Local Capacity Building Grants

The Public-Space Activation Fund (PAF) is a grant opportunity offered by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs. The grant program aims to fund temporary, creative projects in public spaces within LA City neighborhoods where arts and culture are absent or scarce. The funding levels range from $600 to $45,000, depending on the category and complexity of the proposed projects. The grant is open for monthly submissions from October 2023 to July 2024. Eligible applicants include Los Angeles-based community entrepreneurs, independent artists, cultural activists, nonprofit organizations, and collaborative partnerships under the stewardship of one lead-agent. There are four categories under PAF: Neighborhood Expressions (NE), Arts and Social Wellness (ASW), International Festivals & Intercultural Foods (IFIF), and International Participation And Promotion Projects (IPAPP). Each category has specific requirements and funding ranges. The primary aim of PAF is to activate designated public spaces through creative-connectivity for well-defined audiences. The deadline for applications is July 31, 2024, at 12:00 am. For more information on eligibility requirements and application instructions, prospective applicants are encouraged to refer to the PAF program guidelines available at dcaredesign.org/artsactivate or contact Armando Smith at armando.smith@lacity.org or Ben Espinosa at ben.espinosa@lacity.org.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in North Carolina that serve disadvantaged groups, including youth, the elderly, and individuals with mental or physical disabilities, to help them improve their services and capacity.

The Jonathan and Barbara Silver Foundation (JBSF) grant program aims to foster and support both emerging and established sculptors, as well as writers who engage with sculpture. The foundation's mission is directly aligned with encouraging fresh perspectives and critical thinking on the history, aesthetics, purposes, imagination, or situation of sculpture. This commitment is reflected in its alternating grant cycle, supporting writing in even years and sculpture in odd years, demonstrating a holistic approach to the art form and its intellectual discourse. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are individual writers who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States, or hold an O-1 Visa, and have had at least one piece of writing published for the first time within the last five years. The program specifically targets those generating new writing and thinking on sculpture, with supported categories including magazine, catalogue, and book essays, as well as research or manuscripts for books currently in process or nearing completion. The impact goals are to cultivate new scholarly and creative works that enrich the understanding and appreciation of sculpture. The program prioritizes writing that demonstrates strength and relevance to project proposals, accepting up to three published writing samples, with a maximum length of 2,500 words per sample. Emphasis is placed on original, independently produced work, excluding pre-publication material, collaborative writing, news reporting, social media posts, essays on one's own art, and student publications. This focus ensures that the grant supports independent thought and high-quality, impactful scholarship and criticism. The expected outcomes include the completion and publication of insightful essays and books on sculpture, contributing to the broader academic and artistic discourse. Measurable results would be the successful publication of works funded by the grant and the continued development of the grantees' careers. The JBSF offers one $20,000 grant per year, enabling writers to dedicate time to their projects by covering eligible expenses such as writer’s fees, research travel, living expenses (including childcare), image permission fees, reproduction costs, and editing, transcription, or translation expenses. The foundation's strategic priorities are to provide direct financial support that enables deep engagement with sculptural themes, fostering an environment where critical and creative exploration can thrive. Their theory of change posits that by investing in individual writers, they can stimulate intellectual growth and contribute to a richer public understanding of sculpture's multifaceted roles and meanings. This direct support for individuals, coupled with clear guidelines on eligible and ineligible expenses, ensures that the funding directly facilitates the creation of new works that align with the foundation's mission.

This grant provides funding for community betterment projects in Chadron, supported by KENO lottery revenue and the Public Alliance for Community Energy program.

The Community Impact Grant (CIG) Program for Fiscal Year 2024, offered by the Redevelopment Authority of Prince George’s County (RDA), is designed to support community-based 501(c)(3) organizations in Prince George’s County. This program aligns with the RDA's broader mission to revitalize and enhance communities and the quality of life within the county. By providing grants for small innovative capital projects, the RDA aims to foster significant, tangible improvements at the neighborhood level, thereby directly contributing to its strategic priorities of community development and well-being. The target beneficiaries of the CIG Program are civic/neighborhood associations and community-based 501(c)(3) organizations located within Prince George’s County and in good standing with the State of Maryland. The program's impact goals are centered on revitalizing and enhancing communities through specific capital projects. These projects are expected to lead to measurable improvements in the local environment, public spaces, and commercial areas, ultimately benefiting the residents by creating more vibrant, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing surroundings. The program prioritizes projects within two main categories: Neighborhood Beautification and Environment, Natural Resources and Sustainability. Under Neighborhood Beautification, the focus areas include streetscape improvements, street furniture, pedestrian enhancements, recreational improvements, signage, banners, way-finding systems, commercial façade improvements, internal/external improvements to public-use commercial buildings, and permanent public art installations. For Environment, Natural Resources and Sustainability, the focus is on the restoration of parks, streams, and open space, urban agriculture, replenishment of tree canopy, green roofs, low impact development, storm water management, and the preservation of historic landmarks, structures, and sites. Expected outcomes include visible improvements in neighborhood aesthetics, increased accessibility and usability of public spaces, enhanced environmental quality, and the preservation of historical assets. Measurable results could include the number of new public art installations, miles of enhanced streetscapes, acres of restored green space, or the number of commercial facades improved. The RDA's theory of change posits that by investing in these specific capital projects through community organizations, they can empower local groups to directly address community needs, leading to sustainable improvements in infrastructure, environment, and overall quality of life, which in turn reinforces the strategic goal of comprehensive community redevelopment. The grant performance period is one year from the date of execution of a CIG Grant Agreement.

