Science and Technology Grants

The City of Athens is offering the 2025 Tourism Development Grant, a program specifically designed to promote tourism and attract overnight visitors to Athens. The primary mission of this grant aligns directly with the city's strategic priority to enhance and grow its tourism, convention, and hotel industry. The program is open to eligible organizations or events located within the Athens city limits, with a core focus on projects that are demonstrably effective in drawing visitors from outside the city. This initiative reflects the City of Athens' theory of change, which posits that targeted financial support for tourism-enhancing projects will lead to increased economic activity and the overall development of the local hospitality sector. The target beneficiaries of this grant are organizations and events that contribute to the tourism ecosystem within Athens, ultimately aiming to benefit local hotels, businesses, and the general economy through increased visitor traffic. The impact goal is to substantially increase the number of overnight visitors and, consequently, boost economic activity in Athens. This is achieved by ensuring that funded projects directly enhance and promote tourism and the convention and hotel industry. The grant has specific priorities, including advertising, promotion of the arts (with a cap of 15% of annual Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax revenues), sporting event promotion, tourist transportation systems, and signage directing tourists to local attractions. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in hotel occupancy rates, greater attendance at local events, and an overall rise in tourist-related spending within the city. The program emphasizes that projects must be specifically designed to attract overnight visitors, ensuring that the allocated funds directly contribute to this key objective. While the City of Athens is not obligated to allocate collected Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) revenues unless a funding contract is in place, the council's final decision on fund allocation ensures that projects are vetted for their potential impact and alignment with strategic goals. To ensure accountability and effective use of public funds, applicants must meet several eligibility requirements. These include demonstrating good financial standing and having safeguards in place to protect public funds. Applicants must also be legal entities capable of entering into contracts, governed by a board of directors or similar structure, and demonstrate public accessibility for their programs or events. The focus on direct benefit, where funds must enhance tourism by attracting visitors from outside Athens, serves as a measurable result, ensuring that the grant achieves its core objective of promoting the city as a desirable tourist destination.

The Ohio Valley Jaycees Charitable Fund Grant is managed by the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley (CFOV) with the goal of providing support to qualified nonprofits and students within the Upper Ohio Valley region. This grant program is a direct extension of the CFOV's core mission, which is to operate as a tax-exempt, publicly supported organization dedicated to managing charitable funds, providing grants, and awarding scholarships. By offering financial assistance to community-serving organizations, the grant actively works to foster local development and address crucial needs within the Ohio Valley, aligning its activities precisely with the foundation's established charitable mandate. The grant program is specifically designed to target legally established non-profit entities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, public charities classified under Code Section 509(a), or organizations that secure a partnership with a non-profit fiscal agent. Qualified charities encompass a range of organizations, such as charitable, religious, and educational groups, as well as public institutions like school districts, public libraries, and government-affiliated organizations. Excluded from funding are individuals and any for-profit endeavors, ensuring that all resources are channeled strictly toward community-focused initiatives. The program's primary beneficiaries are the residents of Ohio and Marshall Counties in West Virginia, and Belmont County in Ohio, who receive services from the awarded organizations. Consequently, the grant prioritizes organizations that operate within this specific geographic area. While the document does not detail specific strategic thematic focuses beyond serving these regions, the emphasis on supporting charitable, religious, and educational groups inherently suggests a focus on enhancing overall community well-being, education, and social services. The foundation's strategic approach, or theory of change, is based on empowering established and legitimate non-profit entities. By directing resources to these qualified organizations, the CFOV assumes they can most effectively and efficiently distribute funds to areas of greatest need, thereby creating a meaningful and positive ripple effect across the community. The grant size for 2024, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, reflects a commitment to providing substantial support capable of funding impactful projects. The expected outcome of the Ohio Valley Jaycees Charitable Fund Grant is the successful implementation of the projects and services undertaken by the award recipients. The ultimate impact goal is to improve the conditions and opportunities available to the residents of the Upper Ohio Valley. Though specific measurable results or performance metrics are not explicitly outlined, the underlying assumption is that by funding strong nonprofits, the grant will foster measurable charitable, religious, and educational growth within the community.

