Law Justice and Legal Services Grants

The 2024 Choose Henry Fund-Community Grants, offered by the Henry County Community Foundation (HCCF), aim to address the broad needs of Henry County, Indiana. As a community foundation, HCCF's mission is to support diverse areas within the county, including health and medical, social services, education, cultural affairs, and civic affairs. This grant program is aligned with the foundation's overall mission to be responsive to changing community needs, be flexible, and focus on projects with the greatest benefit per dollar granted. The target beneficiaries of these grants are non-profit organizations serving Henry County, specifically those that have been selected through a letter of intent process. The impact goals are to support various programs and facilities that improve the quality of life within the county across the five key areas of interest. This includes, but is not limited to, supporting hospitals and rehabilitation centers, human service organizations, programs for children, youth, and the aged, educational initiatives from pre-school to post-secondary, cultural programs, and civic activities related to criminal justice, community development, and leadership training. The HCCF prioritizes change-oriented and problem-solving initiatives, emphasizing project support rather than ongoing general operating support. The foundation also encourages participation from other contributors through matching challenges and other grant techniques. Additionally, the HCCF aims to coordinate its programs with other funding sources, such as government, other foundations, and associations, to maximize impact. A key focus is to induce grant recipients to achieve objectives like increased efficiency, improved fundraising capabilities, and enhanced product or service delivery. Expected outcomes and measurable results are implicitly tied to the grant evaluation criteria. The foundation assesses whether there is an established need for the requested program or project, its appropriateness for HCCF funding, the adequacy of HCCF resources to respond, and the overall benefit to the community. While specific metrics are not explicitly detailed, the focus on "greatest benefit per dollar granted" and inducing recipients to improve efficiency and service delivery suggests an emphasis on demonstrable positive change and effective resource utilization within Henry County.

The United Way of Northern New York (UWNNY) is offering 2025 Community Impact grant funding to local nonprofit human service organizations. The program aims to support outcome-driven, collaborative, and equity-focused community-based organizations. UWNNY's mission is to connect with and provide funding to organizations that strengthen the community's impact. The program is aligned with UWNNY's broader strategic priorities of addressing critical community needs through targeted interventions. The grant specifically targets organizations serving residents of Jefferson, Lewis, and/or St. Lawrence Counties. Priority is given to proposals that focus on underserved and underrepresented populations, address unmet needs, utilize a collaborative approach, and serve individuals or families who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed (ALICE) or living in poverty. The program's impact goals are to support programs that align with primary areas of focus: Social Determinants of Health (SDoH), Child/Youth Success, and Economic Stability. The Community Impact Fund has clear priorities and focuses. For Social Determinants of Health, the focus is on interventions addressing access to nutrition, housing, healthcare, literacy/language, education, and transportation. For Child/Youth Success, programming should provide vital supplies and support for academic success, growth, development, and a healthy transition into adulthood. For Economic Stability, the focus is on short- and long-term strategies to help people gain or maintain stability, such as job skills training, soft skills development, and support for those at risk of falling into poverty. Expected outcomes include improved access to essential services, enhanced academic and developmental success for children and youth, and increased economic stability for individuals and families in the targeted counties. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed for each objective, the emphasis on "outcome-driven" organizations suggests a focus on demonstrable impact and progress towards these goals. The theory of change implicit in this grant is that by funding strategic, collaborative, and equity-focused programs in these key areas, UWNNY can contribute to a more resilient and thriving community, particularly for its most vulnerable populations.