The HALO Award is a capacity-building program designed to strengthen and sustain nonprofit organizations by supporting volunteer programs and recognizing volunteers for their exemplary work in Los Angeles County. The Carl & Roberta Deutsch Foundation is inspired by volunteers who go above and beyond to better their communities and the nonprofits that support them. The foundation’s desire is for the HALO Award to inspire nonprofits and philanthropy to invest in volunteer management, aligning with their mission to uplift community angels through dedicated support. The primary beneficiaries of the HALO Award are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations (or those sponsored by a 501(c)(3)) working with and serving Los Angeles County, as well as active and unpaid volunteers within those organizations who are not currently serving as board members. The program aims to strengthen and sustain nonprofit volunteer programs while honoring individual volunteers. The impact goals include enhancing the capacity of nonprofits to manage and leverage volunteer efforts and celebrating the significant contributions of volunteers to their communities. The program prioritizes investment in volunteer management and aims to foster a culture where volunteerism is recognized and supported. The core focus is on both organizational capacity building related to volunteer programs and individual recognition for outstanding volunteer service. The funding structure directly reflects these priorities: a $20,000 grant is provided to the nonprofit to strengthen, implement, and sustain its volunteer program, and a $5,000 award is given to the volunteer, distributed by the nominating nonprofit organization. Expected outcomes include more robust and effective volunteer programs within participating nonprofits, leading to greater community impact. Measurable results could involve an increase in volunteer retention, enhanced program efficiency due to improved volunteer management, and a demonstrable positive impact of recognized volunteers' efforts. The Carl & Roberta Deutsch Foundation's strategic priority is to empower both the organizations that harness volunteer power and the volunteers themselves, operating on a theory of change that by investing in and celebrating volunteerism, they can foster stronger, more vibrant communities.

The County of Alpena Youth and Recreation Committee offers mini-grants funded by a voter-approved millage established in 2010. This program aligns directly with the committee's mission to support recreational activities and improve recreational sites for youth and all residents of Alpena County. The mini-grants are one-time discretionary awards of up to $7,500 designed to support projects and initiatives that impact the county's residents, bolstering community well-being through accessible recreation. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are the youth and residents of Alpena County, as well as nonprofit organizations that serve them. The program aims to foster engagement in various recreational activities, encompassing sports, indoor and outdoor pursuits, and events that promote enrichment and community involvement. Impact goals include enhancing the quality of life for Alpena County residents through diverse recreational opportunities and supporting the organizational capacity of nonprofits working towards these objectives. The committee prioritizes projects that align with its broad understanding of recreation, which includes all types of sports and sporting events, indoor and outdoor activities, and events focused on enrichment and community engagement. Furthermore, priority is given to mini-grant applications that do not fit the normal Youth & Recreation application schedule, indicating a desire to support agile and responsive initiatives. The program also emphasizes capacity building for organizations to achieve the goals of the Youth & Recreation Commission, sustain their mission, and ensure long-term impact. Expected outcomes include an increase in available recreational activities and improved recreational sites for Alpena County residents, particularly youth. Measurable results could involve the number of participants in new or enhanced recreational programs, the successful completion of site improvement projects, and the strengthened capacity of recipient nonprofit organizations. The grant's reimbursement structure ensures that funds are directly tied to documented expenditures, promoting accountability. The County of Alpena's strategic priority is to continually invest in community recreation and youth development, with a theory of change that postulates that by funding diverse recreational activities and supporting relevant organizations, the overall health, engagement, and development of its residents will significantly improve.

This program provides training for nonprofit organizations serving Loudoun County residents to enhance their grant-seeking skills and develop effective proposal materials.

