Science and Technology Grants

This funding opportunity supports small research projects that explore how immigrants integrate into American society, focusing on their legal status and economic advancement.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking applications from all eligible organizations to implement the project, Promoting Impact and Learning with Promoting Impact and Learning with Cost-Effectiveness Evidence (PILCEE). USAID seeks qualified organizations to proactively and intentionally advance inclusive development to ensure the participation and inclusion of all people in programming, including those who have been historically marginalized. Please refer to the Program Description for the goals and expected results. Eligibility for this award is open to all eligible organizations. The authority for this RFA is found in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended. USAID intends to award a single Leader with Associate Award (LWA) to the applicant(s) who best meets the objectives of this worldwide activity. A LWA is a cooperative agreement that covers a specified worldwide activity. Funding for this opportunity will be based on the merit review criteria described in this NOFO subject to a risk assessment. Eligible parties interested in submitting an application are encouraged to read this NOFO thoroughly to understand the type of program sought, application submission requirements and selection process. USAIDs independent Office of the Chief Economist (OCE) supports the Agency in bringing strong economic theory, evidence, and tools to bear to improve the Agencys programmatic effectiveness and broader global engagement. Two of the Offices strategic objectives are promoting the use of existing cost-effectiveness evidence in Agency decision-making and the generation of new cost-effectiveness evidence to fill important evidence gaps. Please see the Full OCE Promoting Impact and Learning with Cost-Effectiveness Evidence (PILCEE) Activity RFA under the "Related Documents" tab.

The Basic Research National Science Portals (NSPs) seek to accelerate DoD critical scientific areas and flood the United States with diverse STEM talent by capitalizing on the demonstrated excellence of Historically Black Colleges and Universities/ Minority Serving Institutions/ Tribal Colleges (HBCU/MSI/TCs) and building their research capacity in critical research areas. The topic areas that we seek to support with this FOA are independent from those described in our open Broad Agency Announcement (Research Interests of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research) and do not fall completely within any one research program. We seek to support multidisciplinary research efforts, creating synergies to speed DoD-relevant research and development. This FOA for the NSP is intended to (1) attract faculty and students to conduct cutting-edge basic research in the technical areas listed in Section 1, (2) build capacity needed to support this research and (3) attract students to pursue studies leading to STEM careers, including in government, the defense industry, and academia.

Fiesta Bowl Charities is dedicated to strengthening communities by supporting organizations focused on youth, sports, and education. This grant program aligns directly with their mission to enhance the success of these key community pillars. The grants, ranging from $15,000 (Kickoff Grant) to $50,000 (Touchdown Grant), are designed to support a variety of initiatives that build organizational capacity, fund direct services and program projects, and cover associated direct costs like project management, marketing, and equipment. The target beneficiaries are residents within Arizona's geographic boundaries, served by 501(c)(3) organizations or organizations using a qualified fiscal agent. The impact goal is to foster thriving communities through strategic investments in youth development, athletic programs, and educational initiatives. Fiesta Bowl Charities particularly encourages proposals that demonstrate matching funds, engage in mission-driven collaborations, and contribute to the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the applying organizations. The program prioritizes proposals that support direct services and program projects, as well as those that build the capacity of organizations. This includes funding for administrative support, legal, or accounting functions directly attributable to the project. The expected outcomes include stronger community programs, increased opportunities for youth in sports and education, and enhanced organizational effectiveness among Arizona non-profits. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the types of projects supported, the emphasis on fiscal accountability and the encouragement of capacity-building suggest a focus on sustainable and impactful initiatives. The foundation's strategic priorities are to invest in direct services and programs, foster partnerships, and leverage additional funds to maximize the reach and effectiveness of their grants, embodying a theory of change that by strengthening these core areas, they contribute to a healthier, more educated, and engaged community.

