Workforce Development Grants

The Catalyze Birmingham Challenge is a national initiative designed to invigorate innovations in career-connected learning (CCL), aiming to provide learners aged 11-22 with access to transformative educational experiences that integrate academics with career exploration. This program is aligned with the broader mission of the national Catalyze Challenge, which since 2021, has impacted over 45,000 students through more than $13 million in grants to over 50 organizations. The core objective is to empower young individuals to discover their aptitudes and pursue rewarding careers by bridging education and industry. The challenge targets learners residing, studying, or working in the Birmingham region, specifically Bibb, Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, and Walker counties. The program's impact goals are centered on fostering career opportunities and enhancing the potential success of local participants through innovative career-connected learning. Catalyze seeks to fund and learn from bold ideas that rethink the connections between the education system, postsecondary education, vocational programs, apprenticeships, and employment for young people in this region. The Catalyze Birmingham Challenge prioritizes novel approaches to career-connected learning that align with two key themes: Career Exploration for Young Adolescents and Activating Employer Partnerships. These themes are strategically chosen to address existing gaps in the market and to create learning experiences that challenge traditional educational paradigms. The program actively encourages forward-looking organizations with groundbreaking solutions that address specific CCL challenges, particularly those faced by learners navigating career pathways and by individuals and organizations within the education and industry sectors. Expected outcomes include building learners' skills and agency to effectively navigate lifelong career journeys. Grantees will contribute to a wider effort to build an evidence base around the identified themes, while simultaneously addressing practical challenges within their communities and beyond. The Birmingham coalition, with the aid of a regional evaluation and selection committee, will engage, source, evaluate, and fund high-potential innovations. The Catalyze Birmingham Challenge will award pilot grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 each, supporting 12-24 months of exploratory implementation for these impactful solutions.

The Hudson-Ellis Fund, administered by the Blue Grass Community Foundation, is a competitive grantmaking program designed to support tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations benefiting residents of Boyle County, Kentucky. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance community well-being through strategic philanthropy, as evidenced by the establishment of the fund through bequests for the good of Boyle County by donors like Lottie B. Ellis. The program prioritizes projects that address critical community needs and demonstrate meaningful impact and sustainability, reflecting the foundation's commitment to long-term positive change. The program specifically targets youth and/or adults who are economically disadvantaged, youth and/or adults with disabilities, and initiatives focused on public education. The overarching impact goal is to improve the quality of life for these specific populations within Boyle County. Successful proposals are expected to demonstrate how their projects and programs will address these community needs effectively. The Hudson-Ellis Fund has clear funding priorities: public education, and programming that improves the quality of life for youth and adults with disabilities or those who are economically disadvantaged. Grant requests should not exceed $7,500, and the grant period for funded projects will run from September 2024 to June 2025. This focus indicates the foundation's strategic priority to invest in areas that foster equitable access to resources and opportunities for vulnerable populations. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in the lives of Boyle County residents, particularly within the identified beneficiary groups. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond "meaningful impact and sustainability," the emphasis on addressing community needs implies a focus on quantifiable improvements in educational attainment, economic stability, or quality of life for individuals with disabilities. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by strategically funding projects in these key areas, they can empower local nonprofits to create lasting positive change and foster a more inclusive and prosperous community in Boyle County.

