Workforce Development Grants

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is offering a Business Resiliency program, funded by federal Community Development Block Grant-Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) Funds. This grant aims to support the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or acquisition of property for homeless shelters, with the goal of increasing their capacity to pre-COVID levels. The program is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and requires all awarded projects to demonstrate a connection to the prevention, preparation, and response to the coronavirus. The primary objective is to provide stable, safe, and adequate housing for individuals experiencing homelessness, aligning with the broader mission of community development and support for vulnerable populations. The target beneficiaries are homeless individuals, with the impact goal of increasing the capacity of shelters to serve more people and improve living conditions. This program directly addresses the critical need for enhanced housing infrastructure in the wake of the pandemic, ensuring that communities are better equipped to handle homelessness. A key priority of this grant is to fund projects that meet the National Objective of Low to Moderate Income for the benefiting businesses, ensuring that the assistance reaches those most in need. The program also emphasizes robust collaboration among local entities, requiring letters of support from a minimum of five community homelessness support services. This fosters a coordinated approach to addressing homelessness and ensures comprehensive service delivery. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number of available shelter beds and improved facilities for homeless individuals. While the total funding amount is yet to be precisely determined, it will be at least $15 million, with individual awards ranging from $500,000 to $2 million. The number of grants will be based on the amounts requested. The project period is anticipated to run from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2026, allowing for a substantial duration to achieve the program's objectives. Measurable results will be tied to the increased capacity of shelters and their ability to provide stable and safe housing. Eligibility criteria require entities to be registered in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal, possess valid FEIN and UEI numbers, have current and public SAM.gov registrations, and be in good standing with state and federal lists. Eligible applicants must also be units of local government receiving "Entitlement" CDBG funding, have a current Shelter Funding Strategy, and remain compliant with all applicable nondiscrimination laws.

The Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) is offering the 2023-2024 Public-Space Activation Fund (PAF), a grant program aimed at supporting activities that revitalize public spaces within the City of Los Angeles, California. This initiative aligns with the DCA's mission to enrich the cultural life of the city by fostering community engagement and providing accessible cultural experiences. The grant seeks to fund projects that transform public areas into vibrant hubs of activity, reflecting a commitment to broad public benefit and cultural accessibility. The primary beneficiaries of the PAF are the residents and visitors of Los Angeles, particularly those who participate in or attend the various public events and activities supported by the fund. The impact goals include enhancing community cohesion, celebrating cultural diversity, and providing opportunities for cross-cultural learning. By supporting a range of accessible events, the fund aims to improve the quality of public life and create inclusive environments for artistic and cultural expression. The PAF prioritizes projects falling under four main categories, with specific emphasis on International Festivals & Intercultural Foods (IFIF). IFIF grants, typically ranging from $7,500 to $10,000, are designed for pop-up or festival-style events such as community picnics, outdoor festivals, block parties, and food/food-truck festivals. Additionally, creative enhancements to farmers' markets that incorporate live performing arts and cultural activities are highly encouraged. These projects are expected to embrace multicultural themes and feature entertainment suitable for family-friendly, street-adjacent spaces like public parks, schoolyards, and parking lots. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in public attendance at cultural events, greater community participation in organized activities, and a visible enhancement of public spaces. The success of IFIF projects, for instance, will be measured by their ability to promote opportunities for cross-cultural learning and engage diverse audiences through multicultural entertainment. The DCA's strategic priority is to activate public spaces, and this grant program serves as a direct implementation of that theory of change, believing that by funding accessible cultural events, they can foster a more connected and culturally rich urban environment.

