Grants for Individuals - Infrastructure

The Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) is offering its 2024 Infrastructure Grant Program, which aligns with its mission to support the viability and sustainability of historically underserved farmers and ranchers. This program aims to foster projects that enhance farm viability, create new markets for local agricultural products and services, develop innovative uses for existing farm infrastructure, add value to farm products through processing, packaging, or marketing, and optimize the use of on-farm and natural resources. Additionally, the grant supports cultural and heritage projects dedicated to preserving and continuing specific agrarian traditions, reflecting RAFI's broader commitment to a resilient and equitable food system. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are historically underserved farmers and ranchers, as defined by NRCS, who are in at least their fourth full growing season and have operated their current farm for at least two years. The program specifically targets "livelihood" farmers and ranchers who depend on agriculture for their financial support or are pursuing a long-term career in farming. Eligibility extends to individual farmer owners/co-owners or farm cooperatives, provided at least 50% of the cooperative members meet the individual eligibility criteria. The grants range from $1,000 to $10,000 and are available to farms located in specific states: AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, or VA. Funding priorities are given to proposals demonstrating a high expected impact on farm viability and sustainability, strong project feasibility, and comprehensive planning, including a clear plan, detailed budget, timeline, and all necessary supporting documentation. RAFI also prioritizes farmers who derive a significant portion of their household income from farm operations, individuals with financial need, or those located in economically disadvantaged areas. Projects that tangibly benefit the surrounding community and farms utilizing agroecological and/or ancestral farming practices are also highly favored, reflecting RAFI's strategic priorities for holistic agricultural development and community engagement. The expected outcomes of the Infrastructure Grant Program include increased farm viability and sustainability for historically underserved farmers, the establishment of new and diversified markets for local products, and the preservation of valuable agricultural traditions. Through these grants, RAFI aims to support projects that lead to concrete improvements in farm infrastructure, expanded income streams for farmers, and a stronger connection between agricultural practices and community well-being. By focusing on these outcomes, RAFI reinforces its theory of change, which posits that targeted financial support and capacity building for underserved farmers will lead to a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable agricultural landscape.

This funding opportunity is designed to strengthen healthcare services in rural New York communities by supporting collaborative networks among healthcare providers to improve access and quality of care for underserved populations.

The 2025 Pierce County Historic Preservation Grant Program, funded by Pierce County in Washington, offers $10,000 to $100,000 for projects that preserve and promote the county's historical and cultural heritage, including the protection, rehabilitation, or reconstruction of significant structures or sites, and the preservation or interpretation of historically significant artifacts and documents.

This grant provides funding for individuals and organizations to develop innovative energy storage solutions that cater to unique applications in underserved communities and extreme climates, promoting grid modernization and reliability.

This grant provides funding for innovators to develop affordable and user-friendly tools that can safely detect and mark underwater explosive ordnance in post-conflict areas, helping local communities mitigate risks and promote safe economic activities.

The City of Davenport's Dream Project Grants are designed to support both current and new homeowners within a designated Dream area, facilitating property improvements to foster community development and stability. This initiative aligns with a broader mission of enhancing living conditions and economic vitality within the city by empowering residents to invest in their homes. The grant program is administered by the City of Davenport’s Community and Economic Development (CED) staff, underscoring a public sector commitment to local growth and resident support. The primary beneficiaries of this program are homeowners, both existing and prospective, in the specified Dream area who seek to improve their properties. The impact goal is to create more stable and attractive neighborhoods through direct investment in home rehabilitation. Participants purchasing a home in a Davenport DREAM Project neighborhood are eligible for a grant of approximately $20,000, while other grants can range from $10,000 to $100,000. This financial assistance aims to make homeownership more sustainable and accessible, particularly for those looking to revitalize their living spaces. The program prioritizes exterior improvements first, recognizing their immediate impact on neighborhood aesthetics and property value, with remaining funds available for interior improvements. This structured approach ensures that the most visible and community-benefiting enhancements are addressed initially. Eligibility criteria include proof of current homeowners insurance and no outstanding liens on the property within the City of Davenport, promoting responsible homeownership and safeguarding public investment. Contract owners are ineligible, ensuring the grants benefit direct homeowners. Developers may also qualify if the rehabilitated property remains owner-occupied after sale, extending the program's reach to include broader community revitalization efforts. Expected outcomes include an increase in well-maintained and owner-occupied properties, contributing to a stronger housing market and enhanced neighborhood pride. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of grants awarded, the types of improvements made, and the overall increase in property values or decrease in blight within the Dream area. While the direct strategic priorities and theory of change of a "foundation" are not explicitly detailed as this is a city-run program, the underlying theory is that direct financial assistance for home improvements will lead to improved quality of life, increased property values, and a more vibrant community, thus achieving the city's economic and community development objectives.

This program provides financial assistance to Maryland individuals and businesses for purchasing livestock and meat processing equipment, with a focus on enhancing large-animal and blue catfish processing capabilities.