The IPromise Jeffrey M. Glabicki Memorial Giving Fund, supported by Volpe Koenig, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the Greater Philadelphia area. This mission aligns with the foundation's goal of supporting programs that positively impact the community. The fund specifically targets organizations involved in Arts, Culture and Humanities; Community Development; Education and Research; Environment and Animals; Health, Human Services & Youth Development; and Veteran Services. By focusing on these broad categories, the fund aims to address a diverse range of community needs and contribute to a healthier, more vibrant Philadelphia Metro area. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations that are at least two years old, have an annual operating budget of less than $10 million, and are headquartered in and serve the population of the Philadelphia Metro area. This includes specific counties in Pennsylvania (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia) and New Jersey (Burlington, Camden, Gloucester). The impact goals are to support and empower these qualifying organizations to continue their vital work in the specified focus areas, ultimately leading to improved quality of life for the residents of the Greater Philadelphia region. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly outlined by the eligible categories for application. These include areas that promote cultural enrichment, strengthen local communities, advance knowledge and learning, protect the environment and animals, improve health and well-being for individuals and youth, and provide support for veterans. The foundation's strategic priorities are to make a significant impact by awarding a single $40,000 grant to a deserving organization, thereby concentrating resources to achieve meaningful outcomes within one of these critical sectors. The expected outcomes of this grant are to enable the selected organization to expand its reach, enhance its programs, or develop innovative solutions within its focus area. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the implicit theory of change is that by investing in established, impactful non-profits within these key sectors, the fund can foster positive social change and contribute to a thriving community. The eligibility criteria, such as the requirement for a 501(c)(3) status and a two-year operational history, suggest a focus on supporting organizations with a proven track record and capacity for effective program delivery. Ineligible organizations include those promoting religious or political activities, programs accessible only to paying members, scholarship or tuition assistance programs, endowments, government agencies, individuals, grant-making organizations, and past recipients within the last five years. These exclusions further refine the fund's strategic approach, ensuring that grants are directed towards direct charitable operations that serve the broader public and avoid duplication of previous efforts. This focused approach allows the fund to maximize its impact by supporting direct service providers in alignment with its mission.

The Community Fund is an annual grant program by the Philadelphia City Fund, aligning with the city's goals to enhance residents' quality of life. This initiative supports charitable projects addressing Philadelphia's most pressing needs. The funding is a result of a partnership with the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, which contributes a portion of its annual revenues to the fund. For the 2024 cycle, the program specifically focuses on youth wellness, promoting lifelong healthy activity, and nurturing healthy minds, bodies, and spirits through out-of-school time programming. The target beneficiaries are youth aged pre-K through 12th grade in Philadelphia, particularly those participating in out-of-school time (OST) programs. The program aims to support their healthy physical, social, educational, and emotional development. The impact goal is to increase equitable access to OST programming across the city, with a preference for organizations serving specific Priority ZIP Codes (19120, 19124, 19132, 19134, 19138, 19139, 19141, and 19144) identified through an analysis of quality of life metrics and OST slot distribution. The fund prioritizes small nonprofit organizations with annual operating budgets not exceeding $5 million that provide OST programming to youth in Philadelphia. Grantees will receive $25,000 in unrestricted funds, which can be used for general operations, programmatic activities, or other mission-supporting costs. Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their organization's mission and/or programming aligns with the "Nurturing healthy minds, bodies, and spirits through out-of-school time programming" theme. The expected outcome is improved well-being and safety for youth in Philadelphia through enhanced access to comprehensive OST programming. While specific measurable results beyond the funding allocation and unrestricted nature of the grants are not explicitly detailed, the focus on priority ZIP codes and the definition of OST programming suggest an intention to measure the reach and impact on youth development in underserved areas. Grantees will be expected to comply with Pennsylvania childcare regulations and maintain necessary insurance coverage during the one-year grant term, starting February 2025.