A. Short Description of Funding Opportunity ERDC seeks applications for methods to automate the organization of databases of stream gauge data, perform data visualization, and compute mathematical operations. B. Background The Ecohydrology Team at the ERDC Environmental Laboratory is building the capacity to rapidly evaluate landscapes and water resources in remote locations around the world, with limited data collection and local knowledge. In this context, being able to automate the organization of basic waterway data and perform hydrologic calculations on that network is a fundamental capability. A computer program to support required automation, data analysis and visualization is needed to develop this capability. C. Program Description/Objective: This project will develop methods to automate the organization of databases of stream gauge data (examples include USGS stream gauge data, the European water archive, or Global Data Runoff Center data) and storage/riverine infrastructure data (examples include the USACE national inventory of dams, and the NASA Global Reservoir and Dam database) into node and edge networks based on their geospatial location, relative to a database of waterway data (examples include the USGS National Hydrology Dataset, and the HydroRIVERS database). This computer program will include the ability to perform data visualization and mathematical operations, especially baseflow separation and other hydrologic calculations, on the network, node, and edge data. The R objectives will develop this capability, including: (1) development of a network generation algorithm, (2) generalization of this algorithm over various databases, (3) development of a plug-in for performing simple baseflow separation calculations over the network data, (4) generalized plug-in architecture for adding other hydrologic calculation capabilities, and (5) development of data visualization capabilities. The end product should be stored a web repository, and the methods and tools should be described in at least one peer reviewed publication. D. Public Benefit Accurate and timely waterway data are essential for addressing critical water challenges, such as scarcity and flooding. Current maps often fail to provide comprehensive information on water occurrence and flows, leading to inaccuracies in assessing the quantities and locations of occurrence. This research will address those information gaps by providing detailed time series data on flood and drought conditions, which in turn will enhance mitigation measures.

The Gratiot County Community Foundation in Michigan is accepting grant applications for projects that improve the quality of life in Gratiot County, focusing on areas such as community development, arts and culture, education, and health, with preference given to innovative, sustainable projects with wide-reaching benefits and strong local support.

The Greater New Orleans Foundation's Impact Special Funding Grant Program is designed to support organizations specifically engaged in health and youth development work within the Greater New Orleans region. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission to foster the health and vibrancy of communities by investing in key areas that promote well-being and growth, particularly for underserved populations. The grant program seeks to empower non-profit organizations that are actively contributing to the community's overall health and the positive development of its youth. Target beneficiaries for this program include individuals and communities in high need within the Greater New Orleans region, particularly those benefiting from health and youth development services. The program aims to achieve significant impact by supporting organizations that demonstrate strong leadership, sound fiscal management, and a proven track record of success. Through these grants, the foundation intends to foster environments where equity is prioritized, community members are actively involved as leaders, and advocacy for underserved groups is robust. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined, emphasizing several key areas. Preference is given to organizations that exhibit strong leadership at both staff and board levels, coupled with good fiscal management practices. A growing track record of success is also a critical factor. Furthermore, the foundation prioritizes a commitment to equity for high-need communities, thoughtful involvement of community members as leaders, and significant contributions to community health and vibrancy. Advocacy on behalf of underserved communities at various levels (community, legislative, judicial, executive) is also a strong focus, as is the creative engagement of multiple stakeholders to generate new public support for non-profit work. Expected outcomes include enhanced health and youth development services, increased community well-being, and strengthened non-profit capacity within the Greater New Orleans area. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantitative targets, the emphasis on a "growing track record of success" and "key contributions to the health and vibrancy of the communities they serve" implies a focus on demonstrable positive change. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change appear to center on the belief that investing in organizations with strong internal capacities, community-driven approaches, and advocacy efforts will lead to sustainable improvements in health outcomes and youth development for the region's most vulnerable populations. The integration of individual, family, and community views into needs assessment and policy initiatives further underscores this holistic approach to creating lasting impact.

