Workforce Development Grants

The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) operates with a foundational mission deeply rooted in promoting civil rights and racial equity while fostering a strengthened justice system. The purpose of this specific solicitation is not for new projects but rather to invite organizations to apply for continuation funding to sustain specific, ongoing initiatives championed by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). This grant mechanism is designed to reinforce previously successful, funded projects, ensuring continuity and stability in efforts aligned with the OJP's core values. The OJP’s strategic priorities clearly define the target beneficiaries and core focus areas. The work is explicitly designed to increase access to justice, support crime victims, and assist individuals impacted by the justice system. Furthermore, significant attention is given to strengthening community safety and protecting the public from both existing and evolving threats. The overarching priorities that guide these initiatives include the advancement of civil rights, the realization of racial equity, and the critical objective of building trust and positive relationships between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. Consistent with the principles of effective investment, the solicitation itself represents a strategic priority of maintaining successful, data-driven interventions. The continuation funding model implies a Theory of Change centered on sustained impact, where initial investments that have demonstrated progress are prioritized for ongoing support to achieve long-term systemic change. This approach minimizes administrative churn and focuses resources on maturing initiatives that directly address the core mission. The exclusive nature of the application, limited only to those who received a direct letter from BJA, underscores this commitment to continuity and existing partnership performance. The expected outcomes and measurable results are inherently tied to the continuation of the original project’s goals, with the anticipation of sustained or improved performance in the targeted areas. By supporting the original project guidelines and funding rules, the OJP seeks tangible results such as demonstrably improved access to justice services, quantifiable increases in community-police trust, and measurable progress in advancing civil rights and racial equity within the justice sphere. Ultimately, the outcome is the continued progression toward a safer and more equitable society, driven by BJA initiatives that have already proven their value.

This funding opportunity supports projects that promote recreation, tourism, and environmental education while preserving the Delta's cultural heritage, with a focus on benefiting disadvantaged communities.

The FY2025 African American Community Development Grant, offered by the Executive Office of Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Mayor’s Office of African American Affairs (MOAAA), aims to support Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) serving the District of Columbia’s African American community. This grant is designed to foster community development and align with the broader mission of empowering District residents, protecting the middle class, and ensuring Washingtonians across all eight wards have access to opportunities to build a better life. The grant provides funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, with a duration of one year (October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025). The primary beneficiaries of this grant are LGBTQIA+ residents and/or business owners in the District of Columbia, although the overarching goal is to support the African American community at large. The grant's impact goals are centered around creating significant, lasting change in the District. This includes reimagining a vibrant Downtown, enhancing public safety by reducing violence, and improving education to ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Through these efforts, the grant seeks to improve the quality of life for residents and strengthen communities. The grant prioritizes three key areas: Downtown Comeback, Public Safety, and Education. "Downtown Comeback" focuses on revitalizing downtown D.C. as a dynamic center for living, working, and playing, and positioning the District as a global leader. "Public Safety" aims to reduce all forms of violence, including gun violence, through investments in education, housing, and economic development. "Education" emphasizes strengthening schools as community hubs and providing children with foundational skills in reading and math, as well as access to recreational activities like sports, arts, and civic engagement. Expected outcomes include a more vibrant and active Downtown, a significant reduction in violence, and improved educational outcomes for children, leading to enhanced health and well-being for residents and students. Measurable results will likely be tied to progress in these priority areas, reflecting the grant's contribution to community development and quality of life improvements within the District's African American and LGBTQIA+ communities. The grant's strategic priorities are deeply rooted in a theory of change that posits that by investing in these critical areas, the District can foster a more equitable, safe, and prosperous environment for all its residents.