The Dallas Foundation’s Summer Grant Cycle is a funding initiative designed to disburse funds from its Community Impact Fund and various Field of Interest Funds. The Community Impact Fund strategically aligns with the foundation's core priorities: "Strong & Healthy Start" and "Community & Economic Resilience." Field of Interest Funds are tailored to donor-specific causes, demonstrating the foundation's commitment to both broad community needs and individualized philanthropic interests. This approach reflects the foundation's mission to support a diverse range of impactful projects within Dallas County. The grant cycle targets nonprofit organizations operating in Dallas County, focusing on specific beneficiaries and impact goals. Key areas of support include initiatives that build a strong and healthy start for children, with a particular emphasis on prenatal to three care, family homelessness, and child and youth mental health. This focus aims to address foundational well-being and development during critical early life stages. Additionally, the cycle addresses critical needs by providing essential resources such as food, clothing, emergency shelter, and healthcare to low-income, indigent, homeless, or ill children and families, directly impacting their immediate survival and stability. A significant priority is Community & Economic Resilience, which encompasses education and workforce development, including Pre-K12, out-of-school time programs, and post-secondary access. This also extends to economic empowerment through entrepreneurship and employment initiatives, and housing and neighborhood infrastructure, covering affordable housing, property support, transportation, utility access, and access to parks and recreation. The foundation also prioritizes support for children with intellectual and physical disabilities, including disabled, blind, and deaf children, as well as educational programs for intellectually and developmentally disabled children to foster productive lives. Furthermore, older adults, particularly low-income older adults, are a target beneficiary, ensuring support for this vulnerable demographic. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the focus areas inherently suggest desired outcomes. For "Strong & Healthy Start," expected outcomes include improved health and developmental indicators for young children and reduced family homelessness. For "Critical Needs," the expected outcomes involve increased access to basic necessities and improved well-being for vulnerable populations. In "Community & Economic Resilience," anticipated results include enhanced educational attainment, increased employment and entrepreneurial success, and improved access to affordable housing and essential infrastructure. For children with disabilities and older adults, the goal is improved quality of life, greater independence, and enhanced support services. The foundation's theory of change appears to be rooted in a belief that investing in these key areas will lead to a more resilient, healthier, and equitable Dallas County.

The Community Giving Foundation's Healthy Workplace Grant program is designed to foster happy and healthy teams within nonprofit organizations. This initiative directly aligns with the Foundation's mission by promoting community well-being, specifically focusing on the individuals who drive the nonprofit sector. By investing in the health and positivity of these teams, the Foundation aims to strengthen the operational capacity and resilience of local nonprofits, ultimately enhancing their ability to serve the community effectively. The program acknowledges the critical role of employee well-being in organizational success and community impact. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are 501(c) and government nonprofit organizations located within the Berwick Health and Wellness Fund service area, which includes specific boroughs and townships in Columbia and Luzerne counties, Pennsylvania. The program targets the staff and volunteers within these organizations, aiming to improve their mental and physical health. The overarching impact goal is to cultivate more positive, supportive, and healthy work environments within these vital community organizations, leading to increased employee satisfaction, reduced burnout, and improved overall productivity. The grant prioritizes creative and innovative approaches to enhancing workplace health and positivity. Funds can be utilized for a variety of purposes, including the purchase of supplies or equipment, the implementation of specific programming, or professional development opportunities that boost mental and physical well-being. The emphasis is on encouraging imaginative methods that contribute to a healthier office culture. This focus on creative solutions ensures that organizations can tailor their initiatives to their unique needs and challenges, fostering a more effective and sustainable impact. Expected outcomes include a measurable improvement in the mental and physical health of nonprofit teams, a more positive and supportive workplace culture, and enhanced organizational effectiveness. While specific measurable results are not detailed in terms of quantifiable metrics within the provided text, the application process itself encourages "creative methods for increasing health and positivity," implying that successful applications will demonstrate thoughtful approaches to achieving these outcomes. The Foundation's strategic priority, as evidenced by this grant, is to invest in the human capital of the nonprofit sector, recognizing that healthy, engaged teams are fundamental to a thriving community. This aligns with a theory of change where targeted support for employee well-being directly contributes to stronger, more impactful nonprofit operations, ultimately benefiting the wider community. Grants are awarded in amounts ranging from $200-$1,000, indicating a focus on supporting a broad range of smaller-scale, impactful initiatives.

