Infrastructure Grants

The Launch LC grant opportunity, facilitated by Naturally Lewis, is a competitive program designed to bolster start-up businesses within Lewis County, New York. Its core mission aligns with enhancing the quality of life for residents and fostering a more appealing community for living, working, and recreation. Naturally Lewis, as the funding body, strategically aims to support creative entrepreneurs whose ventures will contribute to these overarching community development goals, embodying a direct alignment between the grant's purpose and the foundation's strategic priorities. The program is specifically tailored to address local economic growth and community enrichment through targeted business support. The program's target beneficiaries are start-up microenterprises—defined as businesses with five or fewer employees—that are either new or have been operating for less than six months in Lewis County. A key impact goal is to empower low-to-moderate income individuals, either by directly supporting businesses owned by them or by incentivizing the creation of jobs made available to this demographic. This focus ensures that the grant funds not only stimulate economic activity but also contribute to social equity and opportunity within the community. The 6-month program structure is designed to provide comprehensive training, funding, and essential tools, thereby equipping entrepreneurs for successful business launch and sustained operation. Naturally Lewis prioritizes start-up businesses within specific categories: Food & Beverage, Small-scale Manufacturing, Tourism, and Construction Trades. These sectors have been identified as key areas that can significantly enhance local experiences for both tourists and residents, directly contributing to the community's attractiveness and economic vitality. The funding model, with awards ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 based on project costs, ensures that a variety of small-scale projects can receive crucial early-stage capital. The requirement for applicants to contribute at least 10% of project costs with personal funds promotes a shared investment and commitment to the business's success, aligning with a theory of change that emphasizes entrepreneurial buy-in. Expected outcomes include the successful establishment and growth of new microenterprises in Lewis County, leading to job creation, particularly for low-to-moderate income individuals. Measurable results will be seen in the number of businesses successfully launched, the volume of grant funds effectively utilized for equipment, machinery, furniture, and inventory, and the tangible improvements in community quality of life and attractiveness. The program explicitly excludes retroactive projects, ensuring that funding is directed towards new ventures that will generate future positive impacts. Ultimately, Naturally Lewis anticipates that the Launch LC grant will serve as a catalyst for sustainable economic development and community vibrancy in Lewis County.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for assessing and revitalizing contaminated properties in Minnesota to promote community development and essential services while preventing gentrification.

The Kendrick Foundation aims to improve the physical and mental well-being of all residents in Morgan County, Georgia. This mission is central to their grant program, which seeks to partner with innovative community organizations. These partnerships are designed to implement scientifically supported, evidence-based, or evidence-informed strategies that align with the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps What Works for Health, or other credible sources. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are the residents of Morgan County, GA, with a specific focus on addressing critical health issues. The foundation's impact goals are centered on improving mental health, reducing substance use, and promoting physical activity and nutrition within the community. By investing in these areas, the Kendrick Foundation seeks to create tangible, positive changes in the overall health landscape of Morgan County. The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly defined through its focus areas: Mental Health, Substance Use, and Physical Activity and Nutrition. These priorities reflect a theory of change that posits that by investing in evidence-based interventions in these key areas, there will be measurable improvements in the health outcomes for Morgan County residents. The foundation is looking for projects that demonstrate a clear understanding of these priorities and propose strategies that have a proven track record of success. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantitative targets, the foundation emphasizes the use of scientifically supported and evidence-based strategies. This implies an expectation that funded projects will have clear, measurable objectives and will be able to demonstrate their impact on the chosen focus areas. Organizations applying for grants should be prepared to articulate how their proposed initiatives will lead to positive changes in mental health, substance use, or physical activity and nutrition among Morgan County residents.

