Science and Technology Grants

This funding opportunity supports U.S.-based researchers and institutions in developing verified correctness for high-performance scientific computing systems, ensuring reliable and accurate scientific simulations and analyses.

This funding opportunity supports innovative research in microsystems technology, targeting a wide range of applicants including universities, small businesses, and minority institutions, to develop advanced microelectronic systems that enhance U.S. national security.

The Career Readiness and Educational Access Grant Program, spearheaded by the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, aims to bolster the economic well-being of residents within its 33-community region. This initiative aligns directly with the Foundation's broader mission to advance economic wellness by enhancing access to education and effective career development. The program's core objective is to prepare local residents for family-supporting jobs through targeted career-related training, post-secondary education, and other educational initiatives, thereby fostering a stronger, more skilled workforce in North Central Massachusetts. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are residents of North Central Massachusetts who seek to improve their career prospects and access higher education. The program's impact goals are centered on increasing educational attainment and career readiness, ultimately leading to greater economic stability for individuals and families. By focusing on critical areas such as scholarship programs, career exploration, and work-based learning, the Foundation seeks to create clear pathways to career advancement and ensure that residents are equipped with the necessary skills for in-demand jobs. The program prioritizes several key areas to achieve its objectives. These include funding scholarship programs that directly foster career pathways, initiatives that promote career exploration, and robust career navigation support systems. Additionally, the grant supports work-based learning programs that provide practical experience and intermediaries that connect stakeholders to essential career advancement resources and services. These priorities collectively form a comprehensive strategy to address various facets of career development and educational access. Proposals for competitive grants under this program are expected to adhere to specific principles that underscore the Foundation's strategic approach. Applicants must demonstrate a clear capacity for achieving and sustaining long-term impact, ensuring that investments yield lasting benefits. A detailed plan of action with evidence of its likelihood to achieve intended outcomes is also required. Furthermore, proposals must include measurable objectives and outcomes, alongside a robust plan for monitoring progress, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to accountability and data-driven results. This framework ensures that funded initiatives are not only impactful but also contribute to the Foundation's overall theory of change, which posits that increased access to education and career development opportunities will directly lead to improved economic wellness for the community.

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties is offering grants to libraries within Herkimer and Oneida counties. These grants are specifically designed to support program-related expenses, physical structure updates, or technology upgrades, all with the overarching goal of enhancing the services provided to patrons. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to strengthen community resources and improve the quality of life for residents by investing in vital local institutions like libraries. The grants aim to foster more dynamic and accessible library services, directly contributing to community enrichment and educational opportunities. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are libraries located in Herkimer and Oneida counties. Indirectly, the patrons of these libraries, including individuals and families seeking educational resources, technological access, and community programs, will also benefit significantly. The impact goals include improving the quality and accessibility of library services, fostering innovation in library programming, and ensuring that libraries can meet the evolving needs of their communities. By supporting these institutions, the foundation seeks to strengthen the educational and cultural infrastructure of the region. The grant program prioritizes new programs or projects that begin no earlier than June 2024, or existing/ongoing programs that incur expenses from June 2024 onwards. Emphasis is placed on projects with identifiable and measurable outcomes and a clear timeline for completion. This focus ensures that the funded initiatives are purposeful, accountable, and designed to achieve tangible results. The foundation's strategic priority is to invest in projects that demonstrate a clear potential for positive community impact and sustainable improvement in library services. Applicants can request a maximum of $2,500 in Community Foundation funding. Eligibility is restricted to libraries in Herkimer or Oneida counties that are 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, organizations with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, or affiliated with a governmental institution. The expected outcomes include a measurable enhancement in library offerings, improved patron engagement, and modernized facilities or technology. Through this targeted funding, the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties operates on a theory of change that posits that strategic investment in local libraries will directly lead to stronger, more resilient communities with increased access to knowledge and resources.