Grant program designed to train underrepresented population to successfully enter the construction industry and the trades. The program focuses removing barriers for entry and transitioning graduates to DOL-registered apprenticeship programs. The goal of the Illinois Works Act is to ensure that all Illinois residents have access to State capital projects and careers in the construction industry and building trades, as well as provide contracting and employment opportunities to historically underrepresented populations in the construction industry and the trades. The Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship NOFO and program is a critical component in the success of the Act, by increasing the number of qualified construction and building trades apprentices who are women, people of color, veterans or from otherwise underrepresented populations (as defined by the Illinois Works Jobs Program Act) and preparing them to enter full apprenticeship programs on their way to careers in construction and the building trades.

The Business Oregon grant funding aims to address longstanding economic inequities by providing culturally responsive services, outreach, support, and resources to eligible beneficiaries. Unlike traditional poverty alleviation programs, the EEIP is a wealth-building program that prioritizes outcomes related to self-sufficiency, economic stability, and economic equity. The program is funded by an $8 million one-time investment from the Oregon State Legislature. Successful applicants will demonstrate a meaningful track record of delivering programs or resources within key eligible areas: land ownership and other real property acquisition (including principal residences), entrepreneurship and business development, workforce development, or intergenerational wealth-building. Organizations receiving funds will directly provide outreach, support, and programming to eligible beneficiaries in one or more of these areas. Eligible beneficiaries are defined as “disadvantaged individuals, families, businesses, and communities” whose future is at risk due to two or more risk factors, as detailed in ORS 285B.761. Awards must be aimed at narrowing wealth gaps. Preference will be given to intermediary organizations with a proven track record of successfully delivering programs and resources that align with the goals and aspirations of the EEIP and possess the capacity to complete programs and expend all funds by June 30, 2025. Expected outcomes include increased self-sufficiency, economic stability, and economic equity for disadvantaged individuals, families, businesses, and communities in Oregon. The program's strategic priorities are centered on wealth-building, a departure from traditional poverty alleviation, to foster long-term economic well-being and reduce wealth disparities across the state. This initiative reflects a theory of change that by investing in key economic development areas and supporting capable intermediary organizations, sustainable economic growth and equity can be achieved for at-risk populations.

The North Carolina IOLTA's Civil Legal Aid Grant Program aims to provide general support for a network of organizations that ensure basic access to the justice system for indigent individuals across all counties in North Carolina. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to support civil legal aid, encompassing direct representation, training, and technical assistance for eligible clients and groups. Organizations, whether staffed or utilizing pro bono lawyers, contribute to this mission by offering crucial legal services without charge to clients who meet the indigency criteria. The program primarily targets North Carolina residents who are indigent, defined as individuals at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines or eligible for public assistance. Impact goals center on expanding access to justice for these low-income clients, particularly those who are not currently being reached or who require services not otherwise available. The program also seeks to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and collaboration within the civil legal aid delivery system to ensure high-quality legal assistance for the poor. The program offers four main areas of funding, each with distinct priorities. General Civil Legal Aid Grants provide programmatic support to non-profit legal aid organizations whose primary purpose is to serve low-income clients. Project Support Grants focus on specific client subgroups or service types, addressing unmet needs. Pro Bono Support Grants are dedicated to developing and expanding efforts to engage lawyers in voluntary legal services, specifically for indigent clients. Finally, System Support Grants aim to improve the overall civil legal aid delivery system through initiatives like training, research, program innovations, and online tools. Funding criteria prioritize applicants providing direct representation to clients or client groups, including extended representation, brief advice, community legal education, and community economic development. Preference is given to staffed civil legal aid organizations, recognizing them as the most effective means of delivery, with pro bono efforts serving as a vital supplement. The program also favors current qualified providers and organizations with diverse funding sources, emphasizing a sustainable approach to providing legal services. The expected outcomes include increased access to legal services for indigent populations, improved program efficiency, enhanced collaboration among legal aid providers, and ultimately, a more equitable justice system for low-income North Carolinians. The grant period for these initiatives is January 1 to December 31, 2025.