The McKnight Fellowship for Ceramic Artists, administered by the Northern Clay Center, is designed to support outstanding mid-career ceramic artists in Minnesota. This fellowship aligns with the broader mission of recognizing and fostering artistic excellence and sustained accomplishment within the state's vibrant arts community. The program aims to empower artists, regardless of their specific methodology—be it functional, sculptural, or relational—by providing resources that enable growth and innovation in their craft. The primary beneficiaries of this program are mid-career Minnesota ceramic artists who demonstrate a consistent level of commitment and artistic excellence. The program's impact goals include providing significant financial support, encouraging experimentation with new techniques and materials, facilitating collaborations, and offering opportunities for education, exhibition, or travel. By investing in these artists, the fellowship seeks to strengthen the ceramic arts landscape in Minnesota and contribute to the artists' long-term career development. The fellowship prioritizes artists who have maintained Minnesota residency for at least one year prior to application and for the duration of the fellowship year. It focuses on supporting those who have not received a McKnight Artist & Culture Bearer Fellowship in any artistic discipline within the last five years, ensuring equitable distribution of support. Furthermore, the program looks for artists who can demonstrate ongoing artistic growth and development since any previous McKnight fellowship. Expected outcomes include the creation of new works, the acquisition of new skills or materials, successful collaborations, and participation in educational or exhibition opportunities, all contributing to the artists' continued artistic advancement. The measurable results are the two $25,000 grants awarded annually, directly supporting the selected artists in achieving these outcomes. This investment reflects a strategic priority to cultivate a thriving artistic community in Minnesota by directly supporting the careers of accomplished artists and fostering innovation within the ceramic arts.

The Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) is offering grants to support San Francisco’s residents, businesses, visitors, and workers by providing critical economic and workforce development resources. This Request for Proposals (RFP) encompasses four distinct program areas, with an anticipated total funding of $2.38 million for initial grant awards. The grants are designed to support programs delivered through three key OEWD divisions: Business Development, Community Economic Development (formerly Invest In Neighborhoods), and Workforce Development. The target beneficiaries of these programs include various communities within San Francisco. For Community Economic Development, the focus is on Castro cultural activation, specifically uplifting Queer and Transgender Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Workforce Development programs target workers through the Industries of Opportunity-Worker Cooperative Program and youth and young adults through the Industries of Opportunity-Youth and Young Adult Food Sovereignty program. Business Development programs aim to benefit the broader community through Union Square Park Programming. The grant prioritizes specific areas with defined funding allocations. Community Economic Development programs, focusing on Castro cultural activation, have a funding of $30,000. Workforce Development programs include $950,000 for the Worker Cooperative Program ($425,000 per program year) and $400,000 for the Youth and Young Adult Food Sovereignty program ($200,000 per program year). Business Development programs, specifically for Union Square Park Programming, are allocated $1,000,000. Successful proposals are expected to be funded for up to six years, concluding no later than June 2030, which indicates a long-term commitment to the initiatives. The eligibility criteria require applicants to be a nonprofit 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or 501(c)(6) organization, registered with the IRS and in good standing with relevant California state entities, and eligible to do business with the City and County of San Francisco. Expected outcomes include economic growth, workforce development, and community empowerment within the targeted areas of San Francisco, aligning with OEWD’s mission to support the city's residents and economy.

Fiesta Bowl Charities is dedicated to strengthening communities by supporting organizations focused on youth, sports, and education. This grant program aligns directly with their mission to enhance the success of these key community pillars. The grants, ranging from $15,000 (Kickoff Grant) to $50,000 (Touchdown Grant), are designed to support a variety of initiatives that build organizational capacity, fund direct services and program projects, and cover associated direct costs like project management, marketing, and equipment. The target beneficiaries are residents within Arizona's geographic boundaries, served by 501(c)(3) organizations or organizations using a qualified fiscal agent. The impact goal is to foster thriving communities through strategic investments in youth development, athletic programs, and educational initiatives. Fiesta Bowl Charities particularly encourages proposals that demonstrate matching funds, engage in mission-driven collaborations, and contribute to the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the applying organizations. The program prioritizes proposals that support direct services and program projects, as well as those that build the capacity of organizations. This includes funding for administrative support, legal, or accounting functions directly attributable to the project. The expected outcomes include stronger community programs, increased opportunities for youth in sports and education, and enhanced organizational effectiveness among Arizona non-profits. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the types of projects supported, the emphasis on fiscal accountability and the encouragement of capacity-building suggest a focus on sustainable and impactful initiatives. The foundation's strategic priorities are to invest in direct services and programs, foster partnerships, and leverage additional funds to maximize the reach and effectiveness of their grants, embodying a theory of change that by strengthening these core areas, they contribute to a healthier, more educated, and engaged community.

