Science and Technology Grants

This grant provides funding to nonprofits, schools, and civic organizations in Columbia County, New York, to develop programs that help young people transition from education to the workforce through internships, skill-building, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

The Alabama RC&D Grants program focuses on enhancing human and natural resources to improve the quality of life for citizens across all counties in Alabama. This initiative, supported by the Alabama Association of RC&D Councils, provides grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, with funding information specifying awards between $5,000.00 and $25,000.00. The program aims to align with a mission of fostering community well-being through strategic project investments. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are local Alabama citizens, with a broad impact goal of improving their overall quality of life. The program achieves this by supporting projects in various key areas, including natural resources conservation, community facilities and services, tourism, and economic development. These projects are intended to create tangible benefits that directly address community needs and promote sustainable growth. The program's priorities for FY 2024-2025 are structured into three main categories: General Funds, Education Funds, and Workforce/Community Training. General Funds prioritize projects related to natural resources conservation, community facilities and services, and tourism and economic development. Education Funds focus on K-12 outdoor education, education benefiting small farmers and community gardens, and K-12 technology. Workforce/Community Training emphasizes projects covering multiple council regions, with a preference for those submitted by RC&D councils or partnering organizations. Expected outcomes include enhanced natural environments, improved community infrastructure, stimulated local economies, and increased educational opportunities. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the broad impact goals, the focus on distinct project categories suggests that success will be measured by the successful implementation and observable benefits within these areas. Eligibility requires applicants to be registered 501c3 non-profits or governmental units/sub-units, ensuring that funded projects are implemented by established and accountable entities. The program has clear restrictions, disallowing funding for operational/administration phases, salaries, endowment campaigns, religious purposes, individuals, development/public relations activities, land/property purchases, or post-event situations. These restrictions help ensure that grant funds are directed towards new, impactful projects rather than ongoing operational costs or activities outside the program's core mission. This strategic allocation of resources reflects the foundation's theory of change, which posits that targeted project funding in these key areas will lead to a better quality of life for Alabama citizens.

The Black Hills Area Community Foundation (BHACF) is offering its Summer Capacity Building Grant, a program designed to strengthen the effectiveness, sustainability, and efficiency of eligible organizations within specific counties of South Dakota. While the description doesn't explicitly detail the BHACF's overarching mission, the focus on "capacity building needs" suggests an alignment with fostering a robust and resilient non-profit sector in the Black Hills area. This grant directly supports the foundation's implied strategic priority of empowering local organizations to better serve their communities through enhanced operational capabilities. The target beneficiaries for this grant include IRS 501(c)(3) public charities, schools, government entities, and religious organizations operating within Oglala Lakota, Fall River, Custer, Pennington, Meade, Lawrence, and Butte counties in South Dakota. The core impact goal is to strengthen these organizations, enabling them to achieve greater effectiveness, sustainability, or efficiency. This focus on internal organizational health indicates a theory of change where by investing in the operational capacity of these entities, the foundation expects a ripple effect of improved service delivery and community impact. The grant prioritizes several key areas for capacity building. Eligible projects include measurements and evaluation, partnership development, strategic planning, board engagement/development, marketing and donor engagement, technology needs and technical support, and staff development/retention. These focus areas are indicative of the foundation's understanding that a holistic approach to organizational development is necessary for long-term success. The expected outcomes are directly tied to improvements in these areas, leading to more effective and sustainable organizations. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the types of eligible projects, the emphasis on "measurements and evaluation" as a funding area suggests that grantees will be expected to demonstrate how their capacity-building efforts lead to tangible improvements in their operations and service delivery. The grant duration of one year and a maximum grant amount of $5,000 further indicate a focused approach on achievable, short-to-medium term improvements in the selected capacity-building areas. Ineligible projects, such as religious or political activity, fundraising, debt retirement, or multi-year funding, further define the boundaries and strategic intent of this capacity-building initiative.

The Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce Community Development Fund, supported by the Princeton Area Community Foundation, aims to bolster nonprofits within the Chamber's five-county operational area. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission by strategically investing in organizations that are vital to the community's progress in education, leadership, economic opportunity, and self-sufficiency. The fund specifically targets areas that address critical societal needs, ensuring that resources are directed towards impactful and sustainable change within the region. The program's core focus areas are Education and Economic Opportunity and Workforce Development. In education, the fund prioritizes innovative programs designed to help low-income and at-risk students succeed academically, prepare for higher education, or enter the workforce. Key impact goals include reaching a broad student population, fostering community resource collaboration, promoting curriculum innovation, and supporting scalable models. The expected outcomes are improved academic achievement, increased access to post-secondary education or employment, and the development of replicable successful educational initiatives. For Economic Opportunity and Workforce Development, the fund supports nonprofits that drive economic growth. This includes initiatives for small business development and expansion, commercial revitalization, job creation, work-entry programs, specialized skills training, and transportation solutions. The impact goals are centered on fostering a more robust local economy and creating pathways to self-sufficiency for community members. Measurable results would include an increase in new businesses, job placements, individuals completing skills training, and improved access to employment opportunities. The eligibility criteria for applicants reflect the foundation's strategic priorities, requiring tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)3, public charity status under Section 509, and registration with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs. This ensures that funds are distributed to credible and well-governed organizations. The geographic scope, encompassing numerous municipalities within the Chamber's area, highlights a theory of change that local, targeted investments in key sectors will lead to broad community development and improved quality of life across the region. The one-year grant duration encourages focused, impactful projects with clear objectives within that timeframe.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is inviting proposals for its Cumberland Plateau Stewardship Fund, aiming to restore and enhance critical forest, grassland, and freshwater habitats within the Cumberland Plateau region. This initiative aligns with NFWF's broader mission to sustain, restore, and enhance the nation’s fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats. The program's core strategy involves increasing the voluntary adoption of conservation practices on working agricultural lands, which contributes to NFWF’s strategic priority of supporting wildlife and improving ecological health through sustainable land management. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are the diverse habitats and species within the Cumberland Plateau, as well as landowners and communities in the region who will adopt conservation practices. The impact goals are multifaceted, seeking to improve soil health, water quantity and quality, and carbon sequestration. Ultimately, the program aims to foster resilient ecosystems that support both wildlife and sustainable human activities. The foundation's theory of change is predicated on the idea that by providing financial and technical assistance, they can incentivize conservation practices that lead to measurable environmental improvements and long-term ecological benefits. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly outlined through its program strategies. These include restoring previously mined lands, increasing the adoption of conservation practices on grazing and croplands, establishing, enhancing, and maintaining forest habitats, and restoring instream habitats to support aquatic species. A significant focus is also placed on expanding and coordinating technical assistance and outreach to landowners, recognizing the importance of local engagement and support for successful implementation of conservation efforts. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in acres of restored habitats, improved water quality metrics, enhanced soil health, and greater carbon sequestration. The program anticipates awarding approximately $2.8 million in grants in 2024, with individual grant awards ranging from $250,000 to $750,000. Projects are expected to have a completion time of 24-48 months. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations, state and local governments, Tribal Governments, and educational institutions, with a preference for projects within identified focal areas of Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia. The program’s success will be measured by the extent to which these conservation practices are adopted and the subsequent environmental benefits realized across the Cumberland Plateau.