The 2024 Land and Climate Grant Program, a collaborative effort by the Open Space Institute and the Land Trust Alliance, is designed to integrate climate change considerations into land protection and management. This initiative aligns with both organizations' missions to conserve and steward land by building the capacity of land trusts and other groups. The program's core objective is to foster climate-informed land conservation, stewardship, policy, and communications, directly supporting the broader strategic priorities of enhancing environmental resilience and mitigating climate impacts. The program targets land trusts, other land-conserving groups, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations, and state or federally recognized Tribes. The primary impact goal is to develop and implement plans that address critical climate-related issues such as habitat resilience, carbon mitigation, renewable energy siting, and community adaptation to climate impacts like storms, flooding, drought, fire, or extreme heat. This focus aims to create a tangible difference in how land is protected and managed in the face of a changing climate. The program prioritizes several key areas, including the development of land protection plans that incorporate climate science into strategic conservation, management plans that integrate climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, comprehensive climate communication strategies, and renewable energy siting plans. Preference is given to accredited land trusts and organizations committed to pursuing accreditation, particularly for Land Trust Alliance grants. For Open Space Institute grants, applications from Northern New England (Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine) and the Delaware River Watershed (portions of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware) are favored, with a focus on projects that integrate forest carbon and/or mitigation of flood hazards. Expected outcomes include the creation of new or revised strategic conservation plans, updated land stewardship and management plans, robust climate communication strategies, and well-defined policies for renewable energy siting on conservation lands. The grants, ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, will support projects with a duration of one year, with all projects expected to commence in 2024 and conclude by December 1, 2025. The funding can cover various costs, including staff time, travel, graphic design, printing, mailing, indirect costs, and project consultants, ensuring comprehensive support for the development and implementation of these vital climate-resilient initiatives.

The Cleveland Foundation is accepting applications for the second round of grants from the Cleveland Neighborhood Safety Fund (CNSF). This fund aims to enhance the safety of all Clevelanders through community-centered violence intervention and prevention strategies, aligning with the Foundation's mission to establish, manage, and implement the NSF. The CNSF is guided by a nine-person advisory committee, including representatives from Cleveland City Council, Cleveland Administration, community leaders, and community members impacted by violence, ensuring a community-driven approach. The Request for Proposals (RFP) seeks to appropriate up to $1 million to community violence intervention and prevention partners (CVIP) for programs focused on the summer months of June, July, and August 2024, leading into the school year. Target beneficiaries include individuals involved in or at high risk of violence, youth within the justice system, and individuals experiencing violence. The impact goals are to reduce gun violence, divert youth from the justice system, and disrupt the cycle of violence in Cleveland's most affected neighborhoods. Proposals should support organizational capacity building through additional staff, program expansion, and increased outreach. The CNSF prioritizes a data-driven approach to creating safe and healthy neighborhoods, starting with people at the center of serious violence and extending outwards. The fund's strategic priorities include building the capacity of organizations and fostering a network of community providers and system partners. This network relies on skilled workers with a personal understanding of trauma who meet people where they are and form strong relationships. The theory of change involves a mutual commitment from partners of all sizes to engage in a violence prevention ecosystem that honors the interdependency of interventions and organizations to reduce violence. Expected outcomes include a reduction in gun violence through proactive strategies and meaningful relationships, successful diversion of youth from deeper involvement in violence and the juvenile justice system, and a disruption of the cycle of violence through direct interventions. Successful applicants are expected to participate in coordinated efforts with other funded agencies, engage in training and technical assistance for capacity building and fidelity to best practice service models, and participate in evaluation activities to inform continuous improvement and learning within the network. This comprehensive approach aims to achieve measurable results in community safety and well-being.

The California Energy Commission (CEC) is offering the INDIGO Program grant to support the deployment of advanced decarbonization and/or grid support technologies at California industrial facilities. This initiative aims to promote electrification and significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the industrial sector. The program aligns with the CEC's mission to advance clean energy and reduce climate-warming pollution, specifically targeting the industrial sector's environmental impact. The grant targets a broad range of beneficiaries within California's industrial sector, including existing industrial facilities, utilities, equipment manufacturers, energy service companies, project aggregators, and project developers. The impact goals are multi-faceted, focusing on reducing fossil fuel and thermal energy usage, decreasing criteria air pollutants and carbon footprints, and supporting electrical grid reliability, especially during net peak periods. Projects are particularly encouraged to benefit priority populations by reducing air pollutants and engaging directly with low-income or disadvantaged communities. The program's priorities and focuses include deploying cutting-edge, emerging industrial decarbonization technologies that demonstrate cost-effectiveness and scalability. Key project goals include electrifying industrial processes, maximizing GHG emission reductions, driving the scalability of project technology to other facilities and industries, reducing electrical demand during net peak periods, and providing air pollution benefits to priority populations. Entities associated with oil and gas production or processing are ineligible, as are food and beverage industries already receiving funding for the same projects from CEC’s Food Production Investment Program (FPIP). Expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around the adoption of electrification and other eligible decarbonization technologies, leading to quantifiable reductions in annual GHG emissions and other criteria air emissions at industrial processing facilities. Additionally, the program anticipates improved grid reliability through the adoption of commercially available and emerging technologies. Successful projects are expected to demonstrate the potential for widespread adoption across multiple industrial facilities, fostering increased confidence in these advanced technologies. The CEC's strategic priorities, as evidenced by the INDIGO Program, center on accelerating California’s transition to a clean energy economy by supporting technological innovation and deployment in key sectors. The theory of change behind this grant is that by providing significant funding for the demonstration and deployment of cutting-edge decarbonization and grid support technologies in industrial settings, the CEC can catalyze widespread adoption, leading to substantial reductions in GHG emissions, improved air quality, enhanced grid stability, and equitable benefits for all Californians, particularly in vulnerable communities. With up to $46,200,000 available for grants, individual projects can receive between $4,000,000 and $10,000,000. This substantial funding aims to incentivize large-scale, impactful projects that can serve as models for future industrial decarbonization efforts across the state.

