Science and Technology Grants

The Women's Foundation of Minnesota (WFM) has launched the Innovators Program, a microgrant initiative aligned with its mission to support the leadership and ideas of young women and gender-expansive leaders. This program directly contributes to the foundation's strategic priorities by empowering youth (ages 16-24) to address gender and racial equity and justice within their communities. Through microgrants, cohort-based learning, and individual leadership coaching, WFM aims to fuel these leaders' ideas and support their development, ultimately advancing key recommendations outlined in the Young Women’s Initiative of Minnesota’s (YWI MN) Blueprint for Action. The primary target beneficiaries of the Innovators Program are young women and gender-expansive individuals aged 16-24 who reside in Minnesota. Priority is given to those who identify with priority communities of the YWI MN, including Black/African American, African Immigrant, American Indian, Hispanic/Latina, Asian/Pacific Islander, LGBTQ+, Disabilities, and Greater/Rural Minnesota communities. The program's impact goals are focused on three core areas: building pathways to economic opportunity, improving safety and well-being, and promoting young women's leadership. The Innovators program prioritizes projects that advance gender and racial equity and justice, led by visionary leaders from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Projects can be varied, including starting or continuing social change initiatives, designing personal learning plans, attending conferences to share learnings, organizing events for impact, supplying resources for advocacy, conducting research, or undertaking travel for learning purposes within Minnesota. The program emphasizes creative thinking in how microgrants can uniquely help move leadership and ideas forward, and how they can increase effectiveness in desired impact. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the successful implementation of grant-funded projects within a 12-month period, demonstrating an advancement in gender and racial equity and justice. Participants are expected to engage in mandatory online and/or in-person convenings for leadership development, advocacy, and community building. This includes direct professional coaching to support their projects and deepen their long-term leadership skills. The foundation's theory of change posits that by investing directly in young women and gender-expansive leaders, providing financial support, leadership development, and a supportive cohort, it can foster impactful projects and cultivate a new generation of leaders capable of driving systemic change.

The Women's Fund of Winston-Salem offers annual grants up to $15,000 to organizations in Forsyth County, North Carolina, that are dedicated to building economic security for women and girls. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to address systemic barriers contributing to gender and racial disparities within the community. The grants are designed to support programs that enhance economic, educational, physical health, and emotional well-being, ultimately improving the overall quality of life for women and girls in the region. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are women and girls in Forsyth County, NC, particularly those served by smaller, newer, or women of color-led organizations. The program aims to increase economic security and mobility for these target groups. Impact goals include fostering opportunities that lead to improved economic, educational, physical health, and emotional well-being. The Women's Fund prioritizes funding for organizations with an annual revenue of $250,000 or less, those led by women of color (with more than 50% of decision-makers identifying as such), and organizations that actively involve women or girls in the design or implementation of their programs. These priorities reflect the foundation's strategic approach to addressing the challenges faced by underrepresented groups in securing funding. Eligible grant proposals must focus on increasing economic security and/or mobility for women and girls, benefit and positively impact women and girls, and be implemented in Forsyth County, NC. The grants are open to 501(c)(3) organizations, government or public agencies, and faith-based organizations, with provisions for fiscal agents for organizations without 501(c)(3) status. This framework reflects the foundation's theory of change, which posits that by supporting these specific types of organizations and focus areas, they can create measurable positive outcomes for women and girls in the community.