The Northwest Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety (NWMCRS), supported by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), is offering grants to enhance highway and traffic safety programs and resources across selected counties in Northwest Missouri. This initiative directly aligns with MoDOT's mission to reduce injuries and fatalities on roadways, addressing a critical need highlighted by 49 fatalities within 16 of the region's 20 counties in 2023. The grants aim to empower local agencies and organizations to implement effective safety measures and awareness campaigns. The target beneficiaries for these grants include a broad spectrum of community entities such as schools, community groups, law enforcement, and health departments. These organizations are uniquely positioned to address local safety challenges and implement programs that resonate with their specific communities. The primary impact goal is a tangible reduction in roadway injuries and fatalities, contributing to safer travel for all residents within the designated Northwest Missouri region. The program prioritizes initiatives that directly contribute to roadway safety. While specific programmatic focuses are not exhaustively detailed, the overall emphasis is on "highway and traffic safety programs and resources." This broad mandate allows for a variety of approaches, from educational campaigns in schools to enforcement initiatives by law enforcement, and health-focused interventions by health departments, all working towards the common goal of safer roads. The expected outcomes of these grants are manifold. Successful applicants will be able to develop and implement programs that educate the public on safe driving practices, enforce traffic laws, and provide resources to prevent accidents. Measurable results will likely include a decrease in accident rates, a reduction in the number of serious injuries, and, most importantly, a decline in traffic-related fatalities within the targeted counties. The grant amounts, ranging from $1,000 to a maximum of $5,000 per request, are designed to support impactful, community-level interventions. MoDOT's strategic priority, as evidenced by this grant program, is to foster a proactive approach to roadway safety through community engagement and support. The underlying theory of change is that by empowering local organizations with funding and resources, tailored and effective safety programs can be implemented at the grassroots level, leading to a significant and measurable improvement in overall road safety. This localized approach is critical in addressing the diverse safety needs across the various counties of Northwest Missouri.

The OVW Violence Against Women Tribal Special Assistant United States Attorney (Tribal SAUSA) Initiative (Assistance Listing # 16.055) is authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, Pub. L. No. 118-42, 138 Stat. 25, 143. This initiative supports Tribes and United States Attorneys Offices (USAOs) in their investigation and prosecution of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, sex trafficking, and stalking cases in Indian country. Grant funds support salary, fringe benefits, training, travel, and supplies for dedicated tribal prosecutors who are cross-designated as Tribal SAUSAs to work directly with their USAOs. The goals of the initiative are to fill gaps in jurisdictional coverage; increase communication and coordination with Tribal, federal, and state law enforcement agencies; establish consistent relationships between federal prosecutors and the Tribal community(ies); and improve the quality of investigation and prosecution of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and stalking cases through training and best practices, such as DOJs recently released framework for prosecutors on strengthening responses to these crimes.

The North Carolina IOLTA's Civil Legal Aid Grant Program aims to provide general support for a network of organizations that ensure basic access to the justice system for indigent individuals across all counties in North Carolina. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to support civil legal aid, encompassing direct representation, training, and technical assistance for eligible clients and groups. Organizations, whether staffed or utilizing pro bono lawyers, contribute to this mission by offering crucial legal services without charge to clients who meet the indigency criteria. The program primarily targets North Carolina residents who are indigent, defined as individuals at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines or eligible for public assistance. Impact goals center on expanding access to justice for these low-income clients, particularly those who are not currently being reached or who require services not otherwise available. The program also seeks to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and collaboration within the civil legal aid delivery system to ensure high-quality legal assistance for the poor. The program offers four main areas of funding, each with distinct priorities. General Civil Legal Aid Grants provide programmatic support to non-profit legal aid organizations whose primary purpose is to serve low-income clients. Project Support Grants focus on specific client subgroups or service types, addressing unmet needs. Pro Bono Support Grants are dedicated to developing and expanding efforts to engage lawyers in voluntary legal services, specifically for indigent clients. Finally, System Support Grants aim to improve the overall civil legal aid delivery system through initiatives like training, research, program innovations, and online tools. Funding criteria prioritize applicants providing direct representation to clients or client groups, including extended representation, brief advice, community legal education, and community economic development. Preference is given to staffed civil legal aid organizations, recognizing them as the most effective means of delivery, with pro bono efforts serving as a vital supplement. The program also favors current qualified providers and organizations with diverse funding sources, emphasizing a sustainable approach to providing legal services. The expected outcomes include increased access to legal services for indigent populations, improved program efficiency, enhanced collaboration among legal aid providers, and ultimately, a more equitable justice system for low-income North Carolinians. The grant period for these initiatives is January 1 to December 31, 2025.