The Olive Smith Browning Charitable Trust provides grants to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to charitable, religious, scientific, literary, or educational pursuits. The Trust's mission is aligned with fostering community well-being and development through support for a diverse range of program areas, including arts, culture, and humanities; education; environment and animal welfare; health; human services; public/society benefit; and religion. This broad scope reflects a commitment to addressing various societal needs and enriching the lives of individuals and communities. The primary beneficiaries of the Olive Smith Browning Charitable Trust's grants are organizations operating within Twin Falls, Idaho, reflecting a strong commitment to local impact. The Trust prioritizes supporting initiatives that demonstrably contribute to the betterment of this specific geographic area. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed for individual grants, the overall goal is to empower organizations that provide essential services and foster positive change within their respective program areas. The Trust's grantmaking priorities are clearly focused on supporting organizations within Twin Falls, Idaho, indicating a strategic preference for concentrated local impact. This geographic focus allows the Trust to cultivate deeper relationships with grantees and potentially observe more direct and tangible results of its funding. The average grant size ranges from $2,500 to $10,000, with an average total giving per year of $35,000, suggesting a model that supports multiple smaller-to-medium sized projects annually. To be eligible for funding, organizations must hold exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications are required to be submitted through an online grant application form, or an accessible alternative for assistive technology users. The Trust's strategic priorities are centered on consistent support for established non-profits within its focus areas in Twin Falls, contributing to the sustained health and vitality of the local community. While a formal "theory of change" is not explicitly stated, the practice of supporting a diverse array of foundational program areas within a specific geographic region suggests an implicit theory that targeted, consistent funding in these areas will lead to overall community improvement and resilience.

The Projects for Organizations grant opportunity, offered by the Idaho Commission on the Arts, aims to support public projects and events by nonprofit organizations, informal arts groups applying through fiscal agents, and arts-in-education projects within schools and school districts. This grant aligns with the Commission's mission to foster arts and culture within Idaho by directly funding initiatives that engage the public and promote arts education. The program specifically targets organizations operating in Idaho for at least one year with a valid 501(c)(3) status or governmental units including schools. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are the citizens of Idaho, who benefit from increased access to public arts projects and events, and students within the state, who gain from enhanced arts-in-education programming. The impact goals include enriching community life through cultural offerings and fostering artistic development and appreciation. The grant prioritizes projects that compensate professional artists and meet specific eligibility criteria, ensuring a high standard of artistic endeavor and professional practice. Funding information indicates that grants are up to $1,100 and require a 1:1 match (cash or in-kind), funding up to 50% of projected expenses. This demonstrates a strategic priority to leverage additional resources and encourage community investment in arts projects. While specific measurable results beyond successful project completion and financial accountability are not explicitly detailed, the focus on public projects and arts-in-education implies expected outcomes such as increased community engagement in the arts and improved arts literacy among students. The Idaho Commission on the Arts' strategic priority, as reflected in this grant, is to provide accessible funding for a diverse range of artistic and cultural projects across all counties in Idaho. Their theory of change appears to be that by providing financial support and setting clear eligibility and project guidelines, they can empower local organizations and schools to deliver high-quality arts experiences, thereby enriching communities and fostering a vibrant arts ecosystem throughout the state. The requirement for final reports for past grants also indicates a commitment to accountability and continuous improvement within their funding programs.