The NYSCA/GHHN Site Assessment Grant, a collaboration between the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and the Greater Hudson Heritage Network (GHHN), offers crucial support to museums, historical, and cultural organizations across New York State. This program is designed to facilitate half-day museum site assessments, providing professional expertise to help organizations better care for and exhibit their collections. The grant directly aligns with the broader mission of both NYSCA and GHHN to preserve and promote New York's rich cultural heritage by strengthening the foundational capacity of its cultural institutions. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are chartered nonprofit museums, historical organizations, and other cultural institutions in New York State that own, care for, and exhibit collections to the public. This also includes federal and municipal museums and historic sites upon consultation with the grant administrator. Organizations with budgets under $250,000 are particularly encouraged to apply, indicating a focus on empowering smaller institutions. The grant's impact goal is to enhance the professional care and management of cultural collections across the state, thereby ensuring the long-term preservation and accessibility of these vital historical assets. The grant prioritizes support for professional services from a Site Assessment consultant who will conduct a half-day site visit, focusing specifically on a collections-related topic. This targeted approach ensures that the assistance is directly applicable and addresses specific needs within the organizations' collections management. There is also a clear focus on organizations that have not previously received funding from this specific site assessment program, aiming to broaden the reach and impact of the grant to a wider range of institutions. This strategy helps distribute resources equitably and strengthens a diverse array of cultural organizations. The expected outcome of the grant is that recipient organizations will benefit from expert guidance, leading to improved collections care practices and enhanced organizational capacity. Measurable results include the completion of funded consultancy work within one year of the grant award date, demonstrating the timely application of professional advice. While a formal "theory of change" is not explicitly detailed, the program's structure implies that by providing expert site assessments, organizations will gain the knowledge and tools necessary to address collections challenges, leading to stronger, more resilient cultural institutions that can better serve the public. The strategic priority is clearly to invest in the operational and collections-based health of New York's cultural sector.

The Center for Fiction / Susan Kamil 2024–2025 Emerging Writer Fellowship is a grant program designed to support early-career fiction writers based in New York City. The Center for Fiction's mission, though not explicitly detailed in its entirety, aligns with fostering literary talent and providing crucial support to emerging voices in fiction. This fellowship specifically addresses a critical need for developmental opportunities for writers who are at an early stage in their careers and have not yet received significant recognition or traditional publishing contracts. The program directly supports the literary arts and contributes to the cultural landscape of New York City by nurturing its writing community. The primary target beneficiaries of this fellowship are emerging fiction writers residing in any of the five boroughs of New York City. These individuals are defined as those who have not yet published a novel or short story collection with a major or independent publisher, nor are they currently under contract for such a work. While prior publication in magazines, literary journals, or online is acceptable, it is not a prerequisite. The impact goal is to empower these writers by providing them with the resources, mentorship, and exposure necessary to develop their craft, revise their manuscripts, and connect with industry professionals, thereby helping them achieve major recognition for their work. The program prioritizes supporting writers whose work demonstrates promise of excellence, focusing on those in the early stages of their careers who lack the support needed for significant recognition. Key focuses include providing financial relief through a $5,000 grant, offering professional editorial mentorship to refine manuscripts, and granting access to a dedicated Writers Studio. Furthermore, the fellowship emphasizes professional networking opportunities through monthly dinners with editors, authors, and agents, and public readings to build a writer's profile. Expected outcomes include the professional development of the fellows, marked by revised and improved manuscripts, expanded professional networks, and increased visibility within the literary community. Measurable results could include the number of fellows who secure publishing contracts post-fellowship, the quality of their revised manuscripts, the success of their public readings, and the overall trajectory of their careers as fiction writers. While the document does not explicitly state the foundation's full strategic priorities or theory of change, it implies a belief that direct financial support, professional guidance, dedicated writing space, and networking opportunities are crucial catalysts for emerging writers to overcome barriers to entry and achieve success in the competitive publishing world.

