Local Education Grants

Grant Opportunity: City of Lewiston Community Development Block Grant (Maine) The City of Lewiston is offering the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to assist in developing viable urban communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanded economic opportunities for low-moderate income individuals. The grant funds are specifically designated for activities associated with preparing for, responding to, or recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible activities include public services, public facilities and infrastructure improvements such as building rehabilitation, acquisition, construction, reconstruction, installation of public works and facilities. Additionally, eligible expenses covered by the CDBG-CV funds include labor, supplies, materials and operation/maintenance of the facility where a public service is located. Applicants are required to provide detailed documentation including activity descriptions, client demographics and project budgets. For more information on eligibility and application process, visit City of Lewiston's website.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for community-based projects in Goodhue County that aim to prevent opioid misuse and promote healthy lifestyles.

The Vinton County Community Fund, in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, is accepting grant applications to support projects and programs that benefit Vinton County residents and communities. This initiative aligns with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio's broader mission to advance opportunities across the region, particularly focusing on local community needs. The fund seeks to foster positive change and development within Vinton County by supporting various community-driven efforts. The grants are specifically targeted towards nonprofits, schools, and public organizations, as well as groups working under fiscal sponsorship. The primary beneficiaries are individuals of all ages residing in Vinton County. The program's impact goals are centered on creating opportunities, meeting pressing needs, and unleashing the potential within the county, aiming for tangible improvements in the quality of life for its residents. The program prioritizes projects and programs that advance opportunities across five key areas, known as the Pillars of Prosperity: arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services. This strategic focus ensures that funding addresses a diverse range of critical needs and supports holistic community development. Emphasis is placed on initiatives that are spearheaded by individuals committed to making a difference in their community. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the expected outcomes are implicitly tied to the advancement of opportunities within the five pillars. Projects are expected to demonstrate potential impact, with funding requests between $500 and $2,500 generally preferred, though larger requests may be considered based on the scale of their potential influence. This framework reflects the Foundation's theory of change, which posits that investing in these key areas, through local initiatives, will lead to sustainable community growth and improved well-being for Vinton County residents.

The CNY Arts is offering grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for the year 2025 to individual artists and small nonprofit organizations in six counties of New York, aiming to support the development of arts projects and programming that engage diverse segments of the community, with applications open until October 25, 2024.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to independent cultural venues in Sacramento, such as music venues, art galleries, and bookstores, to help them recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The City of Boston has launched the Third Annual Community Empowerment Grants, offering a total of $500,000 to strengthen capacity and expand programming for organizations supporting men and boys across Boston’s neighborhoods. Administered by the Mayor’s Office of Black Male Advancement (BMA), these grants provide up to $20,000 per organization to enhance programs aimed at empowering Black men and boys. Applications are open now and must be submitted by January 6, 2024, at 5:00 PM. The grants focus on seven key areas: Mentoring and Out-of-School Time, Youth and Young Adult Pathways, Housing Mobility, Economic Inclusion and Wealth Building, Workforce Training and Development, Fatherhood Engagement, and Mental Health and Wellness. Programs in these areas should foster social, economic, and emotional wellbeing for men and boys, providing pathways to success in education, housing, employment, and mental health. Building on the success of prior grant cycles, this year’s initiative introduces enhanced capacity-building support through the BMA Capacity Building and Impact Institute and mentoring opportunities in collaboration with Mass Mentoring. These programs offer personalized coaching, nonprofit training, and expert resources to help grantees amplify their impact and build long-term sustainability. To further promote collaboration, the BMA will facilitate a community of practice for grantees to share insights and strategies. Eligible applicants must be Boston-based organizations with a demonstrated history of positively impacting Black men and boys. Interested organizations can attend a virtual information session on December 11, 2024, at 12:00 PM via Zoom, with registration available on the BMA website. For further questions, applicants may contact the City of Boston grants team at grants@boston.gov. In previous cycles, $1.5 million in Community Empowerment Grants has been awarded to 115 community-based organizations. This ongoing investment aligns with the BMA's mission to create equitable opportunities and lasting change for Black men and boys across Boston. For more details on this and other grant opportunities, visit www.boston.gov/grants.