The 2024 Farm-to-School Competitive Grants Program, offered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, aims to increase the promotion and use of New York State produced foods in K-12 school cafeterias. This initiative seeks to build relationships between New York farmers, food hubs, producers, processors, and distributors with schools, ultimately benefiting school-age children by enhancing the quality of food served and fostering local agricultural connections. The program aligns with a broader mission of improving nutrition, exposing students to new, local culinary experiences, and increasing agricultural education opportunities. Target beneficiaries for this program include K-12 School Food Authorities, charter schools, not-for-profit organizations, and Indian tribal organizations within New York State. The impact goals are centered on increasing the volume and variety of New York State farm products purchased by schools and served in school meal programs. Secondary goals include fostering agricultural education and improving student nutrition through exposure to local foods. The program prioritizes projects that increase the purchase of New York specialty crops, build relationships between schools and New York farm product suppliers, and encourage agricultural and nutrition education, gardening activities, and relationship building with local agricultural food businesses and farmers. Projects that partner with producers or food processors are strongly encouraged, highlighting a focus on strengthening the entire farm-to-school supply chain. Challenges addressed by the program include seasonality, inconsistent quality/quantity, processing/packaging needs, complex bidding processes, distribution logistics, lack of equipment/skills for fresh produce, connecting diverse populations with culturally appropriate foods, and insufficient training for culinary staff. Expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around the increased procurement and serving of New York State farm products in school meal programs. The program, which has been in place since 2015, anticipates that successful projects will demonstrate a greater integration of local foods into school meals. While specific metrics are not detailed, the objective to "increase the volume and variety" implies a quantitative measure of growth in local food purchasing. The total funding available is $1,500,000, with individual grant awards ranging from $50,000 to $100,000, and $300,000 set aside for first-time recipients, indicating a strategic effort to expand participation and impact over the two-year project duration (September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2026).

The Arts & Cultural Organizations General Operating Support grant program, offered by the California Arts Council, provides direct funding to arts and cultural organizations for their ongoing operations. This grant is designed to support the overall well-being of California's cultural vitality by sustaining a robust and diverse arts workforce and infrastructure. The funding is intended to support the applicant organization in carrying out its mission, rather than a specific project, aligning with a strategic priority to foster a stable and thriving arts ecosystem across the state. The target beneficiaries are arts and cultural organizations within California, specifically those with total revenue between $250,000 and $1.5 million. This focus aims to support a crucial segment of the cultural sector, enabling them to continue their work. The impact goals include enhancing the sustainability and resilience of these organizations, ensuring they can contribute to California's cultural landscape. The program prioritizes eligible expenses associated with general operations, such as rent, utilities, and staff salaries. This focus on operational support allows organizations to maintain their core functions, which is critical for long-term stability. The expected outcomes include the sustained operation of arts and cultural organizations, the retention of a diverse arts workforce, and the continued delivery of cultural services to communities throughout California. Measurable results for this one-year funding cycle could include the number of organizations sustained, the range of eligible expenses covered, and the continued employment of arts professionals. The grant activity period is from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. This grant indirectly supports the California Arts Council's broader theory of change, which posits that investing in the operational capacity of arts organizations leads to a more vibrant, accessible, and equitable cultural environment for all Californians.

The City of Flint has launched a new Youth Climate Action Fund, a microgrant program designed to empower youth-led climate initiatives. This program aims to support projects that advance critical community goals related to climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and community engagement. The fund's mission aligns with the broader objective of fostering a more sustainable and resilient Flint by investing in its younger generation as agents of change. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are youth aged 15-24 residing in Flint, who will collaborate with local groups, organizations, nonprofits, and schools to implement their projects. The impact goals are far-reaching, intending to cultivate youth leadership, increase community participation in climate action, and produce tangible environmental improvements within the city. This approach recognizes that youth are not only vulnerable to climate change impacts but also possess unique perspectives and innovative solutions. The fund prioritizes a diverse range of youth-led projects, including awareness, education, research, and development initiatives such as climate education programs, hackathons, surveys, and public art campaigns. It also supports youth-driven climate mitigation and adaptation projects like community gardening, tree planting, reforestation, urban farming, recycling, waste reduction, and disaster preparedness programs. Additionally, the fund encourages co-governed youth climate action plans, fostering partnerships between city leaders and youth groups to inform climate-related policy and the formation of youth climate ambassadors or advisory boards. Expected outcomes include a more informed and engaged youth population, a reduction in environmental waste and an increase in green spaces, improved community resilience to climate-related challenges, and the development of new climate-related policies influenced by youth perspectives. Measurable results will likely involve the number of youth engaged, the types and scale of projects implemented, the amount of waste diverted, the number of trees planted, and the development of new community programs or policies. The City of Flint's strategic priority through this fund is to build a foundation for long-term climate action by investing directly in its youth, thereby creating a sustainable future rooted in community-led solutions and a strong theory of change that empowers the next generation to tackle pressing environmental issues.

