Local Environment Grants

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 program provides flexible funding to nonprofit organizations in Howard County, Maryland, to support initiatives that improve community well-being across various sectors, particularly for the most vulnerable populations.

This program provides funding for projects that reduce emissions and enhance sustainability in San Miguel, San Juan, and Ouray counties, targeting individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations.

This program provides funding to city and town governments, as well as park districts in King County, to develop and improve recreational facilities and open spaces for the community.

This funding opportunity is designed for local nonprofit organizations in Park City, Utah, to support services that benefit residents in key areas such as community, housing, and sustainability.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government units for projects that directly benefit the residents of Blaine County, Montana, addressing important community needs.

The Hocking County Community Fund is currently accepting applications for grants to support projects and programs that benefit residents and communities within Hocking County, Ohio. This initiative aligns with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio's broader mission to 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. The fund seeks to empower local efforts that address pressing needs, create opportunities, and unlock the potential within Hocking County. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are individuals of all ages within Hocking County, with a particular emphasis on those who are leading community-driven projects. The overarching impact goal is to foster positive change and development across the specified Pillars of Prosperity. By supporting a diverse range of initiatives, the fund aims to improve the quality of life, enhance community resources, and promote sustainable growth throughout the county. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate a clear alignment with one or more of the five Pillars of Prosperity. While funding requests typically range from $500 to $5,000, larger requests will be considered based on their potential for significant impact. The emphasis is on supporting efforts that are locally driven and directly address the needs and aspirations of Hocking County residents. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in the areas of arts and culture, economic well-being, educational attainment, environmental health, and access to human services. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the focus on "creating opportunities," "meeting pressing needs," and "unleashing potential" suggests that successful projects will demonstrate a clear positive change within their respective areas. The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio's strategic priorities are implicitly linked to the success of these grant-funded projects, with a theory of change rooted in empowering local communities to address their own challenges and build a more prosperous future.

The American Water Charitable Foundation’s Water and Environment grant program is a targeted funding opportunity designed to support innovative, community-based projects that align directly with the Foundation’s core mission of environmental stewardship and water sustainability within American Water’s service areas. The program seeks to fund new, non-operational initiatives focused on three key aspects: improving, restoring, or protecting watersheds, surface water, and groundwater; promoting water conservation practices; and enhancing equitable access to water-based recreation for underserved communities. Eligibility is restricted to 501(c)(3) public charities, K-12 public schools, colleges, and universities located within the company’s operational footprint, ensuring a direct local impact. The grant program’s priorities and focuses center on addressing local environmental and community needs. Key focus areas include scientific investigation and monitoring of pollutants, the development and implementation of green infrastructure, and environmental education. For example, grants were awarded to support analytical costs for increasing upstream pollution monitoring, to fund new sampling sites for pollutant testing in rivers, and to install bioswales to reduce runoff and recharge local aquifers. The target beneficiaries are the local communities within American Water’s service regions, with a specific focus on projects that improve equitable access for underserved populations. The expected outcomes are strongly tied to measurable, on-the-ground results that contribute to improved water quality and conservation. Grantees are expected to deliver tangible outcomes such as eliminating pollution sources, providing communities with actionable data for improving local water quality, reducing runoff, and supporting remediation efforts based on new scientific findings. To ensure efficiency, all projects are required to be completed within 12 months of the grant being awarded. This emphasis on clear, time-bound deliverables ensures that the Foundation’s investment translates quickly into demonstrable environmental and community benefits. The Foundation's strategic priorities and implicit theory of change rest on the principle that local, community-driven investment is the most effective pathway to sustainable water resource management and protection. By funding specific, measurable activities—such as water quality monitoring, targeted infrastructure installation, and educational programming—the Foundation aims to achieve intermediate outcomes like reduced contamination and increased environmental awareness. This approach is rooted in the belief that empowering local organizations to gather data, implement physical solutions, and cultivate environmental stewardship will lead to the long-term impact of protected and enhanced water supplies across the communities served by American Water.