The Robert F. Orr Charitable Foundation is currently accepting applications for grants dedicated to charitable, educational, and scientific purposes. While the foundation's broad mission encompasses these areas, specific grantmaking priorities guide its funding decisions. The foundation seeks to align its support with initiatives that demonstrate a clear commitment to positive societal impact, particularly within the states of Hawaii, Idaho, and Utah. The foundation's grantmaking priorities are divided into three core areas: Environment, Education, and Human Services. Within the Environment category, the foundation prioritizes causes and programs that foster environmental conservation and support restoration projects, aiming to preserve and improve natural ecosystems. For Education, the focus is on K-12 STEM programs and job training initiatives, with the goal of enhancing educational opportunities and workforce development. In Human Services, the foundation supports programs for disadvantaged persons and individuals with disabilities, striving to improve their quality of life and promote inclusivity. Target beneficiaries for these grants include environmental organizations working on conservation and restoration, educational institutions and programs serving K-12 students in STEM fields, and organizations providing job training or services to disadvantaged and disabled individuals. The overarching impact goals are to contribute to a healthier environment, a more educated and skilled workforce, and a more equitable society for vulnerable populations within the specified states. While the document does not explicitly detail "expected outcomes and measurable results" or the foundation's "strategic priorities and theory of change," the articulated priorities strongly suggest a belief in the power of targeted support to create tangible, positive change in these key areas. Organizations seeking funding must qualify as exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications are accepted through an online grant application form or an accessible alternative for assistive technology users. The deadline for applications is July 1, 2024. While the size of the grant and its duration are not specified, the foundation's commitment to these defined priorities indicates a strategic approach to philanthropy, aiming for meaningful, albeit not precisely quantified, outcomes through its funding.

The Beulah S. Mays Charitable Endowment, administered by the Blue Grass Community Foundation, offers grants to nonprofit organizations dedicated to serving older adults in Central and Eastern Kentucky. This grant program aligns directly with the Community Foundation's mission to support individuals facing the challenges of aging and age-related diseases. The foundation's strategic priority is to address critical needs within the aging community, particularly those related to dementia and other age-related issues. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are older adults in Central and Eastern Kentucky, with a special focus on those suffering from dementia-related diseases and their caregivers. Additionally, the program aims to benefit underserved populations within this demographic, including low-income individuals and people of color. The impact goal is to provide direct support and services that improve the quality of life for these vulnerable populations. The grant program prioritizes organizations whose primary mission is focused on the aging community, dementia, and other age-related issues. Special consideration is given to initiatives that address the needs of older adults with dementia and their caregivers, as well as services for underserved populations. The expected outcomes include enhanced services for older adults, particularly in areas impacted by dementia, and a reduction in disparities for low-income individuals and people of color within the aging community. Funding awards will range from $5,000 to $10,000, with the potential for renewal for an additional year, providing sustained support for effective programs. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, have a fiscal sponsor, or be publicly supported entities, and must operate within specified Central and Eastern Kentucky counties. The foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in organizations directly serving these critical needs, it can foster healthier, more supported aging communities and address significant societal challenges associated with an aging population.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to innovative technology startups in Minnesota for research, development, and business expenses, helping them grow and succeed in their early years.

The South32 Hermosa Community Fund, established by the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona and its affiliate, the Santa Cruz Community Foundation, aims to support nonprofit organizations operating within Santa Cruz County, Arizona. This grant program is aligned with the Foundation's mission to honor community diversity and promote equal opportunities by funding organizations that do not discriminate based on various protected characteristics. The fund emphasizes local impact, requiring applicants to be 501(c)(3) organizations based in and doing charitable work within Santa Cruz County, with local leadership, financial support, and program management. The primary beneficiaries of this fund are individuals living in Santa Cruz County, with a focus on improving their well-being through supported areas such as education and leadership, economic participation, good health and social well-being, and natural resource resilience. The impact goals are to foster collaborative community efforts, empower individuals, and achieve measurable progress in these key areas. The program seeks to support initiatives that strengthen the local community and address identified needs within Santa Cruz County. Priority for grants will be given to organizations that demonstrate collaborative approaches, involving staff, volunteers, and participants in planning and implementation. The fund also prioritizes programs that enable individuals to enhance their skills, abilities, and assets, focusing on strengths rather than deficiencies. This aligns with a strategic priority to empower individuals and build community capacity. Expected outcomes include clearly articulated and measurable progress toward program goals, with organizations able to collect data to demonstrate these achievements. The Foundation also looks for clear plans for program sustainability beyond the grant period, indicating a commitment to long-term impact. This reflects the Foundation's theory of change, which emphasizes data-driven results and sustainable community solutions to address local challenges. Up to $80,000 is available each cycle, with individual requests considered up to $10,000.