The Louisiana Cultural Equity Arts + Creation Grant, supported by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, aims to bolster individuals involved in the creation, documentation, or exhibition of artwork that captures, interprets, documents, or preserves Louisiana's diverse cultures. This grant directly aligns with the Foundation's mission to support and promote the unique cultural heritage of Louisiana. By focusing on cultural equity, the program ensures that artistic endeavors reflecting the state's traditions and social fabric are sustained and celebrated. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are individuals based in Louisiana who are engaged in artistic and cultural work. The program particularly encourages applications from ALAANA individuals (African, Latinx, Asian, Arab, and Native American) and those from historically underrepresented groups who are driving positive and transformative social change within the context of Louisiana culture and traditions. The impact goal is to foster a vibrant and inclusive artistic landscape that truly reflects the state's diverse population and promotes cultural understanding and preservation. The grant prioritizes projects that deeply engage with Louisiana's cultures and traditions. It focuses on supporting artists and creators who are committed to reflecting, interpreting, documenting, or preserving these cultural elements through their work. A key emphasis is placed on projects that demonstrate the potential for positive and transformative social change, especially from underrepresented voices. The maximum grant amount an applicant can request is $7,500, with grants generally ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, and a duration of one year. Expected outcomes include the creation of new artworks, the documentation of significant cultural practices, and the exhibition of diverse artistic expressions that enrich Louisiana's cultural tapestry. Measurable results would involve the number of projects funded, the reach of the created or exhibited work within communities, and feedback from beneficiaries regarding the impact of the grant on their artistic practice and community engagement. The Jazz & Heritage Foundation's strategic priorities are implicitly demonstrated through this grant's focus on cultural preservation, equity, and community engagement, indicating a theory of change where targeted financial support leads to a more diverse, equitable, and culturally rich Louisiana. All funded programs must occur between September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025, and all grant funds must be spent within Louisiana, further ensuring that the investment directly benefits the state's cultural economy and artistic community.

This grant provides financial assistance to private homeowners of historic properties in Phoenix for exterior rehabilitation and restoration work to preserve their architectural integrity and enhance neighborhood aesthetics.

The 2024 Beautification Awards, offered by the City of Livermore, aim to enhance and increase the aesthetic attraction of Livermore. This program is designed to recognize community members' efforts in promoting creativity, community pride, and economic vitality through improvements to their properties. The awards align with the city's broader mission of fostering a visually appealing and vibrant community. The target beneficiaries of this program are property owners within the corporate limits of the City of Livermore who undertake projects to improve their outdoor spaces. The impact goals include beautifying the city, encouraging community engagement in local aesthetics, and boosting local economic vitality through enhanced visual appeal. The program implicitly promotes a theory of change where local beautification efforts directly lead to increased community pride and economic benefits. The program prioritizes various types of projects, including residential site improvements, retail or commercial upgrades, water-wise or native plant landscapes, historical renovations, and other structural renovations, restorations, and new builds with noteworthy landscape design. Projects must be visible from a public street or trail, have the consent of the owner, and not have won in the previous five years. Self-nominations are encouraged. Award selection criteria focus on how a project visually enhances the property, how the home or business incorporates design, maintenance, color, organization, and creativity to complement and enrich the visual appeal of the existing community, and how the structure, architectural design, and landscaping are combined for maximum visual effect. The expected outcomes are a more aesthetically pleasing Livermore and increased community pride, with measurable results being the number and quality of beautification projects undertaken and recognized.

This funding opportunity supports individual artists and arts professionals in Prince George’s County, Maryland, to create new works or advance ongoing projects that engage and benefit the local community.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for individuals and communities in Oregon to assess the viability of water conservation, reuse, and storage projects, requiring a 50% cost match for feasibility studies.

This grant provides financial support for revitalization projects in La Grande, Oregon, focusing on improving building exteriors and stimulating economic development within the Central Business Zone.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for individuals and organizations to replace diesel vehicles and equipment with electric alternatives and install necessary refueling infrastructure in designated priority areas across Texas.

This program provides financial assistance to commercial property owners, eligible tenants, and owners of visually blighted residential properties in Buena Vista to improve the exterior appearance of their buildings and enhance the city's business districts.

This grant provides financial support to farmers in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands for infrastructure projects that improve farm sustainability, promote community food sovereignty, and preserve traditional farming practices.

This scholarship provides financial assistance to high school seniors from select schools in Newaygo, Muskegon, and Oceana counties who are pursuing post-secondary education or vocational training.

This program provides financial assistance to livestock operators in Arizona for rebuilding essential infrastructure damaged by wildfires or flooding, helping them maintain agricultural productivity and economic stability.

This fund provides financial assistance to help youth in Bartholomew County and nearby areas participate in sports and fitness programs, removing economic barriers to access.

This program provides financial assistance to eligible homeowners in Brooklyn, Ohio, for necessary exterior repairs and improvements to maintain their homes and enhance neighborhood integrity.