The Creative Aging Project Grant, offered by the Wyoming Arts Council, aims to foster Creative Aging programming within Wyoming communities. This competitive grant supports non-profit organizations and individual teaching artists in developing and implementing engaging programs. While the specific foundation mission alignment and strategic priorities are not explicitly detailed as a separate entity, the Wyoming Arts Council's role inherently positions this grant within a framework of promoting arts and cultural engagement, thereby improving the quality of life for Wyoming residents, particularly older adults. The grant's structure of funding increments for each 8-week program aligns with a theory of change that posits sustained artistic engagement can lead to positive outcomes for participants. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are older adults in Wyoming communities, who will participate in the Creative Aging programs. The impact goals are to develop and implement between one and four separate 8-week creative aging programs by June 30th, 2025. These programs are expected to serve a broad audience, be artistically excellent, and incorporate outreach. The grant implicitly seeks to enhance the well-being, social connection, and creative expression of older adults through structured artistic activities, contributing to a more vibrant and connected community. The grant prioritizes the development and implementation of multiple 8-week creative aging programs. Funding is directly tied to the number of programs proposed, with $2,500 awarded for each program, up to a maximum of four programs ($10,000). This focus ensures a programmatic approach to creative aging rather than one-off events. Additionally, the eligibility criteria emphasize the capacity and compliance of applicant organizations (501(c)(3) non-profits or government agencies) and the qualifications and residency of individual artists, ensuring responsible stewardship of grant funds and effective program delivery. Expected outcomes include the successful completion of between one and four 8-week creative aging programs across Wyoming. Measurable results would include the number of programs implemented, the number of participants served, and potentially qualitative feedback on participant engagement and artistic experiences, although specific metrics for impact are not detailed within the provided text. The grant's success will ultimately be measured by its ability to cultivate new or expanded creative aging opportunities that meet the artistic excellence and broad audience reach criteria set forth by the Wyoming Arts Council, fostering a more artistically engaged and supportive environment for older adults.

The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) is offering a grant to establish a hub for Early Head Start (EHS) supports and services. This initiative aligns with OSSE's Start Early strategic priority and aims to meet Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) and achieve QIN program goals. The grant seeks organizations, institutions, and agencies with the capacity to provide comprehensive EHS services. The purpose of the QIN hub grant is to deliver high-quality and comprehensive services to participating QIN child care partners (CCPs), encompassing eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment and attendance (ERSEA), early education and child development, health, family engagement, and disabilities. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are EHS-eligible children, families, and CCPs across all Wards of the District. The hub model can be implemented through child development centers, child development homes/expanded child development homes, or a combination of both. The impact goals include ensuring access to high-quality early childhood education and development, promoting family engagement, and providing necessary support for children with disabilities. The program prioritizes delivering services directly or through contractual agreements, ensuring a District-wide reach for EHS services. The grant focuses on several key areas, including early childhood education, EHS, financial management, quality assurance, and ongoing monitoring of program deliverables. Eligible applicants, including non-profits, for-profits, and faith-based organizations, must demonstrate expertise and previous experience in providing supports related to education and child development, health, family engagement, transition services, disability services, program management, quality improvement, and human resources within the District’s early care and education system. Successful applicants must also have a track record of serving EHS-eligible children, families, and CCPs in Wards 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, and the capacity to leverage community partnerships, establish collaborative relationships, provide technical assistance, and support underserved populations. Expected outcomes include improved child development and health outcomes for EHS-eligible children, enhanced family engagement in their children's education, and a strengthened early care and education system within the District. Measurable results will be tied to the successful implementation of ERSEA, delivery of comprehensive services, and the effectiveness of training and technical assistance provided to CCPs. The program also expects to see increased capacity among child development centers and homes to meet HSPPS. This grant represents OSSE's strategic priority to "Start Early" by investing in foundational early childhood programs, with the theory of change being that comprehensive and high-quality EHS services delivered through a well-supported hub will lead to long-term positive developmental outcomes for children and families.

The purpose of the Assistive Technology (AT) Alternative Financing Program (AFP) is to support programs that provide for the purchase of AT, such as a low-interest loan fund, an interest buy-down program, a revolving loan fund, a loan guarantee, an or an insurance program, that results in the acquisition of AT devices and services. Applicants for the AT AFP grant awards are required to provide an assurance that, and information describing the manner in which, the AFP will expand and emphasize consumer choice and control. Applicants should incorporate credit-building activities in their programs, including financial education and information about other possible funding sources. Successful applicants must emphasize consumer choice and control and build programs that will provide financing for the full array of AT devices and services and ensure that all people with disabilities, regardless of type of disability or health condition, age, level of income, and residence, have access to the program.