This program provides financial support for tree planting and urban forest projects that improve community environments and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Imperial and Coachella Valleys.

This grant provides funding for projects that aim to reduce harmful chemicals in building materials, prioritizing initiatives that benefit underserved communities and promote environmental health in Oregon.

The Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants (OVSJG) is offering crime victim services grant funding for FY 2025 in the District of Columbia. The primary purpose of this grant is to enhance and maintain a comprehensive network of trauma-informed services for victims of crime. This includes addressing issues of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault with a focus on victim safety and offender accountability. The grant also aims to improve the treatment of crime victims by providing necessary assistance and services to aid their restoration after a violent criminal act, and to support them through the criminal and civil justice processes. The funding period for these projects is from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. The target beneficiaries of this grant are victims of crime in the District of Columbia. The impact goals are to create a more comprehensive and coordinated network of services and referral systems, ensuring that victims receive trauma-informed care and support. The grant seeks to aid victims in their recovery and help them navigate the justice system effectively. The priorities and focuses of the grant include strengthening a coordinated network of services and referral systems for crime victims in the District. Specific funding sources supporting these efforts include Locally Appropriated Funds (LOCAL), the Stop Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program (VAWA), the Crime Victim Assistance Grant Program (VOCA), and the Sexual Assault Services Formula Grant Program (SASP). Expected outcomes include a more robust and accessible system of trauma-informed services for crime victims, leading to improved victim safety, increased offender accountability, and better support for victims' restoration and engagement with the justice system. The measurable results would likely involve metrics related to the number of victims served, types of services provided, improvements in victim well-being, and the effectiveness of coordinated referral systems, though specific metrics are not detailed in the provided information. Eligibility for this grant extends to any public or private, community-based non-profit agency, organization, or institution with an active System for Awards Management (SAM) registration and Unique Entity ID, along with a District business license, that provides services or goods within the district. For-profit organizations are eligible for local funding, provided they do not include profit in their grant application, and can also participate as subcontractors.