The California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program (CSNSGP), provided by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), offers funding support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements. This program is specifically designed for nonprofit organizations in California that are at high risk for violent attacks and hate crimes due to their ideology, beliefs, or mission. The grant size ranges from $100,000 to $500,000 with a duration of two years, running from December 1, 2024, to December 31, 2026. The total amount available for solicitation is $76,000,000, with a maximum of $250,000 per location, up to a total of $500,000 per applicant. The primary target beneficiaries are California nonprofit organizations described under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) and exempt from tax under Section 501(a). This includes organizations such as churches, mosques, and synagogues, which are automatically exempt if they meet 501(c)(3) requirements. The overarching impact goal is to enhance the physical security of these vulnerable organizations, thereby preventing and protecting them against violent attacks and hate crimes. The program seeks to ensure the safety of both facilities and the people within them, including those with access and functional needs, and those with limited English proficiency. The program prioritizes several categories of cost, including Planning, Equipment, Training, Construction/Renovation, Contracted Security, Management and Administration (M&A), and Support Services. Planning activities may include developing security plans, emergency contingency plans, and evacuation plans. Equipment focuses on physical security enhancements like reinforced doors, high-intensity lighting, alarms, inspection systems, and access control. Training is for employees or members to receive on-site security training, addressing specific threats and vulnerabilities. Construction or Renovation is permitted for target hardening, limited to $100,000, and contracted security personnel are allowed but cannot exceed 50% of the requested amount, with the expectation that applicants can sustain this capability without future CSNSGP funding. M&A and Support Services each have a cap of five percent of the funds. Expected outcomes include a significant improvement in the physical security posture of participating nonprofit organizations, a reduction in their vulnerability to violent attacks and hate crimes, and enhanced preparedness for emergencies. Measurable results would involve the successful implementation of security enhancements, such as new equipment installations, improved security plans, and trained personnel. The program's strategic priorities align with the foundation's goal of safeguarding communities and promoting a secure environment for organizations that may face threats due to their core identities or missions, thereby contributing to the broader theory of change that targeted security investments can mitigate risks and foster resilience within vulnerable populations.

The National Press Foundation is offering the Covering Equitable Community Development Journalism Fellowship, an expenses-paid program designed to enhance journalists' ability to report on equitable community development. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to support and educate journalists, specifically by equipping them to investigate the intersection of policy, public and private financing, and calls for equitable housing, parks, and other community assets. The program aims to address the critical need for comprehensive and nuanced reporting on how resources are allocated and what initiatives receive support within various regions. The target beneficiaries of this fellowship are U.S.-based journalists working across print, TV, radio, or online media, with a particular encouragement for those who cover race and metro beats. The program emphasizes diversity and welcomes applicants from across the nation. The impact goal is to empower these journalists to better understand and report on pervasive racial gaps and the policies and investments in their communities related to health, wealth, and overall community well-being. By providing specialized training, the fellowship seeks to foster a more informed public discourse on community development issues. The fellowship's priorities and focuses include an immersive exploration into community development issues, especially in the context of small and mid-sized cities. The program will delve into how financing and investing institutions—such as community development financial institutions (CDFIs), philanthropic impact investors, private banks, and other investors—prioritize projects. It will also examine how policymakers and public officials can actively involve residents in decision-making and ensure accountability for anti-racist practices in the community development sector. Other key topics include identifying conditions that lead to healthier, more equitable communities with access to essential resources like affordable housing, education, and healthcare, as well as addressing environmental justice as a community development issue. The expected outcomes and measurable results of this fellowship include equipping journalists with the knowledge and context to add breadth to their coverage of community development. By bringing together experts from health equity, nonprofit, policy, financing, and community organizing sectors, the program anticipates that fellows will gain a deeper understanding of complex issues. While specific measurable results are not explicitly stated as quantitative metrics, the qualitative outcome is a more capable and informed journalistic body that can investigate and report on community development effectively, potentially leading to increased public awareness and accountability in these areas.