The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation Grants is currently accepting applications for its 2024 CommunityWorks Grant Program. This program is designed to provide a coordinated, systems-based approach toward achieving community aspirations. The foundation's mission, as evidenced by this program, is to foster community development and address critical needs within its service area. The CommunityWorks Grant Program specifically targets organizations operating in Macon, Piatt, or Moultrie counties in Illinois, or Paris, IL. Eligible applicants include those with 501(c)(3) status or qualified charitable or government organizations. The program's impact goals are to support initiatives that contribute to workforce development, education, and environmental sustainability, ultimately improving the quality of life and opportunities within these communities. The program's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined: workforce development, education, and environmental sustainability. Proposals are invited in these three key areas, indicating the foundation's strategic commitment to these pillars of community well-being. This focused approach suggests a theory of change where investment in these sectors leads to a stronger, more resilient community. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the program aims for the achievement of "community aspirations" through a "coordinated, systems-based approach." The funding range of $10,000 to $100,000 per grant, with a total of $400,000 available, suggests a significant investment intended to yield tangible improvements in the targeted areas. Successful outcomes would likely include enhanced employment opportunities, improved educational attainment, and demonstrable progress in environmental conservation within the supported regions.

ArcStone has launched the Unleash the Good Grant program, an initiative designed to bolster nonprofit organizations by enhancing their online presence and facilitating the achievement of their missions through strategic web development services. This program aligns with ArcStone's commitment to supporting organizations that are dedicated to protecting, preserving, and improving the Earth’s natural environment. By offering in-kind grants for web development, ArcStone aims to empower these nonprofits with the digital tools necessary to expand their reach and effectiveness. The target beneficiaries of this grant are 501(c)3 tax-exempt organizations that actively work towards environmental impact. The program's core focus is on providing comprehensive web development services, including website discovery and sitemap creation, accessible and inclusive design, WordPress development, SEO basics for key pages, limited content entry, project management, quality assurance, training, launch support, and one year of free hosting. The impact goal is to enable selected organizations to create compelling and impactful online platforms that further their environmental objectives. The Unleash the Good Grant prioritizes organizations with a clear vision of how web design services will enhance their online presence and mission. This ensures that the provided services will be strategically utilized for maximum impact. The expected outcomes include a significantly improved online presence for recipient organizations, leading to greater visibility, enhanced engagement with their target audiences, and ultimately, a more effective pursuit of their environmental protection and preservation goals. The measurable results of this program will be observed through the successful implementation of the web development services and the subsequent online performance of the recipient organizations. While specific quantitative metrics are not detailed in the provided information, the focus on SEO, accessible design, and a year of free hosting suggests an emphasis on creating sustainable and impactful digital platforms that can be tracked through website analytics and audience engagement. ArcStone’s strategic priority is to leverage its expertise in web development to contribute to environmental causes, operating under the theory of change that by strengthening the digital infrastructure of environmental nonprofits, their overall capacity to achieve their missions will be significantly enhanced.

The City of Tustin, through its Tustin Cares program, is offering the Main Street Digital Training and Grant Program (Main Street Digital Program) in collaboration with the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center Network (OCIE SBDC). This initiative aims to provide training and funding to local retail businesses, home-based businesses, and nonprofits, collectively referred to as "Businesses," that are looking to enhance their social media presence and/or increase revenue. This program aligns with a broader mission of supporting local economic growth and resilience, particularly for entities impacted by external factors such as COVID-19, as indicated by the allowance for businesses not in good standing due to pandemic-related issues. The target beneficiaries of the Main Street Digital Program are retail businesses, home-based businesses, and nonprofits physically located in Tustin. These entities must also possess an active Tustin business license since the first quarter of 2023 and have a minimum of two employees, including owners, and no more than twenty-five full-time equivalent employees as of December 31, 2023. Certain businesses are explicitly excluded, such as cannabis-related businesses, gambling facilities, adult entertainment businesses, massage parlors, largely cash-based businesses, and residential or real estate projects including short-term rental operators. The program's impact goals center on empowering these eligible businesses to improve their digital marketing capabilities and ultimately boost their financial performance. The program's priorities and focus areas are clearly on digital transformation and revenue generation through enhanced social media presence. By offering training, the program aims to equip businesses with the necessary skills to navigate the digital landscape effectively. The grant component provides crucial financial support, enabling businesses to implement these new strategies. This focus reflects a strategic priority to modernize local businesses and help them adapt to contemporary market demands, thereby strengthening the local economy from within. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in the social media presence of participating businesses and a measurable improvement in their revenue. While specific metrics for "measurable results" are not detailed beyond "increase their social media presence and/or revenue," the implicit theory of change is that by providing targeted training and financial assistance for digital marketing, businesses will become more competitive, attract a wider customer base, and achieve sustainable growth. The program's success will likely be evaluated based on the number of businesses trained, the grants disbursed, and the reported improvements in their digital engagement and financial health.