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The Initiative Foundation offers grants to nonprofits and local government units, focusing on program or capacity-building support, projects that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion, and strategies to address workforce shortages. This aligns with the Foundation's mission to serve its 14-county region in Minnesota and Native nations of the Leech Lake and Mille Lacs Bands of Ojibwe, by fostering community and economic development. The grants are intended to be strategic investments, not ongoing support, with individual grants seldom exceeding $7,500. The grants target 501(c)(3) nonprofits, school districts, or local government units serving specific counties and Native nations within the Initiative Foundation's geographic service area. The impact goals are to strengthen communities by addressing urgent needs, particularly in low-income communities, promote behavioral change towards diversity, equity, and inclusion, and develop community-based solutions for regional workforce shortages, leading to family-sustaining wages. The Foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrably contribute to these outcomes. Priority consideration is given to proposals focusing on capacity-building support for nonprofits, especially those addressing urgent needs or low-income communities, including business planning, fund development, training, or pilot programming. Other key focuses include cost-share for projects creating behavioral change related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and advancement of community-based strategies to tackle regional workforce shortages in sectors with family-sustaining wages. Support for early-stage feasibility or pilot projects by local and regional community and economic development entities is also a priority. Expected outcomes include strengthened organizational capacity for nonprofits, measurable progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and tangible reductions in regional workforce shortages. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on "behavioral change" and "community-based strategies" implies a desire for demonstrable and sustainable impact. The Foundation's strategic priorities are clearly laid out in the priority areas, indicating a theory of change that by investing in these key areas, they can foster stronger, more equitable, and economically resilient communities. Ineligible expenses include grants to individuals and businesses, expenses incurred before grant receipt, capital expenses, projects not directly benefiting residents in the service area, replacement of government funding, religious activities, lobbying, school curriculum development or athletic programs, and out-of-state travel. Healthcare, arts, and historic preservation are not focus areas for discretionary grants, and potential applicants in these areas are encouraged to consult with staff before applying.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CT DOT) is offering the 2024 Active Transportation Microgrant Program to solicit projects aimed at improving active transportation. This grant program aligns with a mission to foster equitable, safe, accessible, and sustainable transportation options, thereby encouraging healthier and more environmentally friendly travel modes. The program's core objective is to make conditions safer for individuals of all ages to engage in walking, biking, and other active forms of transit, contributing to broader community well-being and environmental sustainability. The primary beneficiaries of this program include municipalities, schools, school districts, and nonprofit organizations, all of which are encouraged to apply. The impact goals are centered on enhancing access and conditions for active transportation users across Connecticut. This includes increasing safety for pedestrians and cyclists, promoting the use of non-motorized transport, and supporting educational initiatives that raise awareness about active transportation benefits and safety. The program prioritizes non-infrastructure projects, explicitly excluding design and construction costs. Eligible activities focus on improving access and conditions for active transportation users. This includes providing bicycle helmets, locks, lights, and maintenance training. It also covers the rental or purchase of bicycle fleets, including adaptive bicycles, League Cycling Instructor (LCI) training, and various programs and materials for pedestrian and bicycle safety education, such as safety vests. The emphasis is on practical, immediate interventions that directly support active transportation without requiring extensive infrastructural development. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in the adoption of active transportation methods, a reduction in accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists due to enhanced safety measures, and a rise in community participation in active transportation events and educational programs. The funding limits for individual microgrants range up to $5,000, with an overall grant size between $1,000 and $10,000, indicating a focus on numerous smaller-scale, impactful projects rather than a few large ones. This approach suggests a strategic priority to broadly distribute resources to foster active transportation at a grassroots level across various communities in Connecticut.

CJI’s Leadership Circle is soliciting proposals from grassroots organizations led by formerly incarcerated and directly impacted individuals. The program aims to transform and reimagine the U.S. criminal legal system by building alternative community-based solutions and organizing to prevent the criminalization of marginalized identities and communities. This initiative directly aligns with CJI's mission to support meaningful, transformative, and systemic change within the criminal legal system, empowering future leaders who have often experienced incarceration themselves. The foundation's strategic priority is to support movement-building organizing that creates a new world, a "world they demand NOW." The target beneficiaries are formerly incarcerated individuals and directly impacted people, including primary family members, as well as marginalized groups within their communities (e.g., poor, houseless, young, elders, queer, trans, people with mental illness, people with disabilities). The program's impact goals include ending mass criminalization and incarceration, creating safe and healthy communities that do not rely on arrest and incarceration, and re-establishing rights and access for those formerly incarcerated or newly criminalized. The Leadership Circle's theory of change emphasizes shared authority among donors and community organizers, many of whom have lived experience with incarceration, to drive systemic change. The program prioritizes several key areas. This includes building alternatives to traditional carceral systems, investing in approaches that end mass criminalization, creating policies to reform and dismantle repressive legal systems, and uplifting the leadership and experience of those affected by the criminal legal system. Other focuses include re-establishing rights for formerly incarcerated individuals, promoting transformative and restorative justice, and supporting culturally appropriate healing programs connected to the criminal justice movement. CJI also has specific funding preferences for organizations led by formerly incarcerated individuals, groups operating in difficult political environments, those developing new leaders from marginalized backgrounds, and work addressing discrimination against incarcerated or detained people, particularly in the South, Indian country, and other rural areas. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the development of community-based interventions, changes in policies and institutions (like parole and probation), and a demonstrable commitment to systems change through organizing. The program seeks to empower new leaders, particularly from marginalized communities, and foster innovative collaborations among diverse organizations. While specific quantitative metrics are not provided in the description, the emphasis on "movement-building organizing" and "achieving systems change" suggests that the success will be measured by the demonstrable impact on criminal legal system reform and the empowerment of affected communities. CJI is particularly committed to supporting smaller, emerging organizations with budgets of $1 million or less, indicating a focus on grassroots impact and capacity building.