The Jackson National Life Insurance Company (Jackson) offers Community grants aimed at strengthening families and increasing economic opportunities. These grants align with Jackson's mission to support non-profits that positively impact individual trajectories and provide stability for families. The program has two main focus areas: Economic Opportunities and Strong Families, reflecting the foundation's strategic priorities to build on stability and help break cycles of poverty and trauma. Under the Economic Opportunities focus, Jackson supports non-profits that provide access to finance, employment, and education. This includes initiatives related to Career Pathways and Job Skills, Financial Education and Coaching, and Homeownership and Wealth Building. The expected outcome is to change individual trajectories by providing the tools and resources necessary for financial independence and stability. While specific measurable results are not explicitly stated, the focus on tangible areas like job skills and homeownership implies a theory of change where targeted interventions lead to improved economic well-being. The Strong Families focus is dedicated to supporting non-profits that help families overcome generational poverty and trauma by addressing their most critical needs. This encompasses programs providing Emergency Shelter, Access to Food, Intervention and care after crisis, Resilient Parenting and accessible Childcare, and Youth Mentoring. The goal is to provide stability and support, leading to a break in cycles of poverty and trauma. The foundation's theory of change here is that by providing foundational support and care, families can achieve greater resilience and well-being. Jackson awards funding to local nonprofits in specific geographic areas, including Lansing, MI, Nashville, TN, and Chicago, IL, through a competitive grant process. The eligibility criteria emphasize support for 501(c)3 tax-exempt organizations, with specific restrictions against funding individuals, private foundations, certain health and disease-specific organizations, religious organizations (unless broadly accessible and free from religious orientation), and schools or school-affiliated sports teams/clubs. This highlights Jackson's commitment to partnering with established non-profits that align with their community-focused mission and strategic priorities.

The City of Boulder's Human Services Fund (HSF) is an annual grant program designed to improve the well-being of community members facing social or economic disparities. The fund is sourced from the city's general fund and aims to strategically invest resources in programs and services that promote shared outcomes aligned with the city's mission of fostering a more equitable and supportive community. The HSF targets individuals and groups experiencing systemic socio-economic barriers, those who have been historically excluded, and those in need of basic assistance. The grant program's impact goals are to increase economic stability, mobility, and resilience; enhance access to and maintenance of housing; advance personal growth, development, and leadership potential; create safe environments for people with diverse identities; improve physical, mental, or behavioral health and well-being; and increase the ability of community members to access critical services. Key priorities for the HSF include supporting programs that demonstrate sound research and evidence-based best practices, value lived experience and cultural knowledge, and meaningfully engage community members in program design, implementation, and evaluation. The program also emphasizes strong collaboration and equitable partnerships, cost-effectiveness, and a commitment to sustained financial stability and diverse funding sources from applicants. Expected outcomes and measurable results are central to the HSF. Programs must be directly linked to specific outcomes and indicators, with a strong focus on long-term evaluation. This aligns with the city's strategic priority to invest in initiatives that not only address immediate needs but also demonstrate a clear path towards lasting positive change and self-sufficiency for beneficiaries. The grant period for accepted proposals is January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.

The Teaching with Primary Sources Program (TPS) is the Library of Congress's premier educational outreach initiative. Its fundamental mission is to enhance the ability of teachers to integrate digitized primary sources from the Library of Congress into instruction, thereby fostering student literacy, critical thinking skills, content knowledge, and the capacity to conduct original research. This core work is strategically aligned with and reflects the Library's broader outreach goals and its vision of connecting to all Americans, particularly as detailed in the institution's 2019-23 and 2024-2028 Strategic Plans. The current Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Continuing Awards is specifically open only to existing, experienced TPS Program Consortium Members who have previously received grants directly from the Library. The target beneficiaries are educators and learners representing diverse groups, including specific professions, ethnicities, geographic locations, abilities, interests, affiliations, and other attributes. The primary impact goal for this continuing award is for successful applicants to expand the use and disseminate their existing teaching materials, tools, programming, and research to meet the needs of these learners, especially those populations they have identified as being underserved by the current TPS program. The NOFO focuses on soliciting project proposals that leverage and expand upon the teaching materials, tools, and strategies developed under previous TPS awards. Applicants must commit to several key priorities to achieve this expansion. These include reviewing and revising existing TPS products, modifying them to enhance their value to educators and learners, and developing new strategies and robust networks to facilitate effective outreach to the targeted, underserved populations. The expected outcomes and measurable results hinge on applicants submitting project proposals that clearly address the demonstrated educational needs of their specific recipient populations. The proposed solutions must be effective, as suggested by standard practice, documented experience, or research. The Library strategically values TPS Consortium members as "Connectors" who are essential to achieving the institutional vision of connecting to all Americans, viewing the program's success in dissemination and expanded outreach as a key mechanism for progress toward its broader strategic goals.