The City of Charlotte's Corridors of Opportunity (COO) program aims to foster thriving communities, build lasting legacies, and promote equitable growth across six key corridors. These corridors serve as vital links that connect people to essential resources and businesses. Key Partnerships The city collaborates with Business District Organizations (BDOs) to enhance the vitality of neighborhood commercial districts. The partnership involves building organizational capacity and providing business-support services, which are essential for fostering vibrant, healthy business environments. Funding Opportunity The program is leveraging a one-time funding opportunity through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The Charlotte City Council has approved $1M to support this initiative. This funding will assist both established and emerging BDOs in enhancing their services and organizational capabilities. Application Period Open Date: Monday, May 6 Close Date: Friday, June 14, at 5 p.m. How It Works Objective: Address the most immediate needs of BDOs within the COO through capacity building and tailored technical assistance. Funding Use: The grant supports organizational development, asset inventories, marketing communications, and development support services. Requirements: All applying organizations must complete strategic work and inventories or provide existing documentation. Eligibility Organizations: Must be non-profit with a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) designation. Location: Must serve a business district within the COO. Representation: Must represent at least 10 businesses within the district. Registration: Active SAM.gov UEI or have a fiduciary/fiscal sponsor with an UEI. Application Process Access: Use the provided link to create a login and apply. Documentation: Include a Work Sheet template indicating the desired services for funding consideration. Submission: Ensure all documents are read and understood before submitting. Additional Information Webinar: A Q&A webinar will be held on May 16 at 11 am. Registration is required to receive the virtual meeting link. Contact: Questions can be directed to corridorsofopportunity@charlottenc.gov.

This program provides financial support to licensed childcare providers to improve the quality of their services through equipment upgrades, technology investments, and facility enhancements.

The Grassroots Arts Program, offered by The Arts Council of Wilmington & New Hanover, aims to support quality arts programs and the operation of arts organizations within New Hanover County, North Carolina. This initiative directly aligns with the mission of fostering a vibrant arts community by providing essential funding for both program and operating expenses. The program emphasizes accessibility and community engagement, ensuring that arts are available to a broad audience and contribute to the cultural enrichment of the region. The target beneficiaries of this grant include qualified arts organizations, community, civic, and municipal organizations, as well as educational institutions like colleges, universities, and libraries that conduct community-based arts programs. The impact goals are to strengthen existing arts infrastructure, promote arts learning and arts-in-education, and facilitate broader community involvement in the arts. By supporting these diverse entities, the program seeks to cultivate a thriving artistic landscape and enhance the quality of life for residents. Funding priorities include operating or programming support for arts organizations not already receiving state support, arts learning and arts-in-education programs conducted by qualified artists (such as artist residencies in schools or afterschool camps), and subgrants to community, civic, and municipal organizations for programs led by qualified artists. The program also has specific policies regarding tribal organizations, colleges, universities, and religious organizations, ensuring funds are used for community-based arts programs rather than internal or religious content. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number and quality of arts programs available to the community, enhanced arts education opportunities for various age groups, and strengthened operational capacity for local arts organizations. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of programs supported, the reach of those programs within the community, and the stability of recipient organizations. The grant awards, typically ranging from $500-$5000, are expected to support projects taking place between July 1, 2024, and June 15, 2025, further indicating a focus on immediate and tangible impact. The Arts Council of Wilmington & New Hanover's strategic priority is to invest in local arts and cultural initiatives that demonstrate community benefit and artistic merit. Their theory of change suggests that by providing direct financial support to qualified organizations and programs, they can stimulate artistic activity, encourage public participation, and ultimately contribute to the economic and social well-being of New Hanover County. The requirement for a dollar-for-dollar match also indicates a strategic approach to leverage community investment and ensure the sustainability of funded projects.

The Social Justice Fund's 2024 Native Led Organizing Grant aims to support grassroots organizations in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. This grant is aligned with the Social Justice Fund's broader mission of community organizing, focusing on Indigenous frontline communities, Nations, organizers, actions, and movements. The program specifically targets Native-led organizing efforts across the northwestern region, providing funding to organizations with 501(c)3 or 501(c)4 status, fiscally sponsored groups, or those willing to confirm a fiscal sponsor upon award. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are Indigenous, Native, American Indian, and First Nation community-led organizations (51% or more), particularly those working with reservation communities or in rural/small towns. The impact goals revolve around strengthening these communities through various initiatives. Priority consideration is given to organizations deeply embedded in and led by these communities, ensuring that the funding directly supports their self-determination and local needs. The grant prioritizes funding for a range of organizing work, including language rejuvenation programs, culture as healing programs, environmental justice, civic engagement (including voter education), food sovereignty, MMIW & MMIP (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People), wellness projects, youth-led initiatives, and art as activism installations. These focus areas reflect the critical needs and cultural priorities of Indigenous communities and align with a holistic approach to social justice and community well-being. Expected outcomes include the empowerment of Native-led organizations, the revitalization of Indigenous languages and cultures, increased civic participation, enhanced environmental protection, and improved community health and safety. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantifiable metrics, the focus on community-led initiatives implies success will be measured by the strength and sustainability of these programs and their positive impact on the target communities. The awards range from $10,000 to $30,000, which will enable these organizations to implement their vital work.

