Food and Nutrition Grants

The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program, funded by the USDA, allocates approximately $2 million for infrastructure grants to Vermont businesses and organizations aiming to strengthen local and regional food systems. The grants support projects that improve the aggregation, distribution, manufacturing, processing, storing, transporting, and wholesaling of Vermont food products. This track encourages development of Vermont value-added products and promotes fair wages and job creation. A 50% match is required, which can be reduced to 25% for historically underserved farmers. Grants range from $100,000 to $500,000 and are available from fall 2024 through February 2027.

The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) of Lawrenceville, Georgia, has launched the Façade Grant Program to revitalize its downtown area. This program aligns with the DDA's mission to serve as a resource to the City Council for downtown revitalization through strategic land use planning, land banking, business recruitment and retention, and the execution of the community's vision for a vibrant and inclusive urban center. The grant specifically targets businesses within the Downtown Entertainment District, aiming to encourage and support exterior renovations that enhance the aesthetic appeal and overall vitality of the area. The primary beneficiaries of this program are businesses located within the Downtown Entertainment District. The impact goals are centered on improving the physical appearance of downtown buildings, stimulating economic activity, and fostering a more attractive and inclusive urban environment. By offering reimbursement for façade renovations, the DDA seeks to reduce the financial burden on businesses, thereby encouraging investment in property improvements and contributing to a more appealing downtown. The program prioritizes projects that enhance or update the exterior of buildings, including activities such as painting, restoration, stabilization, awning additions, and improved signage. Eligibility criteria dictate that projects must be within the Downtown Entertainment District, and reimbursement is solely for expenses incurred during exterior façade renovations. Furthermore, all projects must comply with applicable building, development, and zoning regulations, and properties on the National Historic Register require a preservation review. Expected outcomes include a visibly improved and more attractive downtown area, increased business investment in property aesthetics, and a boost in overall community pride and engagement. Measurable results for the program include the number of businesses participating, the total amount of grant funds disbursed, the types of renovations undertaken, and the completion of approved work within the stipulated twelve-month timeframe. The reimbursement structure, covering half of the total project cost up to $2,500 per grant, provides a tangible incentive for businesses to participate.

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 City of Hyattsville's Commercial Façade Improvement Program is a grant initiative designed to enhance the visual appeal, quality, and vitality of the city’s commercial districts. The program aims to facilitate private sector investment in exterior improvements for commercial buildings, aligning with the city's broader mission of supporting local businesses and fostering a vibrant urban environment. It recognizes that individual façade improvements contribute significantly to the overall aesthetic and economic health of the commercial areas. This program targets business or property owners within three specific investment areas: the West Hyattsville Transit District, the Route One/Gateway Arts District, and the Prince George’s Plaza Transit District. The primary impact goals are to remove accessibility barriers, stimulate further investment in commercial properties, and achieve significant visual enhancements in commercial façade appearance. Projects that directly address these goals will receive preferential consideration, ensuring that the grants contribute effectively to the city's development objectives. The program prioritizes well-designed façade improvements that extend the longevity of buildings. Eligible improvements are diverse and include signage, exterior painting, storefront reconstruction, siding, exterior lighting, window and door upgrades, public-facing masonry or cornices, murals, and the removal of unattractive exterior finishes, as well as roof repairs and other approved uses. Eligibility requirements stipulate that structures must be commercially zoned and in use, or planned for commercial use, within Hyattsville. Correction of building code violations must be integrated into the improvement work, and vacant properties must secure a tenant within six months of project completion. The grant operates on a dollar-for-dollar matching basis, providing financial assistance ranging from $5,000 to $35,000. This structure is intended to leverage private investment and maximize the program's reach. The expected outcome is a series of visually improved commercial facades that enhance the city's commercial districts, attract new businesses, and encourage community engagement. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the scope of "significant visual improvements," the program implies that an increase in commercial vitality and accessibility, alongside the tangible improvements listed, will serve as indicators of success. The city's strategic priority is to empower the private sector to make these improvements, underpinned by a theory of change that postulates that financial assistance for façade upgrades will directly lead to a more attractive and economically robust commercial landscape.

