Science and Technology Grants

The U.S. Geological Survey is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for developing tool to help understand how sagebrush vegetation dynamics are changing over space and time, naturally, from disturbances, and associated with restoration efforts. These spatial tools could directly inform decisions regarding where and when to plant sagebrush, how retore it effectively and how to manage and treat invasive annual grasses to support sage-grouse conservation and population recovery. Understanding where and when ecosystems are undergoing changes that could result in detrimental consequences to system function is paramount to implementing successful management that helps resist transitions to less desired states. Monitoring changes in vegetation components such as canopy cover of shrubs and annual grasses is central to assessing changes in ecological function. Similarly, knowing where vegetation components are stable can help target limited conservation resources more efficiently, be it for restoration, enhancing conservation effectiveness, or to more effectively implement management efforts that resist ecological transformation. Such management is critically needed within sagebrush ecosystems, which have been drastically reduced and face continuing degradation by a multitude of well-described threats. Thus, developing a biome-wide vegetation change monitoring tools to track changes (losses or gains) in functioning sagebrush ecosystem components measured through vegetation components such as sagebrush cover, connectivity, or invasive annual grasses as fine fuels, could inform BLM decisions regarding conservation and restoration efforts, and directly assist sage-grouse recovery. To understand the effectiveness of and help guide conservation and restoration efforts, specific studies could focus on sagebrush restoration approaches in post-fire landscapes including, but not limited to: (1) planting sagebrush in previously occupied burned sage-grouse habitat, (2) measuring sagebrush regrowth in post restoration treatments, (3) evaluating the use of revegetated areas by sage-grouse, (4) predicting the success of sage-grouse using revegetated areas, (5) assessing structural and functional sagebrush connectivity across the biome, 6) identifying the anthropogenic and environmental drivers and precinct rates of change in invasive annual grass cover across the sagebrush biome, (7) assessing the effectiveness of treatments for invasive annual grasses, (8) maps of predicted rates of invasion in locations currently uninvaded areas, and/or (9) develop maps of future rates of invasion due to climate change and land-use change. Collectively, these spatial tools should directly inform decisions regarding where and when to plant sagebrush, guiding fuel break placement and directly assisting habitat restoration and sage-grouse recovery.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is offering a $10 million grant to tribal nations and local governmental units in Minnesota for projects aimed at preparing local wastewater infrastructure for climate change impacts, with a focus on protecting water quality, increasing resilience, and promoting energy and water efficiency.

The Najim Charitable Foundation offers grants to support children in the Greater San Antonio area. The Foundation's mission is aligned with assisting children in critical areas such as Food, Shelter, Clothing, Child Abuse/Neglect, Developmental Disabilities, Education (PreK – 12, Out of School, Post-Secondary), Foster Care, Homelessness, Mental Health, Medical Treatment, and Substance Abuse, as well as other charitable purposes benefiting children. This grant program is a direct reflection of the Foundation's strategic priority to address the holistic needs of vulnerable children within their defined geographical scope. The target beneficiaries for these grants are children residing in specific Texas counties: Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, Kerr, Medina, and Wilson. The impact goals are to significantly improve the well-being and life outcomes for these children by providing essential resources and support. This includes ensuring access to basic necessities, protection from harm, opportunities for development and education, and crucial mental and physical health services. The Foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in these fundamental areas, they can foster healthier, safer, and more educated children, leading to long-term positive community impacts. The Foundation's funding priorities are explicitly focused on a range of services designed to support children. These include direct assistance for food, shelter, and clothing, as well as critical interventions for child abuse/neglect, developmental disabilities, and mental health. Education is a key focus, spanning from PreK to post-secondary, with a particular emphasis on out-of-school programs. Support for foster care, homelessness, medical treatment, and substance abuse further highlights the comprehensive nature of their commitment to children's welfare. Eligibility criteria stipulate that only Section 501(c)(3) organizations that have been operating for three or more years may apply. These organizations must also be qualified as 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2), with this designation appearing on their IRS Determination letter. If an organization is a 509(a)(3), a legal opinion is required. Grants are exclusively awarded for the stated purposes and to 501(c)(3) organizations located in and serving children within the specified counties. The Foundation explicitly does not fund higher education organizations, individuals, capital campaigns, multi-year requests, adult populations, sponsorships, galas, or events, and limits organizations to one grant request per calendar year, contingent on the full expenditure and reporting of prior year grants.