This funding opportunity is designed to help nonprofit organizations improve their internal operations and effectiveness through expert-led initiatives in areas like leadership development, strategic planning, and diversity training.

The Posey County Community Foundation is currently accepting applications for its 2024 Community Good Grants Program. This program aims to support a broad range of community needs within Posey County, Indiana, aligning with the Foundation's mission to foster overall community well-being. By offering these grants, the Foundation seeks to invest in initiatives that enhance the quality of life for residents and address critical local issues. The program targets nonprofit organizations deemed tax-exempt under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, as well as governmental agencies serving Posey County. Additionally, nonprofit organizations not classified as a 501(c)(3) public charity may be considered if their projects are charitable and support a community need, potentially requiring a fiscal sponsor. The ultimate beneficiaries are the residents of Posey County, who will benefit from the projects funded across various program areas. The Community Good Grants Program focuses on several key areas for funding, including Arts and Culture, Community Development, Education, Health, Human Services, and Other Civic Endeavors, which encompass Environment, Recreation, and Youth Development. These priorities reflect the Foundation's strategic approach to addressing diverse community needs and fostering a well-rounded and thriving environment within the county. The program specifically excludes funding for religious organizations for religious purposes, political parties or campaigns, endowment creation or debt reduction, capital campaigns, annual appeals or membership contributions, and travel requests for groups or individuals. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the Foundation's theory of change appears to be rooted in a belief that by supporting a wide array of charitable endeavors, it can incrementally improve various facets of community life. The broad program areas suggest an intent to create a ripple effect of positive change, from fostering cultural enrichment and educational advancements to promoting better health outcomes and a more vibrant civic landscape. The Foundation's strategic priority is to empower local organizations to implement projects that directly respond to the identified needs and opportunities within Posey County.

This grant provides funding to organizations that improve healthcare access for underserved and uninsured residents in northern Lake County, Illinois.

This funding opportunity supports local nonprofit organizations in the greater Rochester area to address environmental health disparities and build community capacity through practical projects.

The Seminole County is currently accepting grant applications for the Home-ARP Program, a critical initiative designed to mitigate homelessness and enhance housing stability for qualifying populations within the county. This program is a direct outgrowth of the HOME-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP), which saw Congress allocate $5 billion as part of the broader $1.9 trillion COVID-19 pandemic relief efforts on March 11, 2021. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers these funds, with Seminole County having received $3,046,438. This funding was officially approved by the Board of County Commissioners on March 14, 2023, and subsequently by HUD, underscoring its alignment with federal strategies to address housing insecurity exacerbated by the pandemic. The primary target beneficiaries of the Home-ARP Program are individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness, as well as other qualifying populations as defined by HUD. The program's overarching impact goal is to significantly reduce homelessness and increase housing stability across Seminole County. This will be achieved through a multi-faceted approach, including the development of affordable rental housing, provision of supportive services, and capacity building for non-profit organizations. By focusing on these areas, the program aims to create a more resilient and equitable housing landscape for vulnerable residents. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly outlined through its funding allocation. A substantial portion, $2,137,151, is dedicated to the development of affordable rental housing, highlighting a strategic emphasis on increasing the supply of safe and accessible housing units. Additionally, $300,000 is allocated for supportive services, recognizing that stable housing often requires concurrent support for health, employment, and other social needs. Furthermore, $152,321 is earmarked for Non-Profit Capacity Building/Operating Costs, demonstrating an understanding that strong, well-resourced community partners are essential for effective program implementation. Finally, $456,966 is allocated for administration and planning, ensuring efficient oversight and strategic deployment of resources. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in the number of individuals experiencing homelessness in Seminole County, an increase in the availability of affordable rental housing units, and improved access to essential supportive services for at-risk populations. The program anticipates strengthening the capacity of local non-profit and for-profit organizations to address community development and housing needs. These outcomes will be achieved through projects implemented either directly by the County or in partnership with qualified non-profit agencies or for-profit organizations, aligning with a theory of change that posits collaborative efforts and strategic investment in housing and support services will lead to enhanced housing stability and a decrease in homelessness.

