Workforce Development Grants

The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority’s Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF) aims to provide financial assistance for major tourism capital projects. Its core mission is to increase patronage of lodging properties and further economic development within Buncombe County. The fund aligns with the broader goal of fostering sustainable growth and enhancing the region as a desirable destination. The target beneficiaries of the TPDF are non-profit organizations and government entities that develop major tourism capital projects. The impact goals are to create jobs, foster entrepreneurial opportunities, provide amenities for both residents and visitors, and ultimately increase overnight lodging stays in Buncombe County. Projects that directly increase lodging stays or support larger initiatives to do so are evaluated equally. The TPDF prioritizes capital investments, focusing on "brick and mortar" projects. Operational expenses are not considered for funding, though design fees already expended can count towards the required 1-to-1 funding match. Projects must be principally located in Buncombe County, demonstrate the ability to increase lodging patronage, and not solely benefit a single lodging owner or property. Applicants must also have legal control of the property and show how they will achieve a minimum 1-to-1 funding match. Expected outcomes include enhanced financial stability for requesting organizations, successful and sustainable project operations, and effective sales and marketing plans that draw visitation. The TPDF also seeks projects that differentiate the destination through brand alignment, uniqueness, and innovation, and those that promote the local creative sector. Measurable results are assessed by the ratio of overnight lodging generated to funding requested, and the project's ability to create new and incremental room nights, not just pull from existing visitors. Furthermore, the TPDF aligns with BCTDA’s strategic imperatives to deliver balanced recovery and sustainable growth by distributing visitors geographically and seasonally. Projects that encourage safe and responsible travel, and those that support engagement with and appeal to more diverse audiences, receive greater consideration. The overarching theory of change is that strategic capital investments in tourism infrastructure will lead to increased visitor numbers, economic benefits, and a more vibrant community, all while ensuring sustainable and equitable development.

The Neighborhood STAR program, administered by the City of Saint Paul’s Department of Planning and Economic Development (PED), is a grant initiative established in 1993. It allocates revenue from the city’s half-cent sales tax to fund capital improvement projects that enhance the vitality of Saint Paul neighborhoods. This program offers reimbursement grants of $5,000 or more, aiming to strengthen the community through various physical improvements. The program's mission aligns with fostering neighborhood growth and economic development within Saint Paul. The target beneficiaries of the Neighborhood STAR program include public, private, non-profit, or for-profit entities located in or doing business within Saint Paul. Additionally, city departments, quasi-governmental entities, churches, and religious organizations can apply when in partnership with a neighborhood and/or community group, provided their projects are non-sectarian, open to the public, and for non-religious functions. The program specifically excludes political groups, federal/state/county agencies, and individual homeowners/condominium/townhome owners. The overarching impact goal is to strengthen the vitality of the city's neighborhoods through tangible capital improvements. The program prioritizes a diverse range of capital improvement activities. These include renovation, rehabilitation, and construction of commercial, residential, or industrial properties; fixed interior and exterior improvements such as walls, ceilings, floors, lighting, and HVAC; minor public improvements; and beautification of public or private open spaces with elements like trees, rain gardens, and play equipment with a life expectancy of 7+ years. Creative placemaking/placekeeping activities, including public art, are also encouraged, especially those that promote cultural diversity. Non-profit neighborhood organizations providing funding programs for local businesses and homeowners are also eligible. Expected outcomes of the Neighborhood STAR program include revitalized commercial, residential, and industrial properties, improved public and private spaces, enhanced community aesthetics, and increased accessibility. Measurable results could include the number of properties renovated, the square footage of improved public spaces, the installation of new public art or infrastructure, and the successful completion of projects within the anticipated September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2026 timeframe. Grant requests up to $50,000 do not require matching funds, simplifying access for smaller projects and further demonstrating the city's strategic priority to support neighborhood-level improvements directly.