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) is offering a grant of $2000 for projects that address urgent, unforeseen situations on designated water trails, with the aim of creating recreational opportunities, supporting sustainable use of natural resources, and improving access to Pennsylvania Water Trails.

This funding opportunity supports innovative projects and research aimed at sustainable fisheries management, protected species recovery, and marine ecosystem enhancement, targeting a wide range of applicants including educational institutions, nonprofits, and government entities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to locomotive owners in Minnesota for implementing technologies that reduce idle time and diesel emissions, improving air quality and public health.

This grant provides funding for innovative projects and programs that align with the National Weather Service's strategic goals, targeting researchers, organizations, and institutions focused on weather, climate, and environmental science.

The FY 2024 Good Jobs Challenge grant aims to provide between $1 million to $8 million to 5-8 recipients to support regional workforce training systems that promote job placement and industry advancement in key technology areas, thereby enhancing the economic and national security of the United States.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is offering a grant of over $1 million to public, private, and nonprofit owners of heavy-duty diesel vehicles in Minnesota to replace their old vehicles with new, cleaner models, aiming to reduce diesel emissions and improve air quality.

The Somerville Health Foundation (SHF) invites proposals for projects and activities in Massachusetts that align with its mission to promote and support accessible primary care and preventive health services for Somerville residents. This also includes supporting educational, research, and outreach programs to enhance the delivery and accessibility of these services. The foundation's overarching goal is to provide financial resources that enable it to fulfill these core purposes, ultimately improving the health and well-being of the community. The target beneficiaries are primarily residents of the City of Somerville, Massachusetts, with a particular focus on addressing the disproportionate health impacts on low-income communities and communities of color. The impact goals revolve around creating a healthier, more equitable Somerville by addressing social determinants of health. The foundation’s strategic priorities are rooted in principles of language justice, inclusion of underrepresented voices in leadership and decision-making, and system improvements that foster collective care. SHF prioritizes proposals that also address specific preventative health areas. These include Housing (affordability, stability, anti-displacement, safety, accessibility, homelessness), Equitable Economies (sustainable food systems, living wages, healthy working conditions, caregiving systems), Equity in Access to Healthcare, Services and Information (costs, cultural/linguistic barriers, navigation, referrals, staffing, transportation, digital access, quality, disability accessibility), and Climate Health and Justice (air/water quality, climate change preparedness). The expected outcomes are projects or activities that directly contribute to the SHF's mission and priority areas. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the general grant overview, the emphasis on addressing specific concerns within each priority area suggests that successful proposals would demonstrate measurable progress in these areas. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by strategically funding initiatives that address these core principles and preventative health priorities, it can improve access to care, reduce health disparities, and ultimately enhance the overall health of the Somerville community. The SHF plans to distribute approximately $30,000 this year, funding two projects at $15,000 each.

The Consolidated Homeless Fund (CHFP), managed by the Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) in Rhode Island, is dedicated to preventing and responding to homelessness across the state. This grant program is deeply aligned with the OHCD's mission to establish a homeless crisis response system that prioritizes prevention and, when homelessness occurs, rapidly transitions individuals to permanent housing solutions. The initiative emphasizes a person-centered approach, rooted in evidence-based best practices, and incorporates a Housing First philosophy that is trauma-informed and low-barrier, reflecting a strategic commitment to holistic and effective interventions. The target beneficiaries for this program are individuals and households experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Rhode Island. The impact goals are to prevent homelessness whenever possible and, failing that, to rapidly exit those affected into stable, permanent housing. The CHFP explicitly calls for proposals that integrate the voices of individuals with lived expertise in homelessness, alongside strategies for harm reduction, trauma-informed care, elimination of barriers, and a strong housing-focused approach. This underscores the program's commitment to creating a system that is responsive to the real-world needs and experiences of those it serves. Priorities and focuses for this RFP include a range of project types such as Emergency Shelters, Street Outreach (including CES Navigation), Rapid Re-Housing, Supportive Services Only, System-wide and systems projects (including Housing Problem Solving), Warming Centers, Temporary Seasonal Shelters, and New Permanent Emergency Shelters. The program strongly encourages agencies to leverage mainstream resources, particularly Medicaid funding, to expand services and reach more households, even while acknowledging that Medicaid cannot cover all aspects of services. This highlights a strategic priority to maximize resource utilization and create a more integrated support system. The expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around a more effective and humane homeless crisis response system. This includes an increase in successful preventions of homelessness, a reduction in the duration of homelessness, and a higher rate of successful transitions to permanent housing. The emphasis on evidence-based practices and a Housing First philosophy suggests a desire for data-driven results that demonstrate a tangible impact on the lives of those experiencing homelessness. The grant also seeks innovative projects, indicating a desire to explore new approaches that can further enhance the system's effectiveness. The OHCD's strategic priorities are clearly articulated through its investment in a homeless crisis response system that is person-centered, trauma-informed, and low-barrier. Their theory of change appears to be that by funding a diverse array of projects, emphasizing collaboration, and requiring the incorporation of lived expertise and mainstream resources, they can build a more robust, equitable, and ultimately successful system for preventing and ending homelessness in Rhode Island. The allocation of approximately $4.5 million in funds, with $2.5 million earmarked for new projects, further demonstrates a commitment to both sustaining existing effective programs and fostering innovation within the homeless response sector.