The Foothills Community Partnership Charitable Grant Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama, offers grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for a duration of one year. This program is specifically designed to support 501(c)(3) qualified public charities operating within Calhoun County, Alabama. The core mission of this fund is to benefit and enhance the sustainability of services provided by non-profit organizations that address critical human care issues within the county. This aligns directly with the Foundation's broader strategic goal of fostering community well-being and supporting vital local services. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are non-profit organizations serving Calhoun County that focus on human care issues. The overarching impact goal is to strengthen these organizations, enabling them to deliver more effective and sustainable services to the community. By providing financial support, the fund aims to help these organizations achieve their objectives and improve the quality of life for residents in Calhoun County. The fund's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined: Education, Community and economic development, and Safety and wellness. Programs and projects that address these specific community issues are given precedence. This targeted approach ensures that the grants contribute to strategic areas identified as crucial for the growth and stability of the community. Expected outcomes include a strengthened non-profit sector in Calhoun County, leading to improved access to essential human care services. Measurable results could involve an increased number of individuals benefiting from educational programs, enhanced economic opportunities, or a reduction in safety and wellness concerns within the community, all directly supported by the funded projects. The Foundation's theory of change posits that by strategically investing in these key areas through local non-profits, it can foster a more resilient, educated, and healthy community in Calhoun County.

The Pacific Coast Coalition is offering a grant of over $1 million for dairy processors in selected states to fund projects that diversify dairy product markets, promote business development, and encourage innovative use of regionally produced milk, with funds potentially used for planning, training, equipment, product development, and co-packing capabilities.

The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) is offering the 2025 High-Impact Tutoring (HIT) Local Education Agency (LEA) Grant. This grant aims to support DC public LEAs in establishing, strengthening, and expanding evidence-based tutoring programs within their schools. The core mission of this grant is to address learning acceleration for DC students, with a particular emphasis on those identified as economically disadvantaged. While the foundation's specific strategic priorities and theory of change are not explicitly detailed as separate entities in the provided text, the grant's design implicitly aligns with a theory of change that posits that targeted, high-impact tutoring for at-risk students will lead to improved academic outcomes and reduced educational disparities. The target beneficiaries of the HIT LEA Grant are DC public school students, particularly those who are economically disadvantaged. The grant focuses on helping LEAs implement programs that can provide significant educational support to these students. The impact goals are to launch, strengthen, and expand evidence-based tutoring programs, ultimately leading to improved academic performance and educational equity for the students served. The priorities of the grant clearly revolve around supporting LEAs that demonstrate a commitment to implementing HIT programs, either through existing efforts or plans for the upcoming school year. The grant prioritizes funding for programs that demonstrate a commitment to high-impact tutoring. Eligible LEAs must show prior engagement in implementing HIT programs as a key part of their learning acceleration strategy, which could include staff-led programs, engagement with third-party providers, or participation in professional development for designing HIT programs. Furthermore, the grant specifically targets schools where at least 40% of the student population is economically disadvantaged, or where at least 80% of students in the OSSE grant-supported HIT program are economically disadvantaged. This focus ensures that the funding reaches the students most in need of support. Expected outcomes include the successful establishment and expansion of evidence-based tutoring programs across DC public schools. Measurable results are tied directly to the number of students served and the duration of the tutoring. Funding categories are structured to incentivize longer-term programming, with $1,000 for each student receiving 20 weeks or more of HIT programming, $800 for 16-19 weeks, and an additional $200 for summer programming of 4 weeks or more. This clear metric allows for the tracking of the reach and intensity of the tutoring interventions. Additionally, eligible LEAs are required to ensure that school leadership attends professional development and communities of practice, indicating an expected outcome of enhanced capacity within schools to effectively manage and sustain HIT programs.

The AARP Foundation is offering capacity building grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 for a period of 2 years to organizations that aim to enhance their resources and services to better connect adults aged 50 and above to health essentials programs, with a preference for projects serving communities facing systemic barriers and economic instability.

The Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) Cultural Facilities Grant Program aims to bolster the arts infrastructure across Georgia by offering financial support for the construction, renovation, acquisition, or equipment addition to arts facilities. This initiative directly aligns with the GCA's mission to foster a vibrant cultural landscape within the state, ensuring that arts organizations have the necessary physical spaces and tools to deliver their programming. The grant targets capital projects, recognizing that robust facilities are fundamental to the sustainability and growth of artistic endeavors. The primary beneficiaries of this program are non-profit arts organizations registered with the IRS (with arts as part of their mission and over 50% arts-related programming) and local government entities that own and manage arts facilities in Georgia. The impact goal is to enhance the capacity of these organizations to provide diverse arts-based programming, ranging from performing and visual arts to media, literary, folk & traditional, and multidisciplinary arts projects. By improving facilities, the grant seeks to create more accessible and high-quality spaces for artistic expression and community engagement. The grant prioritizes projects that directly support arts-based programming. While a broad spectrum of artistic disciplines is supported, the program explicitly excludes activities such as humanities, social sciences, sciences, culinary arts, fashion, martial arts, sports, magic shows, circus arts, non-arts recreation, topiary, landscape art, and interior design. This clear focus ensures that funds are directed towards initiatives that genuinely advance the arts as defined by the GCA. The funding for FY25 ranges from $10,000 to $75,000, and the project period is set between November 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. Expected outcomes include improved and expanded arts facilities, leading to an increase in the quantity and quality of arts programs available to Georgia residents. Measurable results could include the number of facilities renovated or acquired, the amount of new equipment purchased, and potentially an increase in program attendance or participation reported by grant recipients. The GCA's strategic priority, as evidenced by this grant, is to strengthen the foundational elements of the arts community, operating under the theory of change that by investing in physical infrastructure, they can create a more stable and fertile environment for artistic creation, education, and public access. The inclusion of additional ARP funds in 2024, allowing previous Cultural Facilities Grant recipients to reapply, further underscores a strategic commitment to sustained investment and recovery within the arts sector.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofits in New Mexico that are working to improve the health, safety, and empowerment of at-risk and underserved LGBTQ+ communities.

The Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) is offering the 2024 Vibrant Communities Grants, a program designed to support single art projects across various counties in Georgia. This initiative aligns with the GCA's mission to increase the reach of arts grants statewide, as mandated by the Georgia Legislature. The program aims to fund diverse arts programs in as many counties as possible, thereby fostering vibrant cultural landscapes and promoting artistic engagement within communities. The grants are intended to enhance local arts scenes and provide opportunities for artistic expression and appreciation. The target beneficiaries of the Vibrant Communities Grants are non-profit organizations with 501(c)3 status, local government entities, public libraries, and schools, colleges, or universities located within specific eligible Georgia counties. The impact goals are to support and expand arts programs, ensuring broad access to cultural activities. This includes enabling various artistic endeavors such as performances, art exhibits, educational workshops, and artist residencies. By funding these projects, GCA seeks to enrich communities, provide creative outlets, and promote the arts as a vital component of local development. The program prioritizes a wide array of arts projects, including theatre productions, concerts, class field trips, art exhibits, murals, art festivals, and art classes. Notably, due to the ongoing impact of COVID, online programs are also eligible for funding. The focus is on projects that can be completed between October 15, 2024, and June 1, 2025, and must take place within the applicant's county. A key requirement is a 50% cash match for the grant request amount, emphasizing community investment and shared responsibility. Projects promoting specific religious doctrines or political parties are not eligible. Expected outcomes include a broader distribution of arts funding across Georgia, leading to an increase in local arts programming and engagement. Measurable results would be the number of funded projects, the types of artistic disciplines supported, and the geographical spread of these initiatives across the eligible counties. The grants are expected to range from $1,000 to $5,000 per project, ensuring that a greater number of smaller-scale, impactful projects can be realized. This strategic approach reflects the GCA's theory of change, which posits that by decentralizing arts funding and making it accessible to a wider range of organizations and counties, they can cultivate more vibrant, culturally rich communities throughout the state.

This grant provides over $25 million in funding to support California-based clean energy startups that are developing innovative technologies in areas like energy efficiency, electrification, and renewable energy generation.

This program provides funding to early-career faculty in U.S. higher education to support their innovative research and educational initiatives over a five-year period.