1) Note: A full study proposal and proposed budget are NOT requested at this time.2) Project Title: Comprehensive Stranding Investigations for High Priority Marine Mammal Species in the Hawaiian and Mariana Archipelagos, Navy US Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.3) Brief Description of Anticipated Work: Providing technical natural resource support to assist the Navy in efforts of comprehensive stranding investigations for priority species such as beaked whales, false killer whales and pygmy killer whales as well as secondary priority species such as dwarf and pygmy sperm whales, melon-headed whales, pilot whales and humpback whales are needed by Navy. This critical information is required for environmental compliance documents, consultations, and public education and outreach. This requires mounting an immediate response to each newly reported stranding event that occurs over the project duration and conducting extensive necropsy examinations, including histopathology, disease surveillance, and tissue sampling in support of numerous research efforts aimed at better understanding Hawaiian and Mariana cetaceans.4) Period of Performance: Base period - 12 months from date of award. Follow-on (FO) periods - Four 12-month FO periods5) Please send responses or direct questions to:Nicholas A. ApreaGrants SpecialistUSACE, Fort Worth DistrictEmail: Nicholas.a.aprea@usace.army.milKathy S. MitchellProject ManagerUSACE, Fort Worth DistrictEmail: kathy.s.mitchell@usace.army.mil6) Timeline for Review of Statements of Interest: 30 calendar days from date posted

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is the second issued under the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund (Innovation Fund). The Innovation Fund is an NTIA-administered competitive grant program that seeks to accelerate the development, deployment, and adoption of open and interoperable radio access networks (RAN). In this second NOFO, NTIA aims to advance open radio unit (RU) commercialization and innovation by funding activities that 1) accelerate the development of open RU products to the point where they meet carrier needs and are ready for commercial trials, and 2) improve the overall performance and capabilities of open RUs through targeted research and development. The RU is the largest part of the carrier network and an easy entry point to the network, offering a low-risk deployment option to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) interested in Open RAN. Investing in the commercialization and innovation of these components in the Innovation Funds second funding opportunity can spur MNO adoption of open RUs during upcoming equipment buying cycles, generating momentum toward greater MNO adoption of the broader suite of open and interoperable RAN components. The transition to open and interoperable wireless networks becomes a more feasible and attractive proposition in the wireless market when there is broad deployment of open RUs that meet or exceed MNO requirements, and components are available from suppliers at scale.

The York County Community Foundation has launched the Racial Equity Fund Grant Program with the overarching goal of shifting the paradigm of equitable opportunities within communities. This initiative directly aligns with the Foundation's mission to address issues of racism and inequity. By focusing on projects that actively seek to dismantle systemic barriers, the program embodies a strategic commitment to fostering a more just and inclusive society. The program reflects the Foundation's theory of change, which posits that targeted investment in racial equity initiatives will lead to tangible improvements in the lives of people of color and contribute to broader community development. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are nonprofits and individuals working directly with people of color. There is a strong preference for projects that are led by people of color, underscoring the Foundation's commitment to empowering community-led solutions and ensuring that interventions are culturally relevant and effective. The impact goals of the program are centered on addressing systemic racism and inequity across various critical areas, with the ultimate aim of creating more equitable opportunities and improved outcomes for communities of color. The Racial Equity Fund Grant Program prioritizes projects within six key focus areas: Community Leadership and Development, Criminal Justice System, Education and Job Readiness, Health and Wellness, Income and Wealth Creation, and Racial and Cultural Education. These areas represent strategic priorities for the Foundation, acknowledging the multifaceted nature of racial inequity and the need for comprehensive interventions. Each of these focus areas is designed to address specific disparities and challenges faced by communities of color, fostering a holistic approach to racial equity. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the expected outcomes of this program are implicitly tied to significant advancements within the identified focus areas. For instance, projects in "Education and Job Readiness" would ideally lead to improved educational attainment and employment rates among people of color. Similarly, initiatives in "Criminal Justice System" would aim for reduced disparities and more equitable treatment. The Foundation's strategic commitment to these focus areas suggests an expectation of positive, measurable shifts in community well-being, equity, and opportunity as a direct result of the funded projects, with grants available up to $15,000 for these impactful endeavors.