This competition provides over $4.2 million in cash prizes and resources to U.S.-based individuals and teams developing innovative solar energy technologies, with a focus on supporting solutions that benefit underserved communities.

The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) is offering the Torrington Grant Program, a grant designed to foster the growth of businesses located in Torrington, Connecticut. This initiative aligns with the WBDC's mission to support and empower businesses, particularly by providing crucial financial assistance that can contribute to economic development within the targeted city. The program specifically excludes the use of funds for operating expenses, real estate improvements, reimbursement for past purchases, or debt repayment, emphasizing a focus on growth-oriented investments rather than day-to-day operational costs. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are for-profit businesses situated in Torrington, Connecticut, that meet specific criteria. These businesses must have been in operation for at least two years with a record of sales, demonstrate annual sales/revenue between $25,000 and $2,000,000 in the last twelve months, be registered in Connecticut, and hold a zoning permit from the City of Torrington. Additionally, they must be in good standing with the CT Department of Revenue Services, possess an established business checking account, and utilize a formal digital bookkeeping/financial system. The owner must also be at least 18 years old. The impact goal is to stimulate economic vitality and stability within Torrington by supporting established local businesses. The program prioritizes businesses that are poised for growth and are operating within a structured financial framework. There is a clear focus on financial transparency and stability, as evidenced by the requirement for digital bookkeeping systems and good standing with the Department of Revenue Services. Certain types of businesses are explicitly ineligible, including childcare businesses (though WBDC offers other programs for them), businesses that have previously received a WBDC grant, current WBDC vendors or contractors, and a range of businesses such as medical marijuana, liquor stores, adult businesses, vape/tobacco shops, gambling-related businesses, gun stores, cash advance/pawn shops, and collection agencies. This selectivity ensures that the grants are directed towards businesses that align with the WBDC's strategic vision for community development and ethical business practices. Grants will range from $2,500 to $10,000. The expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the capacity and reach of the recipient businesses, contributing to job creation and sustained economic activity within Torrington. By providing financial resources to qualifying businesses, the WBDC aims to strengthen the local business ecosystem and encourage long-term prosperity. This grant program is a direct manifestation of the WBDC's strategic priority to support local economies through targeted financial aid, operating under the theory of change that direct investment in compliant, established businesses will lead to enhanced economic stability and growth.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) is seeking applications for its "Developing Recommendations for Disaggregating Data Within the Asian American Population" grant program. This initiative aligns directly with RWJF's broader mission to advance data equity, particularly by making historically underrepresented populations more visible in data collection, analysis, and reporting. Since 2015, RWJF has consistently supported research and advocacy efforts aimed at updating policies for race and ethnicity data to ensure fair consideration of diverse groups in policy creation, resource allocation, and program design and implementation. The target beneficiaries of this grant are the diverse Asian American population. The program's impact goal is to develop community-informed and evidence-based recommendations for clustering this population into smaller, actionable subgroups for race and ethnicity data collection and analysis. This approach aims to address the historical underrepresentation and lack of visibility of specific Asian American subgroups in data, ultimately leading to more equitable policies and programs that are responsive to their unique needs. The grant program prioritizes a multifaceted research project that will yield practical recommendations for Asian American subgroup categories. The focus is on developing methods that are feasible for real-world implementation, ensuring that the research translates into actionable changes in data practices. Expected outcomes include a comprehensive set of recommendations that guide researchers on how to more accurately and meaningfully disaggregate data within the Asian American population. These recommendations are intended to improve the quality and utility of race and ethnicity data, leading to better-informed decision-making and more equitable outcomes. RWJF's strategic priorities are deeply rooted in advancing health equity, and this grant reflects a key component of that strategy: addressing systemic inequities through improved data. By focusing on data disaggregation, RWJF's theory of change posits that more granular and accurate data will reveal disparities and needs that are currently masked by broad racial and ethnic categories. This enhanced visibility is expected to empower communities, inform evidence-based policy changes, and ultimately contribute to a fairer distribution of resources and opportunities, thereby improving health and well-being for all.