The Charlevoix County Community Foundation (C3F) is offering Housing Solutions Grants to increase the supply of housing units across various price points in Charlevoix County, Michigan. This initiative directly aligns with C3F's mission to address critical community needs, specifically focusing on housing choice and supporting mixed-income neighborhoods. The grants aim to remove barriers at the predevelopment stage of housing projects and leverage partnerships to maximize impact. The target beneficiaries for these grants are year-round residential occupants in Charlevoix County, with a particular focus on maintaining affordability for a portion or all of the housing units. The impact goal is to increase the overall supply of diverse housing options, ensuring that development is compatible with local goals and objectives. The program prioritizes projects that contribute to the long-term affordability and availability of housing in the area. The C3F's Housing Solutions Fund focuses its resources on pre-development activities and capacity-building efforts for housing organizations. This strategic focus is designed to address fundamental challenges that hinder housing development. By supporting these early stages, the foundation aims to create a stronger pipeline of viable housing projects, reflecting a theory of change that early intervention and foundational support lead to greater housing availability. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the number of housing units available in Charlevoix County, catering to a range of price points. Successful projects will demonstrate sustained affordability for residents and contribute to the creation of inclusive, mixed-income communities. The grant program seeks to foster collaboration among housing stakeholders and streamline the development process, ultimately leading to a more robust and equitable housing market.

The Wavemaker Arts Grants, provided by the City of Tempe, are designed to support arts non-profit organizations that offer inclusive arts and culture programming within Tempe. This program aligns with the City of Tempe's broader mission to advance Tempe as a vibrant and progressive community for cultural and artistic activity, as outlined in its Arts and Culture Plan. The grants specifically target non-profit organizations with 501c3 status, ensuring that funding is directed towards established entities dedicated to public benefit in the arts. The primary beneficiaries of this program are arts non-profit organizations and, by extension, the residents and communities of Tempe who participate in and experience the funded arts and culture programming. The impact goals are to increase community-initiated arts projects, support festivals that celebrate cultural diversity, and expand informal arts programming in community settings. The program also aims to foster a rich cultural environment that reflects the diverse population of Tempe. The program's priorities and focuses include supporting a variety of project structures such as performances, residencies/workshops, and festivals. Grant requests can cover expenses like artist services, professional services, stipends, supplies, production costs, space rentals, food, marketing, and printing. A key focus is on ensuring that projects take place within Tempe and serve its community, with a clear restriction against activities outside the city or entirely virtual programming. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in accessible arts and culture programming for Tempe residents, a rise in community engagement with diverse cultural events, and the continued enhancement of Tempe's reputation as a culturally vibrant city. While specific quantitative metrics are not detailed, the program implies success through the number and variety of funded projects, the reach of those projects within the community, and their alignment with the Arts and Culture Plan's recommendations. The funding amount of up to $10,000 per project supports these outcomes by enabling organizations to execute impactful, community-focused initiatives.

The Small Grant Initiative (SGI) by the Alachua County Commission aims to foster the development and growth of non-governmental, grassroots organizations and emerging small businesses within Alachua County. This program aligns with the commission's mission to support its residents, particularly those living at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. The initiative is designed to strengthen the capacity and infrastructure of these organizations, thereby enhancing their ability to serve the community effectively. The primary beneficiaries of the SGI are Alachua County residents who are economically disadvantaged. The program seeks to achieve significant impact by addressing critical community needs in areas such as safe, affordable housing, adequate food, quality healthcare, and quality childcare and education. By supporting organizations focused on these areas, the initiative intends to improve the overall quality of life and well-being for vulnerable populations within the county. The SGI prioritizes one-time capacity building or infrastructure improvements. This focus ensures that the funded projects create lasting changes that enhance the organizational effectiveness and service delivery of the grant recipients. The program is specifically interested in proposals that demonstrate a clear strategy for addressing one or more of the identified priority areas, with a maximum award limit of $15,000 for individual proposals. Expected outcomes include strengthened local organizations, improved access to essential services for low-income residents, and tangible advancements in housing, food security, healthcare, and education within Alachua County. Measurable results could include an increase in the number of individuals served by recipient organizations, improved quality or accessibility of services, and the successful completion of capacity-building projects or infrastructure upgrades. The grant period, running from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025, provides a clear timeframe for the implementation and evaluation of these projects.