Local Arts Grants

The City of Denton's grant program supports critical homeless response tools, strengthening the county-wide Housing Crisis Response System. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to address homelessness by ensuring that individuals living on the street receive essential information, referrals, and pathways to housing. The program aims to divert people from homelessness through the Coordinated Entry assessment process, facilitating housing placement, crisis intervention, and follow-up supportive services. The City of Denton acts as the donor for this grant, with a grant duration of two years, running from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2026. The funding range for the grant is between $100,000 to $500,000, with a maximum annual request of $125,450. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are people and households experiencing homelessness, particularly those living on the street. The impact goals are centered around providing comprehensive support to these individuals, ensuring they have access to housing and necessary supportive services. This includes diverting individuals from homelessness, providing crisis intervention, and offering follow-up care to maintain housing stability. The program's strategic priorities are to enhance street outreach efforts, facilitate seamless access to housing through coordinated entry, and address various housing barriers that prevent individuals from securing stable accommodation. The grant prioritizes several key areas to achieve its objectives. These include funding qualified salaries for staff, supporting services that address housing barriers such as critical documents, emergency medication, or medical treatment, and providing behavioral health services. Additionally, financial costs that support diversion from homelessness are also a focus. The eligibility criteria for applying agencies underscore these priorities, requiring them to be 501(c)3 organizations in operation for over two years, providing services to the homeless, and having staff trained in addressing housing barriers, behavioral health referrals, data collection, and trauma-informed outreach. Agencies must also be actively using HMIS and participating in Denton’s Coordinated Entry process, including monthly case conferencing, and operating a current Street Outreach program. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in the number of people diverted from homelessness, successful housing placements through the Coordinated Entry process, and improved access to supportive services. The emphasis on data collection and HMIS utilization suggests a commitment to tracking these outcomes, allowing for a quantitative assessment of the program's effectiveness in reducing homelessness and improving the well-being of the target population. The City of Denton's strategic priority is to strengthen the overall Housing Crisis Response System, and this grant serves as a critical tool within that broader framework, operating under a theory of change that effective street outreach, coordinated entry, and comprehensive supportive services lead to sustainable housing solutions.

The Vision Partnership Program (VPP) – Cash Grant is offered by Chester County to its municipalities and multi-municipal groups. Established in 1996, and revised in 2010 and 2019 to align with Landscapes and then Landscapes2 and Landscapes3, the program aims to improve planning efforts at the local level. This grant program is deeply aligned with Chester County's comprehensive plan, Landscapes3, by promoting consistency and implementation of its goals, objectives, recommendations, and map. The core mission of the VPP is to foster cooperation between local governments and the County to achieve impactful, lasting, and positive benefits through innovative municipal and multi-municipal planning. The VPP targets all Chester County municipalities that have endorsed or acknowledged Landscapes3, including single municipalities or multi-municipal groups. The program aims to achieve a variety of impact goals, such as advancing consistency with the county comprehensive plan, accomplishing positive benefits for municipalities through innovative planning, and addressing community concerns through new and revised municipal plans, ordinances, and planning studies. The program prioritizes projects enabled by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC), Act 247, and also includes "Planning Studies" for projects not adopted under the MPC. The VPP focuses on a broad range of eligible projects. These include comprehensive plans, open space, park, and recreation plans, zoning and subdivision ordinances and amendments (covering topics like agriculture, historic resources, natural resources, housing, and traditional neighborhood development), official maps and ordinances, urban center revitalization plans, resource protection/stewardship plans, environmental and community sustainability/resilience plans, community design guides, village master plans, heritage interpretation plans, historic resource surveys, housing plans/studies, economic development studies, transportation corridor plans/studies, streetscape master plans, multimodal plans/studies, trail feasibility studies, and plans/ordinances that support the transition to renewable or alternative energy, as well as agricultural economic development plans. Expected outcomes of the VPP include the successful adoption of plans or ordinances, for which grants of $50,000 are provided, with an additional $10,000 for each additional municipality involved. For planning studies, the expected outcome is acceptance, with grants of $30,000 plus $5,000 for each additional municipality. The strategic priorities of Chester County, as evidenced by the VPP, are to support local governments in developing robust planning programs that align with the county's comprehensive vision, ultimately leading to well-planned, sustainable communities. The theory of change is that by providing financial incentives and guidance, municipalities will be empowered to implement the principles of Landscapes3, resulting in tangible community improvements and a coordinated approach to regional development.