The Creative Learning Grant Program, sponsored by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC), is designed to foster the growth and capacity of Manhattan-based teaching artists and small arts organizations. Its core mission aligns with promoting community-based arts education projects for youth, adults, and older adults. The program is funded through a combination of City funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs’ Greater New York Arts Development Fund and State funds from the New York State Council on the Arts’ (NYSCA) Statewide Community Regrants program, indicating a strategic partnership to broaden arts access. The primary beneficiaries are Manhattan's teaching artists and small arts organizations that are unable to directly apply for City and/or State arts funding. The program targets the development of sequential, skill-building arts study and participatory arts projects. The impact goals are to enrich communities through accessible arts education, delivered in local settings such as senior centers, recreation centers, public libraries, and community centers, thereby strengthening the cultural fabric of Manhattan. The program prioritizes organizations and individual artists with a core artistic mission or a history of arts programming, and those based in Manhattan with proof of nonprofit status (for organizations). A key focus is on supporting entities that do not directly apply to LMCC’s Creative Engagement program or for DCLA (GNYADF) or NYSCA (Statewide Community Regrants) funds in another county/borough for the same fiscal year. First-time applicants are required to attend an information session webinar to ensure understanding of the program's guidelines and expectations. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of high-quality, community-based arts education projects and an increase in the capacity of teaching artists and small arts organizations. Measurable results are demonstrated through the awarding of grants in amounts of $4,000 and $8,000, with projects taking place between January 1 and December 31, 2025. This structured approach ensures a clear project period and defined funding tiers for evaluation. LMCC's strategic priorities, as evidenced by this program, revolve around fostering local arts initiatives and ensuring that arts funding reaches a diverse range of artists and organizations who might otherwise face barriers to direct funding. The theory of change suggests that by empowering these local artists and organizations through financial support and capacity building, there will be a direct positive impact on community engagement with the arts and the overall well-being of Manhattan residents of all ages.

This competition provides funding and support for teams developing innovative high-temperature seismic sensors to improve geothermal energy monitoring and enhance the understanding of subsurface conditions.

The Entergy Charitable Foundation, in partnership with the NFL Foundation and other key organizations, is spearheading the Super Bowl LIX Legacy Program, "Impact 59 Powered by Entergy." This initiative aims to leave a lasting legacy of philanthropy and economic impact within the Greater New Orleans community, aligning with Entergy's broader mission of community support and development. The program's strategic approach focuses on fostering positive change through collaborative efforts with local nonprofit partners, reflecting a commitment to leveraging significant events like the Super Bowl for long-term community benefit. The primary target beneficiaries of the "Impact 59" grants are underserved populations within ten specific parishes in Louisiana: Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, Plaquemines, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington. The program aims to achieve significant impact in several key areas, including Youth Development, Workforce Training, Education, Health & Wellness, and Equity & Inclusion. The overarching goal is to enhance the quality of life, increase opportunities, and promote a more equitable environment for marginalized individuals and groups within these communities. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined. In Youth Development, the emphasis is on mentoring, physical and mental well-being, and engaging youth through sports, health clinics, and specialized training. Workforce Training focuses on increasing employability for underserved populations, including the formerly incarcerated, to secure living wage jobs. Education seeks to improve access to quality education through contemporary learning programs. Health & Wellness aims to enhance access to services for underserved communities, supporting health, nutrition, and food programs. Finally, Equity & Inclusion is dedicated to improving experiences for marginalized individuals and guaranteeing fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all. Expected outcomes include a minimum of $3 million in grants distributed to local nonprofit partners. Grants will range from $25,000 to $250,000, with smaller organizations (under $500,000 annual budget) eligible for $25,000 to $50,000, and larger organizations receiving up to $250,000. Measurable results will stem from the impact of funded programs in addressing the identified focus areas, contributing to a legacy of improved community well-being and economic empowerment. The foundation's theory of change posits that by strategically investing in these critical areas through local nonprofits, they can create a ripple effect of positive societal transformation, ultimately building stronger, more resilient communities in the Greater New Orleans area.

