Science and Technology Grants

The Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA) has established a grant program to fund research and development proposals addressing critical issues in wastewater, drinking water, water resource management, solid waste management, and energy resource development within Ohio. This program aligns with OWDA's mission to engage in research and development in these key areas, aiming to foster innovation and implement solutions that benefit the state. The grants are designed to support projects that fulfill a general need in Ohio and fall within the Authority's scope of powers. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are a range of public entities and academic institutions. Eligible participants include Local Government Agencies (Cities, Villages, and Counties), Water/Sewer Districts, Conservancy Districts, State agencies, and Institutions of higher learning that conduct research and/or development. The program seeks to achieve broad impact across the state by funding projects that address environmental and natural resource challenges, ultimately improving public health, water quality, and resource management for Ohio residents. Priority for grants will be given to projects that demonstrate statewide environmental and/or natural resource applications. OWDA has historically awarded grants in diverse areas such as surface water, wastewater, drinking water, solid waste, agriculture, and public health, indicating a comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship. The program focuses on fostering research and development that can lead to tangible and widespread benefits throughout Ohio, ensuring that the funded initiatives have a significant and positive impact on the state's natural resources and infrastructure. Expected outcomes include the successful completion of research and development projects that provide solutions to identified challenges in water, waste, and energy management. Grantees are required to submit a final report, which will serve as a measurable result of the program's effectiveness and the specific achievements of each funded project. While specific funding amounts can vary, the program typically offers between $100,000 to $500,000, with an allocated $200,000 dependent upon available funds, supporting eligible project costs such as start-up and research. Indirect/overhead costs are capped at 35% of the grant amount to ensure that the majority of funds are directed towards direct project activities.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Cardiovascular Health Unit is requesting proposals to bridge community and clinical sectors among Minnesota adults. The primary goal is to improve heart health and reduce the impact of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, especially within communities disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease. These communities include Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, and Hmong/Asian American populations. The grant duration is 3 years, with an estimated start date of October 1, 2024, and a projected end date of June 30, 2027. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to address health disparities and promote equitable health outcomes across Minnesota. The grant prioritizes organizations that serve the identified disproportionately impacted communities. Project proposals should demonstrate how organizations will create or enhance existing community-clinical linkages to increase referrals to social needs, culturally relevant supports, and/or lifestyle change programs. The target beneficiaries are adults with hypertension, high cholesterol, or other risks of cardiovascular disease in these focus populations. The impact goals are to improve heart health and reduce the impacts of related chronic conditions. Projects must focus on increasing referrals to one or more of three categories of support. Category 1 involves social services and supports addressing areas where individuals live, learn, work, and play. Category 2 focuses on culturally responsive education and/or support for chronic condition prevention, screening, follow-up, and self-management. Category 3 emphasizes evidence-based lifestyle change programs that target hypertension or high cholesterol. These priorities reflect a comprehensive approach to cardiovascular health, acknowledging both medical and social determinants of health. The expected outcomes include increased referrals to relevant support programs and improved heart health among the target population. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond "increase referrals," the emphasis on evidence-based programs and social determinants suggests a framework for tracking engagement and health indicators. The funding information indicates an estimated annual award range of $20,000-$60,000, with an estimated total of $60,000 annually awarded, suggesting a focus on impactful, community-level interventions. Eligible applicants are diverse and include clinics or healthcare organizations, community-based organizations, community health boards/local public health, nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, tribal governments, and social service organizations. This broad eligibility criteria indicates the MDH's strategic priority to leverage a wide array of community assets to achieve its public health goals. The program's theory of change appears to be that by strengthening community-clinical linkages and providing targeted, culturally relevant support, health disparities in cardiovascular disease can be reduced.