The Ulster County Food Security and Resilience Grant Program, a collaborative effort between Ulster County and the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, aims to address food insecurity within Ulster County, New York. This program aligns with the findings of the Ulster County Food Security and Access Network (UCFSAN) Report, indicating a shared commitment to improving food access and resilience in the region. The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley acts as the donor, facilitating the distribution of funds to eligible organizations. The grant program targets tax-exempt organizations, including faith-based organizations, that are either located in or provide services to Ulster County. These organizations must have operated as a nonprofit for at least one year with 501(c)(3) status or have an established fiscal sponsorship. The primary beneficiaries are individuals and communities within Ulster County experiencing food insecurity, particularly in critical geographic areas with limited provider access. The overarching impact goal is to enhance food security and resilience across the county. Funding priorities and focuses include proposals that effectively address food insecurity, leverage existing resources, expand emergency food services, and increase the capacity to collect, store, distribute, and provide food to those in need through equipment or personnel. A key focus is also on ensuring the sustainability of organizations working on food insecurity and supporting those operating in underserved areas. The grant program seeks to support "change-oriented" programs that address root causes rather than just immediate needs, aligning with a strategic approach to long-term community impact. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in food insecurity, improved access to emergency food services, increased capacity within food assistance organizations, and enhanced sustainability for these providers. The review criteria emphasize the quality of the program/project, the organization's capacity and stability, the clarity and realism of the budget, and the potential for significant impact and measurable results. Organizations are expected to have viable evaluation plans to demonstrate the likelihood of successfully measuring their impact, ensuring accountability and effective resource utilization.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is offering grants through its relaunched Materials Management grants program, now named the Reduce, Reuse, Reimagine Grants Program. This initiative aims to support statewide efforts in reducing the environmental and human health impacts of materials throughout their entire life cycle. The program's core mission is to build local capacity and foster community-driven solutions that address the environmental, social, and health consequences arising from the production, consumption, use, and disposal of materials. This aligns with a broader strategic goal of promoting sustainable consumption and material use, creating environmental and health benefits, and inspiring innovative projects. The program primarily targets a diverse range of eligible applicants, including local governments, nonprofit organizations (501(c)3 or 501(c)4 status) or fiscally sponsored organizations, organizations created by an Oregon public entity, Tribal nations, public schools, public universities, community colleges, and small businesses of 50 people or less. The impact goals are centered on empowering community action to reach environmental solutions, advancing equity, and ensuring environmental justice by providing resources to historically underserved and underrepresented communities across Oregon. The program seeks to fund projects that offer promising solutions to reduce material impacts, ultimately aiming for a more sustainable future. For the 2024 grant cycle, the program's annual funding area is specifically focused on waste prevention. This priority reflects an environmentally centered approach to reduce the consumption of natural resources and the generation of waste before items become trash or pollution. Waste prevention activities encompass changes in product design, reduced usage, extended product life, or repair. Examples of eligible activities include farmers markets purchasing reusable dishes, establishing or expanding community tool libraries, small businesses adopting new technologies to reduce plastic labels, and stores investing in bulk storage for low-waste products. Eligible activities also include education and outreach, training, research, program/policy development, and workforce development. The expected outcomes and measurable results of the Reduce, Reuse, Reimagine Grants Program include a tangible reduction in the environmental and human health impacts of materials. This will be measured by the successful implementation of innovative projects and programs that embody waste prevention principles. The program anticipates creating environmental and health benefits through more sustainable consumption and material use practices. Furthermore, it aims to advance equity and environmental justice by ensuring resources reach communities that have historically been underserved, fostering localized solutions and building capacity within these communities. The total funding available for the 2024 grant cycle is up to $1,000,000, with individual grant awards ranging from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $125,000, providing significant resources for impactful initiatives.

