Local Capacity Building Grants

This grant provides funding to community groups in San José for projects that enhance neighborhood beauty, improve quality of life, and foster community engagement.

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 grant provides financial assistance to businesses and building owners in downtown Ames for improving their building façades, with a focus on historically significant features.

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.

The Accelerating Community Connections grant, funded by the Washington State Department of Commerce's Community Reinvestment Project (CRP), is a community-designed initiative to invest $200 million into communities across Washington State that have been disproportionately harmed by the historical design and enforcement of criminal laws and penalties for drug possession, often referred to as the “war on drugs.” The Spokane Workforce Council (SWC) is seeking proposals from organizations to increase access to workforce system resources, specifically the EcSA program and Career Accelerator Incentives, for historically marginalized groups. This grant aligns with a mission to rectify historical injustices and foster stronger relationships between communities and workforce development resources. The primary target beneficiaries for this grant are Black, tribal, and Latine communities in Spokane County. The program specifically seeks to serve organizations that are "By-and-For," meaning they are part of, rooted in, and defined by the identity of these communities, with leadership and staff from these populations. The impact goals are to increase access to workforce system resources, provide more culturally specific services, and enhance cultural competence within the workforce system. The grant prioritizes organizations that build trust, advocate, respond, and solve problems specific to these communities, and have a proven track record as change agents and providers of community services. The grant focuses on several key areas, including increasing access to the EcSA program and Career Accelerator Incentives for the target populations. It also emphasizes fostering stronger relationships, incorporating the "voice of the customer" in program design, and providing services that are culturally specific and competent. The strategic priority is to work with "By-and-For" organizations to ensure that the services are delivered in a way that is relevant, effective, and builds trust within the communities most affected by historical injustices related to the "war on drugs." This approach is rooted in a theory of change that by empowering and funding community-led organizations, the program can more effectively address systemic inequities and provide meaningful support. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the participation of Black, tribal, and Latine individuals in workforce system resources, improved access to employment opportunities, and enhanced career mobility. The program also aims to strengthen community ties, increase the cultural competence of the workforce system, and ensure that program designs are inclusive and responsive to the needs of the target populations. Organizations can apply for up to $30,000, and funding can be broadly used for personnel, occupancy, outreach, travel, training, supplies, and direct client costs like support services to remove barriers. Reimbursement contracts require organizations to incur costs and submit monthly invoices.

The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health seeks to increase access to healthcare and promote early detection and prevention of health issues across all counties in Idaho. This grant program is aligned with the foundation's mission by focusing on key areas such as behavioral and mental health, general healthcare access, and healthcare access specifically for seniors. The foundation aims to support projects that directly address these health challenges within the state, ensuring that their funding contributes to a healthier Idaho. The program targets several vulnerable populations, including seniors, underserved and underrepresented communities, veterans, and youth. The impact goals are centered around improving health equity, supporting the expansion of programs and services through capital and material expenditures, and fostering growth opportunities for these initiatives. By focusing on these specific groups and types of support, the foundation intends to create a tangible and positive impact on the health outcomes of Idaho residents who need it most. Funding priorities include addressing health equity, which aligns with the goal of reaching underserved populations. The foundation also prioritizes supporting capital and material expenditures, indicating a strategic focus on strengthening the infrastructure and resources of qualifying organizations. Furthermore, promoting growth opportunities for programs and services demonstrates a commitment to sustainable, long-term improvements in healthcare access and delivery. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantifiable outcomes, the foundation's theory of change suggests that by increasing access to healthcare, promoting early detection and prevention, and supporting the growth of effective programs, there will be a resultant improvement in the overall health and well-being of Idahoans. The emphasis on funding projects that target specific health issues and populations implies an expectation of reduced health disparities and enhanced health service availability.