The Community Climate Action Grant program, spearheaded by Albemarle County, aims to foster local projects that bolster the community's capacity to diminish greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative directly aligns with the county's broader mission to implement its Climate Action Plan, which was adopted in 2020. By leveraging external community resources and local groups, the program seeks to make climate action a more inclusive and participatory process, thereby extending the reach and impact of governmental efforts to combat climate change. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are community-based nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, or those affiliated with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, that are principally and physically located in Albemarle County. Groups located outside the county may also apply if they can demonstrate that their services will primarily benefit people or places within Albemarle County. The impact goals are centered on tangibly advancing the goals, strategies, and actions outlined in the County’s Climate Action Plan, with a clear focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing carbon sequestration. The program prioritizes projects that contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions across various sectors, including transportation, buildings, waste, agriculture, and natural areas. Additionally, it supports initiatives that increase carbon sequestration in agriculture or natural systems. The grant explicitly aims to achieve four key program goals: reduce greenhouse gas emissions, advance equity and inclusion, build community, and support thoughtful and achievable projects. These goals underscore the county's strategic priorities, emphasizing not just environmental impact but also social equity and community engagement as integral components of effective climate action. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions within Albemarle County, an increase in community participation and inclusivity in climate action efforts, and the successful implementation of diverse projects that align with the county’s Climate Action Plan. The program's theory of change posits that by empowering and funding local community groups, the county can harness a wider range of innovative solutions and foster a more widespread commitment to climate resilience. Grant requests can range from $5,000 to $25,000, with a total of $100,000 available for 2024, indicating a strategic investment in multiple, impactful local initiatives rather than a single large-scale project.

The City of Shreveport, through its Department of Community Development, has announced a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for Affordable Rental Housing Proposals. This initiative is primarily funded by the HOME Investment Partnerships Program American Rescue Plan (HOME ARP). The core mission of this grant program is to address the critical need for affordable housing within the community by soliciting proposals from experienced agencies dedicated to developing and managing such properties. This aligns with a broader strategic priority to enhance housing stability and accessibility for vulnerable populations. The primary beneficiaries of this program are individuals and families from specific qualifying populations. These include people experiencing homelessness, those at risk of homelessness, individuals fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking, and other populations where supportive services would prevent homelessness or serve those with the greatest risk of housing instability. The impact goal is to provide safe, stable, and affordable rental housing, thereby reducing homelessness and housing insecurity for these vulnerable groups. The program's priorities and focuses revolve around the production or preservation of affordable housing through new construction, rehabilitation, and property acquisition, including vacant land, specifically for HOME-ARP rental housing projects. These projects must commit to providing affordable rental housing for a minimum of 15 years. The City of Shreveport aims to fund up to three qualified entities that demonstrate extensive experience in affordable housing development, non-congregate or transitional housing operations, supportive service programs, and federal policy compliance. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number of available affordable rental housing units in Shreveport, directly benefiting the identified qualifying populations. Measurable results will likely include the number of new units constructed or rehabilitated, the number of individuals and families housed, and the duration of their housing stability. The City's strategic priority is to leverage federal funding to create a sustainable impact on housing affordability, with a theory of change that posits that by investing in experienced developers to create and preserve affordable housing, they can directly mitigate the effects of housing instability and homelessness in the community.

The NGLCC Community Impact Grant Program, supported by the Grubhub Community Fund, offers crucial financial assistance to LGBTQ+-owned and allied restaurants, cafes, bars serving food, and other eating establishments. This initiative aligns with the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce's mission to promote economic growth and well-being within the LGBTQ+ business community. By providing grants, the program helps sustain and strengthen these businesses, contributing to the overall economic vitality of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and allies. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are LGBTQ+-owned and LGBTQ+ ally-owned restaurants, bars, and cafes that serve food. The program aims to provide a financial lifeline to these establishments, helping them navigate economic challenges and fostering their continued operation and success. The impact goal is to ensure the resilience and growth of these businesses, which often serve as vital community hubs and safe spaces. The program's priorities and focus are clear: supporting establishments that identify as LGBTQ+-owned or ally-owned, with a specific emphasis on those in the food service industry. Eligibility requirements include providing proof of LGBTQ+ or allied ownership and not having received two or more NGLCC Community Impact Grants in previous years. This ensures that the grants reach a diverse range of businesses in need and are distributed equitably. Expected outcomes include the sustained operation and potential growth of recipient businesses, increased financial stability, and enhanced capacity to serve their communities. Measurable results could include the number of businesses supported, the average grant amount disbursed, and qualitative feedback from recipients on how the funding has positively impacted their operations and local communities. The grants range from $5,000 to $25,000, providing substantial support to individual establishments. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are rooted in the belief that direct financial investment in LGBTQ+ and allied businesses creates a ripple effect of positive economic and social impact. By bolstering these enterprises, the program contributes to job creation, local economic development, and the overall empowerment of the LGBTQ+ community. This targeted approach ensures that resources are directed where they can have the most significant and immediate benefit, reinforcing the NGLCC's commitment to a thriving LGBTQ+ business ecosystem.