The West End Home Foundation's grant program is designed to enhance the quality of life for older adults in Middle Tennessee by supporting and sustaining a comprehensive system of care. The Foundation's mission is directly aligned with this goal, focusing on various key impact areas to ensure older adults receive the necessary support. These areas include advocacy, enrichment and socialization, food and nutrition, healthcare, housing, transportation, wellness and supportive care, and special projects that complement the Foundation's mission. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are older adults, specifically those aged 60 and older in the Middle Tennessee counties of Cheatham, Davidson, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, and Wilson. The impact goals are to provide meaningful social interaction, lifelong learning opportunities, nutritional support, comprehensive healthcare, safe and affordable housing, accessible transportation, and services that promote healthy aging. The Foundation aims to address the unique needs of this demographic through a broad spectrum of programs. The Foundation prioritizes projects specifically designed to meet the unique needs of adults age 60 and older. It focuses on programs within its identified key impact areas and evaluates requests based on community needs, available resources, impact on the target population, agency capacity, and success in delivering high-quality services with demonstrated outcomes. The types of grants awarded include Program funding for specific projects (new or ongoing) and Capital funding for infrastructure investments such as equipment, technology, and facility maintenance or expansion. Expected outcomes include improved quality of life for older adults, enhanced access to essential services, increased social engagement, better health outcomes, and greater housing security. The Foundation seeks measurable outcomes, requiring applicants to demonstrate their capacity to deliver services that achieve these meaningful results. All grants are awarded for a period of one year, indicating a focus on annual impact and evaluation. The West End Home Foundation's strategic priority is to administer a competitive grants process that ensures funding is directed to organizations capable of delivering the highest quality of service with demonstrated outcomes. Their theory of change is rooted in the belief that by supporting a comprehensive system of care across various critical areas, they can significantly improve the well-being and independence of older adults in Middle Tennessee, fostering healthy aging and community engagement.

The W.P. & Bulah Luse Foundation is dedicated to supporting and promoting quality education, human services, and health care programming for underserved populations. This mission aligns directly with the foundation's strategic priorities to address critical needs within communities, particularly in Dallas, Texas, and its surrounding areas. The foundation's theory of change appears to be rooted in the belief that by investing in these key areas, they can foster stronger, healthier, and more educated communities, leading to improved quality of life for those who are most vulnerable. The target beneficiaries of the Luse Foundation's grants are primarily underserved populations within Dallas, Texas, and its surrounding communities. The foundation gives special consideration to charitable organizations that directly serve these specific geographic and demographic groups. The impact goals are broad, aiming to enhance the quality of education, human services, and health care available to these populations, thereby addressing systemic disparities and improving overall community well-being. The foundation's priorities and focuses are clearly delineated into three program types: Education, Health, and Human Services. These areas represent the core pillars of their funding strategy, ensuring that grants are directed towards initiatives that create tangible benefits in these essential sectors. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, it can be inferred that the foundation seeks to fund programs that demonstrate clear objectives and the potential for positive, measurable change within their respective fields. The majority of grants from the Luse Foundation are for a duration of one year, indicating a preference for projects with a defined timeframe and the ability to demonstrate progress within that period. While the size of the grant is not available, the focus on specific program types and geographical areas suggests a strategic approach to funding that prioritizes impact and alignment with the foundation's core mission. Organizations seeking support should demonstrate how their initiatives contribute to quality education, human services, or health care for underserved populations in the Dallas area, aligning with the foundation's overarching goal of community betterment.