Key aspects of the MASA: Principal Investigator: The PI (i.e., Scholar) must be an early-career researcher or physician-scientist no more than 7 years from obtaining their first faculty-level appointment. Postdoctoral fellows (and equivalent) are not eligible for this award mechanism. The PIs record of accomplishments and the proposed research will be evaluated regarding their potential for contributing to the FY24 MRP Focus Area(s) in Section II.A.1. Not all of the PIs accomplishments need to be in the field of melanoma. The PIs organization must demonstrate a commitment to the PI through confirmation of independent laboratory space. Impact: The impact of the proposed research must relate to at least one of the FY24 MRP Focus Areas in Section II.A.1. Impactful research, including basic research, should expedite the advancement of promising ideas towards clinical and/or public utility. The application must articulate the short- and long-term impact the proposed research will have on melanoma research and/or patient care. Career Development: A Career Development and Sustainment Plan (Attachment 7) is required and should be prepared with appropriate guidance from the Career Guide. The Career Development and Sustainment Plan should include a clearly articulated strategy for establishing collaborations and acquiring the necessary skills, competencies, and expertise to advance and sustain an independent career at the forefront of the melanoma field. The Scholar must show milestones and career pathways toward achieving the milestones. The Scholar must articulate commitment to interactions with the MA. Career Guide: The Scholar must designate a Career Guide. The Career Guide must be an experienced melanoma researcher, as demonstrated by a strong record of funding and publications in melanoma. In addition, the Career Guide must demonstrate a commitment to advancing the Scholars career in the melanoma field. The Career Guide must also be committed to fully participating in the MA throughout the award period of performance, including interacting with other MA Scholars and Career Guides and participating in MA activities (e.g., serving on the MA Advisory Board) as requested by MA Leadership. The Career Guide must not be the named Career Guide on any previously funded (FY21-FY23) MASA applications, nor may a Career Guide be named on more than ONE FY24 MASA application. Preliminary Data NOT Required: Preliminary data are not required. However, any unpublished, preliminary data presented should originate from the laboratory of the PI or a member of the research team.

The FY24 MRP Idea Award supports innovative, untested, exploratory, high-risk/potentially high-reward concepts, theories, paradigms, and/or methods that address at least one of the FY24 MRP Focus Areas in Section II.A.1. Key aspects of the Idea Award: The intent of the Idea Award is to generate novel research avenues for investigation; therefore, novelty and innovation should be key aspects of the proposed research. Research supported by the Idea Award must introduce a new paradigm, challenge existing paradigms, look at existing problems from new perspectives, or exhibit other highly creative qualities. The proposed project must be exploratory, hypothesis-driven, or hypothesis-generating research and be based on a well-developed study design and plan of analysis. Principal Investigators (PIs) new to the melanoma field are encouraged to apply. The Idea Award is NOT intended to expand or extend previously published findings or continue a line of research already established and /or funded in the PIs laboratory. Incremental advances, the next logical step, or merely switching the object or method of inquiry from one cancer to melanoma is not considered innovative. The expected outcome of research supported by this award is the generation of robust preliminary data to be used as a foundation for future melanoma-focused research projects. Inclusion of preliminary data is discouraged. PIs proposing projects already supported by significant preliminary data and/or other funding sources should consider applying to other FY24 MRP funding opportunities for which the inclusion of preliminary data is more appropriate or required. Inclusion of preliminary data other than serendipitous findings is not consistent with the exploratory/innovative nature of this award. If preliminary data are included, they should be unanticipated outcomes or results from an unrelated project or study.