The Essex County Division of Cultural and Historical Affairs, in partnership with the New Jersey Historical Commission and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, offers grant funding to local Essex County organizations. This program aims to support cultural and historical initiatives within the county, aligning with the broader mission of preserving and promoting arts and history. The grants are designed to enable organizations to expand their programs, exhibits, performances, and other public engagement opportunities, ultimately enriching the cultural landscape of Essex County. The program targets non-profit organizations incorporated in New Jersey as a non-profit corporation or a unit of government, and tax-exempt under IRC 501(c)3 or (c)4. These organizations must be located in Essex County and primarily serve its constituency. The grants are intended to support entities exclusively devoted to either history or arts, and previous grantees must be in good standing. This focus ensures that the funding directly benefits the local community and strengthens organizations dedicated to cultural and historical preservation. The grant program offers two main types of support: General Operating Support (GOS) Grants for the overall operations of eligible non-profit organizations, and Special Project Support (SPS) Grants for specific history-related or art-related projects. The funding ranges from $500 to $10,000, with funds applied for in 2024 to be used between January and December 2025. This structure allows for both sustained operational support and targeted funding for new initiatives, providing flexibility to grantees. Expected outcomes include an increase in accessible cultural and historical programs, exhibits, and performances for Essex County residents. Measurable results would involve the number of programs offered, audience reach, and the successful completion of funded projects. The division's strategic priority is to empower local organizations to bring their offerings to a wider audience, thereby fostering a more vibrant and engaged community. Through quarterly networking, informational meetings, and professional development opportunities, the program also aims to build the capacity of these organizations, contributing to their long-term sustainability and impact.

The Excellence in Education Fund (EIE Fund), managed by the CenDel Foundation, is currently accepting applications for its 2024 grant cycle. Established in 2019 through contributions from Statewide Workforce Development, the Kent Economic Partnership, Greater Kent Committee, Delaware State News, and the Kent County community, the EIE Fund's mission is to support programs that enhance workforce development and stimulate economic growth within Kent County, Delaware. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the CenDel Foundation administers the fund with the guidance of the Excellence in Education Advisory Board, ensuring alignment with its core mission of fostering community prosperity through strategic investments in education and economic opportunity. The EIE Fund targets public institutions, nonprofits, and civic/community organizations that are focused on educating and training individuals to meet the demands of current and future businesses in Kent County. The primary impact goal is to create a more skilled workforce, broaden perspectives through educational components, and drive measurable economic and community development. This includes generating employment opportunities and potentially attracting new residents to Kent County. The program prioritizes initiatives that enhance the regional workforce, emphasizing the quality, impact, and duration of programs, as well as the number of individuals impacted. It also focuses on educating and broadening perspectives, requiring applicants to detail the educational component, the number of participants, and the knowledge gained. Furthermore, a key focus is on economic and community development, looking for programs that cultivate special skill sets, generate measurable economic impact, and promote employment. Applications are reviewed for clarity and strong evidence supporting the achievement of stated goals. The EIE Fund's strategic priorities align with a theory of change that posits that targeted investments in education and workforce training will directly lead to enhanced economic vitality and improved community well-being in Kent County. By supporting programs that build relevant skills and create opportunities, the fund aims to strengthen the local economy, increase employment rates, and foster a more knowledgeable and engaged citizenry. Eligible institutions and organizations can be awarded up to $50,000, with a requirement to submit proposals on the official 2024 application form and demonstrate their status as a public institution or 501(c)3 organization.