The William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, managed by the Baltimore Community Foundation, is dedicated to fostering a vibrant arts and culture sector in metropolitan Baltimore. The fund's mission is rooted in the belief that arts and culture are vital for the development of healthy individuals and thriving communities. This grant program is designed to promote and sustain this sector by supporting organizational effectiveness, promoting local artists, and providing inclusive cultural experiences. The foundation's strategic priority is to enrich the life of metropolitan Baltimore through a lively creative environment and deepened civic connections. The program targets cultural organizations and their fiscal agents serving the Baltimore area, as well as individual artists using a fiscal sponsor. Beneficiaries also include residents of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, Howard, and Queen Annes counties in Maryland, who will benefit from enhanced cultural experiences and strengthened community cohesion. The impact goals are to strengthen the region’s sense of cohesion and identity, enhance residents' lives, and ensure programs are inclusive and outreach efforts are broad, welcoming people of all backgrounds. The fund's priorities include strengthening organizational and artistic practices, supporting innovative programs, and fostering cultural sector collaboration. Under "Strengthening Organizational and Artistic Practices," capacity programs are supported to improve internal management, board training, strategic planning, fundraising, and professional development for artists. "Innovative Programs" focus on initiatives that deepen audience engagement or attract new audiences, with specific small grants available for organizations with budgets under $75,000 and for professional artists. "Cultural Sector Collaboration" aims to support strategic alliances that enhance cooperation and strengthen organizational abilities within the cultural community. Expected outcomes include improved organizational and management practices for cultural groups, increased professional development opportunities for Baltimore artists, and the presentation of innovative programming that broadens audience engagement. The program also seeks to facilitate strategic alliances, leading to a more cohesive and effective cultural ecosystem. The foundation's theory of change posits that by providing artistic funding, supporting organizational health, and encouraging collaboration, it can foster a vibrant cultural sector that enriches civic life, strengthens community identity, and ensures broad access to cultural experiences for all residents. The maximum grant size is $10,000, with applications accepted year-round, requiring a Letter of Inquiry.

The City of Chico Arts Grant Program aims to support local arts organizations and artists, enabling them to offer high-quality arts and cultural work, performances, and exhibitions to the Chico community. This program aligns with a mission to enhance community engagement in the arts and ensure accessibility for all residents. The grants are intended to act as "seed" monies, fostering new projects and initiatives rather than providing ongoing operational support, thereby encouraging artistic innovation and community enrichment. The target beneficiaries include nonprofit arts and cultural organizations operating within the city of Chico with a two-year history of producing or presenting, as well as individual artists applying under the sponsorship of an eligible 501(c)3 nonprofit. The program specifically emphasizes inclusive service to broad, diverse, and underserved populations, including those lacking access due to geographic, economic, cultural, social, or physical reasons. The impact goals center on increasing community access to and engagement in arts and cultural experiences, fostering artistic rigor, and demonstrating strong community support for the arts. The program prioritizes projects that deliver or support opportunities for community engagement, demonstrate artistic rigor and thoughtful planning, show strong community support, and provide inclusive service to diverse and underserved populations. "Diversity" is defined broadly to include differences in ability, age, belief, culture, ethnicity, gender, language, race, and sexual orientation. Funds can be used for various purposes, including projects, events, exhibitions, performances, or capital improvement and equipment projects that enhance an organization's capacity to deliver arts and cultural services. Expected outcomes include a more vibrant and accessible arts scene within Chico, with a greater number of community members participating in and benefiting from arts and cultural activities. Measurable results could involve tracking the number of projects supported, the diversity of audiences reached, and the demonstrated community engagement and support for funded initiatives. While not explicitly stated as a "theory of change," the program's strategy implicitly posits that by providing targeted funding to local arts entities, it can cultivate a richer cultural environment, foster community cohesion, and ensure equitable access to artistic expression, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life in Chico. The grant's duration of one year and the requirement for matching funds underscore a strategic approach to maximize impact and encourage local investment in the arts.