The Boise City Department of Arts & History Catalyst Grant program is a one-time funding opportunity designed to support small-scale and mid-sized arts, history, and cultural activities. These activities include public programs, events, projects, exhibitions, and tours throughout the year. This pilot program aligns with the Department of Arts and History's (A&H) mission to cultivate a distinct sense of place that reflects Boise’s rich past, diverse communities, and unique natural setting. It achieves this by creating opportunities that nurture and sustain Boise’s creative economy, with an overall vision of bringing people together and building positive relationships to create "A City for Everyone." The target beneficiaries of this grant are individuals or representatives of organizations or nonprofit Friends groups associated with a government agency. The projects must directly benefit residents living within Boise City Limits, and if an event is involved, the venue must also be located within Boise City Limits. The impact goals are to strengthen Boise’s cultural base, promote community engagement, and foster a creative economy. The program prioritizes projects that contribute to a distinct sense of place, celebrate Boise's diverse communities, and are accessible to all residents, adhering to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and the Department of Arts & History's Equal Opportunity Statement against discrimination. The program focuses on a wide range of arts, history, or cultural initiatives. Examples of activities include public programs like presentations, workshops, walking tours, and trainings; events; performances; exhibits; educational opportunities; oral history projects; collaborations; innovative production that cultivates the cultural community; research, planning, and/or analysis available for Boise residents; and virtual/online projects with a clear intent to reach Boise residents. These diverse activities aim to achieve the broader strategic priorities of the A&H mission. The expected outcomes include the successful execution of numerous small-scale and mid-sized cultural activities that enrich the lives of Boise residents. Measurable results for this one-time pilot program include awarding a standard size of $2,000 per grant, with a total of $40,000 expected to be awarded in FY2024. Five applications are anticipated to be funded in each round. The theory of change for the Boise City Department of Arts & History through this Catalyst Grant is that by providing accessible funding for diverse cultural activities, they will foster a more vibrant and inclusive creative economy, ultimately leading to a stronger sense of community and a more interconnected "City for Everyone."

The Spartanburg County Foundation offers Continuous Improvement Grants of up to $25,000, aligning with its vision to help all Spartanburg County residents achieve their human potential. These grants focus on three amplified areas: quality of life, educational achievement, and economic mobility. The Foundation's strategic priority is to support organizations that demonstrate alignment with this mission, provide services to Spartanburg County residents, respond to these three areas with data-informed approaches, utilize comprehensive measurement tools, and can leverage multiple funding sources. The target beneficiaries are residents of Spartanburg County, South Carolina. Impact goals include improving overall well-being, reducing barriers to academic success, and enhancing potential for upward economic mobility within the community. The theory of change is that by supporting initiatives in these key areas, the Foundation can foster a community where residents have access to opportunities for personal and economic growth. The grant prioritizes initiatives that enhance quality of life, such as community and cultural programs, activities promoting physical and mental health, and resources for household stability. Examples include accessible outdoor spaces, care for uninsured individuals, Spanish-speaking staff for diverse populations, mobile food markets, and assistance with housing and utilities. The expected outcomes in this area are improved physical and mental health, increased community engagement, and greater household stability for residents. Educational achievement is another key focus, aiming to reduce academic barriers and improve educational outcomes for K-12 students, provide access to post-secondary education and careers, and support return-to-learn adults. This includes mentoring, out-of-school programs, summer learning initiatives, internships, and access to GED completion, internet, and academic materials. Measurable results would include increased academic success rates, higher rates of post-secondary enrollment, and greater access to educational resources for all ages. Economic mobility initiatives are designed to improve financial self-sufficiency, promote asset building, and ensure access to affordable transportation. This involves supporting job training and certification, job search and placement services, financial coaching, small and minority business development, homeownership assistance, and programs to supplement or provide transportation in rural areas. The expected outcomes are increased financial stability, asset accumulation, and improved access to employment opportunities for Spartanburg County residents. The grant duration for all projects is one year.