This grant provides financial support to agricultural businesses in Cecil County, Maryland, to help them expand, diversify, and improve their operations while promoting sustainability and community collaboration.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profit organizations and public agencies in San Diego County for projects that enhance community well-being, safety, and economic opportunities.

Grant Opportunity: Outdoor Education Partnership III Description: The Chippewa Nature Center and U.S Fish and Wildlife Service are collaborating to restore wetland, grassland, and pollinator habitat as outdoor classrooms on school lands in the 22 County Saginaw Bay Watershed. County or city-owned lands can also be developed as outdoor education areas if local schools can incorporate them into their curriculum. The projects will be funded through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, with an average cost of $2,000 per acre for restoration. Priority will be given to schools, and each project will include a customized curriculum guide, lessons, supplies, and teacher training. Grant Opportunity: Great Mural Project Description: The Downtown Saginaw Association is leading the Great Mural Project, which aims to transform eyesores or forgotten spaces in Saginaw with beautiful murals and community art installations. The project focuses on sustainability, the river system, non-motorized trails, and other WIN investment projects. WIN will provide a small advisory committee to support the project. Grant Opportunity: Places Create Stories : The Power of Nature Description: Heart of the Lakes and Little Forks Conservancy are partnering to develop a media project that highlights the value of nature from an economic and community perspective. The project aims to create three short videos that emphasize the importance of nature for community character, job retention/recruitment, and economic development. The videos will be distributed through land conservancies and can be tailored for different groups' use. Grant Opportunity: Nature Kindergarten Pilot Description: This grant supports the development of a nature-based kindergarten pilot project at Bullock Creek Schools in cooperation with Chippewa Nature Center. Building on the success of a nature-based preschool program at Chippewa Nature Center, this pilot project aims to incorporate nature-based learning into two kindergarten classrooms. Grant Opportunity: MI Great Bay Regional Tourism Marketing & Development Phase 1 Description: This project seeks funding

The City of Bellevue Art and Cultural Facility Grant Program aims to fund capital projects by arts and cultural organizations within Bellevue, Washington. This program directly supports the city's commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural landscape, recognizing the importance of well-maintained and accessible facilities for artistic expression and community engagement. The program's mission aligns with the broader goal of enriching the lives of Bellevue residents by ensuring robust and sustainable cultural infrastructure. It prioritizes the physical foundations that enable arts and cultural organizations to thrive, acknowledging that facility health is critical for long-term operational success and public service. The target beneficiaries are nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Bellevue that require funding for capital projects or facility maintenance. The ultimate impact goal is to enhance the longevity, functionality, and accessibility of cultural facilities, thereby expanding access to arts and culture for underrepresented groups and the general public. Expected outcomes include improved physical spaces for performances, exhibitions, workshops, and educational programs, leading to increased participation and engagement from Bellevue residents. Measurable results could include the number of facilities renovated or maintained, the increase in program offerings, and the growth in audience attendance or participant numbers. The program has two distinct focuses: Capital Projects and Facility Maintenance. Capital Projects encompass acquiring property, building new facilities, acquiring specialized equipment, and major building renovations. Facility Maintenance focuses on preventative maintenance and repairs to preserve existing arts and cultural facilities. Both types of projects are prioritized, reflecting a comprehensive strategy for supporting the physical infrastructure of the arts. The funding structure for Capital Projects allows for requests up to $499,999 for renovations and equipment, with potential for higher requests for land acquisition or new construction, provided it doesn't exceed 40% of the total project budget. Facility Maintenance grants also cap at $499,999. Eligibility criteria emphasize a commitment to public benefit, a sustainable financial model, and a strong presence in Bellevue. Organizations must be nonprofits in good standing for at least two years and not be dependent on City funding for their operational staffing or facility maintenance. A key strategic priority is to ensure that public funding translates into tangible public benefits, such as free or reduced-fare tickets, scholarships for arts education, and services that expand access to underrepresented groups. This aligns with a theory of change where investment in cultural infrastructure and organizational stability directly leads to increased public access and engagement with the arts. Project eligibility also requires site control and a commitment to operating the facility for a minimum of five or ten years, depending on the project size, demonstrating a long-term vision for cultural sustainability in Bellevue.

