives under Movember’s new Indigenous Social and Emotional Wellbeing Portfolio, it aligns with Movember's broader mission to build voice, capability, and power among Indigenous boys and men to design, lead, implement, and sustain SEWB in their communities, and to strengthen knowledge of effective SEWB strategies. The grant specifically targets Indigenous boys and men across all life stages in the United States. The program's core focus is on delivering innovative new programming or strengthening existing promising approaches that demonstrate improvements in SEWB. Movember aims to foster cultural connection and pride, embrace cultural knowledge, elevate overall social, emotional, spiritual, and physical wellbeing, strengthen resilience, enhance health literacy, and improve access to culturally appropriate spaces and services that support SEWB. These priorities are central to achieving the desired impact of improved holistic wellbeing within Indigenous communities. Eligible applicants must be Indigenous owned/managed/led organizations based in the United States, legally able to accept grant funds, and either implementing an existing SEWB program with promising evidence or proposing a new program aligned with the funding goals. This ensures that the initiatives are culturally relevant and community-driven. Movember’s strategic priorities reflect a commitment to supporting Indigenous self-determination and strengthening community-based solutions. The initiative provides annual funding of up to USD $250,000 per applicant for three years. The expected outcomes include a significant improvement in SEWB among Indigenous boys and men in the USA, measurable through indicators such as increased connection to culture and community, enhanced resilience, improved health literacy, and better access to culturally appropriate support services. This investment reflects Movember’s theory of change, which posits that by empowering Indigenous-led organizations and fostering innovative, culturally relevant programs, lasting positive impacts on Indigenous men's wellbeing can be achieved.

The Cobb & Douglas Public Health Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) Partnership Grants are designed to empower community partners in implementing initiatives that directly support the 2023-2027 CHIP for Cobb and Douglas Counties in Georgia. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to improve public health outcomes by fostering collaborative, sustainable, and impactful community-led projects. The grants serve as seed money for non-profit initiatives, emphasizing a commitment to long-term health equity and community well-being. The primary target beneficiaries are residents within Cobb and/or Douglas County, with a particular focus on addressing health disparities and promoting health equity. The impact goals are broad, aiming to improve access to health care, encourage healthy behaviors (such as physical activity, healthy sexual behaviors, worksite wellness, chronic disease prevention, and reducing youth tobacco use), promote healthy eating, enhance maternal and infant health, and support mental and behavioral health. These goals are directly tied to the strategic priorities outlined in the 2023-2027 CHIP. The program prioritizes new or expanded efforts that are collaborative, requiring a minimum of one partnership, and include letters of support from partnering agencies. Initiatives must align with a goal area and strategy identified in the CHIP, and importantly, incorporate policy development activities, systems-level improvements, or built environment changes (PSE changes). This focus on PSE changes reflects the foundation's strategic approach and theory of change, recognizing that these systemic interventions lead to practical, sustainable health choices and benefits that extend far beyond the project's completion, by altering laws, shaping physical landscapes, and ensuring lasting community improvements. Expected outcomes include measurable improvements in the identified CHIP goal areas. By funding initiatives that create PSE changes, the program aims to ensure that residents experience lasting positive impacts on their health. While awards will not exceed $25,000 per applicant, and requests up to $5,000 do not require a 1:1 match, the emphasis remains on the sustainability and community-wide reach of the proposed projects. Ultimately, the program seeks to create a healthier environment for all community members, driven by strategic, collaborative efforts that address the root causes of health challenges.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have established the Hurricane Response Marine Debris Removal Fund. This fund supports projects focused on assessing, removing, and disposing of marine debris in coastal communities affected by hurricanes and other storm events. The initiative aligns with the foundations' broader mission to conserve and restore fish, wildlife, and their habitats, as well as to benefit human communities impacted by natural disasters. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are coastal communities in Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico, and South Carolina that were impacted by the 2022 hurricanes Fiona, Ian, Nicole, and Typhoon Merbok. The impact goals are to reduce the effects of marine debris on these communities, protect industries, and prevent further harm to habitats and fish and wildlife populations. The program aims to address both the immediate and long-term consequences of storm-related marine debris. The program prioritizes projects that offer dual benefits, meaning they benefit both human communities and fish and wildlife. Emphasis is placed on projects that are ready for direct clean-up efforts and have already completed marine debris assessments, addressed hazardous materials, and secured necessary permits and disposal logistics. Community engagement and co-design processes that incorporate traditional knowledge are also encouraged to ensure maximum benefits and sustainability. Expected outcomes include a significant reduction in marine debris from coastal habitats and nearshore waters, leading to enhanced ecological integrity and functionality of ecosystems. Measurable results will include the reduction of impacts to properties, community infrastructure, assets of economic and cultural importance, and improved navigational safety. The grant duration is four years, with awards of up to $6 million to achieve these accelerated and comprehensive outcomes for impacted coastal resources and communities.