The City of Bangor Commission on Cultural Development in Maine is offering grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to individual artists and non-profit arts and cultural organizations, requiring a 1:1 match, to support projects that enhance the city's cultural vitality and directly serve the Bangor community.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Berkshire Taconic region for innovative projects that improve environmental quality and promote community health, with a focus on engaging at-risk and low-income youth.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in New Hanover County that align their initiatives with the county's strategic goals and enhance community services.

The City of Lafayette, through its Historic Preservation Board (HPB), offers competitive grants aimed at the direct support and preservation of older buildings within Lafayette city limits. These grants are designed to maintain and enhance the historic character of the community, aligning with the broader mission of preserving local heritage and extending the lifespan of significant structures. The program underscores a commitment to fostering a sense of place and historical continuity for current and future residents. Target beneficiaries for this grant program are owners of commercial buildings, houses, churches, outbuildings, and barns that are 50 years old or older and located within Lafayette city limits. The impact goals are to encourage the restoration, repair, and overall improvement of these historic structures. Expected outcomes include the physical preservation of architectural heritage, improved structural integrity of older buildings, and the continued use of historic materials or the use of identical/similar materials when original ones are not feasible. The program prioritizes projects that extend the life of the building, enhance its historic character, and, where possible, involve Lafayette-based businesses or DIY efforts. Projects that remove non-historic features to expose original ones are also encouraged. Urgency of need is a significant factor in assessment, alongside the longevity impact of the project and the appearance achieved through the use of historic materials. Research on the property's history is also encouraged, drawing on local historical resources. Eligible improvements include structural repairs (like foundation work), restoration of original windows and doors, roof repair/replacement, gutter installation, masonry cleaning and restoration, and the reconstruction of original architectural details. Painting is also eligible, with an emphasis on determining original colors. Measurable results include the number of buildings preserved, the extent of historic materials retained or accurately replicated, and the overall improvement in the condition and historic authenticity of funded projects. The underlying theory of change is that by providing financial incentives and clear guidelines, the City of Lafayette can empower property owners to take an active role in preserving the city's unique historical fabric, contributing to community pride and economic vitality.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit arts organizations in New Hanover County to enhance community arts experiences through operational and programming initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and collaborations that address community needs in Andover, Lawrence, and North Andover, focusing on areas such as basic needs, economic development, education, and environmental stewardship.

The Onion Foundation aims to connect Maine residents with arts experiences, both as audience members and creators, fostering opportunities for expression, learning, and inspiration. This aligns directly with the foundation's mission, which recognizes the arts' crucial role in creativity, cultural exchange, intellectual development, joy, compassion, and human connection. The foundation seeks to support a vibrant arts sector in Maine, ensuring that the arts are accessible and beneficial to the state's population. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are Maine residents, with a focus on increasing access to arts education, supporting public engagement in arts programs, and building the capacity of Maine's arts sector. The impact goals are to enhance intellectual development, foster joy and compassion, and strengthen feelings of connection among individuals through artistic engagement. The foundation prioritizes organizations that are 501(c)3 public charities, fiscally sponsored projects, public education institutions, or Maine governmental units, with work based in Maine and benefiting its people. The program offers two types of grants: general operating and project support. General operating grants provide unrestricted funds for organizations whose activities align with the foundation's strategies, offering multi-year support of up to $20,000 per year for organizations with annual budgets over $50,000, and up to $7,500 per year for those under $50,000. Project support grants fund specific activities or programs, also with multi-year options and similar funding tiers based on project budgets. The expected outcomes include a more engaged public in Maine arts, a stronger arts education infrastructure, and a more robust overall arts sector in the state. The Onion Foundation's strategic priorities are clearly outlined in its three guiding strategies for the arts program: Strategy I: Increase Access to Arts Education in Maine, Strategy II: Support Public Engagement in Maine Arts Programs, and Strategy III: Build The Capacity of Maine’s Arts Sector. The theory of change implicitly suggests that by funding these areas, the foundation will achieve its broader mission of connecting Maine residents to arts experiences, leading to expression, learning, and inspiration, and ultimately fostering a more creative, compassionate, and connected society. Measurable results would likely include increased participation rates in arts programs, growth in arts education initiatives, and the sustained health and development of arts organizations in Maine.