The Clayton County Tourism Authority (CCTA) FY24 Tourism Grant Program is designed to bolster visitor and tourism promotional efforts and enhance tourism product development within Clayton County, Georgia. This grant program is administered by the CCTA, utilizing funds derived from a portion of the local hotel/motel tax. The core mission alignment is to foster local economic impact by increasing tourism, specifically through heightened visitation from outside the Clayton County area and by elevating the county's appeal as a destination. The program targets entities such as not-for-profits, governmental, or quasi-governmental organizations that have demonstrated at least one year of fiscal operation and represent ongoing, sustainable operations. Beneficiaries must be located in Clayton County, or if a festival/event, it must take place within the county. The primary impact goal is to increase the number of overnight visitors to Clayton County from outside the area, thereby generating economic benefits and enhancing the county's destination appeal. The grant program prioritizes initiatives that support Clayton County's key tourism drivers, which include African American History and Culture, Diversity and Inclusion, the local and international Culinary Scene, and Film Festivals. Special consideration is given to projects that align with these drivers and the CCTA's strategic priorities and target audiences. Allowable expenses cover the development of new events or major exhibits, out-of-market tourism advertising and marketing (considered 50+ miles outside Clayton County), production costs for media advertising, photography, videography, website and social media development, and professional marketing services, with a cap of 10% on postage expenses. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in tourism and visitor engagement, leading to enhanced local economic impact. The CCTA's strategic approach is to fund marketing, product development, and other qualified expenses that directly contribute to attracting more external visitors. This theory of change posits that by investing in targeted promotional activities and tourism product enhancements, the county will become a more attractive destination, resulting in greater visitation and sustained economic growth. Applicants are expected to demonstrate the ability to execute their projects and provide a sponsorship benefits package equivalent to the grant funds received, ensuring a reciprocal benefit for the CCTA.

The Gallia Community Foundation, in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, is offering grants to nonprofits, schools, and public organizations for projects and programs that benefit residents and communities within Gallia County, Ohio. This grant program aligns with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio's broader mission to advance opportunities across five key areas, known as the Pillars of Prosperity. These pillars—arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environmental stewardship, and health and human services—form the strategic framework for both organizations, ensuring that funding is directed towards comprehensive community development and upliftment in the region. The target beneficiaries of this program are individuals of all ages within Gallia County. The impact goals are centered on supporting those who are actively working to create opportunities, address pressing needs, and unlock the inherent potential within the county. The program emphasizes grassroots efforts and local initiatives, fostering a sense of community ownership and sustainable progress. By investing in these local leaders and their projects, the foundations aim to build a stronger, more resilient Gallia County. The grant program prioritizes projects and programs that directly address the five Pillars of Prosperity. This focus ensures that funding is strategically distributed across a spectrum of critical areas, from enhancing cultural experiences to improving educational outcomes and fostering economic growth. The foundations seek to fund initiatives that demonstrate a clear commitment to these areas, providing a holistic approach to community development rather than isolated interventions. Expected outcomes and measurable results are a key component of this grant program. While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided information, the emphasis on "advancing opportunities" and "meeting pressing needs" suggests that successful projects will demonstrate tangible improvements in the quality of life, access to resources, and overall well-being for Gallia County residents. Projects that can articulate clear objectives and potential for measurable positive change, particularly within the framework of the Pillars of Prosperity, are likely to be highly regarded. The funding range of $500 to $5,000, with consideration for larger requests based on impact, indicates a desire to support both smaller, targeted initiatives and larger, more transformative projects.

Sanback Dam Removal & Stream Restoration Design Phase: This grant opportunity is for the design and permitting phase of fully removing Sanback Dam in Rose City, MI. The existing dam is deteriorating and poses safety hazards. If the dam were to fail, it could endanger people downstream and damage property and infrastructure. The grant is open to organizations of all types seeking to restore the stream habitat downstream. Shiawassee Access and Riverfront Development: The Village of Byron proposes to develop a publicly accessible riverfront viewing platform as part of their Economic & Public Space initiative along the Shiawassee River. The plan aims to attract new commerce, residents, and visitors to enhance the commercial corridor. The project will catalyze redevelopment efforts after a fire destroyed several sites in 2012. Nonprofits, startups, local governments, small businesses, and researchers are eligible to apply. Smith Park Fishing Access: The City of Essexville's Smith Park includes a boat launch and recreation area near Saginaw Bay. However, fishing opportunities are limited due to irregular riverbanks and failed erosion control measures. This grant supports park improvements with a focus on fishing access, including the development of a floating fishing pier. Nonprofits, startups, local governments, small businesses, and researchers can apply for this grant opportunity. Finn Road Park Improvements: Proposed by Hampton Township, this grant supports improvements at Finn Road Park along Saginaw Bay's shoreline. The project includes native plantings and restoration, a universally accessible kayak launch, parking improvements, and a new playground area. Grant funds will specifically be used for the kayak launch and native plant rain garden. Nonprofits, startups, local governments, small businesses, and researchers are eligible to apply. An updated Development/Capital Improvement Plan for the Shiawassee River Water Trail Coalition: This grant supports updating and publicly distributing the Development/Capital Improvement Plan for the Shiawassee River Water Trail Coalition. The plan aims to enhance public launch sites along the river