The Oregon Arts Commission's Arts Learning Grants program aims to foster high-quality projects that enhance learning in and through the arts for K-12 students. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission by promoting artistic engagement and education, recognizing the vital role of arts in student development. The program seeks to bridge the gap between artists and educators, facilitating a knowledge exchange that enriches both teaching practices and student experiences. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are K-12 students who will gain responsive learning opportunities in the arts. The program also targets artists and educators, fostering collaboration and professional development. The overarching impact goals are to improve the achievement, skills, and attitudes of learners by providing access to high-quality arts education. This focuses on holistic development, recognizing that arts education contributes to academic success, critical thinking, and personal growth. Key priorities for this grant include the quality of learning opportunities, the responsiveness of the project to specific population needs, and the appropriateness of the selected teaching artists' skill sets. Artistic excellence and merit are also critical considerations. The program emphasizes strong project support, evaluating the readiness of staff, the viability of recruitment plans for target populations, and the commitment to supporting teaching artists throughout the project. The clarity and relevance of the project budget are also reviewed to ensure efficient and effective use of funds. Expected outcomes include enhanced artistic skills, improved attitudes towards learning, and increased achievement among K-12 students. Measurable results will be assessed based on the articulation of changes in learners as a result of the project and the viability of the process used to measure these changes. This structured evaluation approach ensures that projects are not only well-intentioned but also demonstrably effective in achieving their stated goals. The Oregon Arts Commission's strategic priority through this program is to strengthen arts education across the state. While a specific "theory of change" is not explicitly detailed, it can be inferred that the commission believes that by investing in high-quality arts learning opportunities and fostering collaboration between artists and educators, K-12 students will experience improved outcomes in their artistic abilities, academic achievement, and personal development, ultimately contributing to a more culturally enriched and educated populace.

The City of Hyattsville's Commercial Façade Improvement Program is a grant initiative designed to enhance the visual appeal, quality, and vitality of the city’s commercial districts. The program aims to facilitate private sector investment in exterior improvements for commercial buildings, aligning with the city's broader mission of supporting local businesses and fostering a vibrant urban environment. It recognizes that individual façade improvements contribute significantly to the overall aesthetic and economic health of the commercial areas. This program targets business or property owners within three specific investment areas: the West Hyattsville Transit District, the Route One/Gateway Arts District, and the Prince George’s Plaza Transit District. The primary impact goals are to remove accessibility barriers, stimulate further investment in commercial properties, and achieve significant visual enhancements in commercial façade appearance. Projects that directly address these goals will receive preferential consideration, ensuring that the grants contribute effectively to the city's development objectives. The program prioritizes well-designed façade improvements that extend the longevity of buildings. Eligible improvements are diverse and include signage, exterior painting, storefront reconstruction, siding, exterior lighting, window and door upgrades, public-facing masonry or cornices, murals, and the removal of unattractive exterior finishes, as well as roof repairs and other approved uses. Eligibility requirements stipulate that structures must be commercially zoned and in use, or planned for commercial use, within Hyattsville. Correction of building code violations must be integrated into the improvement work, and vacant properties must secure a tenant within six months of project completion. The grant operates on a dollar-for-dollar matching basis, providing financial assistance ranging from $5,000 to $35,000. This structure is intended to leverage private investment and maximize the program's reach. The expected outcome is a series of visually improved commercial facades that enhance the city's commercial districts, attract new businesses, and encourage community engagement. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the scope of "significant visual improvements," the program implies that an increase in commercial vitality and accessibility, alongside the tangible improvements listed, will serve as indicators of success. The city's strategic priority is to empower the private sector to make these improvements, underpinned by a theory of change that postulates that financial assistance for façade upgrades will directly lead to a more attractive and economically robust commercial landscape.