The First State Food System Program, funded by the Federal American Rescue Plan Act, is designed to support and strengthen Delaware's local food system. Its overarching mission, facilitated by the Delaware Department of Agriculture and the Delaware Council on Farm & Food Policy (Council), aligns with the goal of ensuring farmers have access to viable markets, households can access nutritious food, and the impacts of supply chain disruptions are reduced. The program aims to foster a resilient food system by offering grants to a diverse range of entities operating across the food supply chain within the State of Delaware. Target beneficiaries include entities that grow, process, store, transport, distribute, or sell food in Delaware, encompassing small to mid-sized for-profit producers, nonprofit organizations, aquaculture/fishery operators, food distributors, transporters, and food processing operators. The program's impact goals are centered on enabling these local entities to overcome challenges, build resilience, and contribute to a more robust food system. Specifically, it seeks to increase food production, enhance direct-to-consumer sales, improve food transformation activities, bolster transportation and distribution, and increase the flexibility of food retail outlets. The program prioritizes projects that support or benefit more than one entity or producer within Delaware’s food system. This focus is intended to strengthen the local food system through wide-reaching and complementary efforts rather than isolated, narrowly focused projects. Eligible projects are evaluated based on the entity's viability, its function and reach within the food system, and its capacity to add to food production, sales, processing, transportation, or distribution; improve efficiency and reduce costs; increase capacity of retail outlets; align with consumer needs; address proximity challenges; or increase emerging agricultural practices. Expected outcomes include a measurable positive impact on Delaware's food supply chain. Projects should create or contribute to outcomes such as increased volume of food production, greater availability of food products through various outlets, enhanced processing activities, more efficient transportation and distribution, improved capacity and flexibility of food retail outlets, and the adoption of innovative agricultural practices. The Council will award grants ranging from $2,500 to $150,000, and applicants must demonstrate the entity's infrastructure and capacity to successfully implement the project, with a general requirement for entities to be in operation for two or more years.

The CALI Catalyst program, launched in 2021 by the Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI), provides unrestricted grants of up to $7,500 to California changemakers in the arts and culture sector. This program is designed to offer financial support and validation to individuals and teams who are actively working to disrupt the status quo and advance greater equity and inclusion within the field. The foundation's mission, through this program, aligns with supporting those on the frontlines who are creating tangible change and shifting power to historically underrepresented voices, recognizing the fear of financial risk can silence crucial voices. The target beneficiaries for the CALI Catalyst grant are artists and arts workers, including administrators, cultural producers, and creatives, who reside full-time in California. The program specifically seeks to impact historically marginalized communities such as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities. The overarching impact goal is to foster a more equitable and inclusive arts and culture sector by supporting individuals whose change-making actions have created tangible and measurable results at a local, regional, state, or national level. The program prioritizes and focuses on supporting actions that started on or after January 1, 2020, demonstrating ongoing or recently impactful efforts. Examples of these efforts include challenging capitalist notions of productivity to prioritize self-care for Black leaders, modeling non-hierarchical nonprofit structures led by artists of color, and creating equitable contracting practices between artists and cultural institutions. The program aims to support those who are speaking out against discriminatory practices and disrupting harmful philanthropic norms, ultimately making the arts and culture field better for everyone. Expected outcomes include continued momentum for field-wide change, with changemakers ensuring that historically marginalized communities are not overlooked. Measurable results can be observed through the ripple effects of grantees' work, such as the creation of nourishing spaces for Black leaders, the establishment of precedents for cooperative nonprofit models, and the development of equitable contracting practices. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are centered on the belief that by financially supporting these change agents, they can empower voices, mitigate financial risk, and ultimately drive greater inclusion, access, diversity, and equity across the arts and culture sector.

The Central Appalachia Habitat Stewardship Program, supported by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and major funders like the Richard King Mellon Foundation, USDA's Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Altria Group, and Cleveland-Cliffs, aims to restore and sustain healthy forests, rivers, and streams. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to enhance natural habitats and support diverse native bird and aquatic species populations. Approximately $3.5 million is available this year, with individual grants ranging from $75,000 to $500,000, distributed over a four-year project period. The program's overall goal is to improve the quality and connectivity of forest and freshwater habitats to increase the distribution and abundance of birds, fish, and other wildlife. This will be evidenced by a suite of indicator species reflecting the health of these habitats. Target beneficiaries include a variety of bird species such as golden-winged warbler, wood thrush, and cerulean warbler, as well as aquatic species like brook trout, eastern hellbender, and freshwater mussels. The program seeks to engage public and private landowners in active stewardship through technical and financial assistance, demonstrations, education, outreach, and other innovative approaches. Key priorities include improving the voluntary management of public and private forestlands to create mixed-age forest blocks that support bird and wildlife diversity. Another critical focus is improving stream health by voluntarily removing passage barriers, restoring riparian buffers, and enhancing water quality and hydrology. These interventions are designed to bolster populations of the targeted aquatic species, contributing to healthier ecosystems across the Central Appalachia region. The expected outcomes are a measurable increase in the distribution and abundance of indicator bird and aquatic species, demonstrating improved forest and freshwater habitat conditions. The program's theory of change posits that by actively engaging landowners and implementing science-based conservation strategies, it can effectively restore critical habitats. This, in turn, will lead to a more resilient and biodiverse Central Appalachia, benefiting both wildlife and local communities. The geographic focus includes portions of Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia, ensuring a concentrated effort within this vital ecological corridor.