The Spark Cleantech Accelerator (CTA) is a 12-week in-person program at the UT Research Park in Knoxville, Tennessee, designed to support early-stage cleantech businesses and drive the commercialization of their technologies. Created in partnership with Evergreen Climate Innovations, the program aims to foster innovation in Tennessee, the Midwest, and the Southeast. This initiative aligns with the broader mission of supporting sustainable technological advancements and economic development in the region by focusing on emerging cleantech enterprises. The program targets early-stage cleantech entrepreneurs and companies, particularly those with applications from Tennessee, the Midwest, and beyond. Eligible businesses are those demonstrating a positive impact on energy efficiency, renewable energy generation, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, carbon capture, increased recycling/upcycling, and a circular economy. The program prioritizes companies with strong market potential, defensible intellectual property (issued or pending patents), and technologies that can address the challenges of Spark partners such as utilities, local governments, and manufacturing companies. It also focuses on software or hardware technologies, including intelligent connected devices and advanced materials processes, at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 2-6, and applicants open to establishing a permanent business location in Tennessee. The Spark CTA provides a comprehensive suite of services, including $15,000 stipends to offset travel/living costs and support business/technical milestones, prototyping services through the University of Tennessee’s Center for Materials Processing, and one-on-one mentorship from experts in various fields like business, market analysis, IP/patent strategy, product design, engineering, and manufacturing. It also facilitates crucial connections with customers, investors, strategic partners, suppliers, universities, and national laboratories, along with training workshops. The program emphasizes partnership opportunities with key organizations such as the Tennessee Valley Authority, Oak Ridge National Lab, and the City of Knoxville. Expected outcomes include the successful commercialization of new cleantech innovations, the growth of early-stage cleantech businesses, and the creation of a vibrant cleantech ecosystem in Tennessee and surrounding regions. Measurable results would encompass the number of businesses supported, the development and deployment of new technologies, the securing of investments, and the establishment of new partnerships. The program's strategic priority is to accelerate the development and market entry of technologies that contribute to environmental sustainability and economic prosperity, operating on a theory of change that by providing targeted support, resources, and connections, early-stage cleantech companies can overcome barriers to commercialization and achieve significant impact.

The Rancho Bernardo Community Foundation (RBCF) invites nonprofit organizations to submit grant applications for projects that will enhance the quality of life for those who live, work, and play in Rancho Bernardo. The foundation's purpose and vision are to improve the quality of life and meet emerging needs by increasing responsible and effective philanthropy, building a community endowment, providing annual funds to community organizations, and offering a vehicle for legacy planning. This directly aligns with their mission of fostering community well-being and long-term sustainability within Rancho Bernardo. The grant program targets nonprofit organizations, schools, or government agencies whose projects clearly address Rancho Bernardo-specific issues and needs, and enhance civic engagement, with a clear impact on local residents. The overall impact goal is to improve the quality of life for the community. Funding can be used to expand existing programs, replicate successful programs from other communities, or launch entirely new initiatives, emphasizing practicality and achievability within a 12-month timeframe. RBCF's grantmaking for its 36th year focuses on two key areas: Music and Community Enhancement. For music-related programs, RBCF will award between $1,500 and $5,000 from the RB Symphony on the Green Fund. For community enhancement projects, which aim to inspire community pride, revitalization, and increase the quality of life, grants will range from $1,500 to $10,000. These focus areas reflect the foundation's strategic priority to directly invest in specific sectors that contribute to a vibrant and thriving community. Expected outcomes include projects that demonstrate and/or foster collaboration with other successful entities, have a strategic impact with long-lasting benefits, are based on a proven track record, and target clearly defined, measurable results attainable within a reasonable timeframe. Sustainability is a key criterion, meaning projects should be replicable, repeatable, and/or scalable. The foundation's theory of change posits that by supporting well-managed programs that address unmet needs, foster collaboration, and demonstrate long-term viability, they can effectively contribute to the sustained improvement of the community's quality of life. They particularly seek projects that focus on problem areas, opportunities, or populations not currently funded or serviced by existing entities.