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 Generosity Collective, a giving circle dedicated to Springfield, operates by bringing like-minded individuals together to pool donations, learn about high-priority community issues, and collectively determine grant recipients. This process aligns with the Community Foundation of the Ozarks' mission by fostering community engagement and addressing critical local needs through a collaborative grantmaking approach. By focusing on issues identified in the Community Focus Report for Springfield & Greene County, the Collective ensures its efforts are strategically aligned with the most pressing challenges faced by the community. The grant program targets specific beneficiaries within the Springfield, Missouri area, including low-income students in need of preschool and pre-K programs, children at risk of abuse and neglect, individuals struggling with mental health and substance-use problems, and residents affected by the shortage of safe, affordable housing. The impact goals are to address economic disparities affecting early childhood development, reduce child abuse and neglect, improve mental health and substance abuse outcomes, and increase access to safe, affordable housing. The program's priorities are directly drawn from the identified categories in the Community Focus Report, ensuring that funding is directed towards areas of greatest need. The Generosity Collective has chosen four grantmaking categories for 2024: Economic Disparities Impacting Early Childhood Development, Child Abuse and Neglect, Mental Health and Substance-Use Problems, and Shortage of Safe, Affordable Housing. For each category, one agency will be selected to receive a $30,000 grant for a preferred 12-month grant period. The expected outcomes include improved kindergarten readiness for low-income students, a reduction in child abuse and neglect referrals, a decrease in suicide and overdose mortality rates, and an increase in the availability of affordable housing options. Measurable results will be tied to progress within each grantmaking category. For economic disparities in early childhood development, success could be measured by improved kindergarten readiness survey results for low-income students. For child abuse and neglect, a reduction in the number of referrals and the proportion of young children affected would be key indicators. In mental health and substance-use problems, a decrease in suicide and overdose mortality rates would demonstrate impact. For affordable housing, metrics could include the number of new affordable housing units developed, the proportion of residents with access to affordable housing, or the implementation of effective rental inspection programs. The Generosity Collective’s theory of change posits that by pooling resources and strategically funding initiatives in these high-priority areas, they can collectively confront pressing local issues and drive positive, measurable change within the Springfield community.

The City of San Carlos is offering a Childcare Grant Program, providing funding between $10,000 to $100,000 for local childcare centers, family childcare homes, and non-profit centers to fund capital improvement projects aimed at increasing childcare spaces, particularly for infants and children with special needs, with applications due by October 18, 2024.

This grant provides funding for innovative arts and culture projects that address community challenges and enhance the vibrancy of New Bedford, Massachusetts, benefiting its residents, visitors, and businesses.

This grant provides funding to organizations that will educate students and families in the Poverty Bay Shellfish Protection District about reducing fecal pollution through community outreach and culturally relevant materials.

This grant provides financial support to local nonprofit organizations in Holly Springs to help them carry out community-focused activities that align with the town's strategic priorities.

Local First Arizona’s We Rise business accelerator is a new, no-fee, six-month program designed to provide comprehensive and practical business skills to Black entrepreneurs in Arizona. This initiative aligns with Local First Arizona's mission to strengthen the local economy by supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, specifically targeting a demographic that may face unique challenges in starting and growing businesses. The program aims to foster economic empowerment and success within the Black entrepreneurial community in Arizona. The primary target beneficiaries are Black American entrepreneurs aged 18 and older, who have some existing experience in running a business but require assistance with fundamental components of entrepreneurship. This includes individuals who need support in areas such as creating a business plan, registering their business, and other essential building blocks for establishing or growing a successful venture. The program prioritizes addressing these foundational gaps to ensure participants can build robust and sustainable businesses within Arizona's economy. The program's core focus is on providing classroom instruction and mentorship through remote learning, with bi-weekly meetings. The mentorship is provided by experienced Black entrepreneurs, offering firsthand insights and expertise. This approach ensures that participants receive relevant and practical guidance tailored to their specific needs. A key priority is the rigorous engagement of participants, with a strict attendance policy allowing only one absence, underscoring the commitment expected from those enrolled. Expected outcomes include equipping participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully establish, operate, or expand their businesses. Measurable results would likely include the number of businesses registered, business plans created, and overall growth or sustainability metrics of participating enterprises. The program's theory of change posits that by providing targeted training and mentorship to Black entrepreneurs, Local First Arizona can directly contribute to closing economic opportunity gaps, stimulating local economic growth, and building a more inclusive and prosperous business landscape in Arizona.

This grant provides funding to support projects that boost economic development, promote tourism, and enhance cultural arts programs in Brighton, encouraging community engagement and attracting visitors.

This funding opportunity supports businesses and non-profit organizations in Lewis County, NY, by providing financial assistance for creative projects that enhance their visibility in the community.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government entities in Benton County, Iowa, to support projects that enhance community life across various sectors such as arts, education, health, and environment.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit and government organizations that serve low-income residents in Hayward through various community improvement projects and services.