Propeller’s Impact Accelerator is a 5-month program designed to support mission-driven entrepreneurs in growing their businesses through coaching, community building, curriculum, and technical assistance. The program aims to catalyze transformational growth by connecting entrepreneurs with contract opportunities, markets, and customers. It is sponsored by the Clif Family Foundation, Capital One, Nasdaq, RosaMary Foundation, WK Kellogg Foundation, and Baptist Community Ministries, aligning with their missions to foster economic development, education, and community well-being by empowering local businesses. The Impact Accelerator targets growth-stage entrepreneurs in five key areas: community economic development, education, food, health, and water. Specifically, it supports BIPOC entrepreneurs operating brick-and-mortar establishments in underserved New Orleans corridors for economic development; early childhood education and care providers for education; CPG brands emphasizing sustainable, healthy, and affordable products for food; direct health and wellness service providers, especially those serving BIPOC clients, for health; and entrepreneurs in green infrastructure, stormwater management, native plant cultivation, and coastal restoration for water. The program's overarching impact goal is to facilitate the scaling of revenues and teams, while also embedding racial equity, social, and environmental impact goals into business operations. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly delineated within each sector. For community economic development, the focus is on Black-owned brick-and-mortar storefronts in specific New Orleans neighborhoods, aiming for job creation and community ties. In education, the priority is on increasing enrollment, growing staff, and expanding business locations for early childhood education providers. For food, the emphasis is on CPG brands that are environmentally sound, locally sourced, healthy, or have compelling social/environmental impacts, with a prioritization of BIPOC-led companies. Health focuses on direct clinical care and services impacting social and physical determinants of health, especially for BIPOC client bases, striving for increased accessibility and staff growth. The water sector prioritizes green infrastructure, urban stormwater management, native plants, and coastal restoration, seeking to increase the supply of native plants for green infrastructure. Expected outcomes and measurable results include participants setting ambitious yet achievable goals for growth and long-term sustainability, an increase in business revenues and staff, and the successful attainment of social/environmental impact goals. Entrepreneurs receive over 16 hours of lead mentor office hours for goal setting, 12+ hours of business development curriculum during meetups, and 20+ hours with subject matter experts for project assistance. Additional benefits include a detailed work plan, coaching on racial equity and impact goals, introductions to stakeholders, free coworking space, and membership in a network of over 250 alumni. These structured interventions are designed to remove growth barriers and accelerate the development of entrepreneurial ventures, leading to tangible economic and social improvements within the targeted communities and sectors.

The Café Royal Cultural Foundation NYC offers an exhibition/project grant specifically for New York City artists working in paintings, drawings, sculptures, and photographs. This grant aligns with the foundation's mission to support the creation and exhibition of visual arts, fostering artistic expression and contributing to the vibrant cultural landscape of NYC. The program directly supports individual artists by providing financial assistance for their projects. The primary target beneficiaries are visual artists residing in New York City, who have lived there for at least one year prior to applying and plan to remain residents through their project's completion. The impact goal is to enable artists to complete and exhibit new or ongoing compositions, ensuring their work is brought to fruition and shared with the public. The grant prioritizes artists who are the originators of their artwork, ensuring support for original creative endeavors. The grant focuses on funding costs associated with continuing the composition of submitted work or related new work. It does not support commissions. The expected outcomes include the successful completion and exhibition of high-quality visual art pieces. Measurable results would include the number of artists funded, the number of projects completed, and public engagement with the supported exhibitions. While the foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, it can be inferred that the Café Royal Cultural Foundation believes that by providing direct financial support to artists, they empower creative individuals, stimulate artistic production, and enrich the cultural fabric of New York City. Their theory of change likely centers on the idea that investing in local artists leads to a more diverse and thriving arts community, benefiting both the artists and the broader public.