This initiative provides funding for organizations to develop advanced evaluation tools that assess the capabilities and risks of AI models, focusing on safety and national security.

A. Short Description of Funding Opportunity Program Description/Objective: ERDC seeks novel technology (or technologies) capable of disrupting and/or managing riverine and other large-scale freshwater Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). B. Background: Aquatic nuisance species, including harmful algae, impact freshwater lakes and rivers, infrastructure, operations, and associated resources across the nation. HABs have resulted in recreational closures, public health concerns, and billions of dollars in economic impacts. HABs are increasing in frequency and duration, resulting in environmental, socioeconomic, human and ecological health concerns. Cost-effective and scalable technologies for early HAB detection, prediction, and management are needed to reduce HAB frequency and severity. Riverine HABs, in particular, can span hundreds of miles, last for weeks, and cause significant damages. Technology (or technologies) capable of disrupting and/or managing riverine and other large-scale freshwater HABs is needed. C. Program Description/Objective: This project will establish an interdisciplinary collaboration between USACE and a University partner to accomplish numbered objectives below. Successful proposals will also (a) clearly identify question(s) the proposed project will seek to answer (i.e., project technical objectives); (b) clearly describe the tasks and data required to answer those question(s) (i.e., data quality objectives); and (c) describe envisioned project deliverables by task and by year. Proposals that demonstrate intent to maximize use of existing federal and state HAB programs, activities, and data are encouraged. Successful proposals will identify quantitative and qualitative success criteria for each project task. This project will: 1) Develop a workplan describing the candidate technology (or technologies), any technology optimization efforts required (if applicable), candidate technology demonstration field site(s), and field work plan. Technology is defined here application of knowledge, methods and approaches to achieve a practical means, which in this case is disrupting and/or managing riverine and other large-scale freshwater HABs. University partners will be responsible for obtaining required permits prior to approval of in-water work. Note that this is a three-year funded effort (pending appropriations). At minimum, technologies will be demonstrated during years 2 and 3 of this funded project. Riverine HABs can be sporadic - they may occur with very little warning or may not occur at all during the project duration. Please account for this contingency in your preproposal - how will you be flexible and adaptive to ensure project objectives are met given these challenges? 2) Conduct work described in the approved work plan, includes producing data of sufficient quality and quantity to meet data quality objectives described in approved work plan. 3) Produce draft and final report describing project objectives, methods, and results. Includes complementary data publication to ensure data generated by this project is publicly accessible, as well as end-user guidance to support application of the technology demonstrated by this project to different riverine systems and ecoregions. Includes complementary data publication so that end-users can easily access data generated by this project; data collected during project must be uploaded to water quality portal (https://www.waterqualitydata.us/). 4) We strongly encourage engagement with tribal, federal, state, and/or local partners who have knowledge pertaining to the riverine system featured in this project. Please identify stakeholders and partners that will be engaged during the course of the project in your pre-proposal. Please also identify how they will be engaged in all key phases of project planning, execution, and in preparation of final deliverables. D. Public Benefit HABs are occurring with greater frequency in lakes and rivers across the nation, resulting in public health concerns and billions of dollars in economic impacts. The proposed applied research will demonstrate a technology (or technologies) capable of disrupting and/or managing riverine or other large-scale freshwater HABs. Novel approaches to reduce HAB severity and scale will benefit public health and reduce economic harm associated with HABs.