The "INL Kosovo Anti-Corruption Program" grant aims to empower civil society and the Kosovo Agency for Prevention of Corruption to enhance government transparency, accountability, and rule of law reforms, thereby reducing corruption within government institutions.

The FY2025 LGBTQIA+ Violence Prevention & Response Team (VPART) Grant, offered by the Executive Office of Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Mayor’s Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Affairs (MOLGBTQA), aims to prevent crime and address violence against the LGBTQIA+ community in the District of Columbia. This grant directly aligns with MOLGBTQA's mission to convene community and government agencies to reduce violence and harm against members of the LGBTQIA+ community. The grant seeks to support qualified community-based organizations (CBOs) that can coordinate the VPART team, provide services to LGBTQIA+ crime victims, and empower other CBOs through training. The primary target beneficiaries for these funds are individuals who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning, with a specific focus on those at a higher risk of being targeted by hate crimes and bias incidents. The overall impact goal is to address and mitigate violence within the LGBTQIA+ community and further reduce violence and harm through comprehensive support, education, and outreach. Expected outcomes include improved support for victims navigating legal and social service systems, increased access to culturally appropriate mental health services, enhanced community education on harm reduction, and strengthened capacity of CBOs to serve the LGBTQIA+ population. The grant prioritizes two main service areas: Violence Response Services and Victim Prevention Outreach. Violence Response Services include case management to assist victims through criminal, civil legal, and social service systems; legal services providing professional advice on criminal proceedings; and trauma-informed mental health services linking individuals to culturally appropriate and victim-centered care. Victim Prevention Outreach focuses on cultural humility training for organizations serving the LGBTQIA+ population, community education to reduce physical or emotional harm through workshops and campaigns, and harm reduction interventions providing resources and connections to addiction treatment. Organizations applying for this grant are encouraged to demonstrate their full capacity by applying to as many services and programs as possible within these funding areas. The MOLGBTQA's strategic approach, or theory of change, is rooted in the belief that by bringing together public safety, human services agencies, and community organizations, they can effectively prevent crime, support victims, and build community resilience against violence. This collaborative model, facilitated by the VPART meetings and supported by designated grantee organizations, is intended to lead to measurable results in reduced violence and improved well-being for the LGBTQIA+ community in Washington, DC.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is offering matching grants through its Surface Water Matching Planning Grant program. This initiative, developed by the Delaware Water Infrastructure Advisory Council (WIAC), aims to improve water quality in developed landscapes within Delaware's impaired watersheds. The program aligns with a mission to assist local governments in proactively addressing water quality challenges, particularly through planning and preliminary engineering efforts for surface water improvement projects. The grants target Delaware county and municipal governments, conservation districts, and estuary programs. While non-profit organizations, educational institutions, community organizations, and homeowner’s associations cannot apply directly, they are encouraged to partner with eligible applicants. The primary impact goal is to enhance water quality in impaired watersheds by supporting planning, preliminary engineering, and feasibility analysis of surface water improvement projects. These projects can include retrofitting stormwater systems, establishing green technology practices, restoring streams and wetlands, conducting small watershed studies, and developing master surface water and drainage plans. The program prioritizes proposals that demonstrate clear benefits to water quality within impaired watersheds. Specific focuses include planning and/or preliminary design for projects associated with watershed management plans, community stormwater management improvements in existing developments and municipalities, and restoration or retrofit projects designed to yield water quality benefits. This strategic approach ensures that funding is directed towards foundational planning and design efforts that are critical for long-term water quality improvement. Expected outcomes include the preparation of surface water projects for future funding through the Delaware Water Pollution Control Revolving Loan Fund (WPCRLF). Measurable results will be seen in the successful completion of planning, preliminary engineering, and feasibility analyses, leading to actionable project designs ready for loan applications. The funding, capped at $50,000 with a 1:1 cash match requirement, is designed to jumpstart projects, laying the groundwork for significant water quality improvements across Delaware. The grant duration is two years, emphasizing a focused and efficient planning period to achieve these preparatory outcomes.