The California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) is offering Cycle 47 of its Program Development Grants (PDG) to support innovative programs and best practices throughout California. The SCDD's mission is to advocate for, promote, and implement policies and practices that achieve self-determination, independence, productivity, and inclusion for Californians with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. This grant program directly aligns with the SCDD's overarching goal to improve the lives of people with I/DD by engaging in and promoting self-advocacy, capacity-building, and systems change. The target beneficiaries of these grants are individuals with intellectual, developmental, and/or cross-disabilities, as well as their families. The grants aim to create measurable improvements in their lives. The SCDD seeks to award funding to California-based agencies and organizations that represent and/or serve these individuals, including local government agencies, non-government organizations, tribal organizations, community-based non-profits, and established 501(c)(3) tax-exempt coalitions. The SCDD's 2022-2026 State Plan outlines three key strategic priorities and focuses: Self-Advocacy, Systems Change/Advocacy, and Capacity-Building/Advocacy. For Self-Advocacy, the goal by 2026 is to maintain and/or increase the number of people with I/DD who become strong self-advocates, peer trainers, and community leaders. The Systems Change/Advocacy priority aims for the Council, in partnership with family/self-advocates, to lead in protecting and enhancing civil rights to improve community-based systems, making them more inclusive and supportive of people with I/DD and their families. For Capacity-Building/Advocacy, the Council plans to increase partnerships with and support of more people with I/DD and their families by 2026, ensuring they understand their rights and can advocate for and receive necessary supports and services. The expected outcomes and measurable results are directly tied to these State Plan goals. Through the PDG, the SCDD anticipates fostering programs that will lead to more empowered self-advocates, more inclusive community systems, and a greater understanding of rights and access to services for people with I/DD and their families. The Council has allocated a total fund of $300,000 for one or more Cycle 47 grants, with a grant period from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. This funding supports the SCDD's theory of change, which posits that by investing in community-based organizations that research, develop, and/or implement innovative programs, they can achieve their state plan objectives and significantly enhance the quality of life for Californians with I/DD.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is offering two grant programs: the Rebuild Downtowns & Main Streets (RDMS) Capital Grant Program and the Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recovery (RISE) Implementation Grant Program. Both programs aim to accelerate Illinois' economic recovery and promote long-term, sustainable, and inclusive growth, aligning with a mission to revitalize communities and foster economic development. The total funding expected is $20 million for RDMS and $10 million for RISE Implementation, with individual grants ranging from $250,000 to $2 million. The RDMS program specifically targets communities that have experienced disinvestment, particularly those hardest-hit by the COVID-19 crisis. The goal is to facilitate investment to revitalize commercial corridors and downtown areas in Illinois through capital grants. Eligible applicants for both programs include economic development organizations (EDOs), local units of government (e.g., municipalities, counties, townships), and private businesses. Special purpose local units of government are not eligible. The priorities for RDMS include supporting capital projects that improve and repair roads, sidewalks, and lighting; develop public spaces to attract events; improve water and sewer infrastructure; and facilitate mixed-use development to add vitality to commercial corridors and downtowns. These priorities are aimed at tangible infrastructure and development projects that directly contribute to the revitalization of downtown areas. Expected outcomes for these programs include accelerated economic recovery and the promotion of long-term, sustainable, and inclusive growth throughout Illinois. Measurable results will likely involve the number and scale of capital projects completed, the revitalization of commercial corridors, increased economic activity in targeted areas, and improvements in public infrastructure. The grant duration is 2 years, with the period of performance expected to be late calendar year 2024 through the end of calendar year 2026. The DCEO's strategic priority is clearly to stimulate economic recovery and growth through targeted investments in key community infrastructure and development.