The Washington Department of Commerce (COMMERCE) is seeking proposals for the Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program (ICAP), specifically focusing on Fusion Cluster development. This grant is designed to strengthen industry ecosystems and accelerate economic growth within Washington State by establishing it as a global leader in key industry sectors, supporting tech transfer and commercialization, accelerating new start-ups and scale-ups, growing businesses, and creating high-value jobs. The program also aims to increase export opportunities and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in business ownership and the workforce. COMMERCE has budgeted up to $242,500 for this project, with a preference for awarding contracts under $150,000 to Small or Veteran-Owned Businesses. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are fusion-related industry-led clusters or consortia interested in participating in Fusion Cluster development. The overarching impact goal is to develop a robust Fusion Cluster and produce a legislative report with recommendations for promoting and developing fusion energy in Washington State. This initiative leverages Washington State's existing high concentration of fusion energy companies, fostering "co-opetition" to solve shared industry problems through a dedicated fusion working group. The program's priorities and focuses include establishing Washington as a global leader in fusion energy, supporting technological innovation and commercialization, and fostering business growth and job creation across the state. A significant focus is also placed on developing a legislative report, indicating a strategic approach to influence policy and create a supportive regulatory environment for the fusion energy sector. The grant emphasizes long-term economic development and aims to expand the program over the coming decade to achieve its ambitious goals. Expected outcomes include a stronger fusion industry ecosystem, an increase in tech transfer and commercialization activities, a rise in new start-ups and scale-ups, and the creation of high-value jobs throughout Washington. Measurable results will likely include the number of businesses grown, increased export opportunities, and progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion metrics within the business ownership and workforce. The overall theory of change is that by strategically investing in and fostering collaboration within the fusion energy sector, Washington State can solidify its position as a global leader, drive economic growth, and create sustainable, high-value employment opportunities.

The ConnectALL Initiative's Municipal Infrastructure Program (MIP) is designed to foster the development of open-access, publicly owned, and/or controlled last-mile fiber broadband infrastructure. This initiative aims to deliver reliable high-speed internet services to homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions throughout New York State. The program's mission aligns directly with the New York State Urban Development Corporation d/b/a Empire State Development ("ESD") objectives to promote a vigorous and growing state economy, encourage business investment and job creation, and support diverse, prosperous local economies across NYS. By addressing broadband access, the MIP contributes to ESD's broader strategy of using grants and other forms of assistance to facilitate economic development and improve quality of life for residents. The target beneficiaries of the MIP include communities across New York State that are currently experiencing connectivity challenges due to a lack of affordable, high-speed internet infrastructure. Specifically, the program aims to connect homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions. The primary impact goal is to improve broadband access, thereby reducing the digital divide and enabling greater participation in the digital economy. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in the availability of reliable, high-speed internet, leading to enhanced economic opportunities, improved educational access, and better access to essential services for residents and businesses in underserved areas. The program's priorities and focuses revolve around the construction of new infrastructure or the acquisition of existing infrastructure. This includes last-mile fiber connections to address last-mile infrastructure (cabling, wires, pole replacements, radios) and drops to buildings. It also emphasizes fiber connections to Internet Exchange Points or Data Centers, including middle-mile fiber and networking equipment. A key focus is on ensuring open-access and predominantly publicly controlled infrastructure, leveraging funding from the U.S. Department of Treasury Capital Projects Fund (CPF) to achieve these objectives. The ConnectALL Initiative's strategic priorities are deeply rooted in addressing fundamental connectivity gaps across the state. The theory of change posits that by investing in publicly controlled, open-access fiber broadband infrastructure, the state can stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and foster more equitable access to information and opportunities. The expected measurable results include the deployment of new fiber optic networks, the number of homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions connected, and ultimately, an improvement in the overall broadband speed and affordability available to New Yorkers. The total funding available for this program is $228 Million, with a maximum grant size of $30 million per award, indicating a significant investment to achieve these transformative goals.