This program provides up to $20,000 in funding and training support to veteran entrepreneurs at any stage of their business development, focusing on for-profit ventures.

This grant provides financial support and resources to early-stage marketing and creative consultants in the U.S. and Canada to help them grow their businesses.

This program provides $10,000 in funding and mentorship to Black and Brown female-identifying beauty brand founders in the U.S. with annual revenues between $10,000 and $1 million, helping them grow their businesses and potentially reach new markets.

The 2025 Arts and Humanities Education Projects (AHEP) grant, offered by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH), seeks to support non-profit arts, humanities, arts education, and service organizations. This program aligns with CAH's mission to foster a vibrant arts and humanities ecosystem within the District of Columbia by directly investing in educational initiatives. The grant duration is less than one year, with awards ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, and a maximum of $30,000 for organization awards. The performance period is from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. The AHEP grant targets a diverse range of beneficiaries, including students in grades pre-K to 12, older adults aged 50 and up, and teachers, educational staff, and teaching artists from DC Public Schools (DCPS) and DC Public Charter Schools (DCPCS). The primary impact goals are to provide access to high-quality arts and humanities experiences that advance student academic achievement, strengthen the value of arts and humanities education, and support activities consistent with local and national learning standards. The program prioritizes various project types, including In-School Projects, Out-of-School-Time Projects, Professional Development Projects, and Older Adult Projects. The focus is on delivering exemplary programs that align with current state standards in non-arts content areas where appropriate. This strategic approach ensures comprehensive engagement across different age groups and educational settings within the District. Expected outcomes include enhanced student academic performance, increased appreciation for arts and humanities, and improved professional development for educators and teaching artists. Measurable results will likely include participation rates in various project types, student achievement data, and feedback from older adult participants and professional development attendees. CAH's strategic priority is to ensure that at least 51% of the organization's activities and 100% of the grant award dollars support programming within the District of Columbia, reflecting a theory of change that localized investment in arts and humanities education directly leads to improved community well-being and academic success.

This grant provides financial support to Illinois artists and non-profit organizations for various arts-related projects, programming, events, and professional development opportunities.

The Rapides Foundation's Workforce Opportunity Grant Program aims to address the critical need for increased household income levels in Central Louisiana, aligning directly with the foundation's overarching mission to improve the health status of the region. The program operates under the belief that economic prosperity, characterized by low unemployment and higher-wage jobs, directly correlates with improved healthcare access, better health choices, and healthier lifestyles for all income levels. This grant initiative is a strategic effort to uplift the standard of living by fostering economic opportunity and family income, which are core tenets of the foundation's "Healthy Communities" strategic area. The primary target beneficiaries of this program are potential and existing employees within The Rapides Foundation's nine-parish service area, which includes Allen, Avoyelles, Catahoula, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Vernon, and Winn parishes. Additionally, businesses and industry partners located within these parishes will benefit from the increased skill and knowledge of their workforce. The impact goals are two-fold: to enhance the skills and knowledge of the workforce, leading to higher wages for employees, and to simultaneously boost the production capacity of participating businesses and industries. This directly supports the foundation's "Education" strategic area by increasing educational attainment and achievement as a path to improved economic and social status. The program prioritizes accredited, nonprofit, postsecondary institutions as eligible grant recipients, ensuring that the training provided is of high quality and meets recognized educational standards. The focus is on trainings that directly benefit the local workforce and businesses, addressing specific skill gaps or enhancing existing capabilities to meet industry demands. The grant provides up to $75,000 for a period of up to 12 months, indicating a commitment to substantial and sustained impact. The expected outcomes of the Workforce Opportunity Grant Program include a more highly skilled and better-compensated workforce, leading to an increase in household income levels across the targeted parishes. This, in turn, is expected to result in improved health outcomes due to greater financial stability and access to healthcare. By increasing the production capacity of businesses, the program also aims to strengthen the local economy, creating a virtuous cycle of economic growth and improved community well-being. This comprehensive approach reflects The Rapides Foundation's "Healthy People" strategic area by indirectly promoting healthy behaviors and improving access to healthcare through economic empowerment.