The Ohio Valley Jaycees Charitable Fund Grant, administered by the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley (CFOV), aims to support qualified nonprofits and students in the Upper Ohio Valley. The CFOV's mission as a tax-exempt, publicly supported organization is to manage charitable funds and provide grants and scholarships. This grant program directly aligns with the foundation's mission by offering financial assistance to organizations that serve the community, thereby fostering local development and addressing key needs within the Ohio Valley. This grant program targets 501(c)(3) organizations, public charities under Code Section 509(a), or those partnering with a nonprofit fiscal agent. Qualified charities include charitable, religious, and educational organizations, school districts, public libraries, and other government-affiliated organizations. The primary beneficiaries are residents of Ohio and Marshall Counties in West Virginia, and Belmont County in Ohio, who receive services from these organizations. The grant specifically excludes individuals and for-profit endeavors, ensuring that funds are directed towards community-focused initiatives. The grant prioritizes organizations that provide services within the specified geographic areas: Ohio and Marshall Counties in West Virginia, and Belmont County in Ohio. While specific thematic focuses or strategic priorities beyond serving these regions are not explicitly detailed, the nature of the eligible organizations (charitable, religious, educational) suggests an emphasis on enhancing community well-being, education, and social services. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by funding established and legitimate non-profit entities, they can effectively channel resources to where they are most needed, creating a ripple effect of positive community impact. The expected outcome of the Ohio Valley Jaycees Charitable Fund Grant is the successful implementation of projects and services by the awarded organizations, leading to improved conditions and opportunities for the residents of the Upper Ohio Valley. While measurable results are not explicitly outlined in terms of specific metrics, the grant size of $5,000 to $10,000 for 2024 indicates a commitment to providing substantial support. The underlying assumption is that by empowering qualified nonprofits, the grant will contribute to the betterment of the community, fostering charitable, religious, and educational growth.

The City of Lubbock’s Cultural Arts Grant Program, administered by Civic Lubbock, Inc., offers financial support to local cultural organizations. This program aims to fund projects that actively promote tourism and enhance the arts and humanities within Lubbock. Funding is sourced from the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT), collected from local hotels, motels, and bed and breakfast inns. The program’s mission is directly aligned with the legal stipulations governing the use of HOT revenues, which mandate that funds be utilized for expenditures that promote tourism and the arts. To be eligible for funding, projects must demonstrate a direct promotion of tourism and the convention and hotel industry, specifically aiming to attract tourists and hotel guests to Lubbock. Additionally, projects must involve the encouragement, promotion, improvement, and application of various art forms, including instrumental and vocal music, dance, drama, folk art, creative writing, and visual arts, among others. The target beneficiaries are 501(c)3 tax-exempt cultural organizations or government equivalents that have been actively pursuing their goals for at least one year. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly outlined: enhancing the arts, boosting tourism, and supporting organizations in good standing with both the City of Lubbock and Civic Lubbock, Inc. The expected outcomes include an increase in tourism, a richer cultural landscape in Lubbock, and the successful execution of diverse art-related projects. Measurable results would likely include increased hotel occupancy rates, visitor numbers, and the number and quality of cultural events offered to the public. The City of Lubbock's strategic priority, as reflected in this grant program, is to leverage its Hotel Occupancy Tax revenue to foster economic growth through tourism and cultural development. The underlying theory of change is that by investing in cultural arts, the city can create a more attractive destination for visitors, thereby stimulating the local economy and improving the quality of life for its residents. The 2024 Grant Cycle will support projects taking place between September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025. Certain restrictions apply, prohibiting the use of grant funds for accumulated debt, general operational expenses, fundraising, or capital improvements.