The Minneapolis Foundation's Reimagine Education grants initiative seeks to advance equity and support youth voice within local K-12 schools, aligning with the foundation's broader mission of fostering a more just and vibrant community. This grant program is designed to create a bridge between schools, families, and communities by empowering student and community voices. The foundation's strategic priority in this area is to address systemic barriers to racial equity in Minnesota’s education system, reflecting a theory of change that emphasizes community-led solutions and culturally responsive educational practices to improve academic and social outcomes for students. Target beneficiaries for these grants include public schools, school districts, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits that work with students, parents, and community members. The program specifically prioritizes proposals impacting Minneapolis but also considers organizations in inner-ring suburbs such as Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Robbinsdale, and St. Louis Park. The impact goals are centered on elevating student and community power, providing educators with equity and race understanding, and advocating for policies that promote racial equity. The grant program's priorities and focuses are multifaceted, encompassing student leadership and power building, recruitment and retention of diverse educators, principal and teacher leadership, development of equity and climate frameworks, and local/state policy advocacy. It also supports professional development for educators in evidence-based literacy instruction, strategies for student mental health, and efforts to engage students and families in decision-making. These areas collectively aim to create more inclusive school environments and improve educational outcomes for all students. Expected outcomes and measurable results include improved school climates, enhanced academic outcomes, increased understanding of race and equity among educators, and the implementation of culturally responsive and inclusive school strategies. The grants aim to foster stronger connections between schools and communities, leading to more equitable and supportive educational experiences. Funding ranges from $10,000 to $75,000, with an average award of $25,000 to $40,000, for a grant period from September 2, 2024, to June 13, 2025, ensuring a focused and impactful investment in critical areas of educational equity.

Grantees will be required to accomplish the following within the Grant Activity Period: Convene a standing committee of community members and stakeholders tosupport development of new SLP structure and strategic framework. Model equity practices and principles in the development of new SLP mission,vision, programming, and services. Identify and retain a dedicated staff member to lead new SLP and provide mentorship to that individual. Identify and maintain an accessible public office space for the new SLP. Create and implement a realistic operating budget for new SLP, with appropriate portion of grant funds going directly to support new SLP. Supply anticipated outcomes for a one-year grant and outline any next steps anticipated to occur beyond the grant activity period to fulfill the goals of the grant program. 

The Oshkosh Area United Way (OAUW) is offering its 2025 Community Investment Grant, a funding opportunity designed for organizations in Southern Winnebago County, Wisconsin. This grant program aligns directly with OAUW's mission to address critical community needs by investing in programs focused on youth-focused education, mental health, and financial stability. The OAUW's strategic approach is to support initiatives that create long-term positive change and foster a thriving community in the Oshkosh area. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are residents of Southern Winnebago County, specifically within the zip codes 54901, 54902, 54903, 54904, 54906, 54927, 54963, 54964, 54980, 54985, and 54986. The OAUW aims to achieve significant impact by supporting programs that provide access to high-quality childcare and education, connect residents to health and human services (including healing and crisis intervention for mental health), and empower households to achieve financial stability through improved employment skills, reduced transportation barriers, and access to basic needs like food and shelter. The grant prioritizes programs in three key focus areas: Youth-Focused Education, Mental Health, and Financial Stability. Within Youth-Focused Education, OAUW seeks to fund programs that equip parents and children with tools for early childhood development and overall school and career readiness. For Mental Health, the focus is on connecting residents to support services for healing and crisis intervention. Financial Stability initiatives should improve skills for gainful employment, reduce transportation barriers, and offer essential resources such as food and shelter. Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their programs benefit local residents, measure and track positive results for clients, maintain records, comply with anti-terrorist funding regulations, and practice non-discrimination. The OAUW will not fund individuals, religious activities serving only members, lobbying efforts, direct travel support (unless critical to an eligible program), advertising (beyond service awareness), endowments, capital campaigns, athletic associations, or fundraising events. The deadline for applications is June 28, 2024.