The Trans Resilience Fund, a grant program of Gender Justice Fund, aims to bolster regional trans communities through a participatory grantmaking process. While the Gender Justice Fund's overarching mission isn't explicitly detailed, the Trans Resilience Fund's focus on supporting trans communities directly aligns with a mission of promoting gender justice and equity. This initiative is a pooled fund, supported by several external funding partners, including the Claneil Foundation, Collective Future Fund, Homeless Assistance Fund, Patricia Kind Family Foundation, and Valentine Foundation for 2024. The collaborative nature of this funding mechanism suggests a strategic priority of collective impact and shared responsibility in addressing the needs of trans individuals. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are trans communities, with specific prioritization given to groups working in Philadelphia, those serving BIPOC trans communities, groups with trans and/or BIPOC leadership, and organizations serving trans youth, disabled, and/or elderly trans individuals. The impact goal is to provide crucial financial and service-based support to these communities. For instance, smaller organizations exclusively serving trans communities can use funds for direct financial support (food, cash, transportation, medical, housing, utility costs), service provision, organizing, advocacy, and general operating support. This broad range of uses indicates a holistic approach to supporting the well-being and empowerment of trans individuals and groups. The grantmaking committee, comprised of trans and non-binary community members, sets the guidelines and makes funding decisions, embodying a strategic priority of community-led development and self-determination. This participatory approach ensures that funding decisions are informed by the lived experiences and most pressing needs of the target beneficiaries. Organizations with budgets under $250,000, even those not exclusively serving trans communities, can apply for funds for direct financial support, service provision, organizing, and advocacy, while larger organizations (over $250,000 budget) are limited to direct financial support for trans individuals, with 10% of the grant usable for administrative costs. This differentiated approach reflects a strategic awareness of organizational capacity and impact potential across various scales. Expected outcomes include improved health and safety for trans individuals through direct financial assistance, enhanced community support through services, and greater advocacy for trans rights and needs. While specific measurable results are not explicitly outlined, the program's focus on tangible support (e.g., covering medical, housing, or utility costs) and organizational activities (e.g., organizing and advocacy) suggests that success would be measured by the reach and effectiveness of these interventions. The program's theory of change appears to be that by empowering trans and non-binary community members to lead the grantmaking process and by providing flexible funding to a diverse range of organizations, significant positive change can be achieved within trans communities, particularly for those facing compounded vulnerabilities due to race, age, or disability.

The Monmouth County Community Grant, supported by the Community Foundation of New Jersey (CFNJ), welcomes proposals from nonprofit organizations addressing a diverse array of community needs. While the CFNJ's broader mission likely encompasses fostering philanthropy and addressing critical issues within New Jersey, this specific grant program aligns with a commitment to supporting local initiatives in Monmouth County. The grant program seeks to empower organizations that demonstrate a dedication to improving the lives of residents and strengthening the community as a whole. This grant primarily targets underserved populations within Monmouth County, aiming to benefit them directly through programs and services in critical areas such as education, healthcare, housing, food security, employment, and youth development. The expected outcomes include tangible improvements in these areas, leading to enhanced well-being, increased opportunities, and a more equitable community for these beneficiaries. A key priority for funding consideration is a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), evident in both the leadership and service delivery of applicant organizations. Furthermore, the grant emphasizes collaborative partnerships between nonprofit organizations, community groups, government agencies, and other stakeholders. This focus on collaboration aims to maximize impact and address systemic issues affecting underserved populations more effectively, reflecting a strategic approach to problem-solving. The program also offers general operating support, recognizing the importance of sustained funding for nonprofits to continue their vital missions. The grant amount is up to $10,000 per organization, with eligibility primarily extended to nonprofit organizations with less than a $1,000,000 operating budget serving Monmouth County. This demonstrates a strategic priority to support smaller to medium-sized local organizations, enabling them to achieve measurable results and contribute to the overall health and vitality of the community.

This program provides financial assistance to small business and commercial property owners in Jackson, Mississippi, to improve the appearance of their buildings and attract more customers and investors.