The Adams County Community Foundation's Adams County Grants program is designed to foster innovative solutions for strengthening vulnerable populations by addressing systemic issues. The foundation's mission is aligned with this program through its commitment to creating a meaningful and sustained difference in people’s lives, particularly low-income residents, by helping them move toward self-sufficiency. This overarching goal guides the program's focus on supporting initiatives that build capacity, implement effective programs, and foster collaboration within the community. The program primarily targets vulnerable residents of Adams County, Pennsylvania. The impact goals are to help nonprofits become more effective in addressing resident needs, enable low-income residents to achieve self-sufficiency, and advance critical areas such as affordable housing, transportation, and economic development through collaborative efforts. By focusing on these areas, the foundation aims to create a ripple effect that improves the overall well-being and stability of the community. The Adams County Grants program has three primary focus areas: Capacity Building Grants, Program Grants, and Collaboration Grants. Capacity Building Grants, up to $25,000, are intended to strengthen nonprofits' ability to effectively serve vulnerable residents. Program Grants, also up to $25,000, support initiatives that help low-income residents move towards self-sufficiency. Collaboration Grants, up to $30,000, are specifically for significant collaborative projects that advance affordable housing, transportation, and economic development. These defined priorities ensure that funding is directed towards projects with the greatest potential for systemic impact. Expected outcomes include increased effectiveness of nonprofits, a measurable increase in self-sufficiency among low-income residents, and tangible progress in affordable housing, transportation, and economic development initiatives. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in the emphasis on systemic change and collaboration, with a clear theory of change that by investing in capacity building, impactful programs, and collaborative projects, they can achieve lasting positive change for vulnerable individuals and the wider community.

The Landfall Foundation is offering Project Grants to eligible non-profit organizations that are tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. These grants are designed to partially or fully fund projects within the categories of Health & Welfare, Education, and Arts. The foundation's mission, as evidenced by these grant categories, is to support initiatives that improve the well-being and enrichment of the community through targeted project funding. The Project Grants have a specific purpose and are expected to be completed within one or two years, indicating a focus on concrete, time-bound outcomes rather than general operational support. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are residents within New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick counties in North Carolina. Organizations applying must demonstrate that their project's beneficiaries are located within these specific geographic areas. The impact goals are to support projects that align with the Health & Welfare, Education, and Arts sectors, leading to tangible improvements or advancements in these areas for the local community. The foundation explicitly states what it will NOT fund, such as direct aid to individuals, operating expenses, capital items already acquired, real property purchases, and start-up organizations (less than two years old), which further refines their target impact to specific, project-based interventions. The Landfall Foundation prioritizes projects that are not for political or religious promotion, do not involve transferring funds to other organizations, and are not from local branches of national organizations with internal fundraising staff. They also have a strong focus on non-discriminatory practices, explicitly stating that organizations discriminating on the basis of age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, race, or religion are ineligible. Furthermore, the foundation does not support research, feasibility studies, engineering, or planning, indicating a preference for projects ready for implementation and with direct, observable community benefits. Expected outcomes include the successful completion of specific projects within the stated one to two-year duration, leading to positive impacts in the areas of arts, health and welfare, and education. While not explicitly detailed, the requirement for a "specific purpose" for Project Grants suggests that measurable results would be tied to the objectives of each individual project. The grant size, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, with a maximum funding of $10,000, implies that the foundation is strategically investing in a range of projects, likely aiming for widespread, localized impact rather than large-scale, singular initiatives. Organizations are also ineligible if they have received a program grant in the previous year and haven't submitted a final or preliminary report by May 15, 2023, or if they received a capital grant in the current year, indicating an emphasis on accountability and preventing duplicate funding.