The Adams County Community Foundation is offering a competitive grant program up to $1,000 for nonprofit leadership development. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to strengthen the capacity and effectiveness of nonprofit organizations within Adams County. By investing in leadership development, the foundation aims to empower local nonprofits to more effectively carry out their missions and serve the community. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are Adams County nonprofit executive directors and board members. The impact goal is to increase their knowledge and effectiveness in leadership roles. This includes participation in training opportunities focusing on strategic planning, reorganization, and leadership development for staff and board members. The foundation prioritizes activities that directly enhance a nonprofit's ability to achieve its objectives. Eligibility criteria stipulate that applicants must be in a paid or volunteer leadership position (Executive Director or a position leading to Executive Director or Board Chair) for a qualified 501(c)(3) charity. The program considers the financial need of both the organization and the individual. Eligible activities include college courses, certification programs, or professional conferences in finance, fundraising, human resources, or other relevant skills. Travel and lodging costs may also be covered. The expected outcomes of this grant program are sound and measurable, emphasizing tangible improvements in leadership capabilities and organizational effectiveness. While the specific measurable results are not detailed, the objective to "increase their knowledge and effectiveness" suggests that participants will gain practical skills and implement new strategies. The grant funds will be paid directly to the nonprofit organization, not to individuals, ensuring that the investment supports the institutional growth and sustainability of Adams County's vital nonprofit sector.

The Greenhouse Accelerator Program Juntos Crecemos Edition is a five-month, mentor-guided initiative designed to accelerate emerging Hispanic food and beverage innovations. This program, an extension of the initial Greenhouse Accelerator launched in 2018, is a collaborative effort with PepsiCo Juntos Crecemos, which is part of PepsiCo’s Pep+ transformation agenda. The overarching mission is to provide both short-term and long-term support to Hispanic small businesses, aligning with PepsiCo's broader strategic priorities of driving growth for Hispanic founders within the food and beverage industry in the U.S. and fostering a positive impact through its PepsiCo Positive Strategy. The primary target beneficiaries of this program are up to eight high-potential, emerging Hispanic-owned food and beverage consumer packaged goods small businesses operating in the United States, with net-revenues between $100,000 to $2,000,000 USD in their last financial year. The impact goals are centered on fostering the growth and scalability of these businesses. By providing grants, expert guidance, networking opportunities, and mentorship, the program aims to accelerate pathways for these businesses to launch, scale, and grow their breakthrough innovations, ultimately contributing to the economic empowerment of Hispanic founders. The program prioritizes businesses that demonstrate a clear go-to-market strategy, are post-prototype and ready for review with a multinational corporation, exhibit uniqueness in the market, and possess balanced gender and ethnic diversity. A strong emphasis is also placed on a clear and active social responsibility mission that aligns with PepsiCo’s Juntos Crecemos Strategy and the broader PepsiCo Positive Strategy. The selection committee will also look for scalable business models, indicating the program's focus on long-term sustainability and impact. Expected outcomes include a guaranteed $20,000 USD grant for each finalist, with the winner receiving an additional $100,000 USD, providing crucial financial support. Beyond monetary grants, participants are expected to benefit from expert guidance through learning modules across all aspects of business development, hands-on mentorship for refining business models and strategies, and enhanced impact. The program also offers invaluable access and exposure to the extensive PepsiCo network, industry experts, VCs, and investors, as well as the unlocking of potential collaboration opportunities with PepsiCo. These measurable results collectively aim to strengthen and expand Hispanic-owned businesses in the food and beverage sector.