The Teshinsky Family Foundation (TFF) is actively seeking proposals to support workforce training initiatives that prepare individuals for careers in manufacturing. This grant program is deeply aligned with TFF's core mission of fostering personal liberty through the development of skills for employment and education opportunities. The foundation is dedicated to empowering individuals by enabling them to acquire practical skills that lead directly to stable and well-paying manufacturing jobs, thereby improving their economic independence and overall well-being. Grants will be awarded to organizations whose programs best demonstrate a clear alignment with these foundational principles and goals, emphasizing a commitment to skill development and career advancement. The program targets participants aged 18 and over, focusing on those who can benefit from comprehensive training that leads to entry-level manufacturing positions with significant growth potential. TFF prioritizes programs that ensure no cost for participants and preferably offer compensation or stipends, removing financial barriers to education and training. The ultimate impact goal is to facilitate successful career placements and long-term employment sustainability for program graduates, contributing to a skilled manufacturing workforce and enhanced individual livelihoods. This aligns with a strategic priority to support programs that demonstrate tangible, measurable outcomes in job placement and retention, reflecting a theory of change where targeted skill development directly translates into sustainable employment and personal empowerment. TFF's strategic priorities are clearly outlined through its focus on three key elements: Training, Employer Relations/Jobs Pipeline, and Case Management Services. Training must be comprehensive, covering a wide array of manufacturing skills—from additive manufacturing and CNC machining to robotics and welding—and also include professional work environment skills. The emphasis on employer relations ensures that training is relevant to specific industry needs and leads to successful career placements through established relationships with area manufacturing employers. Direct involvement of employers in curriculum design and a track record of high placement rates in sustainable manufacturing careers with benefits are highly preferred indicators of effective programs. Expected outcomes and measurable results for this grant program include a high percentage of career placement for program graduates in sustainable manufacturing roles with benefits. The foundation is particularly interested in programs that can demonstrate long-term employment retention. This data-driven approach allows TFF to assess the effectiveness of funded programs and ensure that their investments are creating significant, lasting impact. The focus on strong case management services further reinforces the foundation's commitment to participant success, providing intensive career counseling and retention support to ensure individuals not only secure jobs but also thrive in their new careers. The funding information specifies one-time grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000, underscoring the foundation's commitment to substantial, impactful support for selected organizations.

Comcast RISE is a grant program established in 2020 to aid small businesses severely affected by COVID-19, helping them to recover and flourish. The program returned in 2024, expanding its reach to a broader spectrum of small businesses while maintaining its core focus on diversity, inclusion, and community investment. Its overarching mission is to foster economic growth within businesses and their communities, aligning with a strategic priority to support underserved or underrepresented small business owners. The program specifically targets small businesses that are at least 51% owned by an individual aged 18 or older who is the primary decision-maker, actively engaged in daily operations, and whose business is independently owned, not a franchise, has been operating for at least three years, and has been revenue-generating for at least 12 months. It also specifies geographical locations in Atlanta, GA; Southern Colorado; Houston, TX; Jacksonville, FL; and Richmond, VA. Businesses with more than 100 employees or those falling into categories like non-profits, religious organizations, political advertisers, or businesses related to marijuana, firearms, tobacco, or adult entertainment are ineligible. In 2024, Comcast RISE aims to award 500 recipients across five cities with a comprehensive grant package. This package includes a $5,000 monetary grant, a creative and media campaign valued at approximately $17,500, a technology makeover with an approximate retail value of $7,500, access to 12 months of LinkedIn Learning for business education, and business consultation services. The focus is on providing tangible resources that directly contribute to the growth and sustainability of small businesses. The expected outcomes and measurable results include direct financial support through the cash grant, enhanced market presence and customer reach through the media campaign, improved operational efficiency and digital capabilities via the technology makeover, and strengthened business acumen through educational resources and consultation. The theory of change posits that by providing a multi-faceted support system, Comcast RISE empowers small businesses to overcome challenges, achieve sustained growth, create jobs, and contribute to the economic vitality of their local communities, ultimately fostering a more diverse and inclusive business landscape.