The Field Trip Experiences (FTE) grant program, supported by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH), aims to provide access to comprehensive arts and humanities field trip experiences for students in the District of Columbia. This program aligns with CAH's mission to advance student achievement through strategic planning and delivery of field trip experiences and associated programming. The grant also emphasizes creating authentic connections to curricular content across targeted grade levels and encouraging collaboration between arts and humanities organizations to build a "community of practice" and foster new relationships with public schools. The target beneficiaries of this grant are students and teachers in the District of Columbia. The program's impact goals include advancing student achievement in the arts and humanities, ensuring a strategic approach to field trip planning and delivery, and making strong connections to existing curricula. The grant prioritizes organizations that can provide engaging field trip experiences and professional development opportunities for educators, as well as pre/post-field trip workshops for students. Key focuses of the FTE grant include enhancing educational outcomes through arts and humanities, promoting collaboration among cultural organizations, and strengthening partnerships between these organizations and public schools. The program also highlights the importance of demonstrating measurable impact, ensuring that the field trip experiences and associated programming lead to tangible benefits for participating students and teachers. Expected outcomes of the FTE grant include increased student engagement in arts and humanities, improved student achievement, and enhanced professional development for educators. Measurable results are expected in areas such as student participation rates, teacher feedback on professional development, and demonstrated improvements in students' understanding of curricular content. The grant's duration is one year, with a period of performance from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. Funding information indicates support up to $50,000, with an overall grant size ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.

The Florida Department of Health's Sickle Cell Disease Research and Treatment Grant Program aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare services for individuals living with sickle cell disease (SCD) in Florida. This initiative also seeks to advance data collection and analysis to support SCD research. The program's mission is directly aligned with the department's public health goals, focusing on improving health outcomes for a vulnerable population through both direct care and scientific inquiry. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are persons living with sickle cell disease in Florida, along with community-based sickle cell disease medical treatment and research centers operating within the state. The impact goals are to improve healthcare services and foster research that can lead to better treatments and understanding of SCD. This involves supporting existing centers of excellence and developing new ones, ultimately creating a more robust and accessible healthcare infrastructure for SCD patients. The program has two key priority areas: sickle cell disease workforce development and education, and sickle cell disease treatment centers of excellence. These priorities are designed to address both the human capital and infrastructure needs within the SCD care landscape. The grant funds, totaling up to $10 million, can be utilized for a variety of expenses, including personnel, facility upgrades, technology acquisition, and contractual services, all aimed at bolstering these priority areas. Expected outcomes include improved health service utilization, better patient outcomes, and a stronger network of SCD treatment centers across Florida. Projects are required to include impact evaluation plans to measure these changes. The program emphasizes the importance of proposals demonstrating how an applicant's strategic priorities integrate facility enhancement or the creation of new centers, as well as showcasing the organization's experience in securing and managing funding. This ensures that projects are not only well-conceived but also sustainable and capable of delivering measurable results in line with the department's objectives.

The Walter F. Goodnough Trust offers grants specifically designed to support the rehabilitation of underprivileged disabled children, aligning its mission directly with improving the health and well-being of this vulnerable population. This core grant program focuses on a critical area of need within the healthcare sector for children facing both disability and financial hardship. The foundation supports this mission by funding hospitalization-based rehabilitation services exclusively within the state of Florida. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are underprivileged disabled children in Florida who require hospitalization for rehabilitation. The overarching impact goal is to facilitate their recovery and improve their quality of life by providing essential financial support for necessary medical interventions. To achieve this, the trust prioritizes health-related programs and aims to ensure that eligible organizations, specifically 501(c)(3) exempt organizations, can access funding to serve these children effectively. Regarding expected outcomes and measurable results, the document notes that specific detailed metrics are not explicitly stated beyond the goal of "rehabilitation." However, the implicit outcome is an improvement in health and functional abilities for the children served. Success would likely be measured internally by proxies such as the number of children assisted, the types of rehabilitation services provided, and potentially the duration or effectiveness of their hospitalization and subsequent recovery. The foundation’s financial support is focused, with an average grant size ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 and an average total giving of $15,000 per year, suggesting a focus on supporting individual or smaller-scale rehabilitation projects. The foundation's strategic priorities are centered on creating a direct and measurable impact within Florida's healthcare landscape, particularly for disabled children. This focused approach is highlighted by the geographic limitation to Florida and the specific program area of Health. The trust's theory of change posits that by providing financial grants directly to qualified organizations, they can enable access to crucial rehabilitation services that would otherwise be out of reach for underprivileged families, thereby addressing a core financial barrier to recovery and improved quality of life.