The City of Canby's 2024 Business Enhancement Grant Program aims to support local businesses within Canby city limits. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to improve and enrich the Canby community by funding projects, programs, and events that contribute to its overall vitality. The program is designed to foster a thriving local economy and enhance the quality of life for Canby residents through strategic investments. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are local businesses situated within Canby city limits, with a focus on those whose projects directly engage and support the Canby community. The impact goals include capacity building, program creation, equipment investments, and innovative or expansion programming. The program seeks to ensure that the funded activities provide tangible benefits to the community, promoting growth and engagement. The grant prioritizes projects that build capacity, encourage innovation or expansion, and create new programming. Furthermore, eligible activities must enhance and support Canby’s unique history, culture, education, diversity, arts, needed services, or community involvement. The program also encourages and fosters advances in civic engagement or community leadership and promotes community involvement with diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at the forefront. Expected outcomes include a more vibrant local business sector, enhanced community services, and increased civic participation. Measurable results will be assessed based on how well projects meet the stated eligibility criteria and contribute to the program's objectives. The City of Canby has budgeted $50,000 for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, allowing eligible applicants to receive up to $2,500 for their projects, programs, or events. The focus is on ensuring that these funds generate a positive and lasting impact on the Canby community.

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Urban Forestry Division (UFD) is offering grants to promote urban forestry activities in disadvantaged communities within the District of Columbia. This program aligns with the broader mission of enhancing urban environments and improving community well-being through nature-based solutions. The grants are designed to support a wide range of activities authorized by the USFS Urban and Community Forestry Program, ensuring a comprehensive approach to urban forest development and stewardship. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are disadvantaged communities within the District of Columbia. The program specifically targets areas that have been historically overburdened and under-resourced, aiming to address environmental inequities. The impact goals include promoting urban wood utilization, establishing urban food forests, mitigating extreme heat, fostering urban forest stewardship, improving access to green spaces, and developing a skilled workforce in urban forestry. Additionally, the program seeks to deliver nature-based interventions such as forest therapy, urban forest interpretation, and environmental education to these communities. The priorities and focuses of this grant include supporting activities that promote urban forestry through various means. This encompasses physical interventions like creating urban food forests and mitigating heat, as well as educational and engagement initiatives such as environmental education and forest therapy. The program emphasizes workforce development within urban forestry, aiming to build local capacity and create economic opportunities in disadvantaged areas. Eligible applicants include local government, non-governmental, and community-based organizations, highlighting a collaborative approach to achieving the program's objectives. Expected outcomes of this grant program include a noticeable increase in urban forestry activities and green infrastructure within disadvantaged communities. Measurable results will include the number of urban wood utilization projects, the establishment of new urban food forests, the extent of extreme heat mitigation achieved, the level of community engagement in urban forest stewardship, and the number of individuals trained through workforce development programs. Ultimately, the program aims to improve environmental quality, enhance community health and well-being, and foster a greater connection to nature in areas that need it most.

Key aspects of the TSA: Multidisciplinary Collaboration: The success of the project should depend on the unique skills and perspectives of each partner. The application must clearly define the synergistic components that will facilitate and accelerate progress in melanoma in a way that could not be accomplished through independent efforts. The plans for interactions among all PIs and institutions involved must be clearly articulated. Collectively, the members of the research team should represent the appropriate diversity of expertise necessary for addressing the proposed research question. Participating institutions must be willing to resolve potential intellectual and material property issues and remove institutional barriers to achieving high levels of cooperation. The following components of the proposed multidisciplinary collaboration are encouraged but not required: It is strongly encouraged that the research team has a least one investigator, key personnel, or consultant who can provide input on the ultimate utility/applicability (short- or long-term) of the anticipated outcome(s) to the melanoma field and/or patient care. The inclusion of an early-career investigator is encouraged. An early-career investigator is defined as an independent, early-career researcher or physician-scientist within 7 years of receiving their first faculty appointment by the time of the full application deadline. Investigators in mentored positions, (e.g., postdoctoral fellows) are not eligible to be named as a PI on a TSA application. The inclusion of a military and/or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) investigator is encouraged. A military or VA investigator is defined as an investigator who is active-duty, active reserve, active duty detailed to agencies outside of the Department of Defense (DOD), civilian DOD investigators, or an investigator at a VA research facility. If included as PI on the research team, the military/VA investigator should have a substantial role in the research and should not be included only for access to active-duty military and/or VA populations. Impact: The application must articulate the impact the proposed work, including basic research, will have on melanoma research and/or patient care. Outcomes from this award are expected to expedite the advancement of promising ideas toward clinical applications and/or improve the current state of the science/technology in the melanoma field. The proposed research must relate to at least one of the FY24 MRP Focus Areas in Section II.A.1. Preliminary Data Required: Applications must include preliminary data to support feasibility of the study. However, these data do not necessarily need to be derived from melanoma studies. Any unpublished, preliminary data presented should originate from the laboratory of at least one of the PIs or other member(s) of the research team.