The James City County Stormwater and Resource Protection has initiated the Clean Water Heritage Grant program, aiming to promote the proper maintenance of privately owned neighborhood drainage systems and private stormwater management facilities, also known as Best Management Practices (BMPs). This program is designed to support the safety and general welfare of all County residents by ensuring these systems are well-maintained. The grant is open to a range of applicants, including Non-HOA Neighborhoods, HOAs with Public Roads, and HOAs with Private Roads within James City County, Virginia. The core mission of the Clean Water Heritage Grant aligns with safeguarding both citizens and property from the negative impacts of runoff. By focusing on drainage systems that move runoff safely through residential areas and stormwater management facilities that reduce runoff quantity and improve water quality, the program directly addresses critical environmental and public safety concerns. The target beneficiaries are residents and property owners within James City County, with the overarching impact goal of fostering a healthier and safer community through improved water management and infrastructure maintenance. The program prioritizes addressing non-routine maintenance and repairs for both drainage systems and BMPs. It offers several types of grants: Inspection Grants, which support inventorying, mapping, and inspecting existing drainage structures for operational condition; Repair & Maintenance Grants for general drainage system upkeep; and BMP Repair & Maintenance Grants specifically for stormwater management facilities. This structured approach ensures that both preventive and corrective measures are supported, allowing for comprehensive care of these vital systems. Expected outcomes include a more resilient local infrastructure capable of effectively managing stormwater, leading to reduced flooding and improved water quality across the county. Measurable results will be seen through the number of inspected and repaired drainage systems and BMPs, the documented improvements in their operating conditions, and the extent to which these efforts contribute to overall community safety and environmental health. The funding structure, with varying award limits and cost-sharing percentages (e.g., up to $6,000 for inspections with a 75%-25% JCC-Owner split, and up to $50,000 for maintenance and repairs with a 50%-50% split), further encourages shared responsibility and investment in these critical infrastructure improvements.

The Ackley Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, is offering grants to support charitable capital projects, activities, services, programs, and organizations. The core mission of this grant program is to enhance the quality of life for residents of Ackley, Iowa, aligning with the Foundation's broader goal of fostering a community where people desire to live, work, play, and stay. This strategic focus ensures that all funded initiatives contribute directly to the betterment of the local community. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are the people of Ackley, Iowa. The program aims to create a positive and lasting impact across various sectors, including Art and Culture, Community Betterment, Education & Youth Development, Environment and Animal Welfare, Health, and Human Services. The overarching goal is to address community-based needs and improve the overall well-being and vibrancy of Ackley. Funding priorities emphasize requests that demonstrate a clear community need, broad community support, and benefits for the entire community. High priority is also given to organizations that can leverage funding and support from other sources, showcasing matching funds in their budgets. Furthermore, the Foundation values initiatives that maximize community resources through cooperation and collaboration with other local organizations, avoiding service duplication. The capacity of the organization and its staff to achieve desired results, as well as the long-term sustainability of the project without continuous financial reliance on the Ackley Community Foundation, are also critical considerations. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in the quality of life for Ackley residents, such as enhanced cultural opportunities, stronger community bonds, improved educational outcomes for youth, better environmental stewardship, and increased access to health and human services. The Foundation's theory of change posits that by strategically investing in these key areas, it can catalyze positive social and economic development, leading to a more attractive and thriving community for all its inhabitants. The minimum request amount is $500, with most grants ranging from $500 to $3,000, ensuring a broad range of projects can be supported.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is offering 2025 Source Water Protection Grants to fund projects aimed at safeguarding public drinking water sources. These grants are designed to support activities that reduce the risk of contamination to drinking water, ensuring the long-term quality and safety of Idaho's water supply. The program aligns with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, specifically Section 1452, which provides funding for source water assessment and protection efforts. By focusing on preventative measures and community-wide protection, the DEQ seeks to uphold its mission of protecting human health and the quality of the environment. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are public water systems, local government units, special districts, associations, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and tribes within Idaho. The impact goal is to improve the protection of one or more public water supply sources by reducing the threat of contaminants. Projects are expected to provide long-term benefits to source water quality, ultimately ensuring safe and reliable drinking water for communities across the state. The program prioritizes efforts that go beyond normal operational standards and existing infrastructure deficiencies, focusing on proactive and sustainable solutions. The program's priorities and focus areas are diverse, encompassing various strategies to protect source water. These include contaminant source identification through research, contaminant pathway removal such as the closure of abandoned wells, contaminant removal through hazardous waste collection and pollution prevention, and contaminant management via the implementation of best management practices and structures to divert contaminated runoff. Additionally, the grants support the restoration and conservation of ecological functions within source water protection areas, as well as education and information sharing campaigns to raise awareness. Security measures to protect physical extraction structures like wells, springs, and intake structures are also eligible, including fencing, gates, alarms, signs, cameras, locks, and lights directly related to source water area protection. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in the risk of drinking water contamination, improved source water quality, and enhanced long-term protection for public water supplies. The grants anticipate fostering a proactive approach to water resource management, leading to more resilient and secure drinking water systems. With up to $750,000 available for project funding in SFY2025, and a maximum request of $24,000 per project proposal, the program aims to support numerous initiatives that collectively contribute to a safer and more sustainable water future for Idaho. The emphasis on community public water supply systems and aquifer/watershed-wide protection efforts reflects a comprehensive strategic approach to water resource stewardship.