The Department of Human Services (DHS) Family Services Administration (FSA) in the District of Columbia is offering grants for Fiscal Year 2025 to support youth and families. This initiative seeks to procure service providers to offer supportive services to youth aged 10-24 who are experiencing extensive juvenile and truancy situations. The primary objective is to help youth and families achieve specific goals and tasks, aligning with the DHS/FSA's mission to enhance family well-being and provide critical human services within the District. The program's core goals, as targeted by Youth Services Division (YSD) staff, include reducing truancy and associated behaviors (such as running away and extreme disobedience), preventing involvement in the juvenile justice system, and improving youth functioning and behavior across school, home, and community environments. These goals are directed at all participating youth and their families, including Spanish-speaking families, with each youth having an assigned Case Manager, Social Worker, or Functional Family Therapist (FFT) to ensure comprehensive support. The primary target population for these Youth and Family Support Services are youth aged 10 to 18, as well as transition-age youth up to 24 years old, and their families who are actively engaged in YSD programs and services. The expected outcomes include a reduction in truancy rates, a decrease in juvenile justice system involvement, and observable improvements in youth behavior and overall functioning. Measurable results will likely be tracked through attendance records, reported incidents, and assessments of social and emotional well-being. Eligibility for this RFA extends to local social services organizations, not-for-profit corporations, and charitable organizations, including faith-based groups, that serve the target population. Organizations incorporated as a not-for-profit or religious corporation or a public agency under District law, or those authorized to conduct corporate activities and provide care in the District with federal tax-exempt status, are also eligible. The total estimated program funding is up to $900,000.00, with an award ceiling of $200,000.00 and an award floor of $50,000.00. The period of performance is from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025.

The Arts Enrichment Program for Youth (AEPY) is a new grant program created through a collaboration between the Alexandria Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities’ Office of the Arts and the Recreation Services Division. Funded by the American Rescue Fund Program for Alexandria, the program aims to provide financial support to nonprofit organizations and teaching artists. Its core mission is to facilitate the development and implementation of high-quality out-of-school arts programs for youth within the City's Recreation Centers. This initiative aligns with a broader strategic priority to enrich the lives of young people through creative engagement and educational opportunities in the arts. The primary beneficiaries of the AEPY are youth aged 5-12, residing in Alexandria, Virginia. The program targets these young individuals to provide them with interactive arts experiences that extend beyond traditional school settings, including during Teacher Workdays or Holiday breaks. The impact goals are centered on fostering skill-building, active participation, and the potential for public showcasing of artistic accomplishments. By engaging youth in diverse artistic disciplines, from STEM-integrated arts to traditional and non-traditional creative projects, the program seeks to cultivate creativity, self-expression, and a deeper appreciation for the arts among the city's young population. The AEPY prioritizes programs that take place in dedicated neighborhood recreation centers, which are designed to be inspiring and welcoming spaces. A key focus is on hands-on skill building using art supplies, ensuring that youth are actively involved in the creation process. The program explicitly excludes concerts and performances, emphasizing interactive programming to maximize youth engagement. Furthermore, it seeks to avoid duplication by not funding arts programs, projects, and activities previously awarded by other City grant programs. This strategic focus ensures that new and innovative programs are supported, reaching a wider array of participants and experiences. Expected outcomes for the AEPY include an increase in youth participation in out-of-school arts programs and the successful development of new, high-quality artistic residencies. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of youth served, the types of programs offered, and the locations utilized. Grant awards are set at $5,000 per residency, per location, providing a clear funding structure. The program's theory of change posits that by investing in accessible, interactive arts education within community recreation centers, it will empower youth, develop their creative talents, and contribute to their overall well-being and community engagement.