The Strengthening the Sector grants program, offered by The Music Man Foundation, is designed to provide initiative-based support to organizations that are actively catalyzing systemic change at the policy level. This program aligns with the foundation's mission by focusing on efforts that reflect music within the organization's activities, underscoring a commitment to arts and community vitality. The foundation seeks to empower non-profit organizations that have a proven track record of mission-aligned programming and have sustained at least one paid employee since March 2023. This strategic focus ensures that the grants support established entities capable of driving significant and lasting change. The target beneficiaries for this program are non-profit organizations that are actively engaged in music-related efforts and operate with a service jurisdiction that includes Los Angeles County, the state of California, or the entire United States. However, it's crucial that programs not focused on California will not be eligible, highlighting a specific geographical priority for the foundation's impact. The primary impact goal is to foster systemic change at the policy level within the arts and community vitality sectors, with a particular emphasis on music's role. The foundation aims to support initiatives that lead to sustainable impacts and demonstrate a clear understanding of the systems they seek to influence. The program prioritizes initiatives that involve advocacy training and tools to build capacity for individuals to proactively influence issues impacting arts and community vitality. Additionally, it focuses on research collection and action plans designed at a scale that can impact policy and field-wide practices. Key focuses include demonstrating accomplishments in systems change, a clear connection between initiatives and systemic change, and a well-defined vision for future intentions. Music must be a primary component of the initiative's efforts, and strategic collaborations or partnerships that reflect intentional efforts to influence system dynamics are highly valued. Expected outcomes include organizations achieving demonstrable accomplishments in systems change and creating sustainable impacts through their programming. Grant recipients are expected to have a clear understanding of the system they aim to impact and be well-positioned to drive that change. Measurable results will stem from the organization's capacity to identify and track progress towards key milestones, both for the organization itself and for the broader system it is impacting. The Music Man Foundation's strategic priorities are deeply rooted in fostering policy-level systemic change, leveraging music as a core element, and supporting organizations with a strong capacity for execution and a clear theory of change that links their initiatives to tangible, lasting impacts.

The Park City Community Foundation aims to cultivate an enduring philanthropic community that benefits all residents of greater Park City. Their Community Fund provides unrestricted funding to local nonprofit organizations to support community health. This aligns with the foundation's mission by empowering a broad range of organizations that contribute to the well-being and vitality of the region, ensuring that philanthropic efforts have a lasting and widespread impact on the community. The grant program targets people living or working in Summit County, with Wasatch County also considered. The primary goal is to support the health of the community by funding organizations focused on critical areas such as arts and culture, education, sports and recreation, children and families, physical or mental health and human services, youth services, conservation and environment, and housing security. The expected outcome is a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant Park City community through the sustained efforts of these local nonprofits. The foundation prioritizes unrestricted support for various organizational needs, including operating costs, equipment, startup expenses, consulting services, technical assistance, research, measurement & evaluation, demonstration, capacity building, and matching grants. This flexible approach allows grantees to address their most pressing needs and implement their programs effectively, aligning with the foundation's strategic priority of empowering local organizations to achieve their goals with maximum impact. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $15,000, dependent on available funds. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Summit County, or those with pending 501(c)(3) status or operating under a qualified 501(c)(3) umbrella. This structured eligibility ensures that funds are directed towards legitimate charitable endeavors that directly benefit the targeted community. The foundation’s theory of change posits that by providing flexible and accessible funding to a diverse range of local nonprofits, they can collectively address key community challenges and foster long-term positive change across multiple sectors.