The 2024 Land and Climate Grant Program, a collaborative effort by the Open Space Institute and the Land Trust Alliance, is designed to integrate climate change considerations into land protection and management. This initiative aligns with both organizations' missions to conserve and steward land by building the capacity of land trusts and other groups. The program's core objective is to foster climate-informed land conservation, stewardship, policy, and communications, directly supporting the broader strategic priorities of enhancing environmental resilience and mitigating climate impacts. The program targets land trusts, other land-conserving groups, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations, and state or federally recognized Tribes. The primary impact goal is to develop and implement plans that address critical climate-related issues such as habitat resilience, carbon mitigation, renewable energy siting, and community adaptation to climate impacts like storms, flooding, drought, fire, or extreme heat. This focus aims to create a tangible difference in how land is protected and managed in the face of a changing climate. The program prioritizes several key areas, including the development of land protection plans that incorporate climate science into strategic conservation, management plans that integrate climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, comprehensive climate communication strategies, and renewable energy siting plans. Preference is given to accredited land trusts and organizations committed to pursuing accreditation, particularly for Land Trust Alliance grants. For Open Space Institute grants, applications from Northern New England (Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine) and the Delaware River Watershed (portions of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware) are favored, with a focus on projects that integrate forest carbon and/or mitigation of flood hazards. Expected outcomes include the creation of new or revised strategic conservation plans, updated land stewardship and management plans, robust climate communication strategies, and well-defined policies for renewable energy siting on conservation lands. The grants, ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, will support projects with a duration of one year, with all projects expected to commence in 2024 and conclude by December 1, 2025. The funding can cover various costs, including staff time, travel, graphic design, printing, mailing, indirect costs, and project consultants, ensuring comprehensive support for the development and implementation of these vital climate-resilient initiatives.

The Cleveland Foundation is accepting applications for the second round of grants from the Cleveland Neighborhood Safety Fund (CNSF). This fund aims to enhance the safety of all Clevelanders through community-centered violence intervention and prevention strategies, aligning with the Foundation's mission to establish, manage, and implement the NSF. The CNSF is guided by a nine-person advisory committee, including representatives from Cleveland City Council, Cleveland Administration, community leaders, and community members impacted by violence, ensuring a community-driven approach. The Request for Proposals (RFP) seeks to appropriate up to $1 million to community violence intervention and prevention partners (CVIP) for programs focused on the summer months of June, July, and August 2024, leading into the school year. Target beneficiaries include individuals involved in or at high risk of violence, youth within the justice system, and individuals experiencing violence. The impact goals are to reduce gun violence, divert youth from the justice system, and disrupt the cycle of violence in Cleveland's most affected neighborhoods. Proposals should support organizational capacity building through additional staff, program expansion, and increased outreach. The CNSF prioritizes a data-driven approach to creating safe and healthy neighborhoods, starting with people at the center of serious violence and extending outwards. The fund's strategic priorities include building the capacity of organizations and fostering a network of community providers and system partners. This network relies on skilled workers with a personal understanding of trauma who meet people where they are and form strong relationships. The theory of change involves a mutual commitment from partners of all sizes to engage in a violence prevention ecosystem that honors the interdependency of interventions and organizations to reduce violence. Expected outcomes include a reduction in gun violence through proactive strategies and meaningful relationships, successful diversion of youth from deeper involvement in violence and the juvenile justice system, and a disruption of the cycle of violence through direct interventions. Successful applicants are expected to participate in coordinated efforts with other funded agencies, engage in training and technical assistance for capacity building and fidelity to best practice service models, and participate in evaluation activities to inform continuous improvement and learning within the network. This comprehensive approach aims to achieve measurable results in community safety and well-being.