The Chester County Community Foundation's Fund for ChesCo Capacity Building Grants program is designed to strengthen the effectiveness of nonprofit organizations (NPOs) serving the Chester County region. This aligns directly with the foundation's mission to support and enhance the community by empowering the organizations that work within it. The grants aim to help NPOs achieve a higher level of operational, programmatic, financial, or organizational maturity, enabling them to fulfill their missions more effectively and efficiently. The target beneficiaries for this program are NPOs located in and serving Chester County, specifically those with budgets of $500,000 or less. The impact goal is to enhance the overall effectiveness and sustainability of these organizations. By building their capacity, the program seeks to ensure that essential services and programs continue to be delivered to the community, ultimately leading to a stronger, more resilient Chester County. The program prioritizes several key areas for capacity building, including Mission, Vision & Strategy; Governance & Leadership; Partnerships & Collaborations; Operations & Technology; and Fundraising, Development & Marketing. Within these broad categories, specific focuses include organizational assessments, strategic planning, board development, executive transition planning, coalition building, financial management, technology improvements, and various resource development campaigns. Expected outcomes include improved organizational assessment and strategic planning, more effective governance and leadership structures, enhanced collaborative efforts among NPOs, more robust operational and technological infrastructure, and stronger fundraising and marketing capabilities. Measurable results could include documented strategic plans, increased board engagement, new or strengthened partnerships, implemented technology solutions, and successful development campaigns. The foundation's strategic priority is clearly rooted in a theory of change that posits that by investing in the foundational strength and operational capabilities of NPOs, the overall health and well-being of the Chester County community will improve. This approach recognizes that effective nonprofits are crucial drivers of positive social change, and by strengthening them, the foundation can achieve a broader and more sustainable impact across various sectors.

Program Funds awarded under this NOFA shall be used to provide construction loans and/or permanent financing loans at simple interest rates of no higher than three percent per annum, for payment of predevelopment costs, acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation as well as to construct, convert, reconstruct, rehabilitate, and/or repair Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) or Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs). Eligible activitiesPursuant to Guidelines, Section 105, the LHTF funds shall be allocated in compliance with all of the following: 1. To provide construction loans and/or permanent financing loans at simple interest rates of no higher than three percent per annum, for payment of predevelopment costs, acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation associated with Affordable rental housing projects, Emergency Shelters, Transitional Housing, Permanent Supportive Housing, homebuyer/homeowner projects to purchase for-sale housing units or to rehabilitate an owner-occupied dwelling. Funds may also be used for the construction, conversion, repair, and rehabilitation of Accessory Dwelling Units or Junior Accessory Dwelling Units. 2. Administrative expenses may not exceed five percent of program Program Funds and Matching Funds.3. A minimum of 30 percent of program Program Funds and Matching Funds, after deducting administrative expense, shall be expended on assistance to Extremely Low-Income Households. To comply with this requirement, dwelling units or shelter beds must be Affordable to and restricted for Extremely Low-Income Households with household income of no more than 30 percent of Area Median Income (AMI). 4. No more than 20 percent of the program Program Funds and Matching Funds, after deducting administrative expense, shall be expended on assistance to Moderate-Income Households. To comply with this requirement, dwelling units must be Affordable to and restricted for Moderate-Income Households with household income of no more than 120 percent of AMI. 5. The remaining program Program Funds and Matching Funds shall be expended on assistance to Lower-Income Households. To comply with this requirement, dwelling units must be Affordable to and restricted for Lower-Income Households with household income of no more than 80 percent AMI. Funding Activity requirements LimitsPursuant to Guidelines, Section 103, the funding minimums, and maximums apply as detailed below:-The minimum application request by an Applicant that is an existing Existing Local Housing Trust Fund shall be $1 million. -The minimum application request by an Applicant that is a new New Local Housing Trust Fund, but which is not a Regional Housing Trust Fund, shall be $500,000.-The minimum application request by an Applicant that is a new New Local Housing Trust Fund, which is also a Regional Housing Trust Fund, and which is utilizing Permanent Local Housing Allocation Funds as Matching Funds, shall be $750,000. -The maximum application request for all Applicants shall be $5 million.