This program provides technical assistance to small and vulnerable communities in Maine to improve energy efficiency in public buildings and enhance resilience against climate change impacts.

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 Innovia Foundation's LaunchNW Rural Grant Program aims to "galvanize entire communities to ensure that every child finds belonging and travels their best journey from birth to career attainment." This initiative, initially implemented in Spokane County, is now expanding to rural communities in ten eastern Washington counties served by the Innovia Foundation. The program's core mission aligns with the foundation's broader goal of addressing changing community needs and generating sustainable, measurable change. By focusing on rural areas, LaunchNW extends the foundation's impact to underserved populations, fostering community-based solutions to support children's development from an early age through their careers. The target beneficiaries of the LaunchNW Rural Grant Program are the children and communities within the selected rural counties of eastern Washington. The program seeks to achieve significant impact by partnering with local leaders and various community sectors to provide funding and technical support. The primary goal is to empower these communities to create environments where every child can thrive, leading to improved educational outcomes, enhanced well-being, and ultimately, successful career attainment. This initiative reflects the foundation's theory of change, which posits that by investing in community-led efforts and fostering strong local partnerships, lasting positive change can be achieved at a systemic level. The program prioritizes communities that can establish a "community-based LaunchNW Coordinator" to facilitate local efforts. Grants of $30,000 are specifically allocated to partially support these coordinators for two years, highlighting the program's focus on building local capacity and leadership. The emphasis is on sustainable, measurable change, suggesting a commitment to long-term impact rather than short-term interventions. Innovia Foundation's strategic priorities include supporting public charities, federally recognized tribes, and public entities, ensuring that funding reaches legitimate organizations with clear charitable purposes. This approach underscores the foundation's commitment to responsible and impactful philanthropy. Expected outcomes include galvanized communities, enhanced belonging for children, and improved journeys from birth to career attainment. The program anticipates measurable results through the sustained efforts of community-based coordinators and the collaborative work of local leaders and various sectors. By providing two years of support for coordinators, the foundation aims to establish a strong foundation for long-term success and self-sufficiency within the participating communities. The program's design, which encourages applications from diverse eligible entities and allows for multiple grant applications, demonstrates Innovia Foundation's flexible and inclusive approach to community development.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, schools, and institutions in Cuyahoga County to implement or expand recycling and composting programs, helping to reduce waste and promote sustainability.

This funding opportunity supports developers in California who are creating affordable housing projects, providing guidance and financial assistance to promote sustainable and innovative solutions.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, schools, Native American Tribes, and government agencies in Whatcom County for projects that support youth experiencing homelessness and engage young people in environmental initiatives.

The Washington State Department of Commerce, through its Office of Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention/Community Safety Unit, is offering a grant program to Washington state law enforcement agencies. This initiative aligns with the Department's broader mission to enhance community safety and reduce violence by equipping law enforcement with modern tools and technologies. The program aims to address critical needs in public safety by focusing on improved vehicle pursuit management and overall operational effectiveness for law enforcement agencies across the state. The target beneficiaries of this grant are Washington state law enforcement agencies, including individual agencies and consortiums of agencies. The primary impact goal is to enhance the safety and effectiveness of vehicle pursuits and other law enforcement operations through the adoption of advanced technology. By providing these tools, the program seeks to contribute to a safer environment for both officers and the public, ultimately reducing the risks associated with traditional pursuit methods and improving the ability of law enforcement to respond to incidents. The grant prioritizes the provision of modern vehicle pursuit management technology. This includes, but is not limited to, global positioning system tracking equipment, automated license plate reading technology, aircraft, and non-armed and non-armored drone technology. The focus is on leveraging technological advancements to achieve more efficient and safer law enforcement practices. The grant also emphasizes a broad distribution of funding across Washington, with maximum award amounts tailored to agency size to ensure equitable access and impact for both smaller and larger departments. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the adoption and effective utilization of advanced vehicle pursuit management technologies by law enforcement agencies. This will likely lead to improved apprehension rates, reduced risks during pursuits, and enhanced overall operational capabilities for participating agencies. While specific measurable results are not detailed beyond the types of technology, the implicit goal is to improve public safety metrics related to law enforcement interactions and criminal apprehension. The program's success will be evident in the widespread implementation of these technologies and their positive impact on community safety over the grant duration of one year, from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.