This grant provides financial support to small community-based organizations in Maine that address urgent needs and promote social equity, particularly for under-resourced populations and environmental well-being.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is offering the Illinois Grocery Initiative New Stores in Food Deserts program to enhance access to fresh food in underserved areas. This grant program is designed to incentivize the establishment of new grocery stores within "food deserts," which are census tracts characterized by specific poverty standards, population density, and limited food accessibility. The core mission alignment is to combat food insecurity and improve public health by addressing the systemic issue of inadequate access to nutritious food. The primary target beneficiaries of this program are communities residing in identified food deserts across all counties in Illinois. The impact goals are to alleviate food insecurity, increase the availability of fresh and healthy food options, and foster economic development within these communities. The program prioritizes supporting the establishment of new grocery stores by offering competitive grants to cover eligible capital and non-capital costs, effectively reducing the financial barriers for businesses willing to operate in these challenging environments. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in the number of new grocery stores operating in food desert areas, leading to improved food access for residents. Measurable results will be tracked through quarterly performance data submitted by grantees. These measures encompass the completion of new store project milestones, quarterly food sales, the sustained operation of new grocery stores for at least one year post-completion, and the number of employees in full-time equivalents. These metrics will allow DCEO to assess the program's effectiveness in achieving its objectives. The DCEO's strategic priority through this initiative is to directly address social determinants of health and economic equity by ensuring all Illinois residents have equitable access to healthy food options. The underlying theory of change is that by providing financial incentives for new grocery stores in food deserts, the market will respond to the unmet demand for fresh food, thereby improving community health, increasing local employment, and revitalizing underserved areas. The total funding allocated is $14 million across multiple rounds, with individual awards ranging from $160,000 to $2,400,000, demonstrating a substantial commitment to this strategic goal. The project period is from July 1st, 2024, to December 31st, 2026.

The Moore County Community Foundation (MCCF) is offering community grants to qualified charitable organizations serving the local community in Moore County, North Carolina. This grant program aligns with the foundation's mission to address local needs across a broad spectrum of purposes, ensuring the well-being and development of the community. The grantmaking program targets a wide range of beneficiaries through initiatives focused on human services, education, youth development, health, food/nutrition, and arts. The goal is to fund programs that meet essential local needs and create positive, measurable impacts within the community. The foundation prioritizes funding for initiatives that address a diverse set of local needs. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the foundation's emphasis on a broad range of purposes, including human services, education, and health, suggests a commitment to fostering holistic community improvement. Organizations are expected to offer programs and services without discrimination. The MCCF's strategic priority is to support organizations that can effectively serve the counties within its affiliate network. This indicates a localized approach to philanthropy, where the foundation aims to empower local non-profits, government entities, and even religious organizations (for social outreach programs) to drive positive change. The theory of change appears to be rooted in direct community investment and empowerment of local service providers to address pressing issues.

The Laurie Frink Career Grant is designed to support young brass players by offering them funding for serious study or to undertake a creative project. The grant honors Laurie Frink, who personally provided free lessons to her students when they struggled with financial burdens. The program's mission aligns with Frink's dedication to fostering musical talent and alleviating financial obstacles for aspiring musicians, particularly those pursuing jazz brass. The ultimate goal is to provide a life-changing grant to extraordinarily talented players, enabling them to advance their musical development. The primary target beneficiaries are US-based jazz brass players between the ages of 18 and 25. This cycle specifically includes lead trumpet applicants, broadening its reach within the jazz brass community. A key impact goal is to address the financial challenges faced by young musicians, allowing them to pursue intensive study or creative endeavors without the burden of cost. The grant aims to empower these emerging artists, contributing to their professional growth and the vitality of the jazz brass scene. The grant prioritizes projects that emphasize musical development and growth. This focus is explicitly stated as being favored over funding commercial recordings, indicating a commitment to artistic progression and education. The strategic priority is to identify and support exceptional talent, providing a critical boost at an early stage of their careers. The underlying theory of change suggests that by removing financial barriers and supporting focused musical development, the grant can significantly accelerate the careers of promising young musicians. Expected outcomes include enhanced musical skills, completion of significant creative projects, and the overall professional advancement of grant recipients. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided text, the ambition is to award a life-changing grant of $10,000 every two years. The success of the program can be informally measured by the artistic and career trajectories of its recipients, as they benefit from the opportunity for serious study or project execution that might otherwise be out of reach.