Creative Engagement is a program designed to assist Manhattan-based artists, arts groups, and community-focused organizations in securing public and private funding to present arts activities to the public. It is overseen by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC) and is funded through a combination of City funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs’ Greater New York Arts Development Fund, State funds from the New York State Council on the Arts’ (NYSCA) Statewide Community Regrants program, and additional funds from the Howard Gilman Foundation. This program specifically targets artists and organizations that may not be able to directly apply to these larger agencies for arts funding, thereby acting as a crucial entry point for many applicants, often providing their first grant and helping to leverage further support. The program's mission aligns with supporting the arts at a grassroots level, fostering public access to a diverse range of artistic expressions, and building capacity within the arts community, particularly for those who might otherwise face barriers to funding. By offering technical assistance, networking opportunities, and promotional support, Creative Engagement not only provides financial aid but also helps develop the professional capabilities and visibility of its grantees. The underlying theory of change suggests that by empowering individual artists and smaller organizations, the program contributes to a more vibrant and accessible arts landscape within Manhattan. Creative Engagement primarily targets individual artists and collectives, as well as nonprofit organizations, all based in Manhattan. For nonprofit organizations, eligibility requires a core artistic mission or history of arts programming, proof of nonprofit status, and a commitment to not directly apply to DCLA (GNYADF) or NYSCA (Statewide Community Regrants) funds in another county/borough for the same fiscal year. Individual artists must also be Manhattan-based and cannot apply on behalf of an organization. Collectives must designate a lead artist who meets these individual artist criteria. First-time applicants are required to attend an information session webinar, ensuring they are well-prepared for the application process. The program prioritizes projects across various artistic disciplines, including performing, literary, media, and visual arts. This encompasses a broad spectrum from folk/traditional forms to contemporary and socially-engaged artistic practices. Supported activities are diverse, ranging from concerts, performances, public art, exhibitions, and screenings to festivals, workshops, and readings. The expected outcomes include an increase in publicly accessible arts activities across Manhattan, enhanced capacity and sustainability for individual artists and small arts organizations, and the fostering of new and diverse artistic voices. Measurable results could include the number of grants awarded, the number of public events supported, and feedback from participants and audiences on the impact of the funded projects. Grants are awarded in specific amounts of $4,000, $8,000, and $12,000, depending on the number of funding sources an applicant is eligible for, indicating a structured approach to resource allocation.

This grant provides funding and technical support to innovators and organizations developing sustainable solutions for reusing and repurposing end-of-life products, promoting a circular economy and reducing waste.

The Central Louisiana Community Foundation's Opportunity Grants Program offers small grants ranging from $250 to $2,000 to eligible organizations within the 12-parish region it serves. This program aligns with the foundation's broader mission of fostering community impact by providing accessible funding for diverse initiatives. The grants are intended to support programs with a duration of 12 months or less, ensuring a focused and timely impact on the local communities. Target beneficiaries for these grants include a wide array of 501(C)3 organizations, such as churches, hospitals, medical research organizations, schools, colleges, and universities. Additionally, 501(C)19 organizations, government entities, and pre-approved Louisiana not-for-profits that align with the CLCF's mission are eligible. The primary impact goal is to support programs and organizations that directly benefit the communities within the Central Louisiana Community Foundation's service area. The program prioritizes initiatives that take place within the CLCF's 12-parish service region and are domiciled there. While not explicitly stated as "strategic priorities" or a "theory of change," the program's focus on small, short-term grants suggests a strategy of enabling numerous localized efforts that contribute to the overall well-being of the region. This approach allows the foundation to support a diverse range of community needs without committing to long-term, large-scale projects through this specific program. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of various community-focused projects by eligible organizations. Measurable results would depend on the individual projects funded, but the program structure implies a goal of fostering numerous, smaller-scale positive impacts across the service area. The program also allows organizations to receive both a Community Impact grant and an Opportunity grant in the same calendar year, provided they are for different purposes, further expanding the potential for positive outcomes within the community. Exclusions for funding highlight areas where the foundation does not provide support through this program, such as annual fundraising campaigns, endowment creation, debt payment, political purposes, or personnel and capital expenses. These exclusions help define the program's scope and ensure that the grants are directed towards specific programmatic activities that directly benefit the community. The program's design, therefore, implicitly outlines a strategic approach to grantmaking that emphasizes direct community benefit and operational support for diverse non-profit and governmental initiatives within Central Louisiana.