The Food Safety Education Fund grants program, administered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD), is designed to enhance food safety throughout Michigan. Funded by assessments on licensed food establishments, the program aligns with a mission to protect public health by providing critical food safety training and education. This initiative directly supports the broader goal of ensuring a safe food supply for all Michigan residents. The foundation's strategic priority is to prevent foodborne illness through proactive education and the empowerment of various stakeholders within the food system. The program primarily targets two key beneficiary groups: Michigan consumers and food service establishment employees, as well as agents of the director who enforce food regulations (e.g., local health department sanitarians and MDARD food safety inspectors). The impact goal is to improve food safety knowledge and practices among these groups, ultimately reducing the incidence of foodborne illnesses. Eligibility is restricted to Michigan governmental and non-profit organizations and entities, ensuring that the grants support organizations deeply embedded in community health and public service. Producers, marketers, processors, and growers are explicitly excluded to maintain the program's focus on education and training. For the 2024-2025 grant cycle, up to $365,600 is available, with a specific allocation of $242,500 for consumer food safety education and $114,100 for food service establishment employees and regulatory agents. This demonstrates a clear prioritization of widespread public education while also fortifying the knowledge base of those directly involved in food handling and enforcement. The grant duration is typically one year, though multi-year proposals are considered on an individual basis, contingent on future funding availability. Proposals should specifically avoid requesting funding for routine or required training, such as HACCP or ServSafe certification, emphasizing a focus on innovative and supplementary educational initiatives. Proposals are evaluated based on several key criteria, including goals and objectives to improve food safety, assessment of statewide need and audience, measurable outcomes, potential for partnering with other organizations, inclusion of matching funds, and opportunities to build upon previously funded projects. These selection criteria reflect the program's theory of change, which posits that strategic partnerships, evidence-based interventions, and quantifiable results are essential for achieving sustainable improvements in food safety. The expected outcomes include a more informed public, better-trained food service professionals, and more effective enforcement of food safety regulations, all contributing to a safer food environment across Michigan.

The Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MACC) offers the Mission Support Grant Program to strengthen nonprofit arts and culture organizations across the state. This initiative provides financial assistance to 501(c)(3) organizations whose primary charitable purpose aligns with arts and cultural advancement as identified by their IRS-assigned NTEE code. With funding awards ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, the program is designed to sustain and enhance the vibrancy of Michigan’s creative economy by supporting the operational, educational, and developmental needs of cultural institutions statewide. Applicants may request funding in one or more categories, including Operational Support, Facility Enhancement & Equipment Purchase, Professional/Organizational Development, Transportation, and Arts Education programming. Operational Support grants of up to $25,000 help cover essential expenses such as programming, staffing, and public engagement activities that keep arts organizations functioning effectively. Facility and Equipment grants, which provide up to $30,000, enable recipients to upgrade or maintain spaces and purchase equipment critical to delivering cultural programming. To qualify for facility improvements, organizations must demonstrate building ownership or hold a long-term lease. Professional/Organizational Development and Transportation grants each offer up to $1,500. The former supports opportunities for staff, contractors, board members, or volunteers to pursue professional growth through arts-related education or training. Transportation funding assists organizations in facilitating “field trip” experiences—whether bringing participants to their venue or transporting groups to partner sites for cultural events, both within and outside Michigan. These smaller yet impactful grants help organizations enhance capacity and community access to the arts. Arts Education funding, up to $10,000, encourages partnerships between arts organizations and educational institutions serving PreK–12 students. These projects must complement existing school curricula, fostering creativity and learning through direct engagement with the arts. Eligible partners include public and private schools, home-school groups, districts, and accredited Head Start programs. The emphasis is on collaboration that enriches classroom experiences while deepening students’ exposure to Michigan’s cultural landscape. To qualify, applicants must be Michigan-based nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status and publicly accessible programs. All funds awarded must be spent within the grant period of October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. By supporting operational stability, artistic innovation, and educational outreach, MACC’s Mission Support Grant strengthens the infrastructure of Michigan’s arts community. It reflects the Council’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that cultural organizations continue to inspire creativity, learning, and connection across the state.