This grant provides funding to agricultural professionals and organizations in the Western U.S. to implement educational and demonstration projects that promote the adoption of sustainable farming practices based on previous research findings.

The educate2elevate (e2e) Grant is a collaborative funding initiative bringing together resources from across New Mexico for high-impact grantmaking, with the Albuquerque Community Foundation as the Donor Name. This grant aligns with the foundation's mission by focusing on education and school-based partners, specifically targeting Central New Mexico. The e2e funding area's original intent to support educational initiatives and address food insecurity among students and families remains the core focus for this year's RFP. The target beneficiaries of this grant are students and their families in Central New Mexico, encompassing Bernalillo, Sandoval, Torrance, and Valencia counties. The program aims to address food insecurity and enhance educational opportunities for these populations. Impact goals include expanding equitable access to nutritious meals, fostering community partnerships to provide food resources, and supporting early childhood education settings to ensure young children have access to nutritious meals and snacks during crucial developmental years. The grant prioritizes programs that provide enhancement of school meal programs, community partnerships, and early childhood education initiatives. For school meal programs, projects expanding equitable access to nutritious meals for students, including out-of-school time meal programs, nutrition programs, and school-based gardens, are emphasized. However, funding for free and reduced lunch programs will not be considered. Community partnerships involve collaborative efforts between local organizations, businesses, and stakeholders to expand food access and reduce food insecurity among students. Early childhood education initiatives aim to address food insecurity among young children and their families in settings like preschools and daycare centers. Expected outcomes include improved access to nutritious meals for students, enhanced community collaboration in addressing food insecurity, and better nutritional support for young children in early childhood education settings. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the focus on expanding access, providing resources, and supporting initiatives implies a quantitative and qualitative assessment of the reach and effectiveness of the funded programs in reducing food insecurity and supporting student well-family well-being in Central New Mexico. The foundation's strategic priority is clearly to support education and food security, particularly in Central New Mexico, through collaborative and impactful grantmaking.