The Youth Opioid Prevention Grant Program (YOPGP) in Oregon City is dedicated to preventing opioid misuse and reducing overdose deaths among young people through evidence-based or evidence-informed strategies. The program aligns with a mission to improve the community's overall quality of life by investing directly in youth-focused initiatives. It seeks to create a healthier environment for young individuals by addressing the critical issue of opioid-related harms. The primary beneficiaries of this program are the youth within the Oregon City community. The impact goals are twofold: to discourage or prevent the misuse of opioids and to prevent or reduce overdose deaths and other opioid-related harms. This is achieved by focusing on comprehensive prevention efforts and harm reduction strategies specifically tailored for young people, aiming to foster a safer and more resilient youth population. The program prioritizes two main areas: preventing opioid misuse and preventing overdose deaths and other harms. Under misuse prevention, strategies include media campaigns, corrective advertising, drug take-back programs, and evidence-based prevention in schools and communities. It also emphasizes addressing mental health needs of young people at risk of misusing opioids, including emotional modulation, resilience skills, and increased access to mental health services through schools and behavioral health workers. For harm reduction, the focus is on increasing the availability and distribution of naloxone and other overdose-treating drugs, alongside training and education for various community members and organizations. The expected outcomes include a measurable decrease in youth opioid misuse and a reduction in overdose deaths and other opioid-related harms in Oregon City. The program anticipates improved community well-being and a more informed and resilient youth population capable of making healthier choices. The strategic approach is rooted in a theory of change that posits that by implementing evidence-based prevention and harm reduction programs, providing mental health support, and increasing access to life-saving resources, the incidence of opioid misuse and its associated negative consequences among youth will significantly decline. The funding for the YOPGP comes from the Oregon City Budget Committee, which earmarks $40,000 annually. The City plans to distribute up to $40,000 in awards each year, with individual grants capped at $20,000 for a one-year duration (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025). Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, schools or institutions of higher learning, and local government advisory committees, departments, or coalitions. Projects must not involve major capital improvements, promote or inhibit religion, discriminate, or replace existing funding sources.

The Oregon Arts Commission's Arts Learning Grants program aims to foster high-quality projects that enhance learning in and through the arts for K-12 students. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission by promoting artistic engagement and education, recognizing the vital role of arts in student development. The program seeks to bridge the gap between artists and educators, facilitating a knowledge exchange that enriches both teaching practices and student experiences. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are K-12 students who will gain responsive learning opportunities in the arts. The program also targets artists and educators, fostering collaboration and professional development. The overarching impact goals are to improve the achievement, skills, and attitudes of learners by providing access to high-quality arts education. This focuses on holistic development, recognizing that arts education contributes to academic success, critical thinking, and personal growth. Key priorities for this grant include the quality of learning opportunities, the responsiveness of the project to specific population needs, and the appropriateness of the selected teaching artists' skill sets. Artistic excellence and merit are also critical considerations. The program emphasizes strong project support, evaluating the readiness of staff, the viability of recruitment plans for target populations, and the commitment to supporting teaching artists throughout the project. The clarity and relevance of the project budget are also reviewed to ensure efficient and effective use of funds. Expected outcomes include enhanced artistic skills, improved attitudes towards learning, and increased achievement among K-12 students. Measurable results will be assessed based on the articulation of changes in learners as a result of the project and the viability of the process used to measure these changes. This structured evaluation approach ensures that projects are not only well-intentioned but also demonstrably effective in achieving their stated goals. The Oregon Arts Commission's strategic priority through this program is to strengthen arts education across the state. While a specific "theory of change" is not explicitly detailed, it can be inferred that the commission believes that by investing in high-quality arts learning opportunities and fostering collaboration between artists and educators, K-12 students will experience improved outcomes in their artistic abilities, academic achievement, and personal development, ultimately contributing to a more culturally enriched and educated populace.