The Arts Council for Long Beach offers two types of microgrants: Project Microgrants and Professional Development Microgrants. The Project Microgrants are designed for local projects that are free, open to the public, and directly benefit Long Beach residents. These projects are expected to support community representation and cultural respect, encourage cultural diversity, and/or enhance underserved communities. The Professional Development Microgrants assist Long Beach artists with funding for opportunities such as workshops or conferences, aiming to enhance the artist's or organization's ability to serve Long Beach residents, particularly in underserved areas. The overall mission alignment of the Arts Council is to promote and support arts and cultural activities that benefit the Long Beach community. The primary target beneficiaries of these microgrants are Long Beach residents, artists, and organizations within the city. The impact goals are centered around fostering cultural diversity, community representation, and enhancing the lives of residents through accessible arts and cultural experiences. For Professional Development Microgrants, the goal is to strengthen the capabilities of individual artists and arts organizations, which in turn enhances their service to the Long Beach community. Both grant types emphasize supporting underserved communities and populations within Long Beach, ensuring equitable access to arts and cultural benefits. The priorities and focuses of the Arts Council for Long Beach include supporting publicly accessible arts and cultural presentations in any art form, single events or series of events, arts and cultural festivals, arts education programs, traditional folk arts presentations, public art, and initiatives that promote the Long Beach arts and cultural sector. For professional development, funding prioritizes opportunities that enhance the applicant's ability to serve Long Beach residents, with specific provisions for conference fees and equipment/tools for art making. The emphasis is on projects that are free, open to the public, and directly beneficial to the local community. Expected outcomes include an increase in diverse and culturally representative arts projects, enhanced professional skills for Long Beach artists, and a more vibrant and accessible arts and cultural sector for all Long Beach residents. Measurable results could involve the number of projects implemented, audience attendance at free public events, the number of artists participating in professional development, and the demonstrable benefits to underserved communities. The Arts Council's strategic priorities align with a theory of change where targeted financial support for local arts and artists directly contributes to community enrichment, cultural engagement, and the professional growth of the city's creative talent. This investment is seen as a catalyst for a more inclusive and thriving cultural landscape in Long Beach.

The Albemarle Agribusiness Resiliency Grant, offered by Albemarle County, is designed to support direct-market agribusinesses within the county that are experiencing long-term financial impacts from the pandemic, including those caused by inflation and rising interest rates. The program aims to offset these increased costs of capital, which can hinder growth and reinvestment opportunities for local businesses. While a specific "foundation mission alignment" or "foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change" is not explicitly stated as this is a county grant rather than a foundation, the county's implicit mission aligns with supporting local economic resilience and sustainable development within its agribusiness sector. The primary target beneficiaries are direct-market agribusinesses located in Albemarle County, Virginia. This includes businesses that sell products to restaurants, caterers, and local stores, as well as orchards, wineries, cideries, and those operating at farmers markets. The impact goals are centered on enhancing the financial stability and operational capacity of these agribusinesses, enabling them to navigate economic challenges and continue their contributions to the local economy. The grant prioritizes several key areas for funding. These include new capital investments such as machinery, tools, and other business equipment, which directly support operational improvements and expansion. Additionally, the grant focuses on expenses incurred since July 1, 2022, to advance sustainable agricultural practices, enhance public health, safety, and welfare for employees or visitors, and comply with state or local regulations. Up to 20% of awarded funds can also be allocated for advertising and marketing, recognizing the importance of market visibility for direct-market businesses. The expected outcomes include strengthened agribusinesses within Albemarle County, leading to sustained operations, improved competitiveness, and continued economic activity. Measurable results would involve the number of grants distributed (anticipated to be 3-8 grants in this round), the total budget utilized ($60,000 for this round), and the types of investments made by awardees. Although not explicitly detailed as a "theory of change," the county's approach suggests that by providing direct financial assistance for critical investments and operational needs, agribusinesses will be better positioned to adapt to economic pressures, fostering a more resilient and thriving local agricultural economy.