The Agrivoltaics Research and Development (R&D) Grant Program, offered by the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), is designed to foster innovation and research within the agrivoltaics industry. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to support agricultural producers and advance Colorado's renewable energy transition. The program seeks to integrate solar energy production with agricultural practices, aiming to create mutually beneficial outcomes for both sectors. While the prompt mentions "foundation mission alignment" and "Foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change," the provided text specifies the "Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA)" as the donor. Therefore, the alignment is with the CDA's objectives for sustainable agriculture and renewable energy, rather than an external foundation. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are diverse and include tribal or local governments, colleges and universities, other research organizations, energy providers (electric cooperatives, utilities), 501(c)3s, for-profit entities, and individual farmers and ranchers. The impact goals are centered on understanding and demonstrating the potential benefits and tradeoffs of agrivoltaics in Colorado, contributing to both the state's agricultural economy and its renewable energy targets. The program aims to encourage innovative projects that can directly contribute to these goals. The program prioritizes and focuses on several key areas, including the construction and expansion of agrivoltaics systems and demonstration projects, research projects aimed at understanding the benefits, incremental costs, and tradeoffs of such systems, and outreach and communication campaigns to disseminate information about agrivoltaics benefits and obstacles. The grant encourages a comprehensive approach to agrivoltaics, from practical implementation to scientific inquiry and public education. Up to $500,000 is available for projects that study the potential, benefits, and tradeoffs, with a maximum grant award of $249,000 for a single project application. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the successful implementation of innovative agrivoltaics projects, the generation of research findings that deepen the understanding of agrivoltaics' viability and impact, and increased awareness and adoption of agrivoltaics practices among the target audience. Eligible expenses are directly tied to these outcomes, covering salaries, travel, direct costs like construction and research supplies, equipment, marketing, permitting, project assessments, and contractor payments, with indirect costs capped at 5% of the grant award. The program's success will ultimately be measured by its contribution to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector and a stronger renewable energy infrastructure in Colorado.

The General Operating Support (GOS) Grants, offered by the Illinois Arts Council Agency (IACA), aim to bolster established not-for-profit organizations that deliver arts programming to their communities. This initiative directly aligns with the IACA's mission to support and strengthen the arts in Illinois. The grant provides financial assistance ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for activities occurring between November 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025. Eligible entities include registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations, branches of government, charitable trusts, institutions of higher education, religious organizations, and school affiliate organizations, all of whom must be in good standing with the state and meet specific operational and application criteria. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are not-for-profit arts organizations and, by extension, the diverse communities they serve across all counties in Illinois. The IACA's strategic priorities for this initiative are deeply rooted in equity and outreach. The program specifically focuses on under-resourced communities, including rural areas, high-poverty regions, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) groups, and individuals with disabilities. This targeted approach seeks to ensure that state support reaches a broader and more equitable demographic of Illinois communities. The initiative's core aims include analyzing the demographic distribution of past awards, engaging constituents for feedback on their needs and experiences, identifying areas for improvement in the IACA's funding approach regarding equity, and recommending actionable steps to achieve greater grant-making equity. These objectives are designed to build an evidence base that can be used to advocate for the resources necessary to expand state support to a wider array of Illinois communities. Expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around a more equitable distribution of arts funding and increased access to arts programming for under-resourced communities. The IACA anticipates that by addressing equity strengths and weaknesses and implementing recommended actions, they will successfully reach more diverse communities. Allowable expenses cover a wide range of operational costs, from artist fees and salaries to facilities, supplies, technology, marketing, and general administrative overhead, ensuring that organizations can effectively implement their programs and achieve their community impact goals.