The Daviess County Community Foundation's Community Good Grants Program aims to support a wide array of initiatives that foster the well-being and development of Daviess County, Indiana. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to strengthen the community by investing in critical areas such as Arts and Culture, Community Development, Education, Health, Human Services, and other Civic Endeavors including Environment, Recreation, and Youth Development. By focusing on these diverse sectors, the foundation seeks to create a broad and lasting positive impact on the lives of Daviess County residents. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are nonprofit organizations deemed tax-exempt under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, as well as governmental agencies serving Daviess County. The foundation also considers funding requests from nonprofit organizations not classified as a 501(c)(3) public charity, provided the project is charitable and addresses a community need. In such cases, obtaining a fiscal sponsor may be required. The overarching impact goal is to empower organizations that are actively working to improve the quality of life within the community. The program prioritizes initiatives that address fundamental community needs across its identified program areas. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the foundation's theory of change implicitly suggests that by supporting a diverse range of community-focused projects, they anticipate improvements in local education, health outcomes, cultural enrichment, community infrastructure, and social services. The strategic priority is to be a responsive and impactful funder for critical community projects. The foundation's strategy is to foster comprehensive community improvement by being inclusive in its funding considerations while maintaining clear boundaries. It does not fund religious organizations for religious purposes, political parties or campaigns, endowment creation, debt reduction, operating costs not directly related to a specific program or project, capital campaigns, annual appeals, membership contributions, or travel requests for groups or individuals. This focused approach ensures that grant funds are directed towards projects with a direct and tangible community benefit, ultimately contributing to the long-term vitality of Daviess County.

The Food Safety Education Fund grants program, administered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD), is designed to enhance food safety throughout Michigan. Funded by assessments on licensed food establishments, the program aligns with a mission to protect public health by providing critical food safety training and education. This initiative directly supports the broader goal of ensuring a safe food supply for all Michigan residents. The foundation's strategic priority is to prevent foodborne illness through proactive education and the empowerment of various stakeholders within the food system. The program primarily targets two key beneficiary groups: Michigan consumers and food service establishment employees, as well as agents of the director who enforce food regulations (e.g., local health department sanitarians and MDARD food safety inspectors). The impact goal is to improve food safety knowledge and practices among these groups, ultimately reducing the incidence of foodborne illnesses. Eligibility is restricted to Michigan governmental and non-profit organizations and entities, ensuring that the grants support organizations deeply embedded in community health and public service. Producers, marketers, processors, and growers are explicitly excluded to maintain the program's focus on education and training. For the 2024-2025 grant cycle, up to $365,600 is available, with a specific allocation of $242,500 for consumer food safety education and $114,100 for food service establishment employees and regulatory agents. This demonstrates a clear prioritization of widespread public education while also fortifying the knowledge base of those directly involved in food handling and enforcement. The grant duration is typically one year, though multi-year proposals are considered on an individual basis, contingent on future funding availability. Proposals should specifically avoid requesting funding for routine or required training, such as HACCP or ServSafe certification, emphasizing a focus on innovative and supplementary educational initiatives. Proposals are evaluated based on several key criteria, including goals and objectives to improve food safety, assessment of statewide need and audience, measurable outcomes, potential for partnering with other organizations, inclusion of matching funds, and opportunities to build upon previously funded projects. These selection criteria reflect the program's theory of change, which posits that strategic partnerships, evidence-based interventions, and quantifiable results are essential for achieving sustainable improvements in food safety. The expected outcomes include a more informed public, better-trained food service professionals, and more effective enforcement of food safety regulations, all contributing to a safer food environment across Michigan.