The Northeast Dutchess Fund's NEDCorps initiative offers grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to nonprofits, municipalities, and community organizations in northeast Dutchess County, New York, to develop or expand services for the immigrant community, with a total of $35,000 available for distribution.

The Greater Worcester Community Foundation's 2024 Community Grant Program is designed to be responsive and flexible, utilizing trust-based philanthropic principles to support projects in Arts & Creativity, Basic Needs, and Economic Opportunity. This approach aims to reduce applicant burden, foster interactive engagement, and facilitate diverse storytelling, aligning with the Foundation's mission to strengthen the community by investing in critical areas that enhance the quality of life for Worcester County residents. The program seeks to build and support a diverse arts and culture ecosystem, ensure all residents have food and shelter, and create economic opportunities through English Language Learning and Job Training & Financial Literacy programs. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are primarily residents of Worcester County. The Foundation seeks to impact these residents by addressing pressing community needs through creative and innovative solutions. For Arts & Creativity, the goal is to foster a strong and inclusive arts and culture environment. In Basic Needs, the focus is on ensuring fundamental necessities like food and shelter are accessible to all. Economic Opportunity initiatives aim to empower individuals through education and skill-building, ultimately enhancing financial stability and independence within the community. The program's priorities and focus areas are distinctly defined. Arts & Creativity projects are aimed at developing a diverse and strong arts and culture ecosystem where all feel a sense of belonging. Basic Needs initiatives are dedicated to guaranteeing that all community residents have access to food and shelter. Economic Opportunity programs concentrate on English Language Learning, Job Training, and Financial Literacy to uplift individuals and families. The Foundation emphasizes organizational commitment to equity, community voice, and systems disruption, underscoring its strategic priorities to address root causes and promote systemic change. Expected outcomes include projects that demonstrate feasibility within the $2,500-$25,000 grant range, create significant access and barrier reduction for Worcester County residents, and offer creative or innovative solutions to identified community needs. Projects are also expected to have measurable and manageable goals and outcomes aligned with the specified focus areas. The Foundation's theory of change appears to be centered on empowering community-serving organizations that are sound financially and operationally, fostering authentic partnerships, and driving meaningful, unduplicated services to achieve sustainable positive change for Worcester County residents.

To increase research capacity for NF, the NFRP is offering the NFRA. The intent of the NFRA is to provide a framework of intensive mentoring and iterative guidance with proposed research, national networking, collaborations, and a peer group of junior faculty (Scholars). The NFRP NFRA will bring together established NF investigators (one Director and one Deputy Director) and early-career independent investigators (Scholars) and their Career Guides to develop successful, highly productive NF scientists and clinicians that will conduct research with the aim of lessening the clinical impact of NF1, NF2, and schwannomatosis. The NFRA is a multi-institutional interactive virtual academy platform designed to offer support to NFRA Scholars with the goal to advance innovative, high impact NF research through a collaborative and career development environment.The functioning NFRA will consist of Scholars and their Career Guides (mentors) from different institutions, and an Academy Director and Deputy Director (see Figure 1 below). The Academy Director and Deputy Director will catalyze the growth and professional development of the Scholars in collaboration with their Career Guides, assess the progress of the Scholars, and facilitate communication and collaboration among all Academy members. The Career Guide is not required to be at the same institution as the Scholar; however, if the (primary) Career Guide is from a different institution, a secondary Career Guide at the Scholars institution is needed. The NFRA will afford Scholars opportunities to operate in a collegial, highly dynamic, and cutting-edge center to move early-career investigators towards positions as leaders in NF conducting impactful research.During this first phase of the academy, the NFRP is offering the FY24 NFRALA funding opportunity to solicit applications for an Academy Director and Deputy Director to lead the NFRA. The Academy Director and Deputy Director (referred to as Academy Leadership) must be established NF researchers and can be at different institutions. The Academy Leadership must demonstrate a strong record of mentoring and training early-career independent investigators, a commitment to leadership, the ability to articulate methods toward research collaborations, and the ability to objectively assess the progress of all Scholars in the NFRA. An objective of the NFRA leadership team is to establish the Academy structure in its first year and in subsequent years, conduct oversight of this activity. Other objectives will include execution of research that will engage NFRA FY25 Scholars (including subsequent-year Scholars), develop tools for Scholars to enable success, and provide opportunities to broaden their knowledge in NF disorders. The leadership team will identify and offer opportunities to network with other NFRP FY25 Early Investigator Research Award recipients (and subsequent year awardees) and NFRP FY25 New Investigator Award Early-Stage Investigator (NIA ESI) Award recipients (and subsequent year awardees). In the second stage of the academy, the NFRP anticipates release of funding opportunities for the Scholars who will conduct their research under the guidance of the NFRA leadership team.