The City of Leavenworth's 2025 General Fund Grant Program offers funding to non-profit organizations to benefit its residents. This program is rooted in the city's commitment to enhancing community well-being and development, aligning with a broad mission to support local initiatives. The funding, sourced from the city's General Fund, is strategically allocated to address various community needs and foster a vibrant, supportive environment within Leavenworth. The program primarily targets non-profit organizations that serve the Leavenworth community, with a focus on youth and seniors, event and activity implementation, organizational development, capacity building, and capital improvements. The overarching impact goal is to improve the quality of life for Leavenworth residents through a diverse range of projects and services. This includes expanding youth programs, supporting essential services like food assistance, strengthening non-profit infrastructure, and investing in community-benefiting capital projects. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined. It emphasizes Youth and Senior Services, aiming to support non-profits that specifically benefit these demographics. Another key area is Events and Activities, providing funding for the operational costs of programs and services, such as food assistance. Organizational Development and Capacity Building is also a focus, supporting community-focused education and program planning. Finally, Capital Improvements are supported for projects that directly benefit the Leavenworth community. Expected outcomes include an increase in available services for youth and seniors, more robust community events and activities, enhanced organizational capabilities for non-profits, and tangible capital improvements within the city. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the program's structure suggests a focus on the successful implementation and reach of funded projects. The strategic priority is to allocate a total of $62,000, with a maximum grant request of $5,000 per applicant, not exceeding 50% of the program cost. This ensures a broad distribution of funds and encourages co-investment from applicants. The theory of change is that by investing in non-profit initiatives that directly benefit residents, the city can foster a stronger, more supportive, and enriched community.

The Waukegan Arts Council (WAC) 2024 Public Art Grant program aims to promote art within the city of Waukegan, Illinois. This grant program is aligned with the WAC's mission to support high-quality public art experiences, encourage artistic expression, energize public participation, and promote cultural appreciation for the diverse Waukegan community. The program's strategic priority is to foster a vibrant arts landscape that enriches the lives of Waukegan residents, operating under the theory of change that by funding accessible and engaging public art, WAC can directly contribute to community well-being and cultural development. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are primarily residents of Waukegan. The impact goals include increasing artistic awareness, public participation in cultural activities, and overall appreciation for cultural arts within the city. Projects must take place within Waukegan and demonstrably benefit its residents, ensuring that the grants directly serve the community they intend to uplift. The program prioritizes projects that show multiple sources of funding, indicating a commitment to sustainability and broader community support. It also encourages ongoing or repeat events to demonstrate an ability to continue independent of grant funds, fostering long-term artistic initiatives. Furthermore, applications must provide evidence of artistic merit and include a detailed, accurate budget that specifies how grant funds will be used and allocates adequate resources to the project. Expected outcomes include the successful execution of public art projects that meet the outlined eligibility criteria. Measurable results will stem from projects that encourage artistic awareness, public participation, and/or cultural arts appreciation. The grant program seeks to support projects that take place between June 15, 2024, and June 14, 2025, and require that projects recognize the support of the Waukegan Arts Council. The total funding available for the WAC 2024 grant program is $5000, with individual grants ranging from $1000 to $10,000.

The Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) Grant, facilitated by the Rural Maryland Council, is accepting applications for its 2025 Regional Planning and Development Councils initiative. The overarching mission of RMPIF is to elevate the standard of living in rural Maryland to meet or exceed statewide benchmarks by 2030, while simultaneously preserving the unique cultural heritage and rural lifestyle. This grant program is a strategic investment designed to bolster economic and community development, foster regional and intergovernmental cooperation, and enable local and nonprofit organizations to attract additional non-state resources for sustainable rural development. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are the five established regional planning and development councils: the Tri-County Council of Western Maryland, Tri-County Council of Southern Maryland, Upper Shore Regional Council, Mid-Shore Regional Council, and Tri-County Council of the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland. Additionally, multi-county efforts serving rural communities not covered by these councils are also eligible. The impact goals are broad, aiming to increase entrepreneurial activity, reduce unemployment and underemployment, retain valuable farm and forest land, and generally enhance the health, happiness, safety, employment opportunities, and general welfare of rural residents. The program prioritizes several key areas: encouraging a balanced economy, promoting intergovernmental cooperation and public/private partnerships, enhancing infrastructure for housing, transportation, water, wastewater, and broadband communications, and supporting rural commercial center redevelopment and community revitalization efforts. The grant specifically provides funding for projects and activities undertaken by the regional councils and other multi-county initiatives, with approved grant agreements reflecting strategic needs identified within the rural communities. Expected outcomes include stronger and more effective rural regions, the creation of economic development strategies, preservation and assistance for agricultural and resource-based industries, successful acquisition of federal funding for infrastructure, coordinated regional transportation projects (including public transit), and the development of support for diverse public policy initiatives. Each regional council is eligible to receive $600,000 in FY2025 for rural regional planning and development assistance, providing measurable financial support to achieve these objectives. The Rural Maryland Council's strategic priority is rooted in a theory of change that by investing in regional cooperation and targeted development, rural areas can achieve sustainable growth and a higher quality of life, ultimately benefiting the entire state.