The City of Evanston's "Sustain Evanston" Incentive Program is a funding tool designed to empower small business owners to implement sustainability measures. This initiative directly aligns with the City’s Climate Action & Resilience Plan, serving the foundational mission of fostering a more sustainable community. By offering financial assistance, the program aims to reduce operating costs for businesses while simultaneously enhancing their service to customers through environmentally friendly practices. This strategic alignment underscores the city's commitment to both economic vitality and ecological responsibility. The primary beneficiaries of this program include commercial property owners, tenants of commercial buildings, business districts, and coalitions of businesses within the City of Evanston. The impact goals are centered on improving the environmental footprint of local businesses, promoting sustainable infrastructure, and encouraging eco-conscious operations. Through these efforts, the program seeks to create a more resilient and environmentally sound local economy, benefiting both businesses and residents. The program prioritizes a broad range of sustainability measures, categorized into capital projects, equipment, services, and education materials. Key focuses include the adoption of heat pumps, EV charging infrastructure, solar PV, waste collection enclosures, green infrastructure like green roofs, and energy-efficient upgrades such as insulation and windows. Equipment priorities involve reusable containers, energy-efficient lighting, and appliances. Services like composting, recycling, energy/water benchmarking, and consulting are also emphasized, alongside educational signage and labels. These priorities reflect a holistic approach to sustainability, addressing various facets of business operations. Expected outcomes include a significant reduction in the operational costs for participating businesses due to increased energy efficiency and waste reduction. Measurable results will likely involve the number of businesses implementing sustainable upgrades, the amount of energy saved, the volume of waste diverted from landfills, and the expansion of green infrastructure within the city. The program's strategic approach is to incentivize tangible changes that collectively contribute to the City’s broader Climate Action & Resilience Plan, acting as a catalyst for widespread sustainable practices within the business community. This aligns with a theory of change where financial incentives drive behavioral and infrastructure changes, leading to a more sustainable and resilient urban environment.

The Ohio Animal Foundation is currently accepting applications for its grant program, which aims to support animal welfare initiatives across the state. While the foundation's overarching mission isn't explicitly detailed, the focus of this grant program on rescue and shelter services, as well as wildlife protection, education, and rehabilitation, strongly indicates an alignment with improving the lives of animals and protecting wildlife within Ohio. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are Ohio-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations that are in good standing, specifically those involved in animal rescue, shelter services, or wildlife programs. The program intends to support services for domestic, companion, and farm animals, as well as feral and community cats. It also extends its reach to wildlife protection, education, and rehabilitation efforts. The impact goals are to provide essential funding to these organizations, enabling them to continue their vital work in animal care and protection. The priorities and focuses of the grant program are clearly defined. A significant emphasis is placed on "Rescue and Shelter Services," which includes a broad spectrum of animal care, from domestic animals to feral cat programs. Additionally, "Wildlife Protection, Education and Rehabilitation Programs" are a key area of interest, highlighting the foundation's commitment to both domesticated and wild animal populations. The typical grant range of $250-$500 suggests a strategy of providing smaller, impactful grants to a wider array of organizations. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly stated, it can be inferred that the foundation aims to see improvements in animal welfare metrics such as increased adoptions, successful rescue operations, effective rehabilitation of injured wildlife, and enhanced public education on animal care and protection. The modest grant size suggests a focus on supporting operational costs or specific, smaller-scale projects that can demonstrate tangible benefits within these fields. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change appear to center on empowering local Ohio-based nonprofits to directly address animal welfare needs. By providing financial assistance to established 501(c)3 organizations, the Ohio Animal Foundation likely believes that it can most effectively leverage existing infrastructure and expertise to achieve its goals. The exclusion of funding for individuals further supports this approach, focusing resources on organizations with a proven capacity for impact.

The 2025 Arts & History Re-Grant Program, administered by the Cape May County Government in New Jersey, offers funding to support arts and history-related projects and ongoing programs within Cape May County. The program's mission aligns with fostering community engagement and increasing exposure to arts and history. It aims to support a diverse range of initiatives, from single events to sustained programming, ultimately enriching the cultural landscape of the county. The program targets organizations and groups located within Cape May County that are involved in arts or history. This includes civic organizations, social organizations, community theater groups, dance companies, museums, galleries, orchestras, and singing groups. The impact goals are to support and sustain arts and history projects, programs, and general operations, thereby enhancing cultural offerings and community participation in these areas. There are three distinct categories of funding: Special Project, General Programming Support (GPS), and General Operating Support (GOS). Special Project funding is for single, specific arts or history-related events. GPS supports major, ongoing arts programs with multiple events or activities throughout the year. GOS is designed for organizations whose primary charter is arts or history-related, providing general operating support to groups that consistently increase exposure to art/history in the community. The program prioritizes projects and programs that take place within Cape May County and, for General Operating Support, requires the applying organization to be located within the county. Expected outcomes include a more vibrant cultural scene in Cape May County, increased opportunities for residents to engage with arts and history, and the sustained operation of local arts and history organizations. Measurable results would involve the number and diversity of projects funded, the reach and attendance of programs, and the organizational stability of grant recipients. The strategic priorities revolve around making arts and history accessible, supporting the infrastructure of cultural organizations, and ensuring fiscal responsibility, particularly for General Operating Support grants. The program's theory of change posits that by providing targeted financial support, local cultural initiatives will thrive, leading to a more enriched and engaged community.