The key aspects of this award are: Overarching Question: FPA-RM applications must describe a unifying, overarching question that will be investigated by a set of research projects to address a critical unmet need relevant to rare melanoma research and/or patient care. The question may focus on one specific rare melanoma, or the question may be designed to address a critical unmet need that is relevant to multiple rare melanomas. Research Team: The overall effort will be led by a Principal Investigator (PI) with demonstrated success in leading large, focused projects. The PI is required to devote a minimum of 10% effort to this award. The PI will be the lead for one of the proposed research projects and is expected to create an environment that fosters and supports collaboration and innovation in a way that engages all members of the team. The research team assembled by the PI should be highly qualified and multidisciplinary, with an identified Project Leader(s) for the complementary and synergistic research project(s). The resources and expertise brought to the team by the Project Leader(s) should combine to create a robust collaboration. The PI and the Project Leader(s) do not have to be at the same organization. Research Projects: Applications should include multiple, distinct research projects that are each led by individual Project Leaders and address complementary aspects of the overarching question. Individual research projects may range from exploratory, hypothesis-developing studies through clinical trials. While individual projects should be capable of standing on their own high scientific merits, they should also be interrelated and synergistic to advance a solution beyond what would be possible through individual efforts. Each project, including hypothesis-developing studies, should propose a unique approach to addressing the overarching question and be capable of producing research findings with potential to advance the rare melanoma field and/or patient care. There should be a clear intent to progress toward translational/clinical work over the course of the effort. This award mechanism is not intended to support a series of research projects that are dependent on the success of the other project(s). All research projects must be based on a strong scientific rationale and preliminary data, as appropriate, that supports the feasibility of the proposed approach(es). Clinical trials are allowed; a research project proposing a clinical trial must include preliminary data. Implementation Plan: The research strategy to address the overarching question should be supported by an implementation plan that identifies critical milestones and outlines the knowledge, resources, and/or technical innovations that will be utilized to achieve the milestones. A plan for assessing individual project performance and progress toward addressing the overarching question should be included in the implementation plan. For multi-institutional collaborations, the application should discuss plans for communication and data transfer among the collaborating institutions, as well as how data, specimens, and/or products obtained during the study will be handled. Participating organizations should formalize an intellectual and material property plan. Milestone Meeting: The PI will be required to present an update on progress toward accomplishing the goals of the award at a Milestone Meeting to be held either virtually or in person in the National Capital Area after the conclusion of year 2 of the period of performance. The intent of the Milestone Meeting is to assess research progress, address problems, and define future directions. Research milestones to be accomplished by the end of year 2 must be clearly defined in the Statement of Work (SOW) and will be finalized during award negotiations. Up to two additional members of the research team may be invited to the meeting. If the research team includes rare melanoma consumer collaborators (see below), they should also be invited to attend the Milestone Meeting. The Milestone Meeting will be attended by members of the MRP Programmatic Panel, CDMRP staff, the USAMRAA Grants Officer, and other Department of Defense (DOD) stakeholders. Continued funding may be contingent upon the successful completion of specific research milestones and goals.