The Resilient Food System Infrastructure (RFSI) grant program in Vermont is a cooperative agreement between the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM), the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). This program is designed to strengthen the middle-of-the-supply-chain for Vermont food products, fostering resilience and economic development within the state's agricultural sector. The overarching mission is to promote value-added products, ensure fair prices and wages, create safe job opportunities, and keep profits within rural communities. This aligns with a broader strategic goal of enhancing food system infrastructure and supporting local and regional markets. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are diverse and include agricultural producers and processors, nonprofit organizations, local government entities, and institutions such as schools, universities, and hospitals. For-profit entities that meet Small Business Administration (SBA) small business size standards and primarily benefit local and regional producers are also eligible. The program specifically emphasizes underserved communities and small and medium-sized enterprises. The impact goals are centered around increasing and diversifying processing capacity, improving aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, and distribution of Vermont food products. It also aims to address gaps in pandemic assistance and existing USDA grant programs to bolster the agricultural supply chain. The RFSI grant program prioritizes projects that improve job quality through increased wages, benefits, and worker safety and well-being. A significant focus is placed on small and medium-sized enterprises that expand services and product offerings, particularly those with an emphasis on value-added products. Demonstrating local support for the project is a key criterion, as is submission by cooperatives, farmer, and worker-owned enterprises. These priorities reflect a strategic intent to not only strengthen infrastructure but also to foster equitable and community-driven agricultural development. Approximately $2,000,000 will be available for infrastructure projects, with individual grants ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. These grants are set to run from fall 2024 through February 2027, allowing for sustained project implementation. The expected outcomes include a more robust and diversified food system in Vermont, increased local and regional market access for Vermont food products, and enhanced economic opportunities for agricultural businesses and workers. Measurable results will likely include metrics related to increased processing capacity, job creation and quality improvements, the number of value-added products developed, and the reach of local and regional distribution networks. The underlying theory of change is that by strategically investing in critical food system infrastructure and supporting key stakeholders, Vermont can build a more resilient, equitable, and prosperous agricultural future.

The Greylock ABC Fund, managed by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, invites applications for grants ranging from $1000 to $10,000 to support educational development projects for students of color and/or low socioeconomic status in pre-K through 12 in Northern Berkshire County and Pittsfield, with a focus on multicultural education, academic preparation, child development, tutoring, mentoring, and college preparation.