The City of Lubbock’s Cultural Arts Grant Program, administered by Civic Lubbock, Inc., offers financial support to local cultural organizations. This program aims to fund projects that actively promote tourism and enhance the arts and humanities within Lubbock. Funding is sourced from the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT), collected from local hotels, motels, and bed and breakfast inns. The program’s mission is directly aligned with the legal stipulations governing the use of HOT revenues, which mandate that funds be utilized for expenditures that promote tourism and the arts. To be eligible for funding, projects must demonstrate a direct promotion of tourism and the convention and hotel industry, specifically aiming to attract tourists and hotel guests to Lubbock. Additionally, projects must involve the encouragement, promotion, improvement, and application of various art forms, including instrumental and vocal music, dance, drama, folk art, creative writing, and visual arts, among others. The target beneficiaries are 501(c)3 tax-exempt cultural organizations or government equivalents that have been actively pursuing their goals for at least one year. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly outlined: enhancing the arts, boosting tourism, and supporting organizations in good standing with both the City of Lubbock and Civic Lubbock, Inc. The expected outcomes include an increase in tourism, a richer cultural landscape in Lubbock, and the successful execution of diverse art-related projects. Measurable results would likely include increased hotel occupancy rates, visitor numbers, and the number and quality of cultural events offered to the public. The City of Lubbock's strategic priority, as reflected in this grant program, is to leverage its Hotel Occupancy Tax revenue to foster economic growth through tourism and cultural development. The underlying theory of change is that by investing in cultural arts, the city can create a more attractive destination for visitors, thereby stimulating the local economy and improving the quality of life for its residents. The 2024 Grant Cycle will support projects taking place between September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025. Certain restrictions apply, prohibiting the use of grant funds for accumulated debt, general operational expenses, fundraising, or capital improvements.

The Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation's 2024 Community Impact Grant Cycle invites proposals to support organizations making a significant difference in the Tahoe Basin. The foundation's mission, though not explicitly detailed in this description, is clearly aligned with fostering community well-being and addressing critical needs within the Nevada and California areas of the Tahoe Basin. By offering grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, with a specific request amount up to $20,000, the foundation aims to empower eligible non-profits to enhance their services and achieve measurable community impact. The primary target beneficiaries are the residents and communities of the Tahoe Basin. Organizations seeking funding must directly provide more than 50% of their services in this region, ensuring that the grants directly benefit local populations. The impact goals are broad, focusing on various community needs that align with the non-profit's mission, as long as they are not among the excluded activities. The foundation seeks to support initiatives that contribute to a stronger, more vibrant Tahoe community, although specific impact metrics are not detailed in this overview. The foundation prioritizes supporting tax-exempt 501(c)(3) public charities or schools that have held their tax-exempt status for at least two years and are incorporated in good standing in Nevada or California. A key focus is on direct service provision within the Tahoe Basin. The grants are not awarded for direct religious activity, political lobbying, special event sponsorships, pass-through funding, or reimbursement of prior expenses. This careful delineation of exclusions highlights the foundation's strategic intent to fund direct, impactful, and non-duplicative community services. While specific strategic priorities and a detailed theory of change are not outlined, the grant cycle implicitly emphasizes strengthening local non-profits and their capacity to serve. The expected outcomes are improved community conditions and enhanced services for Tahoe Basin residents, facilitated by the financial support provided. The measurable results are tied to the successful implementation of projects by the funded organizations, though the specific reporting requirements for these results are not included in this description.