The Creative Youth Development program, a cornerstone of the California Arts Council (CAC), is fundamentally rooted in the belief that arts learning is crucial for healthy human development and should be universally accessible to all young people across California. This includes, but is not limited to, those whose lives have been impacted by the justice system. The program's mission aligns with the CAC's broader vision of ensuring that all California youth receive meaningful, culturally responsive arts-learning experiences, enabling them to achieve their full potential. This initiative underscores a commitment to nurturing young people's stories, ideas, and dreams through creative expression, while deeply respecting their lived experiences. The program targets young people throughout California, with a particular focus on those who have faced interruptions or impacts from the justice system. The impact goals are to foster environments that promote Creative Youth Development through the integration of three core concepts: Racial Equity and Social Justice, Youth Voices, and Collective Action. Projects are encouraged to take place in a variety of settings, including arts and culture venues, community centers, court/school sites, juvenile halls and camps, county-operated correctional facilities, social services agencies, and other youth-oriented settings, during or outside of traditional school hours. The program prioritizes projects that address one or more of its key goals. These include providing social-emotional creative experiences in safe and healthy learning environments, fostering creative abilities through culturally and linguistically responsive arts learning, and supporting arts programs that activate youth voices, narratives, and perspectives. Other focuses involve utilizing cultural assets for positive self-identification and respect for diverse cultures, empowering youth through cultural preservation and revitalization, and cultivating transferable life skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, and collaboration. The grant seeks to support hands-on learning in various artistic disciplines, from dance and literary arts to media arts, music, theater, traditional/folk arts, and visual arts. Expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around the successful implementation of projects that fulfill the program's purpose within the grant activity period (January 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025). Applicants are expected to design projects that provide safe, healthy, and appropriate learning environments and include sustained activities. For tuition-based projects, a robust equity and accessibility plan with full scholarships and reduced fees is required. The program anticipates increased creative abilities, enhanced social-emotional well-being, and developed life skills among participants. Projects are also expected to demonstrate a commitment to racial equity and social justice, amplify youth voices, and promote collective action within communities. Furthermore, artists involved must have at least two years of relevant experience, be California-based, and not be full-time students in a degree program, ensuring high-quality instruction and mentorship.

The 2024 Harry Allen Gregg Foundation Grant Program is designed to provide financial assistance to individuals and families in New Hampshire facing physical, developmental, or emotional disabilities. While the foundation's specific mission statement is not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the grant program's focus on supporting those with long-term barriers to daily living and significant mental health issues strongly aligns with a mission to enhance the quality of life and promote independence for individuals with disabilities. The program's commitment to offering a range of funding opportunities, from medical treatments to educational and vocational support, indicates a holistic approach to addressing the diverse needs of its target population. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are New Hampshire residents who have physical, developmental, or emotional disabilities. This includes individuals with conditions that present long-term barriers to independently accomplishing tasks of daily living, adults diagnosed with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI) such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and borderline personality disorder, and children with significant mental health issues impacting their daily functioning. Additionally, individuals with acquired intellectual/cognitive disabilities from brain injury, dementia, developmental delays, or significant learning disabilities are eligible. The impact goal is to alleviate financial burdens associated with these conditions and enable beneficiaries to access crucial services, equipment, and opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. The program prioritizes a broad spectrum of needs, including non-reimbursed medical or therapy treatments, continuing education or career development, specialty equipment, respite services, computers and adaptive software, camp tuition, recreational activities, vocational and academic classes, specialized driver evaluation and training, and modifications to living areas, work sites, or vehicles. Grant sizes typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, although individual grants are limited to $1,200, with specific caps for certain categories like medical costs, computers, and vehicle repairs. The ongoing review and award process for camp tuition and recreational activities, with a note about early application, suggests a strategic focus on supporting children's well-being. While specific measurable results are not explicitly outlined, the expected outcomes of the Harry Allen Gregg Foundation Grant Program can be inferred from the types of funding provided. These outcomes likely include improved access to critical medical and therapeutic care, enhanced educational and vocational opportunities leading to greater independence, increased availability of necessary adaptive equipment, reduced caregiver burden through respite services, and improved living conditions or mobility through modifications and vehicle repairs. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by providing targeted financial assistance, it can directly address the practical challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, thereby fostering greater self-sufficiency and overall well-being. The emphasis on specific funding limits and acceptable purposes indicates a strategic approach to ensure the funds are utilized effectively and for the intended impact.