The City of Powder Springs Neighborhood Beautification Grants aim to visually enhance neighborhoods, including entrances, common spaces, and building exteriors within the city limits. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to improve community aesthetics and foster civic pride. The grant program is designed to be accessible to various neighborhood-based organizations and multi-family residential property owners, encouraging widespread participation in community improvement efforts. The primary beneficiaries are single-family residential neighborhoods and multi-family residential properties within the City of Powder Springs. The impact goals are centered around creating more visually appealing, cohesive, and historically representative communities. By encouraging exterior improvements, the program seeks to uplift the overall appearance and character of the city's residential areas. The program prioritizes projects that are highly visible to the public, contribute significantly to improving community appearance, and promote the historic and/or unique character of the area. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, installing neighborhood identification signage, organizing neighborhood cleanups, constructing playground equipment in public areas, and planting community gardens. Ineligible projects include roof repairs, security systems, general maintenance (except exterior painting), interior improvements, and the purchase of personal property. Expected outcomes include a noticeable improvement in the visual quality of neighborhoods, increased community engagement in beautification efforts, and a stronger sense of local identity. Measurable results could include the number of projects completed, the visibility of these projects, and positive feedback from residents regarding the enhanced appearance of their communities. The program's strategic priority is to empower residents and organizations to take an active role in shaping the physical environment of their neighborhoods, with a theory of change that posits that visible improvements lead to increased community pride and a better quality of life for residents. The funding is limited to a maximum of $4,000 per project, with a minimum grant of $500, and all projects must be completed by April 1, 2025. Eligibility is extended to homeowners associations, neighborhood organizations, and multi-family residential property owners, provided they meet specific criteria, including being current on all City taxes and not being in violation of any City codes. This structured approach ensures that the grants are effectively utilized for tangible and sustainable improvements across Powder Springs.

The Arbor Day Foundation (ADF) is launching the Community Roots Program, a grant initiative designed to foster investments in tree planting, maintenance, planning, and capacity building within selected communities. This program directly aligns with the ADF's mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees, contributing to healthier communities and environments. By providing significant funding and expert support, the program aims to amplify the impact of community-based efforts in urban and rural forestry, reinforcing the Foundation's strategic priority of expanding tree cover and green infrastructure nationwide. The target beneficiaries of the Community Roots Program are community-based nonprofit organizations that support and/or represent communities and specific populations within them. These organizations must lead work that directly impacts disadvantaged communities, as defined by the Council on Environmental Quality’s Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST) or the Environmental Protection Agency’s EPA IRA Disadvantaged Communities tool, and ultimately benefit historically underserved or underrepresented communities. The program’s impact goals include enhancing community engagement in environmental stewardship, improving local ecological health through increased tree canopy, and building the long-term capacity of local organizations to manage and sustain urban and community forestry initiatives. The program prioritizes activities such as tree planting and maintenance, strategic planning for urban forestry, and capacity building for local organizations. It focuses on creating a cohort of subawardees who will benefit from peer-to-peer learning and access to experts within the Arbor Day Foundation and the Urban and Community Forestry Society (UCFS)’s networks. This collaborative approach, combined with mentorship opportunities, is central to the program's theory of change: by empowering local leaders and fostering a network of knowledge, the program can drive sustainable environmental improvements and social equity in communities across all states and counties. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a significant increase in tree planting and maintenance activities, leading to expanded urban and community tree canopies. Subawardees will demonstrate improved organizational capacity in program management and community engagement. Individual subawards, ranging from $100,000 to $1,000,000 over a three-year period, are expected to facilitate impactful projects tailored to the unique needs of each community. With a minimum of $4,300,000 in total funding available, the program anticipates a broad reach and a substantial collective impact on environmental health and community well-being, measured by the scope of work completed, the number of trees planted, and the engagement of disadvantaged communities.