The Alexandria Area Community Foundation (AACF) offers grants to support health and wellness within the Alexandria area, with a particular emphasis on addressing the health needs of individuals experiencing poverty. This initiative aligns directly with the AACF's mission to foster a healthier community by providing essential resources and support where it is most needed. The grants aim to create a tangible, positive impact on the well-being of residents, especially those who are vulnerable. The grant program targets residents within Douglas County, focusing on individuals who are underserved or experiencing poverty. The overarching impact goal is to improve overall health and wellness in the community. This includes providing health education to prevent disease, supporting food and nutrition education, and helping isolated individuals build social connections to combat the negative health effects of loneliness. The AACF prioritizes grant proposals that demonstrate innovative solutions to community challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities. They also favor projects that build or support collaborative efforts among various community partners, including other nonprofits, government entities, businesses, and citizen groups. Sustainable positive impact, the building of social capital across diverse community segments, and highly visible projects that inspire additional investment are also key focuses. Furthermore, projects that support diversity, equity, and inclusion are highly regarded. Expected outcomes include a reduction in preventable diseases through increased health education, improved nutritional health within the community, and enhanced social connections for isolated individuals. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the focus on health education, nutrition support, and social connection building implies a theory of change where targeted interventions lead to improved community health indicators and stronger social fabric. The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly centered on fostering a connected, healthy, and equitable community through collaborative and impactful initiatives.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is launching the Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). This program is designed to foster the development and growth of clean energy contractor businesses, directly aligning with the broader goals of the Energy Transition Act, also known as the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). The program's mission is rooted in strengthening Illinois's clean energy sector by empowering small and emerging businesses to participate more fully in the clean energy economy, which is a key strategic priority for the state in transitioning towards a more sustainable and equitable energy future. The target beneficiaries of the program are clean energy contractor businesses, particularly focusing on those who can benefit from enhanced capacity building. The program aims to help these businesses grow their operations and secure opportunities within the clean energy market. Key impact goals include increasing the number of certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and other relevant certified vendors, improving their ability to bid on state and private business opportunities, and connecting them with vital financial and programmatic support. The theory of change suggests that by providing targeted support to these contractors, the state can accelerate the adoption of clean energy and create a more inclusive and robust clean energy workforce. The program prioritizes several key areas to achieve its objectives. These include providing one-on-one business coaching tailored to participant needs, offering operational support grants for upfront project and pre-development costs (not exceeding $1,000,000 annually per grant), and delivering technical assistance and training. A significant focus is also placed on assisting businesses in developing comprehensive 5-year business strategies, facilitating connections to financial development assistance like zero-interest and low-interest loans from the Climate Bank, and integrating them into established programs such as the Illinois Power Agency’s Illinois Shines Program and Solar for All Programs. Expected outcomes and measurable results include participant contractors successfully applying for State and private business opportunities, achieving various certifications, and preparing competitive bids for Requests for Proposals. The program anticipates participants becoming listed in relevant directories and databases, actively connecting with and participating in state-sponsored clean energy initiatives, and accessing financial development assistance. Performance will be measured through metrics reviewed monthly during business coaching sessions, aimed at achieving specific growth goals. Ultimately, the program seeks to build the overall capacity of clean energy contractor businesses, contributing to job creation and economic development within the clean energy sector across Northern, Central, and Southern Illinois.

The Generosity Collective, a giving circle dedicated to Springfield, operates by bringing like-minded individuals together to pool donations, learn about high-priority community issues, and collectively determine grant recipients. This process aligns with the Community Foundation of the Ozarks' mission by fostering community engagement and addressing critical local needs through a collaborative grantmaking approach. By focusing on issues identified in the Community Focus Report for Springfield & Greene County, the Collective ensures its efforts are strategically aligned with the most pressing challenges faced by the community. The grant program targets specific beneficiaries within the Springfield, Missouri area, including low-income students in need of preschool and pre-K programs, children at risk of abuse and neglect, individuals struggling with mental health and substance-use problems, and residents affected by the shortage of safe, affordable housing. The impact goals are to address economic disparities affecting early childhood development, reduce child abuse and neglect, improve mental health and substance abuse outcomes, and increase access to safe, affordable housing. The program's priorities are directly drawn from the identified categories in the Community Focus Report, ensuring that funding is directed towards areas of greatest need. The Generosity Collective has chosen four grantmaking categories for 2024: Economic Disparities Impacting Early Childhood Development, Child Abuse and Neglect, Mental Health and Substance-Use Problems, and Shortage of Safe, Affordable Housing. For each category, one agency will be selected to receive a $30,000 grant for a preferred 12-month grant period. The expected outcomes include improved kindergarten readiness for low-income students, a reduction in child abuse and neglect referrals, a decrease in suicide and overdose mortality rates, and an increase in the availability of affordable housing options. Measurable results will be tied to progress within each grantmaking category. For economic disparities in early childhood development, success could be measured by improved kindergarten readiness survey results for low-income students. For child abuse and neglect, a reduction in the number of referrals and the proportion of young children affected would be key indicators. In mental health and substance-use problems, a decrease in suicide and overdose mortality rates would demonstrate impact. For affordable housing, metrics could include the number of new affordable housing units developed, the proportion of residents with access to affordable housing, or the implementation of effective rental inspection programs. The Generosity Collective’s theory of change posits that by pooling resources and strategically funding initiatives in these high-priority areas, they can collectively confront pressing local issues and drive positive, measurable change within the Springfield community.