City of Centennial is accepting applications for the Broncos Youth Activity Grant Program, offering $900,000 in grant funding to support youth activity programs due to the sale of the Broncos Football Team. Organizations may apply for a maximum of $200,000 for capital projects and $100,000 for other initiatives. Projects must be completed within one year and applicants must demonstrate how the project benefits Centennial youth. Preference will be given to new projects that have not been previously considered, and discrimination-based groups or programs are not eligible for funding. Visit City of Centennial for more information.

This program provides funding for community-led initiatives in Phoenix that focus on improving neighborhood safety and security through block watch projects.

The Centennial Park Conservancy is offering Nashville Earth Day grants to support local environmental initiatives, utilizing $60,000 in proceeds from the 2024 Nashville Earth Day festival. This funding is dedicated to underwriting environmental projects in public spaces throughout Nashville, aligning with the Conservancy's broader mission of sustaining Centennial Park's vibrancy and promoting positive environmental change across the city. The program emphasizes community engagement and direct action to address environmental concerns. The grant program targets a wide range of beneficiaries, including community members who benefit from improved public spaces, those involved in community gardens, and individuals participating in environmental education. The impact goals are ambitious and directly address critical environmental issues within Nashville. These include increasing urban tree canopy, supporting pollinator populations, enhancing local food systems through community gardens, improving water quality, and promoting environmental literacy among both adults and children. The priorities and focuses of this grant program are clearly defined through the types of activities that have been previously funded and are expected to continue. These include the planting of trees, care for bee populations, development and improvement of community gardens and pollinator habitats, waterway cleanups, and invasive plant removal. A significant focus is also placed on environmental education, reaching thousands of individuals in parks and classrooms, thereby fostering a more environmentally conscious community. Expected outcomes and measurable results are evident in the program's past successes and future objectives. The program has already facilitated the planting of 240 trees, cared for 160,000 bees, established or improved 11 community gardens and pollinator habitats, cleaned up 15 waterways, and donated 2,300 trees. Future grants will aim to continue and expand upon these measurable impacts, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable environment across Nashville. The Centennial Park Conservancy's strategic priorities and theory of change are rooted in the belief that direct investment in local environmental projects, combined with community education and engagement, leads to lasting positive change. By funding initiatives that enhance public spaces and educate the populace, the Conservancy aims to create a ripple effect of environmental stewardship. Their approach demonstrates a commitment to practical, on-the-ground interventions that yield tangible environmental benefits and foster a deeper connection between residents and their natural surroundings.

Grant Opportunity: City of Long Beach Neighborhood Micro Grant Program Donor: City of Long Beach, California Type: Grant Deadline: Ongoing Grant Size: Up to $1,500 Duration: 12 months The Development Services Department Housing and Neighborhood Services Bureau is seeking proposals from established Long Beach neighborhood associations to host neighborhood events and improvement projects. The Neighborhood Micro Grant Program (NMGP) aims to support events and projects that enhance neighborhood spirit, collaboration, and revitalization efforts. NMGP will provide up to $1,500 for goods and services to support approved events and projects focused on blight reduction, financial or employment training, crime awareness, fair housing, health services, and mental health services citywide. Eligible public service events/projects must have the support of the neighborhood organization’s governing body and the affected neighborhood. The grants will be disbursed directly to neighborhood associations with a tax ID number or fiscal agent. All events/projects must be completed within twelve months of the Notice of Funding Availability. For more information, visit City of Long Beach website.