The Riverton Charitable Fund (RCF) has announced a new 2024 grant opportunity, established in 2021 in collaboration with the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. RCF's mission is to foster charitable interests among Riverton Pointe residents, members, and friends to enhance community spirit and leverage resources for greater impact. This grant program directly aligns with the foundation's mission by providing a structured avenue for giving that benefits the local community, specifically Jasper County. The program's purpose is to provide grants that assist neighbors in Jasper County, respond to those in need, and offer resources to improve residents' lives, reflecting a clear commitment to local well-being and community development. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are families and individuals in Jasper County who are affected by poverty. The impact goals are to address the challenges of poverty by focusing on critical areas such as food insecurity, education, and community support. By providing grants to qualified area non-profits, RCF aims to create tangible improvements in the lives of these residents. The program is designed to be a direct response to identified community needs, with a clear intention to uplift and support the most vulnerable populations within Jasper County. The priorities and focuses of these grants are specifically directed towards interventions that address the effects of poverty. This includes initiatives combating food insecurity, programs enhancing educational opportunities, and efforts that build and strengthen community support networks. RCF’s theory of change appears to be that by strategically funding non-profits working in these critical areas, they can catalyze positive change, reduce the burdens of poverty, and ultimately improve the quality of life for families in Jasper County. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantifiable outcomes, the program emphasizes providing grants up to $5,000 to non-profits that can demonstrate an ability to address the stated needs. The expected outcomes include a reduction in food insecurity, improved educational access and attainment, and a more robust community support system for those experiencing poverty. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its exclusion criteria, which clearly define what it will not fund (e.g., fellowships, scholarships, religious/political programs, individual grants, overhead costs), thereby ensuring resources are directed towards direct community benefit and program implementation rather than administrative or non-charitable endeavors.

The Delta Dental Foundation (DDF) offers grants to community organizations and programs that promote or provide oral health care and initiatives aligning with their strategic aims in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. These grants support DDF's mission to improve oral health in these states by funding local nonprofit programs dedicated to this cause. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its focus on increasing access to dental care, reducing sugary food and beverage consumption, educating pregnant women and their babies about oral health, and improving children's oral health, particularly in school-based settings. The primary target beneficiaries of these grants are at-risk populations and children, as well as pregnant women and their babies. The DDF aims to achieve several impact goals, including enhancing access to essential dental services for underserved communities, mitigating the prevalence of dental issues linked to high sugar intake, and fostering better oral health habits from early stages of life through educational initiatives. The grants are limited to a maximum of $10,000, indicating a focus on supporting a broad range of smaller, impactful community-based projects. The DDF prioritizes programs that demonstrate a clear dedication to local nonprofit efforts in Michigan, Ohio, or Indiana. Key areas of focus include increasing access to dental care for vulnerable groups, implementing strategies to reduce the consumption of sugary foods and drinks, and developing educational programs about oral health care for pregnant women and their infants. Furthermore, a significant emphasis is placed on improving children's oral health, especially through initiatives within school environments, recognizing the critical role of early intervention. The expected outcomes and measurable results for grant recipients include a tangible increase in the number of individuals from at-risk populations receiving dental care, a demonstrable reduction in sugary food and beverage consumption within program participants, and improved oral health knowledge and practices among pregnant women, new mothers, and children. The foundation evaluates applications based on merit, conformity with grant guidelines, funds available, and the potential to achieve desired results and program priorities, suggesting a theory of change that links targeted interventions with measurable improvements in community oral health.