The Oklahoma Office of the Attorney General is currently accepting applications for the 2025 Safe Oklahoma Grant Program. Established in 2012, this program is funded by an annual appropriation from the state legislature and aims to provide local law enforcement agencies and sheriff's offices with additional resources to address violent crime across Oklahoma. The program's core mission aligns with public safety and crime reduction within the state, directly supporting the Attorney General's efforts to ensure safer communities. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are local law enforcement agencies and sheriff's offices throughout all counties in Oklahoma. The impact goal is to decrease violent crime within their respective jurisdictions. This is achieved by offering resources that help cover overtime costs for officers, fund technology upgrades, enhance analytical capabilities, and support community partnership projects focused on preventing youth violent crime. The grant's duration is one year, from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, allowing for focused, short-term interventions and improvements. The grant program prioritizes several strategies for decreasing violent crime, as outlined in 74 O.S. § 20k(B)(1)-(5). These include focusing on intervention and enforcement through increased staffing resources with overtime funds for evidence-driven approaches like directed patrols and "hot spot" policing; increasing technological capacity with purchases such as crime-mapping software and GPS technology; enhancing analytical capabilities for crime trend analysis and data-driven strategies; engaging with community partners to develop projects preventing violent crime, including drug enforcement and youth violence programs; and increasing direct services to crime victims by improving accessibility and awareness of support. The expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in violent crime within the participating jurisdictions. By funding increased patrols, technology upgrades, and improved analytical and community engagement efforts, the program anticipates a direct positive impact on community safety. The theory of change behind the Safe Oklahoma Grant Program is that by providing targeted financial resources to local law enforcement, these agencies can implement specific, data-driven strategies and foster community partnerships that will effectively deter and reduce violent crime, ultimately leading to safer communities across Oklahoma.

This grant provides funding for the rehabilitation of historic properties in small rural communities along the Erie Canal in New York, aiming to enhance local tourism and economic development.

The District of Columbia Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) invites applications for funding to support community-based organizations in implementing place-based initiatives. The overarching goal is to improve the well-being and stability of families through community-driven efforts. This aligns with a mission to empower local communities by providing resources and services that directly address their specific needs and strengths, fostering self-sufficiency and improved family outcomes. The grant program aims to establish and support Family Success Centers, which will serve as accessible hubs for neighbors to utilize computers, access various resources and services, and participate in classes and trainings. Each center is designed to be unique, reflecting the specific strengths and goals of its community, ensuring that the support provided is relevant and impactful. This model focuses on localized solutions, recognizing that effective family support is best achieved when tailored to the community it serves. Target beneficiaries for these initiatives are families within the District of Columbia, with a particular focus on those who can benefit from enhanced access to resources and services that improve well-being and stability. The impact goals include fostering stronger, more resilient families and communities by addressing multiple aspects of family life. This approach seeks to create a network of support that is easily accessible and responsive to the evolving needs of residents. The program prioritizes non-profit, community-based organizations that can demonstrate their ability to meet identified needs and commit to implementing program measures over the grant period. Eligible organizations include non-profit, private, public, and faith-based entities. Partnerships between organizations are encouraged to facilitate comprehensive service delivery. Expected outcomes include increased access to vital resources, improved family well-being, enhanced community stability, and the development of sustainable, community-led initiatives. Measurable results will likely include metrics related to service utilization, program participation, and indicators of family and community stability and well-being. Funding information indicates that eligible organizations can receive up to $325,000 in the 12-month base year, with the potential for an additional $325,000 per year for up to four option years, for a maximum grant duration of five years. This sustained funding is intended to support the long-term implementation and impact of these place-based family support initiatives. The strategic priority is to invest in local organizations that are deeply embedded within the communities they serve, thereby leveraging existing community strengths and relationships to achieve lasting positive change.