This grant provides funding for collaborative projects between researchers and community partners in the U.S. to develop and implement innovative solutions addressing local challenges related to climate resilience and access to essential resources.

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) is offering the Food Security Processing Grant Program, established in 2022 with a $1 million appropriation from the Utah State Legislature. This program aims to increase the processing capacity of agricultural products produced within the state of Utah, aligning with UDAF's mission to promote food security and support the agricultural industry. The program has received additional funding in 2023 and 2024, demonstrating a continued strategic priority to strengthen Utah's food supply chain. The primary target beneficiaries are Utah-based processors with no more than 100 employees that either use at least 51% of Utah-grown/raised ingredients or sell at least 51% of their products to Utah consumers. Meat and poultry processors have specific eligibility criteria, including being state-inspected "equal-to" plants, licensed custom-exempt slaughter plants, or Talmadge-Aiken (TA) or very small federally inspected plants. The impact goal is to enhance the state's capacity for processing agricultural products, thereby contributing to local food security and economic development within the agricultural sector. The program prioritizes a broad range of processing enhancements, covering expenses such as processing equipment (e.g., smoking units, sausage stuffers), coolers/freezers, portion cutters, slaughter equipment (e.g., cradles, saws, scalders), electronic sorting equipment (for items like apples, cherries, or peaches), and bottling equipment for juices. Contractor costs for essential infrastructure like plumbing, draining, venting, and electrical work are also eligible. A significant focus is placed on meat and poultry processing, with 50% of the funds specifically set aside for this area. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number and capacity of agricultural processing facilities in Utah. Measurable results will be demonstrated through the completion of planned improvements and equipment purchases by grant recipients between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. Individual grant awards are capped at $200,000, with a portion of funds (up to $20,000) reserved for microgrants of $5,000 or less to support smaller-scale initiatives. The program's theory of change posits that by providing financial assistance for critical infrastructure and equipment, UDAF can directly stimulate growth in local processing capabilities, leading to a more resilient and self-sufficient food system for Utah residents.

The Daniel Foundation of Alabama's Community Needs Grants program aligns directly with the foundation's mission to support individuals and families in Alabama by addressing basic needs and fostering self-sufficiency. The program focuses on providing access to essentials like food, clothing, and adequate housing, while also emphasizing initiatives that help individuals manage their circumstances, improve job opportunities, and enhance overall life outcomes. This approach reflects the foundation's strategic priority to invest in programs that not only offer immediate relief but also create sustainable pathways to an improved quality of life for the state's residents. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are individuals and families throughout Alabama, particularly those in rural communities. The foundation aims to make a significant impact by connecting with non-profit organizations to support and revitalize these richly diverse rural areas. Impact goals include improving access to basic necessities, enhancing employment prospects, and fostering community development. The foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in basic needs, life skills, and leadership development, it can empower individuals and strengthen communities across the state. The grant program has several key priorities and focuses. These include supporting programs that provide access to food, clothing, and adequate housing, as well as initiatives offering effective job training and life skills. Rural community revitalization is a significant focus, demonstrating the foundation's commitment to equitable development across Alabama. Additionally, the program prioritizes projects that meet the specific needs of Alabama's veterans and leadership programs that show success in developing leaders for the non-profit, government, and business sectors, underscoring a holistic approach to community upliftment. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a reduction in food insecurity, improved access to stable housing, and increased employment rates among program participants. The foundation anticipates enhanced job opportunities and better life outcomes for individuals and families who engage with supported programs. For rural communities, expected outcomes involve increased vitality and stronger local non-profit infrastructures. Ultimately, the foundation aims to see a tangible improvement in the quality of life for Alabamians, facilitated by the development of capable leaders and resilient communities. The foundation does not fund individuals, scholarships, sponsorships for fundraising events, or organizations outside of Alabama.