The Performing Arts Residency Cohort (PARC) program, supported by the Howard Gilman Foundation and Staten Island Arts, is in its second year (2024-2025) and focuses on nurturing the creative practice of performing artists in Staten Island. The program is not centered on project creation or providing space but rather emphasizes peer mentorship and professional development for individual artists in dance, theater, and music, at any career stage. The Howard Gilman Foundation's mission, though not explicitly stated in the provided text, can be inferred to align with supporting artistic development and fostering vibrant arts communities, which PARC directly addresses by investing in individual artists' growth. The target beneficiaries of the PARC program are individual performing artists aged 18 and over, who are not full-time students and reside in Staten Island. The program specifically welcomes artists working in music, dance, and theater. The overarching impact goal is to strengthen the creative practice of these artists and to break down the siloed community structure across different forms of expression in Staten Island. By fostering peer mentorship and professional development, the program aims to provide much-needed support for artists' creative journeys. The program's priorities and focuses include nurturing individual artists' creative practices through a 6-month residency cohort, promoting peer mentorship, and offering professional development opportunities. A key focus is on process over product, meaning the program values the artistic journey and development of skills more than the creation of specific outcomes or products. Monthly cohort meetings from September 2024 to February 2025 are a mandatory component, serving as a space for artists to share their creative practice, discuss challenges, and identify needs. Expected outcomes and measurable results include providing financial support of $6,000 to each of the 10 awarded artists. More importantly, the program anticipates an enhancement in the creative practices of participating artists, a stronger sense of community and support among performing artists in Staten Island, and increased professional development among the cohort. While specific metrics beyond financial awards and participation are not detailed, the emphasis on peer mentorship and shared experience suggests an aim for qualitative improvements in artistic growth and community cohesion. While the foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are not explicitly detailed for the Howard Gilman Foundation, their support for PARC suggests a belief that investing in individual artists' development, fostering community, and providing professional growth opportunities will lead to a more vibrant and sustainable arts ecosystem. The theory of change appears to be that by nurturing artists' practices without the pressure of project creation, and by encouraging peer-to-peer learning, artists will be better equipped to sustain their careers and contribute meaningfully to the cultural landscape of Staten Island. In summary, the PARC program, through the generous support of the Howard Gilman Foundation and Staten Island Arts, is a vital initiative designed to empower performing artists in Staten Island. It focuses on holistic creative development, community building, and professional growth, ultimately aiming to enrich the artistic landscape by supporting the very individuals who animate it.

Firelight Media's Documentary Lab is an 18-month fellowship program designed to provide comprehensive support for emerging filmmakers from racially and ethnically underrepresented communities in the United States. This program aligns with Firelight Media's mission to support artful and innovative documentary films that take risks and offer new narratives on pressing contemporary issues. The fellowship includes professional development retreats, customized mentorship from prominent documentary leaders, networking opportunities, and a $25,000 project grant, aiming to foster both project development and career growth. The primary target beneficiaries are filmmakers in the United States and U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. Samoa, Guam/Northern Mariana Islands) who identify with racially and ethnically underrepresented communities. Specifically, the program is for those directing their first or second feature-length documentary film. The impact goals are to empower these filmmakers to create compelling and diverse stories, enrich the documentary landscape with fresh perspectives, and establish sustainable careers within the industry. The program prioritizes long-form/feature-length documentaries that are currently in early production, production, or post-production stages. Firelight Media is open to various documentary types, including historical, investigative, personal, vérité, and experimental, emphasizing projects that are innovative and challenge conventional narratives. Key focuses include supporting films that address significant societal issues and promoting artistic risk-taking, ensuring the production of impactful and thought-provoking content. Expected outcomes include the successful completion and distribution of feature-length documentaries from diverse voices, leading to increased representation and visibility for underrepresented filmmakers. Measurable results could include the number of films completed, festival selections, distribution deals, and the career advancement of fellows. By investing in these filmmakers and their projects, Firelight Media's strategic priority is to cultivate a more inclusive and dynamic documentary film ecosystem, contributing to a broader understanding of critical social issues through the power of storytelling.

The City of Scranton is offering $75,000 in grants for pre-apprenticeship programs in building trades and carpentry. These grants are designed to create employment opportunities for residents of Scranton, aligning with the city's mission to foster local economic development and workforce growth. The program aims to support organizations that can effectively prepare individuals for skilled trades, thereby addressing local employment needs and promoting career readiness within the community. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are pre-apprenticeship programs and the residents of Scranton seeking employment in the building trades and carpentry sectors. The impact goals include increasing the number of skilled workers in the city and reducing unemployment among Scranton residents. The grants prioritize programs that offer structured apprenticeship opportunities and can demonstrate a clear pathway to employment for participants. To be eligible, applicants must be registered pre-apprenticeship programs. They are required to submit a comprehensive budget, outline the expected outcomes of their program, and detail how successes will be measured. This focus on clear objectives and measurable results ensures that funding is directed towards programs with a high potential for positive community impact and accountability. The maximum grant award per application is $25,000, and the overall grant size ranges from $10,000 to $100,000. While a specific grant duration is not mentioned, the emphasis on expected outcomes and evaluation suggests a commitment to long-term impact. The City of Scranton's strategic priority is to strengthen its local workforce and economy through targeted investments in education and vocational training. The theory of change is that by supporting pre-apprenticeship programs, the city can directly contribute to skill development, job creation, and sustained economic growth for its residents.

The Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) is offering Undergraduate Student Artist Grants through its Artists 360 program, made possible by the Walton Family Foundation. This initiative is designed to provide practice-based grant funding to undergraduate student artists across all disciplines who are attending post-secondary institutions in specific Arkansas counties: Benton, Carroll, Crawford, Sebastian, and Washington. The core mission of Artists 360, and by extension this grant, aligns with energizing and elevating student artists in the greater Northwest Arkansas region, fostering their creative development and career advancement. The target beneficiaries for this grant are undergraduate student artists aged 18 or older, enrolled for the 2024-2025 school year in an accredited post-secondary institution within the designated Arkansas counties. This includes part-time or full-time students, regardless of their major, as long as they create work in any artistic discipline (e.g., dance, film, literary, music, theatre, visual art). The program specifically excludes those who have previously received an Artists 360 Student Grant or certain other M-AAA grants. The impact goals are to support individual artists' creative practices and career advancement, addressing their self-identified challenges and desired futures within the arts. The program prioritizes artists who demonstrate a well-developed creative practice, a deep commitment to their work, and a clear motivation to evolve. Review criteria focus on "Artistry," assessing the quality of work and process, and "Impact of Funding on Practice," requiring artists to articulate how the $2,500 grant will specifically benefit their careers. A key focus is also on achieving a "Balanced Cohort," ensuring a broad representation of perspectives, disciplines, and experiences among grant recipients. The expected outcome of the Artists 360 Undergraduate Student Artist Grants is the direct support and advancement of student artists' creative endeavors in Northwest Arkansas. While specific measurable results beyond the allocation of $2,500 grants per artist are not explicitly detailed, the program's emphasis on identifying the impact of funding on an artist's practice implies a focus on qualitative outcomes related to artistic growth and career trajectory. The Walton Family Foundation's support underscores a strategic priority to invest in regional artistic talent and cultural development, contributing to a vibrant arts ecosystem through direct funding to emerging artists.

This program provides financial support to Texas public universities to attract distinguished researchers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine, enhancing the state's research capabilities and economic development.

This funding initiative provides financial support to Texas-based public and private entities for semiconductor manufacturing and design projects that boost local economies and foster innovation in the industry.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to small utility companies and public utilities in Oklahoma for improving their electricity service resiliency through various enhancements like weatherization and advanced technologies.

This program provides funding to Oklahoma local governments and state agencies to upgrade their indoor and outdoor lighting systems for improved energy efficiency and cost savings.

This funding opportunity supports innovative health-focused projects in the Upper Peninsula, aimed at improving community well-being through initiatives led by students, local groups, and individuals.

This funding supports regional planning and development councils in Maryland to enhance economic growth and infrastructure in rural areas, with each council eligible for up to $600,000 to address local challenges.

This funding opportunity supports rural Maryland communities in improving essential infrastructure like broadband, water, and transportation through collaborative projects that enhance living standards and promote regional development.

The Texas Farm Bureau's Ag Mechanics Grant Program is designed to support agricultural mechanical and metal technologies educators by providing additional resources. This grant aims to enhance the skills of students in Agricultural Mechanics and Metal Technology through the education of 9th to 12th grade teachers. These teachers must be addressing Agriculture Mechanics and Metal Technologies, Agriculture Structures Design and Fabrication, Agriculture Equipment Design and Fabrication, and/or Agricultural Power Systems as per TEKS standards in a public or accredited non-public secondary educational institution.