The Rural Housing Assessment Grant program, administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA)'s Center for Rural Revitalization, aims to empower rural communities in Iowa. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to revitalize rural areas by enabling communities to interpret publicly available data and implement changes in development codes, local ordinances, and housing incentives. The program's foundation is deeply rooted in the belief that data-driven decisions at the local level are crucial for fostering a development environment attractive to potential housing developers, ultimately contributing to the economic and social well-being of rural Iowa. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are local city and county governments, as well as federally recognized tribal governments located in Iowa. Specifically, projects and programs must exist in and benefit communities with a population of 20,000 or fewer, and not be contiguous to a city with a population of 40,000 or greater. For countywide projects, eligibility is restricted to the 88 least populous counties. The impact goals are centered on facilitating the assessment of current development environments, enacting policy changes, and ultimately increasing the availability of suitable housing in these underserved rural areas. The program prioritizes several key areas. First, it focuses on supporting the use of publicly available, online information, encouraging communities to leverage existing data for informed decision-making. Second, a significant focus is placed on partnering with Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach for their Rural Housing Readiness Assessment workshops. These workshops are integral to helping communities assess their current housing landscape and identify areas for improvement. The grant funds are specifically designed to support housing assessment data collection, participation in these workshops, and the subsequent implementation of workshop outcomes within the contract period. Expected outcomes include the completion of housing assessment reports, successful participation in the ISU Extension and Outreach Rural Housing Assessment Readiness Workshop, and the implementation of policy and procedural changes that attract developers. Measurable results will be tied to the completion of these deliverables and the demonstrable progress made in adjusting local regulations to be more conducive to housing development. Grant recipients can be awarded up to $20,000, with a funding period for all project activities and incurred expenses spanning from October 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026. The program also requires a $5,000 cash match for each city or full county partnering on an application, ensuring local commitment and investment.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for educational programs that engage middle and high school students, teachers, and faculty in cancer-related research, aiming to inspire future biomedical researchers and strengthen the educational pipeline in the field.

The overarching objective of this program is to develop the core features of adaptive and resilient risk management frameworks that can maximize the environmental benefits and minimize the environmental harms of novel biotechnologies in the context of environmental stewardship- shared responsibility for ensuring environmental quality. Within that context, the following are objectives for this research: Objective 1: Comparative analysis of the core elements of existing and emerging risk management frameworks and stewardship practices regulating environmental biotechnology This objective builds on existing ERDC research into the risk management of novel environmental biotechnology that identifies key principles for best practice and knowledge gaps. In collaboration with scientific and social scientific experts in the USA and NATO partner countries, ERDC has taken the first steps to identify key requirements for the effective risk management of environmental biotechnology. The next step in this process must be to assess the fit of these requirements with existing practice. Objective 1 will include the following: i) identification of existing risk management and stewardship practices relevant to the regulation of rapidly-emerging environmental biotechnology applications, ii) comparative analysis identifying the common and distinct properties of these systems, iii) development of application-specific scenarios that can inform the identification of key metrics in objective 2. Objective 2: Identification and assessment of key metrics impacting the resilience of existing and emerging risk management methodologies and community partnerships ERDC research predicts that AI-accelerated research and development of environmental biotechnology is likely to outmatch the capacity of existing risk management and stewardship practices to ensure its safe and responsible use, necessitating the adoption of alternative approaches that are more flexible and resilient. At present, there are few to no objective metrics to comparatively evaluate biotechnology research and development, which limits ability to understand and adopt aligned or diverging approaches to managing pathogenic, environmental, and biodiversity risks. Building on the work in Objective 1, this objective includes the following: i) identification of key capacity metrics related to existing risk management and stewardship practices, ii) collection of data for those metrics across the systems identified in Objective 1, iii) quality assessment of the collected data. Objective 3: Comparative biotechnology modernization forecasting- characterizing future relationships in environmental stewardship Building on Objectives 1 and 2, this objective uses the identified metrics to build test scenarios underlying our understanding of risk management and stewardship practice among these systems. This objective includes the following: i) network analysis of the inter-relationships between risk management components, ii) development of scenarios that examine the impact of specific technology development on risk management and stewardship practices under the presence or absence of key components, iii) use of the capacity metrics identified in Objective 2 to examine how stewardship will fare under these different scenarios and the likely outcomes for environmental and human health. D. Public Benefit This work will improve understanding of how biotechnology activities must be regulated to generate public value and protect the public interest. It will improve our capabilities in promoting widespread access to the benefits of novel environmental biotechnology and preventing and mitigating against related potential harms and threats to human health and the environment.