The Portland Office of Violence Prevention is currently accepting applications for the 2024-2025 Safer Portland Grant, a community-based initiative designed to reduce gun violence. This grant program directly aligns with the mission of fostering safer communities by empowering local organizations to implement preventative measures. The overall objective is to mitigate gun violence through a variety of community-led efforts, focusing on proactive intervention and support. The grant targets a broad range of community members within Portland, with a particular emphasis on vulnerable neighborhoods known for high rates of gun violence. Specific prioritized areas include Cully, Hazelwood, Eliot, and Powellhurst-Gilbert, although organizations city-wide are encouraged to apply. The beneficiaries are individuals and families who will benefit from increased safety, access to supportive services, and participation in programs designed to deter violence. The impact goals are to reduce incidents of gun violence, provide support for victims' families, and build capacity within smaller contractors to deliver essential services. The Safer Portland Grant prioritizes several key areas to achieve its objectives. These include preventative programs, workshops, camps, and events aimed at addressing root causes of violence. Flexible funds are also provided for direct community assistance and services, ensuring immediate support where needed. Youth and adult mediation and mentoring programs are a core focus, aiming to foster positive relationships and conflict resolution skills. Furthermore, the grant supports arts and culture or recreational violence prevention programs, recognizing the role of creative and recreational outlets in community well-being. Aftercare support funds for families of victims and capacity building for small contractors providing services are also crucial priorities. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in gun violence rates within targeted neighborhoods and across Portland. Success will also be measured by the increased participation in preventative programs, the number of individuals receiving direct community assistance, and the enhanced capacity of local organizations to deliver effective violence prevention services. The grant's strategic priorities are to invest in community-led solutions, foster collaboration, and provide flexible funding that can adapt to the unique needs of different communities. This approach operates on the theory of change that by empowering and resourcing local efforts, sustainable reductions in gun violence can be achieved, leading to safer and more resilient communities for all Portland residents. A total of $500,000 is available, with individual grant awards ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Minnesota to strengthen infection prevention and control practices in long-term care facilities serving older adults, particularly in rural areas.

This grant provides financial support to organizations in New Mexico that empower socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs, particularly in underserved and rural areas, through capacity-building services and resources.

This program provides funding to small businesses and eligible nonprofits in Portsmouth, Virginia, to support their growth and infrastructure improvements through a matching reimbursement model.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and local government units in Saline County, Kansas, to enhance cultural programming and capacity-building efforts that enrich the community's arts and cultural landscape.

This program provides financial assistance to small businesses and nonprofit organizations in Portsmouth, Virginia, that are newly established or have been operating for up to three years, helping them with essential development expenses to promote growth and entrepreneurship.

This program provides financial assistance to nonprofit organizations and neighborhood groups in St. Augustine for small-scale projects that enhance community life through beautification, cultural enrichment, and community-building initiatives.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations in New York City to help establish and expand Business Improvement Districts in underserved commercial areas, enhancing local business support and community engagement.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local nonprofit organizations in Johnson County, Iowa, to enhance their operational capacity through infrastructure and technology upgrades, with a focus on benefiting grassroots and BIPOC-led initiatives.

This program provides financial support and strategic development resources to community-based organizations in Adams County, Colorado, to enhance their resilience and capacity to serve local residents.

This grant provides funding for nonprofit organizations, individual artists, and artist collectives to create community-focused arts projects in Salt Lake City, fostering public engagement through activities like concerts, murals, and workshops.