The California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) is offering Cycle 47 of its Program Development Grants (PDG) to support innovative programs and best practices throughout California. The SCDD's mission is to advocate for, promote, and implement policies and practices that achieve self-determination, independence, productivity, and inclusion for Californians with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. This grant program directly aligns with the SCDD's overarching goal to improve the lives of people with I/DD by engaging in and promoting self-advocacy, capacity-building, and systems change. The target beneficiaries of these grants are individuals with intellectual, developmental, and/or cross-disabilities, as well as their families. The grants aim to create measurable improvements in their lives. The SCDD seeks to award funding to California-based agencies and organizations that represent and/or serve these individuals, including local government agencies, non-government organizations, tribal organizations, community-based non-profits, and established 501(c)(3) tax-exempt coalitions. The SCDD's 2022-2026 State Plan outlines three key strategic priorities and focuses: Self-Advocacy, Systems Change/Advocacy, and Capacity-Building/Advocacy. For Self-Advocacy, the goal by 2026 is to maintain and/or increase the number of people with I/DD who become strong self-advocates, peer trainers, and community leaders. The Systems Change/Advocacy priority aims for the Council, in partnership with family/self-advocates, to lead in protecting and enhancing civil rights to improve community-based systems, making them more inclusive and supportive of people with I/DD and their families. For Capacity-Building/Advocacy, the Council plans to increase partnerships with and support of more people with I/DD and their families by 2026, ensuring they understand their rights and can advocate for and receive necessary supports and services. The expected outcomes and measurable results are directly tied to these State Plan goals. Through the PDG, the SCDD anticipates fostering programs that will lead to more empowered self-advocates, more inclusive community systems, and a greater understanding of rights and access to services for people with I/DD and their families. The Council has allocated a total fund of $300,000 for one or more Cycle 47 grants, with a grant period from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. This funding supports the SCDD's theory of change, which posits that by investing in community-based organizations that research, develop, and/or implement innovative programs, they can achieve their state plan objectives and significantly enhance the quality of life for Californians with I/DD.

The District of Columbia Department of Human Services (DHS), Family Services Administration (FSA), is offering a grant for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 to provide Emergency Shelter and Supportive Services, Non-residential Counseling and Case Management, and Education and Outreach. This grant aligns with the federal Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) state grant, which DHS administers in partnership with the DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence (DCCADV). The program's mission is to prevent incidents of family, domestic, and dating violence, and to provide comprehensive support for survivors and their dependents. This directly aligns with the broader goal of fostering community safety and well-being by addressing the root causes and immediate needs related to violence. The target beneficiaries of this grant are survivors of family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence, and their dependents. This includes children exposed to violence, underserved populations, and victims from racial and ethnic minority populations. The impact goals are to provide immediate shelter and supportive services, offer access to community-based programs, and deliver specialized services that address the unique needs of vulnerable groups. The program aims to create a safe and supportive environment for individuals and families impacted by violence, enabling them to heal and rebuild their lives. The grant prioritizes three key categories: Shelter and Supportive Services, Non-residential Counseling and Case Management, and Education and Outreach. The funding allocation reflects these priorities, with the largest portion dedicated to Shelter and Supportive Services ($567,522.20), followed by equal amounts for Non-residential Counseling and Case Management ($101,343.25) and Education and Outreach ($101,343.25). These categories are designed to provide a holistic approach to addressing violence, from immediate crisis intervention to long-term prevention and recovery. The strategic priorities are to establish, maintain, and expand programs that effectively prevent violence and support survivors. Expected outcomes include a reduction in incidents of family, domestic, and dating violence, increased access to immediate shelter and supportive services for survivors, and enhanced community-based programs. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of individuals served, the duration of shelter provided, the utilization of counseling and case management services, and the reach of education and outreach initiatives. The theory of change posits that by providing comprehensive and culturally appropriate services, the program can empower survivors, prevent future violence, and foster safer communities for all. The total estimated program award funding for this grant is $770,209.00, with an award period from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. Eligibility criteria specify that entities must be a local public agency or a nonprofit private organization (including faith-based, charitable, community-based, tribal, and voluntary associations) with a documented history of effective work concerning family, domestic, or dating violence. Partnerships of two or more agencies or organizations, including one with the described experience and another with a demonstrated history of serving populations with culturally appropriate services, are also eligible.