This grant provides financial support to local not-for-profit organizations and government entities in Worcester County, Maryland, to help them initiate new arts projects or address urgent needs in the community.

U.S. Embassy Bern invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the United States and Switzerland or Liechtenstein through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation and dialogue. All programs must include an American cultural element, or connection with (a) U.S. expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. The PDS Small Grants Program is open to applications from Swiss, Liechtenstein, and U.S. organizations and individuals. We especially encourage and will prioritize applications from alumni of U.S. State Department Exchange Programs who are residents of Switzerland or Liechtenstein. Priority Program Areas: 1. Recognizing and countering disinformation and misinformation 2. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, with a special focus on: 2.1. Women and girls, in all their diversity, in STEAM fields 2. 2.Increasing visibility, equity, inclusion, and accessibility of underrepresented groups in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, including immigrants, migrants, refugees, and asylees 3. Promoting mobility and knowledge transfer of apprenticeships between Switzerland/Liechtenstein and the United States 4. Strengthening entrepreneurship and economic collaboration between the United States and Switzerland with an emphasis on emerging and women entrepreneurs and business students Participants and Audiences: 1. Swiss and Liechtenstein residents 2. Underrepresented groups 3. Swiss and Liechtenstein youth aged 16 to 25 4. Emerging and established professionals and leaders in the priority program areas mentioned above Applicants should read the full description of the statement, attached here or on our website: https://ch.usembassy.gov/embassy/jobs/proposals/

The Catalyst Endowment Fund, managed by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, is offering a competitive funding opportunity centered on "Empowering Future Leaders and Community Builders through Youth Sports in Greater Hartford." This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission to foster well-being and development within the community. The program aims to leverage the positive effects of youth sports, such as developing teamwork, leadership, and promoting physical and mental health, to create resilient, confident, and empowered individuals. The fund's focus on bridging access gaps to youth sports directly supports the foundation's strategic priority of creating sustainable support systems for the region's youth. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are youth in Greater Hartford, particularly those in underserved communities who face barriers to accessing sports programs. The overarching impact goal is to empower these young individuals, transforming them into future leaders and community builders. By focusing on sustainable support systems, the program seeks to create lasting positive change beyond the grant duration, addressing systemic inequalities in access to enriching activities. This aligns with a theory of change that posits that providing equitable opportunities in youth sports will lead to enhanced individual development and stronger, more engaged communities. The program's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined to achieve these goals. Infrastructure Development aims to improve existing sports facilities and equipment, ensuring long-term accessibility. Training and Capacity Building initiatives will equip coaches, volunteers, and staff with the skills to deliver high-quality programs, fostering a robust support network. Partnerships and Collaborations are encouraged to strengthen relationships with schools, community organizations, and local businesses, pooling resources and support. Finally, Health and Wellness Integration seeks to embed physical and mental health services within youth sports, promoting holistic well-being and sustained participation. Expected outcomes and measurable results include improved accessibility to youth sports in underserved communities, an increased number of trained coaches and volunteers, stronger community partnerships supporting youth sports, and enhanced physical and mental well-being among participants. The program anticipates fostering increased participation in youth sports, leading to the development of critical life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and resilience. Ultimately, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving expects these initiatives to contribute to a more equitable and vibrant Greater Hartford, producing a generation of empowered individuals who are prepared to lead and build their communities. The fund has $69,000 available to award, with one or more grants totaling this amount, contingent on the project's size, funding need, and the quality of the proposals submitted in response to the forthcoming Request for Proposal.