The Animal Services Responsive Grant, offered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, aims to improve the quality of life for all animals, educate the community on responsible pet care, and enhance spay/neuter and adoption services. This aligns with the foundation's broader mission to support vital community needs, ensuring that organizations dedicated to animal welfare receive the necessary funding to operate and expand their reach. By focusing on these key areas, the grant seeks to create a more humane environment for animals and foster responsible pet ownership within the community. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are animals in need, as well as the communities and individuals who benefit from enhanced animal welfare services. The grant targets organizations working in specific Texas counties: Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, Medina, and Wilson. The impact goals are centered on reducing animal suffering, increasing pet adoptions, promoting spay/neuter initiatives to control pet overpopulation, and educating the public on best practices for animal care. The grant prioritizes nonprofit organizations that demonstrate a clear commitment to these objectives and have a proven track record of serving their local animal populations. The program's priorities include supporting direct animal care services, public education campaigns, and programs that facilitate adoption and spay/neuter. The expected outcomes are a measurable reduction in the number of homeless and neglected animals, an increase in responsible pet ownership, and a more informed community regarding animal welfare issues. Measurable results are tied to the organizational budget and corresponding award amounts, indicating that larger, more established organizations with greater capacity are expected to achieve more significant outcomes. For instance, organizations with budgets over $1,000,000 are eligible for a $50,000 award, implying an expectation of broader impact. The San Antonio Area Foundation's strategic priorities, as demonstrated by this grant, include fostering community well-being through targeted support for critical services. Their theory of change appears to be that by providing financial resources to qualified animal welfare organizations, these organizations will be empowered to implement effective programs that directly address the root causes of animal neglect and overpopulation, ultimately leading to a healthier and more compassionate community for both humans and animals. The eligibility criteria, such as requiring 501(c)(3) status and local operation, ensure that funding is directed to legitimate and impactful entities. This grant does not support endowments, capital campaigns, religious purposes, scholarships, political activities, or lobbying efforts. This restriction further refines the foundation's strategic focus, ensuring that funds are directly applied to programmatic efforts that align with the core goals of animal services. The focus is strictly on responsive grants that address immediate and ongoing needs, rather than long-term institutional building or advocacy.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to businesses and nonprofit organizations in Hennepin County, Minnesota, to implement projects that prevent waste and promote the use of reusable materials.

The Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MACC) offers the Experience Support Grant Program to expand access to meaningful arts and cultural experiences across the state. This program is designed specifically for organizations whose primary mission is not arts- or culture-centered but that wish to incorporate creative projects into their work. By providing funding for one-year initiatives, MACC aims to foster collaboration between the arts and other community sectors, encouraging innovation, cultural engagement, and community enrichment through creative programming. Applicants may apply for funding in one or more of four categories: Project Support, Facility Enhancement & Equipment Purchase, Professional/Organizational Development, and Transportation. Project Support grants, offering up to $20,000, fund the creation, presentation, or production of arts and culture experiences that are open to the public. These projects may range from single events to ongoing programs throughout the grant period. Funding must be dedicated solely to arts-related activities rather than any of the applicant organization’s non-arts programs, ensuring that each supported initiative creates a direct cultural impact. Facility and Equipment grants provide up to $30,000 to help organizations improve venues, studios, or community spaces used for arts programming, or to purchase necessary equipment for cultural activities. To qualify for facility improvements, applicants must demonstrate either ownership of the property or a long-term lease. Professional/Organizational Development grants, capped at $1,500, support training opportunities for staff, contractors, board members, or volunteers to build capacity and deepen their knowledge in arts and cultural management or practice. Transportation grants, also up to $1,500, assist with the costs of moving participants to and from arts experiences, whether traveling to an organization’s own venue or visiting another site for cultural engagement. Eligible applicants include a broad range of Michigan-based entities such as PreK–12 schools (including home schools, districts, and Head Start programs), colleges and universities, municipalities, tribal entities, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits whose missions are not primarily arts-focused. This inclusive approach allows civic, educational, and community organizations to bring arts and culture directly into environments that may not otherwise have access to them. All funded projects must occur within the grant period of October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. Through the Experience Support program, MACC reinforces its commitment to embedding the arts in everyday community life. By empowering organizations from diverse sectors to integrate creative expression into their missions, the program helps broaden public access to the arts, inspire local participation, and enrich Michigan’s cultural identity. This initiative not only enhances the visibility of the arts but also demonstrates their essential role in education, community well-being, and civic vitality across the state.