The City of Oakley's Small Business Grant Program aims to bolster local businesses that have faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic shifts. This initiative directly aligns with a broader mission to foster a resilient local economy and support the foundational stability of small enterprises within the community. By offering financial assistance, the program seeks to mitigate the adverse effects experienced by businesses, helping them to navigate market fluctuations and maintain operational health. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are small businesses located within Oakley City Limits, holding a valid City of Oakley Business License, and employing fewer than 25 individuals. The program specifically targets private corporations, LLCs, and similar entities that can demonstrate financial hardship directly attributable to the pandemic, while excluding publicly traded companies. The impact goals are centered on ensuring the survival and sustained operation of these businesses, thereby preserving local jobs and maintaining essential services within the community. The program prioritizes businesses based on their annual revenue in either 2020 or 2021, categorizing them into two tiers. Businesses with an annual revenue of less than $100,000 are eligible for a $2,500 grant, recognizing their potentially more acute needs. Those with an annual revenue of $100,000 or more can receive a $5,000 grant, acknowledging their greater operational requirements and significant contributions to the local economy. This tiered approach ensures that support is proportionally distributed based on a business's economic scale and impact. Grant funds are designed to cover essential business expenses, offering flexibility to address immediate needs. Permitted uses include implementing safety protocols, covering rent and utilities, retaining employees, and investing in marketing and promotional activities. The expected outcomes include enhanced business stability, a reduction in business closures, and the preservation of local employment. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of businesses supported, the types of expenses covered, and the overall economic health indicators of participating businesses. The strategic priority is to build a stronger, more stable local business environment, with a theory of change rooted in the idea that targeted financial support can directly enable small businesses to overcome economic shocks and contribute to long-term community prosperity.

U.S. Geological Surveys (USGS), Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK), is offering a funding opportunity to improve Bayesian model-based inferences for bat surveys. Field methods for monitoring bat populations in the western United States consist of stationary acoustic surveys, mobile transects, and summertime colony counts. The North American Bat monitoring program (NABat) relies on these core data streams to inform species status and trends assessments at range-wide extents, periodically (Loeb et al. 2015). NOROCKs research statistician was involved in conceptualizing the NABat program, developed the probabilistic master sample design underpinning the collaborative monitoring effort, continues to identify emerging statistical research and development needs for the Bats Stats Team, and provides sustained programmatic guidance and direction for the NABat program.

This project will support an international standards development process grounded in transparency, private sector leadership and public sector support, and diverse stakeholder engagement. This project will also enhance like-minded nations representation and an expanded number of countries that are aligned with USG vision, thus creating greater influence and leadership in international standards governance by the United States. In addition, this project will assist participant countries in adopting international standards for domestic policies and laws.

The US Geological Survey is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research on how hydrology and inundation affect Everglades tree island health and how tree island condition differs geospatially and with vegetation type. The USGS conducts ecological and hydrologic research and monitoring in support of Greater Everglades restoration efforts through South Florida, in conjunction with its Federal, State, and local partners. Research conducted by USGS scientists, and their research partners advance the understanding of Greater Everglades restoration and the potential influence of environmental change on ecosystem restoration. USGS research provides valuable information which contributes to decision-making during restoration. The USGS is offering an opportunity to CESU partners with existing tree island and Everglades vegetation expertise to compile and collect hydrologic and tree island data sets, perform quantitative analyses on how hydrology impacts tree island condition, and develop a set of criteria that can be integrated into ETree, a web application and decision support tool that shows hydrologic indicators at tree island locations in the Greater Everglades.

The USGS is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research in evaluating the efficacy of Incompatible Insect Technique (IIT) as a mosquito population suppression control strategy designed to disrupt the avian malaria disease cycle. The CESU partner will develop statistical models that incorporate capture rates of Southern house mosquitoes (Culex quinquefasciatus) and the prevalence of Plasmodium relictum in mosquito samples to characterize the efficacy of the IIT project and disease pressure on Hawaiian forest birds in critical forest bird habitat. Another component of this research will be to develop a high-throughput, next-generation sequencing technique to quantify the prevalence of avian malaria and test whether that approach is comparable to quantitative PCR-based avian malaria assays.

The U.S. Geological Survey Southwest Biological Science Center (SBSC) is offering a funding opportunity to provide research to (1) understand the biotic and abiotic constraints on successful reclamation, (2) develop reclamation effectiveness assessment workflows, and (3) identify management practices that promote reclamation success. These are currently significant scientific challenges for management of surface disturbance following oil and gas developed and other land disturbing activities in arid landscapes.