The Kahlert Foundation's grant program is designed to enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities, aligning with its mission to support vital sectors. The foundation's strategic priorities are primarily focused on health care, education, youth programs, veteran organizations, and human services. These areas represent the core of their philanthropic efforts, with a significant emphasis on health care, which accounts for approximately 50% of their grants. This strategic allocation reflects their theory of change: by investing heavily in health care, they aim to achieve the broadest possible positive impact on community well-being. Target beneficiaries for the Kahlert Foundation's grants include a wide array of individuals and groups within Maryland and surrounding areas, particularly Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, and Howard County. In health care, beneficiaries include patients in hospitals, hospice and palliative care, and uninsured/under-insured individuals receiving free exams and medicine, as well as those benefiting from health care research in areas like cancer, urology, diabetes, and Alzheimer's. Youth programs target children and adolescents through education, after-school activities, mentorship, and health care initiatives, while education grants benefit K-12 public education, higher education students through scholarships (especially in STEM), and adults seeking degrees. Veterans and their families are also key beneficiaries, receiving support for medical care, TBI research, housing, scholarships, and financial assistance. The foundation's grant program has specific impact goals and expected outcomes, all centered on improving the quality of life with measurable results. For health care, the goal is to provide better access and quality of care, with expected outcomes including improved health outcomes for individuals and advancements in medical research. Youth programs aim to develop skills and values, leading to enhanced educational attainment and personal development. Education grants are expected to produce a generation of leaders, with outcomes such as increased degree attainment and stronger local communities and economies. For veterans, the anticipated outcomes include improved medical care, housing stability, and financial security, recognizing their sacrifices for the country. To ensure effectiveness and alignment with their strategic priorities, the Kahlert Foundation maintains strict eligibility criteria. Organizations must possess a 501(c)(3) status and are strongly encouraged to have at least a Silver Seal of Transparency from Guidestar, with a preference for Platinum-rated organizations. The foundation favors organizations that dedicate a high percentage of their funds to programs and services rather than administration. Grant requests must clearly demonstrate need, impact, and effectiveness, contributing to the measurable improvement of life quality. Organizations are also expected to exhibit strong leadership, financial stability, and a minimum of two years of operational history, ensuring that the grants are directed towards well-managed and impactful initiatives, whether for capital campaigns, special projects, or general operations, for one year or multi-year durations.

This grant provides funding to professional societies in the biological sciences to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion by fostering culture change and creating supportive environments for underrepresented scientists.

This program provides funding to U.S.-based Minority-Serving Institutions to enhance their research and educational capabilities in STEM fields critical to the Navy and Marine Corps, while engaging underrepresented students and faculty.

The 2024-2025 Sparks Grant Program, initiated by the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (WBPDD), is designed to foster greater social connections and community inclusion for individuals with disabilities. This program directly aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance the lives of people with developmental disabilities by promoting their participation in inclusive and meaningful community activities. The grants, ranging from $500 to $5,000, aim to support initiatives that break down barriers and improve societal attitudes towards people with disabilities. The primary target beneficiaries of the Sparks Grant Program are individuals with disabilities, their families, and community groups or organizations that are committed to fostering inclusion but may lack the knowledge or resources to do so effectively. Traditionally underserved groups, including faith-based, civic, and nonprofit organizations, school districts, municipalities, family groups, and individuals with strong community connections, are especially encouraged to apply. The program seeks to empower these groups to create more accessible and welcoming environments. The program's key priorities and focuses are multifaceted. It emphasizes increasing social connections for people with disabilities, educating individuals and organizations on implementing inclusive programming, and encouraging community members to engage with and improve their attitudes toward people with disabilities. Examples of fund usage include making school extracurriculars accessible, hosting community conversations on inclusion, and implementing innovative ways to make families with children with disabilities feel welcome in faith communities. The expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in inclusive community activities, a greater understanding among organizations and individuals of how to offer inclusive programming, and improved attitudes within communities toward people with disabilities. While specific quantitative metrics are not detailed, the focus is on tangible improvements in accessibility, participation, and societal acceptance. The grant duration is one year, allowing for focused efforts and demonstrable progress within that timeframe. The WBPDD's strategic priorities, as reflected in this grant, revolve around a theory of change that posits that by providing targeted funding and encouragement, communities can be transformed into more inclusive spaces. This involves not only direct support for individuals with disabilities but also empowering the broader community to actively participate in creating an inclusive environment. The program encourages innovative approaches and aims to build a network of inclusive practices across all counties in Wisconsin.