The ConnectALL Initiative's Municipal Infrastructure Program (MIP) is designed to foster the development of open-access, publicly owned, and/or controlled last-mile fiber broadband infrastructure. This initiative aims to deliver reliable high-speed internet services to homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions throughout New York State. The program's mission aligns directly with the New York State Urban Development Corporation d/b/a Empire State Development ("ESD") objectives to promote a vigorous and growing state economy, encourage business investment and job creation, and support diverse, prosperous local economies across NYS. By addressing broadband access, the MIP contributes to ESD's broader strategy of using grants and other forms of assistance to facilitate economic development and improve quality of life for residents. The target beneficiaries of the MIP include communities across New York State that are currently experiencing connectivity challenges due to a lack of affordable, high-speed internet infrastructure. Specifically, the program aims to connect homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions. The primary impact goal is to improve broadband access, thereby reducing the digital divide and enabling greater participation in the digital economy. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in the availability of reliable, high-speed internet, leading to enhanced economic opportunities, improved educational access, and better access to essential services for residents and businesses in underserved areas. The program's priorities and focuses revolve around the construction of new infrastructure or the acquisition of existing infrastructure. This includes last-mile fiber connections to address last-mile infrastructure (cabling, wires, pole replacements, radios) and drops to buildings. It also emphasizes fiber connections to Internet Exchange Points or Data Centers, including middle-mile fiber and networking equipment. A key focus is on ensuring open-access and predominantly publicly controlled infrastructure, leveraging funding from the U.S. Department of Treasury Capital Projects Fund (CPF) to achieve these objectives. The ConnectALL Initiative's strategic priorities are deeply rooted in addressing fundamental connectivity gaps across the state. The theory of change posits that by investing in publicly controlled, open-access fiber broadband infrastructure, the state can stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and foster more equitable access to information and opportunities. The expected measurable results include the deployment of new fiber optic networks, the number of homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions connected, and ultimately, an improvement in the overall broadband speed and affordability available to New Yorkers. The total funding available for this program is $228 Million, with a maximum grant size of $30 million per award, indicating a significant investment to achieve these transformative goals.

The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) is announcing the Gang Activity Prosecution (GAP) Grant Program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. This competitive grant program, funded by the State of Georgia with $1,250,000, aims to support state and local efforts in prosecuting gang-related activity. The program's core purpose aligns with GEMA/HS's mission to enhance public safety by reducing gang activity and creating safer communities through effective legal action. The grant period of performance will run from September 19, 2024, to May 15, 2025. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are the citizens of Georgia, who will benefit from reduced gang-related crime and safer communities. The target entities for the grant are State of Georgia law enforcement agencies, prosecuting attorneys, and non-profits specifically focused on gang prosecutions. This includes State Agencies, Judicial District/Circuits, County Sheriffs, and Police Departments. The overarching impact goal is to strengthen the prosecution of gang activity across the state, thereby directly contributing to public safety and order. The program's priorities and focus areas are centered on risk-driven, capabilities-based strategic plans. Successful applicants must clearly articulate how their projects will contribute to creating safer communities through the prosecution of gang activity. This involves identifying and explaining methods to address high-priority needs related to gang activity prosecution, considering how to sustain current capabilities, and addressing potential gaps in the system. The grant emphasizes a holistic, "whole community" approach, encouraging collaboration among government officials, elected leaders, and the broader community to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of these efforts. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in successful gang activity prosecutions throughout Georgia. While specific quantitative metrics for success are not detailed, the emphasis on "clearly identify and explain how their project will assist in creating safer communities by prosecuting gang activity" implies that successful applications will demonstrate a clear pathway to achieving these outcomes. The program implicitly operates under a theory of change where targeted financial support for prosecution efforts will lead directly to a reduction in gang activity, ultimately resulting in a safer environment for all Georgia residents.