The Emberg Charitable Trust provides grants to tax exempt, nonprofit, and governmental vocational, technical, and trade school programs located in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. The trust promotes workforce readiness by supporting programs that prepare students for careers in prominent regional industries. Preference is given to programs of study with potential to supply qualified candidates for fields such as forestry and aircraft maintenance. Funds may support curriculum development, equipment and tools for training, and associated program needs that enhance technical education and job placement outcomes. Eligible applicants are tax exempt nonprofits and governmental vocational, technical, and trade school programs serving counties in the trusts geographic focus. Proposals should demonstrate alignment with regional workforce needs and the capacity to deliver measurable outcomes for students and employers. Applications are due May 5, 2024. Grant size and duration are not stated. Additional information is available through the trustee information referenced by Wells Fargo.

The Artists 360 Creative Impact Award, offered by the Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA), is designed to uplift and empower artists in Northwest Arkansas. The program provides grants, entrepreneurship skill development, and networking opportunities within a dynamic regional artist community. While the description doesn't explicitly detail the M-AAA's overarching mission or theory of change, the Artists 360 program aligns with a strategy to strengthen the artistic ecosystem of Northwest Arkansas by investing directly in its creative talent. The program's structure suggests a belief that direct financial support combined with professional development and networking will lead to more robust artistic careers and a deeper, more vibrant arts community. The target beneficiaries of this award are mid-career or established artists based in Benton, Carroll, Crawford, Sebastian, or Washington counties in Arkansas. These artists must demonstrate exceptional work, be recognized professionally within Arkansas and nationally, and have contributed significantly to Northwest Arkansas's cultural landscape. A key focus is on artists who lack longstanding institutional support, emphasizing an equitable approach to fostering artistic growth. The program prioritizes artists committed to building and supporting the local arts community, fostering a collaborative and interconnected environment. The primary impact goal is to strengthen the artist’s career and deepen the arts community in Northwest Arkansas. This is achieved through unrestricted funds of $25,000, which provide significant financial support, and professional development opportunities. The program's priorities include identifying artists who exhibit a high level of artistic excellence, have a history of community impact, and possess a vision for leadership and mentorship within the regional artistic community. This holistic approach aims to cultivate not just individual artists but also the broader cultural infrastructure. Expected outcomes include enhanced artistic practices, developed entrepreneurship skills among artists, and a more connected regional artist network. Measurable results are implicitly tied to the artists' participation in structured professional development activities, such as the Artists 360 Retreat, the Artists 360 Alumni Retreat, and the Full Circle Showcase. These events facilitate network building, provide platforms for sharing work and insights, and offer opportunities for leadership. The commitment to participate in these activities for a full grant year (October 2024 through October 2025) underscores the program's dedication to sustained engagement and long-term impact on the artists' careers and the community.