The District of Columbia Department of Health (DC Health) is offering a grant program aimed at improving the recruitment and retention of the dental workforce within the District. This initiative directly aligns with the broader mission of enhancing public health by addressing critical shortages in dental care, particularly in designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). By strengthening the dental workforce, DC Health seeks to ensure greater access to oral health services for all residents, thereby contributing to the overall well-being of the community. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are dental professionals practicing or intending to practice in dental HPSAs. The impact goals are to alleviate the shortage of dental workers, reduce burnout among existing staff, and create more stable and effective dental care environments. The grant prioritizes the implementation or development of targeted training programs, the creation of initiatives to address organizational gaps impacting oral health workforce retention, and other strategies designed to combat burnout within the dental field. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number of dental professionals working in HPSAs, a reduction in staff turnover rates, and the establishment of sustainable and scalable approaches to meet the needs of dental organizations. Measurable results will likely involve tracking recruitment numbers, retention rates, and the successful implementation of new programs aimed at improving workforce stability. The goal is to identify and address the drivers of administrative and clinical support staff retention, ensuring a robust and resilient oral health workforce. The funding available for this project is substantial, with an anticipated amount of $80,000, and individual awards ranging from $60,000 to $80,000. The project period is set to begin on August 1, 2024, and conclude on July 31, 2025. Eligibility is extended to Federally Qualified Health Centers and dental clinics currently providing care in dental Health Professional Shortage Areas. This strategic investment reflects DC Health's commitment to a theory of change that posits by directly supporting the dental workforce, the District can achieve significant improvements in oral health equity and access.

The Children’s Foundation of Mississippi (CFM) is offering up to 10 small planning grants to establish local Early Childhood Councils (ECCs) across all counties in Mississippi. The primary goal of these grants is to foster community-led initiatives that improve conditions for children aged 0-5 and their families. This aligns with CFM's mission to advance early childhood programming by empowering local communities to identify needs and promote solutions. The grants, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, are designed to support the initial planning stages of these councils. The target beneficiaries are children aged 0-5 and their families in Mississippi, particularly those in neighborhoods, cities, and counties where early childhood programming is lacking. The impact goals include expanding civic engagement with policymakers on children's issues, advocating for and supporting policies that increase state funding for high-quality public Pre-K, and building partnerships with established non-profits and programs like Excel By 5 and the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading. The grants prioritize communities that seek to build a committee focused on one or more key areas: expanding civic engagement with policymakers, advocating for high-quality public Pre-K funding, serving as a facilitator for partnerships with existing programs, implementing unique early childhood programs in underserved areas, and identifying unmet program or service needs within their communities. These focus areas are critical to CFM's strategic priorities of fostering local leadership and collaborative efforts to address early childhood development challenges. Expected outcomes include the establishment of new or strengthened Early Childhood Councils that are actively working to improve conditions for young children and their families. Measurable results will stem from the successful planning and initiation of activities aligned with the council's goals, such as increased community leader involvement, development of local action plans, and the identification of specific programming or policy advocacy targets. The foundation's theory of change posits that by empowering local entities to assess needs and lead initiatives, sustainable improvements in early childhood outcomes can be achieved at the community level.

The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) is offering 2024 Families First Community Grants to eligible non-profit organizations in Tennessee. The program aims to engage these organizations to administer community-based services that meet the needs of low-income families, guiding them toward permanent economic security. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to improve economic security and well-being for low-income families and strategically utilize TANF funds. The four core purposes of TANF—providing assistance to needy families so children can be cared for in their own homes, reducing dependency on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage, preventing and reducing out-of-wedlock pregnancies, and encouraging two-parent families—form the bedrock of this grant program. The target beneficiaries are low-income families in Tennessee who face challenges related to education, health and well-being, economic stability, and safe, stable, and nurturing relationships. The impact goals are to place these families on a path to permanent economic security and to foster a more strategic use of TANF funds to achieve the outlined purposes. The program seeks to reduce dependency on government benefits, improve family well-being, and ultimately build the economic, social, and developmental capital of those served. The program prioritizes partnerships with non-profit organizations that demonstrate an understanding of the challenges faced by low-income families and have a proven track record. Key focuses for partnership include organizations that have implemented or developed effective, community-based programs; demonstrated strong leadership and coordination of cross-sector partnerships; and shown a proven track record for providing services that help low-income families achieve economic mobility. Furthermore, organizations must have identified diverse resources, secured cross-sector partnerships, and developed a family-led approach aligned with one or more TANF purposes. Expected outcomes include a long-term positive impact on the community, with a clear articulation of return on investment and cost-benefit analysis to sustain service delivery. The Department also seeks partners committed to co-creating solutions to significant social problems with other stakeholders and customers, and those leveraging other public resources through innovative initiatives. The strategic priorities revolve around fostering economic security, reducing dependency, and strengthening families through evidence-based and evidence-informed program models, all while promoting a collaborative, community-led approach.

The Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) Micro-Grant Program, a collaboration between the City of New Orleans and the Greater New Orleans Foundation, is designed to empower young individuals aged 15-24 to address urgent climate challenges within their community. This initiative is part of a larger effort supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, aiming to activate youth-led projects that align with the New Orleans Climate Action Plan. The program's core mission is to foster environmental stewardship and facilitate tangible climate solutions at a grassroots level, thereby directly contributing to the city's broader environmental goals. The primary beneficiaries of this micro-grant program are youth between the ages of 15-24 residing in Orleans Parish, whose projects are intended to directly benefit the City of New Orleans. The program seeks to engage and mobilize this demographic, providing them with the financial resources and support necessary to translate their innovative ideas into impactful climate action. The overarching impact goal is to cultivate a new generation of environmental leaders and to implement effective, youth-led initiatives that tackle critical climate issues within the community. Projects funded through the YCAF Micro-Grant Program must align with one or more of the New Orleans Climate Action Plan priorities. These key areas of focus include Energy Efficiency, Transportation, Nature-Based Solutions, Circular Economy & Waste Reduction, and Data, Research & Engagement. This ensures that all supported initiatives contribute to the city's established climate strategy, maximizing their collective impact. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate clear objectives and a strong potential for achieving measurable results in these critical areas. Successful applicants will receive micro-grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, distributed through the Greater New Orleans Foundation in August/September 2024. These funds can be utilized for various project-related expenses, such as materials, equipment, and community outreach activities. The expected outcomes include the successful implementation of diverse youth-led climate projects, increased community engagement in climate action, and a measurable reduction in environmental impact across the specified priority areas. While the document does not explicitly detail the Greater New Orleans Foundation's strategic priorities or theory of change, its partnership in this program strongly indicates an alignment with community development, environmental sustainability, and youth empowerment.

The Islamic Scholarship Fund (ISF) initiated the Film Grant program in 2014 with the core mission of creating a stronger narrative of Muslim stories and supporting Muslim filmmakers. This aligns directly with ISF's broader goal of changing the narrative and empowering Muslim voices. Since its inception, the program has grown significantly, awarding $510,000 to promising filmmakers and cultivating a pipeline of over 96 American Muslim filmmakers, demonstrating a clear commitment to fostering talent within the community. The grant specifically targets emerging Muslim filmmakers who are creating artistic, engaging, and positive stories about their community. This focus on emerging talent aims to diversify storytelling and empower new voices within the film industry. The program's impact goals include not only providing financial support but also offering crucial mentorship and networking opportunities from industry professionals, thereby contributing to the long-term career advancement and success of grant recipients. The program prioritizes projects that are either narrative or documentary, and it supports various formats including feature-length films, short films, and animation (web series are not accepted). Key focuses for eligibility include that the filmmaker must be a U.S. citizen, at least one member of the creative team (producer or director) must be Muslim, and the content must feature American Muslim characters or themes. Additionally, at least 50% of the project must be filmed in the U.S., emphasizing the grant's commitment to American Muslim storytelling. Expected outcomes of the ISF Film Grant include the production of high-quality films that offer positive and authentic portrayals of American Muslim experiences. Measurable results include the number of grants awarded (ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 per category), the provision of creative support, and the facilitation of networking opportunities. The ISF also organizes screenings after film completion, providing a platform for visibility and audience engagement. This comprehensive approach reflects ISF's strategic priority of cultural empowerment through media, aiming to shift perceptions and build understanding through the power of storytelling.

The Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation is offering a 2024 Grant for open space projects through the Morris County Preservation Trust. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to preserve land and water for recreation and conservation, protect ecologically sensitive areas, safeguard exceptional flora and fauna, and maintain areas of scenic, historic, and cultural value. The grant also supports passive and active outdoor recreational opportunities, as well as the protection of critical water supplies and the acquisition of historic sites. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include the thirty-nine municipalities within Morris County and charitable conservancies. The impact goals are to enhance and protect Morris County's natural resources, provide recreational opportunities for residents, and preserve the county's unique historical and cultural heritage. The program aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of these valuable assets for future generations. The program prioritizes projects that involve land or water areas for recreation and conservation, including parkland, natural areas, and greenways. It also focuses on the protection of ecologically sensitive areas such as freshwater wetlands, steep slopes, and stream corridors, as well as the preservation of lands with exceptional flora or fauna. Furthermore, the grant supports the preservation of areas with scenic, historic, and cultural value, and the protection of critical water supplies. Expected outcomes include an increase in protected open space, improved access to recreational facilities, and the safeguarding of vital ecosystems and historical sites. Measurable results will include the number of acres preserved, the number of historic sites acquired, and the extent of critical water supplies protected. The program's strategic priorities are rooted in a theory of change that posits by investing in land and water preservation, the county will foster a healthier environment, stronger communities, and a richer cultural landscape for its residents.

The Seattle Department of Neighborhoods (DON) is offering a Starter Fund Grant Program, ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, for small community organizations and groups focusing on advancing an equitable and sustainable local food system within Seattle, with eligible activities including food justice initiatives, community organizing, food-related job training, and more.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is currently seeking proposals for its Rocky Mountain Rangelands Program. This initiative aims to conserve, restore, and improve habitat in the Intermountain West, specifically focusing on wildlife species associated with sagebrush, irrigated meadows, and aquatic systems, while also preserving large mammal migration. NFWF's mission to sustain, restore, and enhance the nation's fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats aligns directly with the program's objectives. The target beneficiaries of this grant include ranchers, community-led organizations, and landowners in Idaho and Utah, as well as the diverse wildlife species inhabiting these rangelands, such as sagebrush sparrow, sage thrasher, mule deer, pronghorn, and Greater and/or Gunnison sage-grouse. The program's impact goals are centered on accelerating and implementing voluntary conservation practices to achieve sustainable livestock production, enhanced wildlife habitat, improved ecosystem services (including carbon sequestration), and increased landscape permeability for wildlife. Priority will be given to projects that promote innovations in grazing management, strategic management of annual invasive grasses, habitat enhancement (through mesic area/wet meadow, sagebrush restoration, and conifer removal), fence removal or modification, and the provision of technical assistance to landowners. In Idaho, there's a dedicated focus on supporting positions to integrate Farm Bill programs with the Big Game Migration Initiative. In Utah, funding is available to facilitate conservation practices on working lands and to support positions that increase the pace and scale of voluntary perpetual conservation easements through ACEP-ALE delivery and RCPP technical assistance. Expected outcomes include the adoption of cost-effective and sustainable conservation approaches, direct benefits to priority wildlife species, and increased landowner enrollment in Farm Bill programs. The program anticipates awarding between 10-20 grants, with a suggested minimum of $100,000, and projects may span one to three years. Measurable results will likely involve tracking acres restored, number of fences modified, and improvements in wildlife populations. This program exemplifies NFWF's strategic priority of fostering collaborative, science-based conservation efforts and their theory of change, which posits that strategic investment in voluntary, on-the-ground conservation with strong partnerships leads to tangible and lasting benefits for both wildlife and working lands. The program is supported by major private funding from Cargill, Taco Bell, Nestlé, Capri Holding Ltd., and federal funding from the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Natural Resources Conservation Service.