The Libra Foundation's grant program is designed to enhance the quality of life for Maine residents by strategically deploying its financial resources to stimulate economic development, foster entrepreneurial ventures, and create employment opportunities within the state. This initiative directly aligns with the foundation's core mission to support innovative and sustainable Maine-based business initiatives and programs. The foundation's strategic approach involves leveraging its assets to achieve economic benefits for Maine and its residents, while also prioritizing the welfare and betterment of children. This reflects a dual focus on both economic prosperity and social well-being, indicating a holistic theory of change that sees economic growth as a means to improve overall societal conditions, particularly for vulnerable populations. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are Maine residents, with a specific emphasis on children who stand to benefit from the funded initiatives. The foundation aims to achieve significant impact by supporting organizations that can develop and implement programs offering potential economic benefits across the state. This includes job creation, economic growth, and the fostering of entrepreneurial activity, all contributing to an improved quality of life. The expected outcomes are centered on measurable progress in these areas, with successful applications demonstrating clear pathways to sustainable development and positive community impact. The foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in innovative local businesses and programs, it can create a ripple effect of economic and social improvement throughout Maine. The Libra Foundation's priorities and focuses are broad, encompassing various areas of giving such as Arts, Culture & Humanities, Education, Environment, Health, Human Services, Justice, Public/Society Benefit, and Religion. This wide scope allows the foundation to address diverse needs within Maine while remaining committed to its overarching goals of economic development and child welfare. While the grant program has a general size of $10,000 to $100,000, individual grants will not exceed $25,000. This suggests a strategic allocation of resources to support a wider array of smaller, impactful projects rather than a few large ones, thereby maximizing the reach and diversity of its funding. To ensure the effectiveness and accountability of its grants, the Libra Foundation has clear eligibility criteria. Only organizations that have been determined to be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and "not a private foundation" under Section 509(a) of the Code are considered. This ensures that the foundation partners with legitimate and transparent entities, reinforcing its commitment to responsible philanthropy. The requirement for evidence of this determination at the time of application underscores the foundation's due diligence and strategic focus on supporting organizations that meet specific legal and ethical standards, thereby safeguarding its investments and maximizing the potential for positive outcomes for the residents of Maine.

The City of Lacey is offering its Human Services Grant Program to support non-profit human service providers. This program aligns with the city's mission to enhance community well-being by addressing critical needs in housing, survival, and security. The grant provides funding up to $300,000, with a total size ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, to organizations that directly serve Lacey community members. The program aims to create a stronger, more resilient community by investing in services that provide fundamental support to its residents. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are Lacey community members who are vulnerable or in need of support. Non-profit human service providers are the direct recipients of the funding, enabling them to expand or improve their services. The impact goals are broad, aiming to improve the overall quality of life for residents by addressing immediate needs and promoting long-term stability and self-sufficiency. The program's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined across three key pillars: Housing, Survival, and Security. Housing initiatives include expanding affordable housing programs, providing emergency rental assistance, offering housing education, and establishing supportive housing services. Survival focuses on ensuring access to basic necessities such as food, water, shelter, sleep, and clothing. Security encompasses job training and placement, mental and physical health care, drug and alcohol recovery services, support during personal or family crises, and transportation. Expected outcomes include a significant improvement in access to affordable housing, a reduction in homelessness, and increased stability for residents. In the area of survival, the program anticipates enhanced access to essential resources for vulnerable populations. For security, measurable results will include improved employment rates, better access to healthcare and recovery services, and stronger community support systems during times of crisis. The program's strategic priority is to empower non-profit organizations to deliver effective, community-centric services that directly address the social determinants of health and well-being.