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 Jefferson Parish Residential Façade Improvement Program, offered by the New Orleans Education League of the Construction Industry (NOEL) and the Jefferson Parish Finance Authority, is a voluntary grant program designed to enhance the quality of life in Jefferson Parish. Its core mission aligns with preserving home ownership and promoting attractive neighborhoods, thereby maintaining and enhancing property values for all citizens. The program offers financial assistance, up to $8,500, to homeowners for exterior home improvements, aiming to create more handsome and safe neighborhoods. The primary beneficiaries of this program are owner-occupied, detached single-family homeowners residing in Terrytown, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, who meet specific criteria including U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, at least one year of residency in their home, and certification that the home is their primary residence and not for sale. The program explicitly excludes communal areas, condominiums, and mobile homes. The impact goals are centered on fostering community pride, stabilizing neighborhoods, and ultimately increasing property values through visible improvements. The program's priorities and focuses are on exterior front façade improvements or, for corner properties, street-facing façades. Eligible costs include repair or replacement of front doors, shutters, windows, side doors and windows facing the street (for corner properties), soffit and fascia repair, rotten wood repair, driveway and front sidewalk repair or replacement, exterior painting, and landscaping. The work must adhere to nationally adopted enhancement standards, ensuring a consistent and high-quality outcome across participating properties. Expected outcomes include a visually enhanced neighborhood, increased curb appeal, and a strengthened sense of community among residents. Measurable results could include the number of homes improved, the total funds disbursed, and potentially, long-term increases in property values within the targeted areas. The program's strategic priorities are to support community efforts that directly contribute to the aesthetic and structural integrity of residential properties, reflecting a theory of change that by improving individual homes, the overall neighborhood environment is uplifted. This, in turn, is expected to attract and retain residents, further solidifying the community's stability and appeal.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (MassCEC) Commonwealth Hydro Program aims to increase energy production and reduce environmental impacts from hydropower facilities eligible for the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (MA RPS). The program provides funding for various projects, including construction, new technology deployment, relicensing, and feasibility studies for eligible hydropower generation facilities. The overarching mission of MassCEC, as implied by this program, is to advance clean energy technologies and promote sustainable energy practices within Massachusetts by leveraging existing hydropower infrastructure and encouraging innovation in the sector. The program targets a range of beneficiaries, including commercial, industrial, institutional, non-profit, or public entities that demonstrate long-term site control over project locations and water rights. The impact goals are centered on increasing the efficiency and capacity of hydropower facilities while simultaneously reducing their environmental footprint. This includes improving fish and eel passage, mitigating fish passage injury and mortality, and enhancing downstream water quality by increasing dissolved oxygen levels. Key priorities and focuses for funding include upgrades to existing hydropower facilities (e.g., turbine replacement, automated controls, improved fish passage), projects undergoing FERC relicensing to increase efficiency and reduce environmental impacts, the development of new hydropower facilities eligible for FERC conduit exemptions, and the deployment of advanced hydropower technologies such as fish-friendly hydropower and in-stream hydrokinetic power. Feasibility studies for these types of projects are also supported. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in renewable energy generation from hydropower facilities within Massachusetts, improved ecological health of waterways adjacent to these facilities, and the widespread adoption of more environmentally sound hydropower technologies. Measurable results would include the amount of additional energy generated, the number of successful upgrades and new facility deployments, and quantifiable improvements in environmental indicators like fish passage rates and water quality. While a specific "theory of change" or "strategic priorities" for MassCEC beyond the program's objectives are not explicitly detailed, the program's design clearly aligns with a strategy of investing in both the modernization of existing renewable energy infrastructure and the development of innovative solutions to address environmental concerns associated with hydropower. This approach suggests a belief that targeted financial support can accelerate the transition to a cleaner energy grid while ensuring ecological sustainability. The grant offers between $100,000 to $500,000, with a maximum cap of $300,000 or 50% of actual costs, demonstrating MassCEC's commitment to substantial investment in impactful projects. Eligibility criteria ensure that funded projects contribute to the state's renewable energy goals, maintain FERC compliance, and have a useful life of at least twenty years.

The City of Conway Economic Development Grant Program for 2024-2025 is now open for applications, aiming to drive economic growth and enhance the quality of life within the Conway, SC community. This grant program is designed to support various projects and activities that stimulate economic activity and benefit local organizations. The overarching mission of the program is to foster a thriving Conway by investing in initiatives that create a positive economic impact. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are local organizations within Conway, SC, including charities, nonprofits, chambers of commerce, and similar entities. The program's impact goals are centered on supporting economic development programs, expanding or recruiting new businesses, and facilitating special events that draw attention and activity to the city. By supporting these organizations, the program seeks to strengthen the local economy and improve the community's overall well-being. The program's priorities and focuses include funding for economic development programs such as small business incubators and activities to expand or recruit new businesses. It also covers economic development staff salaries and benefits, special events like festivals, parades, conferences, conventions, sporting events, and arts/cultural events within the City of Conway. Additionally, travel for the purpose of recruiting business is a permissible use of funds, highlighting the program's commitment to attracting new opportunities. The expected outcomes of this grant program are a more vibrant and economically active Conway. Measurable results would include an increase in new businesses, expansion of existing businesses, a rise in local employment, and a greater number of successful community events that enhance the city's appeal. The program's strategic priorities are clearly aligned with fostering a robust local economy through direct investment in growth-oriented initiatives and community enrichment. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are rooted in the belief that targeted investments in local organizations and economic development initiatives will directly lead to a stronger, more dynamic community. By providing financial support for key activities, the City of Conway aims to create a ripple effect, where initial investments lead to sustained economic growth, increased civic engagement, and an improved quality of life for all residents. This approach emphasizes collaborative efforts between the city and local organizations to achieve shared prosperity.