The Susan Bradbury Animal Welfare Fund, supported by the Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF), offers grants to nonprofit organizations in Essex County, Massachusetts. These grants are specifically designed to support programs and services that provide safe havens and care for domestic and/or wild animals. The ECCF's broader mission, as evidenced by its commitment to non-discrimination, ensures that the fund aligns with principles of equity and inclusion, supporting organizations that recruit, hire, train, promote, and serve individuals without regard to various protected characteristics. The primary target beneficiaries of this fund are domestic and wild animals in Essex County, specifically those in need of safe havens and care. The impact goal is to improve animal welfare within the region by providing essential support to organizations dedicated to this cause. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the grant amount, the expectation is that the funding will enable recipient organizations to expand or enhance their animal care services, leading to a direct, positive impact on the lives of animals. The fund's priorities and focuses are clearly on animal welfare. The grants are intended to directly support the operational and programmatic needs of nonprofits working in this sector. Eligibility criteria require applicants to be qualified 501(c)3 nonprofits serving Essex County, ensuring that the grants are directed to established and legitimate organizations within the designated geographical area. The ECCF's strategic priorities, as indicated by their non-discrimination policy, suggest a broader theory of change that values community well-being through supporting diverse and inclusive organizations. While the specific theory of change for the Animal Welfare Fund is not explicitly stated, it can be inferred that by investing in animal welfare organizations, the foundation aims to foster a more compassionate and supportive community for all its inhabitants, both human and animal. Grants are for up to $5,000, with a general size between $1,000 and $10,000, and will not be awarded for individual use, sectarian or religious purposes, political purposes, debt or deficit reduction, or capital campaigns.

The City of Scranton is offering $75,000 in grants for pre-apprenticeship programs in building trades and carpentry. These grants are designed to create employment opportunities for residents of Scranton, aligning with the city's mission to foster local economic development and workforce growth. The program aims to support organizations that can effectively prepare individuals for skilled trades, thereby addressing local employment needs and promoting career readiness within the community. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are pre-apprenticeship programs and the residents of Scranton seeking employment in the building trades and carpentry sectors. The impact goals include increasing the number of skilled workers in the city and reducing unemployment among Scranton residents. The grants prioritize programs that offer structured apprenticeship opportunities and can demonstrate a clear pathway to employment for participants. To be eligible, applicants must be registered pre-apprenticeship programs. They are required to submit a comprehensive budget, outline the expected outcomes of their program, and detail how successes will be measured. This focus on clear objectives and measurable results ensures that funding is directed towards programs with a high potential for positive community impact and accountability. The maximum grant award per application is $25,000, and the overall grant size ranges from $10,000 to $100,000. While a specific grant duration is not mentioned, the emphasis on expected outcomes and evaluation suggests a commitment to long-term impact. The City of Scranton's strategic priority is to strengthen its local workforce and economy through targeted investments in education and vocational training. The theory of change is that by supporting pre-apprenticeship programs, the city can directly contribute to skill development, job creation, and sustained economic growth for its residents.