The City of Riverside Small & Micro Business Grant Program is designed to foster local small business resiliency by offering consultation services to identify areas for improvement and develop tailored strategies. The program aims to enhance financial stability, promote long-term sustainability, and build capacity for success among local businesses. This initiative addresses ongoing pandemic recovery needs and aligns with the Department of Treasury State & Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) to support long-term growth and reduce barriers for small businesses in disadvantaged communities. The target beneficiaries of this program are privately-owned, for-profit businesses that were in operation prior to March 13, 2020. This includes self-employed individuals, entrepreneurs, sole proprietors, 1099 independent contractors, home-based operations, LLCs, and C-Corporations. Individuals who started a business due to COVID-19 employment challenges before January 1, 2023, are also eligible. All applicants must be located within the City Limits of Riverside and possess a physical or residential business address. The program prioritizes businesses that are either categorically eligible (presumed impacted by ARPA) or can demonstrate a financial impact from COVID-19. This includes businesses experiencing decreased revenue, increased costs, challenges covering operating expenses like payroll and rent, or a lower capacity to withstand financial hardship due to depleted savings or lack of working capital. Annual gross revenue must be between $10,000 and $2.5 million, and businesses must have fewer than 50 employees, including owners. Maintaining active and good standing with all City, County, State, and Federal entities is also a key eligibility criterion. The expected outcomes and measurable results include increased financial stability and long-term sustainability for participating businesses, as well as enhanced capacity for success. The program seeks to reduce barriers to success for small businesses, particularly in disadvantaged communities, and promote access to valuable partner resources. In addition to direct financial support, with grant awards up to $25,000, all applicants receive a free one-on-one Strategic Planning Consultation. This consultation is a key component for identifying opportunities for improvement and building customized strategies, directly contributing to the program's goals of fostering resiliency and growth within the local small business ecosystem.

The Rural Housing Assessment Grant program, administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA)'s Center for Rural Revitalization, aims to empower rural communities in Iowa. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to revitalize rural areas by enabling communities to interpret publicly available data and implement changes in development codes, local ordinances, and housing incentives. The program's foundation is deeply rooted in the belief that data-driven decisions at the local level are crucial for fostering a development environment attractive to potential housing developers, ultimately contributing to the economic and social well-being of rural Iowa. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are local city and county governments, as well as federally recognized tribal governments located in Iowa. Specifically, projects and programs must exist in and benefit communities with a population of 20,000 or fewer, and not be contiguous to a city with a population of 40,000 or greater. For countywide projects, eligibility is restricted to the 88 least populous counties. The impact goals are centered on facilitating the assessment of current development environments, enacting policy changes, and ultimately increasing the availability of suitable housing in these underserved rural areas. The program prioritizes several key areas. First, it focuses on supporting the use of publicly available, online information, encouraging communities to leverage existing data for informed decision-making. Second, a significant focus is placed on partnering with Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach for their Rural Housing Readiness Assessment workshops. These workshops are integral to helping communities assess their current housing landscape and identify areas for improvement. The grant funds are specifically designed to support housing assessment data collection, participation in these workshops, and the subsequent implementation of workshop outcomes within the contract period. Expected outcomes include the completion of housing assessment reports, successful participation in the ISU Extension and Outreach Rural Housing Assessment Readiness Workshop, and the implementation of policy and procedural changes that attract developers. Measurable results will be tied to the completion of these deliverables and the demonstrable progress made in adjusting local regulations to be more conducive to housing development. Grant recipients can be awarded up to $20,000, with a funding period for all project activities and incurred expenses spanning from October 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026. The program also requires a $5,000 cash match for each city or full county partnering on an application, ensuring local commitment and investment.