The United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties is offering its 2024 Pillar Grant Program, inviting applications from organizations, local businesses, community clubs, or individuals. This program aligns with the United Way's overarching mission to improve the health, education, and financial stability of all individuals within their communities. Proposals submitted for these grants must serve a public purpose and directly support this mission, focusing on key areas that address significant community needs. The Pillar Grant Program specifically targets communities within Jefferson County and the City of Whitewater, aiming to benefit residents by addressing critical social issues. The program seeks to make a strong, positive impact by funding creative and innovative projects that respond to identified community needs. While the grant details do not explicitly state a "theory of change," the program's structure implies that by investing in specific intervention areas, it will lead to improved community well-being and self-sufficiency. The core priorities and focuses of the Pillar Grants are clearly defined, emphasizing four key areas: early intervention care, mental health and AODA (alcohol and other drug addiction) treatment, overcoming barriers to self-sufficiency, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Applicants must ensure their proposed projects and programs directly align with one or more of these strategic areas, as they represent the United Way's commitment to addressing the most pressing challenges faced by the communities it serves. Expected outcomes include the accomplishment or initiation of projects within generally a one-year timeframe, leading to tangible improvements in the prioritized areas. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the program description, the emphasis on addressing community needs and providing a strong, positive impact suggests that successful proposals will demonstrate clear objectives and the potential for quantifiable improvements in early intervention, mental health, economic stability, and social equity within Jefferson County and Whitewater.

The Learning Landscapes Challenge, sponsored by Siegel Family Endowment (SFE) and the Walton Family Foundation (WFF), aims to integrate social, digital, and physical infrastructure to bridge current and future learning paradigms. This initiative aligns with the foundations' broader missions to support changemakers and foster innovative approaches to education. By focusing on infrastructure, the challenge seeks to create more connected and effective learning environments, reflecting a strategic priority to enhance educational ecosystems through systemic improvements. The challenge targets "changemakers," including individuals, groups, or entities with innovative ideas, particularly those operating in the United States, as lead individuals or entities must maintain a primary place of operations there to be eligible for monetary prizes. The impact goal is to achieve tangible, transformative effects in learning, extending beyond single communities. The program prioritizes solutions that incorporate multiple dimensions of infrastructure or utilize infrastructure in novel ways to create scaled impact. The Learning Landscapes Challenge is structured in three phases to identify and support infrastructural concepts. Phase 1 is open to all eligible entrants, with up to 40 winners receiving $5,000 and an invitation to the Phase 2 accelerator. Phase 2 is exclusively for Phase 1 winners, with up to five recipients each receiving $200,000 and an invitation to the Phase 3 incubator. Finally, Phase 3 is for Phase 2 winners, with up to two grand-prize winners each receiving $500,000. These phased awards, totaling up to $2.2 million, are designed to progressively refine and scale solutions. Expected outcomes include the development and implementation of innovative learning solutions that integrate various infrastructures, leading to more accessible and effective learning experiences. Measurable results are tied to the progression through the phases and the successful scaling of these solutions beyond initial communities. The foundations' theory of change suggests that by supporting the development of robust and integrated learning infrastructures, they can catalyze significant improvements in educational access, quality, and adaptability, ultimately preparing learners for future challenges and opportunities.