The Ohio Animal Foundation is currently accepting applications for its grant program, which aims to support animal welfare initiatives across the state. While the foundation's overarching mission isn't explicitly detailed, the focus of this grant program on rescue and shelter services, as well as wildlife protection, education, and rehabilitation, strongly indicates an alignment with improving the lives of animals and protecting wildlife within Ohio. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are Ohio-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations that are in good standing, specifically those involved in animal rescue, shelter services, or wildlife programs. The program intends to support services for domestic, companion, and farm animals, as well as feral and community cats. It also extends its reach to wildlife protection, education, and rehabilitation efforts. The impact goals are to provide essential funding to these organizations, enabling them to continue their vital work in animal care and protection. The priorities and focuses of the grant program are clearly defined. A significant emphasis is placed on "Rescue and Shelter Services," which includes a broad spectrum of animal care, from domestic animals to feral cat programs. Additionally, "Wildlife Protection, Education and Rehabilitation Programs" are a key area of interest, highlighting the foundation's commitment to both domesticated and wild animal populations. The typical grant range of $250-$500 suggests a strategy of providing smaller, impactful grants to a wider array of organizations. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly stated, it can be inferred that the foundation aims to see improvements in animal welfare metrics such as increased adoptions, successful rescue operations, effective rehabilitation of injured wildlife, and enhanced public education on animal care and protection. The modest grant size suggests a focus on supporting operational costs or specific, smaller-scale projects that can demonstrate tangible benefits within these fields. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change appear to center on empowering local Ohio-based nonprofits to directly address animal welfare needs. By providing financial assistance to established 501(c)3 organizations, the Ohio Animal Foundation likely believes that it can most effectively leverage existing infrastructure and expertise to achieve its goals. The exclusion of funding for individuals further supports this approach, focusing resources on organizations with a proven capacity for impact.

The 2024 Northwest Ohio Nonprofit Excellence Awards, presented by the Greater Toledo Community Foundation and The Blade in partnership with The Center for Nonprofit Resources, aim to honor and recognize outstanding nonprofit organizations and their achievements. This program aligns with the foundation's mission by fostering excellence and impact within the nonprofit sector, ultimately strengthening the community. The awards are structured to identify and celebrate best practices across various operational and programmatic areas, reinforcing a strategic priority to support robust and effective community-based initiatives. The program targets nonprofit organizations operating in northwest Ohio or southeast Michigan, with a focus on those demonstrating exceptional collaborative programming, strategic action, or organizational operations. The overall impact goal is to elevate the standard of nonprofit work, encourage innovative solutions to community challenges, and promote sustainable organizational health. By recognizing these achievements, the awards intend to inspire further excellence and positive community change, ultimately benefiting the residents of these regions. The awards have specific priorities and focuses across three categories: "Excellence in Collaborative Programming," "Excellence in Strategic Action," and "Excellence in Organizational Operations." Collaborative Programming prioritizes joint initiatives that leverage multiple partners to deliver excellent service, reach underserved audiences, and avoid duplication. Strategic Action highlights organizations that have strategically expanded programming or pivoted to new service delivery models, emphasizing data-driven approaches and alignment with community-wide planning. Organizational Operations recognizes overall excellence, particularly demonstrating active involvement by staff, board, volunteers, and constituents, with a focus on strong governance, financial management, fundraising, and community impact evaluation. Expected outcomes include improved service delivery to residents, enhanced community impact through creative partnerships, and more efficient resource utilization. Measurable results for Collaborative Programming focus on how projects are evaluated and the positive results achieved. For Strategic Action, success is measured by how the strategic change addressed a need, its sustainability, and metrics illustrating impact. For Organizational Operations, outcomes are demonstrated through examples of best practices in governance, financial management, fundraising, and how outcome data is used to achieve the mission and impact the community. The awards provide a $7,500 unrestricted grant from the Greater Toledo Community Foundation, a $1,000 unrestricted grant from The Andersons, and a half-page ad in The Blade, offering tangible support and recognition to further enable winning organizations to achieve their missions.

The Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) is offering Undergraduate Student Artist Grants through its Artists 360 program, made possible by the Walton Family Foundation. This initiative is designed to provide practice-based grant funding to undergraduate student artists across all disciplines who are attending post-secondary institutions in specific Arkansas counties: Benton, Carroll, Crawford, Sebastian, and Washington. The core mission of Artists 360, and by extension this grant, aligns with energizing and elevating student artists in the greater Northwest Arkansas region, fostering their creative development and career advancement. The target beneficiaries for this grant are undergraduate student artists aged 18 or older, enrolled for the 2024-2025 school year in an accredited post-secondary institution within the designated Arkansas counties. This includes part-time or full-time students, regardless of their major, as long as they create work in any artistic discipline (e.g., dance, film, literary, music, theatre, visual art). The program specifically excludes those who have previously received an Artists 360 Student Grant or certain other M-AAA grants. The impact goals are to support individual artists' creative practices and career advancement, addressing their self-identified challenges and desired futures within the arts. The program prioritizes artists who demonstrate a well-developed creative practice, a deep commitment to their work, and a clear motivation to evolve. Review criteria focus on "Artistry," assessing the quality of work and process, and "Impact of Funding on Practice," requiring artists to articulate how the $2,500 grant will specifically benefit their careers. A key focus is also on achieving a "Balanced Cohort," ensuring a broad representation of perspectives, disciplines, and experiences among grant recipients. The expected outcome of the Artists 360 Undergraduate Student Artist Grants is the direct support and advancement of student artists' creative endeavors in Northwest Arkansas. While specific measurable results beyond the allocation of $2,500 grants per artist are not explicitly detailed, the program's emphasis on identifying the impact of funding on an artist's practice implies a focus on qualitative outcomes related to artistic growth and career trajectory. The Walton Family Foundation's support underscores a strategic priority to invest in regional artistic talent and cultural development, contributing to a vibrant arts ecosystem through direct funding to emerging artists.

The GrowBoston grant program offers a total of $15,000 to nonprofit organizations to support outreach and community-building events related to urban agriculture. The primary goal of this grant is to engage Boston residents more deeply in existing urban agricultural resources and broader urban agriculture activities. These events must be open to the public and focus on activities such as gardening, farming, food forest stewardship, beekeeping, henkeeping, and the consumption of locally-produced food. This initiative aligns with a mission to foster community engagement and education around sustainable food practices within urban environments, directly contributing to local food production and awareness. The target beneficiaries are Boston residents, with a particular focus on engaging them in various aspects of urban food production. The impact goals include increasing public participation in urban agriculture, enhancing community connection to local food systems, and promoting a greater understanding of sustainable living practices. The program prioritizes events that are planned for spring or summer 2024 and are specifically focused on Boston-based food production or urban agriculture. Examples of eligible events include garden-opening events, farm or food forest "open houses," and farmers market opening days, as long as they highlight urban agriculture. The expected outcomes of this grant program are a more engaged and informed Boston populace regarding urban agriculture. Measurable results could include the number of events hosted, the total attendance at these events, and the diversity of urban agriculture topics covered. While educational components are not mandatory, their inclusion would further support the program's objectives. The overarching strategic priority is to strengthen Boston's urban food ecosystem by encouraging community participation and utilizing existing resources effectively. The theory of change behind this grant program is that by funding accessible, public events focused on urban agriculture, GrowBoston can increase residents' engagement and knowledge, leading to a more robust and sustainable local food system. By supporting community-building initiatives, the program aims to cultivate a sense of collective responsibility and participation in urban food production. Allowable uses of funding include event supplies, food, non-alcoholic beverages, entertainment, and outreach materials, with up to 10% for indirect/administrative costs. This ensures that the grants directly facilitate event execution and community outreach, reinforcing the program's core objectives.

The SHARE Foundation offers annual grants focusing on enhancing the health and well-being of individuals in Union County, Arkansas, and surrounding areas. Through these grants, the Foundation aims to address critical areas such as health, education, economy, and social and community well-being. Focus areas include mental health treatment, substance misuse prevention, job readiness, education advancement, and neighborhood improvements. Grants are available for operations, projects/programs, and capital improvements. Eligible applicants include public agencies and tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code, with a priority for those operating in or having a direct impact on Union County. The application deadline is October 15, annually. Grant renewed every year.

Now in its 19th year, the Foundation continues its commitment to economically empowering those in need through grants to charitable organizations where P&G Alums are actively and meaningfully involved. The Foundation focuses on job skills development, vocational training, business-related education, and support for entrepreneurial ventures that are viable in local communities. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. and charitable equivalents outside the U.S. The deadline for applications is May 11, 2024. Projects or programs seeking funding must demonstrate alignment with the Foundation's mission and present clear metrics for measuring success in creating sustainable employment opportunities. Grant renewed every year.