The FY24 Arizona Automobile Theft Authority (AATA) Grant programs represent a critical funding initiative aligned with the mission of combating and preventing automobile theft across the state. This Notice of Funding Availability specifically targets Arizona Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice agencies, offering financial resources for projects in three core areas: Law Enforcement, Training, and Theft Prevention. The program's foundational mission is to reduce auto theft through strategic investments that enhance the capabilities of agencies responsible for enforcement and public safety, ensuring a focused, systematic approach to this crime. The target beneficiaries of the AATA Grant funding are Arizona Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice agencies, which serve as the direct implementers of the funded projects. The ultimate impact goal is to create safer communities for all Arizona residents and businesses by reducing the financial and social costs associated with vehicle theft. By strengthening the tools and skills of these agencies, the grant aims to achieve a demonstrable decrease in auto theft incidents, improve recovery rates, and enhance public awareness regarding prevention measures. The AATA's strategic priorities are clearly focused on the three identified project categories: Law Enforcement, Training, and Theft Prevention. The funding is specifically available for the FY24 cycle, with a deadline of June 30, 2024, although the AATA demonstrates flexibility by allowing for grant extensions beyond this date to facilitate necessary procurement and program implementation. A key operational priority is accountability, as agencies are required to submit detailed budget sheets and consistent financial and performance reports either monthly or quarterly through the Ecivis Grant Management System. All applications must also receive formal approval from the AATA Board of Directors before contracts are generated and funding is issued. The expected outcomes of the grant program are tied directly to the measurable success of the funded projects across the three focus areas. The AATA's theory of change posits that targeted investment in enforcement, education, and skill development will lead to a quantifiable reduction in automobile theft. Measurable results are determined through the mandatory financial and performance reports, allowing the AATA to track progress indicators such as the effectiveness of new law enforcement initiatives, the reach and impact of training programs, and the efficacy of prevention campaigns. The Foundation’s strategic priority is to ensure that these measurable results confirm that the resources are generating a tangible, positive impact on reducing vehicle crime within Arizona.

The Wyoming Arts Council’s Creative Fellowships program, established in 1986, honors Wyoming's literary artists whose body of work demonstrates exceptional writing. This program is rooted in supporting artistic excellence within the state, aligning with a mission to foster and recognize literary talent. The program is designed to provide financial support and recognition to deserving writers, thereby contributing to the cultural richness of Wyoming. The primary beneficiaries of this fellowship are Wyoming literary artists who are at least 18 years old, not full-time students, US citizens or legal residents, and have been domiciled in Wyoming for at least 20 months in the past two years. The program specifically targets writers in the categories of Poetry, Creative Nonfiction, and Fiction. The impact goal is to empower these artists, enabling them to continue their craft and contribute to the literary landscape, while also elevating Wyoming's artistic profile. The program prioritizes exceptional writing and artistic merit, as applications are juried by noted authors, literary agents, or writing professionals from outside the state. It focuses on identifying and rewarding literary excellence across three distinct categories. A key focus is also on promoting a sense of community among Wyoming writers, as recipients are expected to share their work at one of the three Wyoming literary conferences. Expected outcomes include the continued production of high-quality literary work by Wyoming artists, increased recognition for these artists, and a more vibrant literary community within the state. Measurable results include the awarding of up to three fellowships annually, with each recipient receiving $5,000 upfront. The program also ensures a spread of awards by stipulating that artists cannot receive the fellowship within a four-year period and are limited to two lifetime awards, promoting wider participation and impact.

The Middle South Georgia Conservation District, a legal subdivision of the state of Georgia established in 1945, offers the Environmental and Agricultural Education Grant to promote education related to agriculture and natural resources within its nine-county service area. The grant supports educators from Pre-K to 12th grade and agricultural or natural resources-based entities in Ben Hill, Brooks, Colquitt, Crisp, Irwin, Thomas, Tift, Turner, and Worth counties. Applicants can request up to $1,000 for projects including tools, books, software, lab equipment, field trips, and the development of natural resource areas. Applications are due by September 30, 2024.

This program provides financial support to projects that enhance economic resilience, diversity, and sustainability in the Cape Cod region, targeting local organizations and initiatives focused on housing, entrepreneurship, workforce education, infrastructure, and climate resilience.

The Northeast Dutchess Fund's NEDCorps initiative offers grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to nonprofits, municipalities, and community organizations in northeast Dutchess County, New York, to develop or expand services for the immigrant community, with a total of $35,000 available for distribution.

This grant provides funding to support a collaborative workforce development program aimed at equipping middle and high school students, particularly young men of color in Fayette County, Kentucky, with essential skills and experiences for high-wage career opportunities.