Local Food and Nutrition Grants

The Rowan Arts Council (RAC) Grassroots Arts grants are provided annually to non-profit organizations operating arts programs within Rowan County, North Carolina. This program is funded through the NC General Assembly via the NC Arts Council Grassroots Arts Program, with the RAC acting as the Designated County Partner. The primary mission of these grants aligns with enhancing and strengthening the cultural community and broadening artistic services available to Rowan County citizens. The program focuses on fostering a vibrant arts scene and making arts accessible to a wider audience, contributing to the cultural enrichment of the region. The grants target a diverse range of beneficiaries, including qualified arts organizations such as theaters, symphonies, galleries, art guilds, choral societies, dance companies, folk arts societies, writer’s groups, and arts festivals. Additionally, the program supports arts learning and arts in education initiatives for students and adults, as well as community organizations providing quality art experiences. The expected outcomes include a more robust cultural landscape, increased participation in arts programs, and expanded artistic services. Measurable results could include the number of organizations supported, the number of individuals reached through various programs, and the diversity of artistic offerings. The program prioritizes funding in three key areas. The first priority is to offer program or operating support to qualified arts organizations that do not receive funding directly from the N.C. Arts Council’s State Arts Resources. The second priority is to support arts learning and arts in education programs, such as artist residencies in schools, after-school camps, or adult arts classes, provided these activities are not part of a school's internal arts curriculum or for the purchase of art supplies or student competitions. The third priority is to support other community organizations that provide quality art experiences for the greater community, ensuring these programs are conducted by qualified artists. Grassroots Arts Program funds can be utilized across various artistic disciplines, including visual arts, crafts, dance, drama, film and video, folk arts, literature, music, photography, architecture, and the visual environment. Typical uses of funds encompass program expenses like artists’ fees, travel, space rental, advertising, and supplies, as well as program administration and operating expenses such. While salaries and equipment are allowable, their use is generally limited. The program strategically aims to build a strong, self-sustaining arts community in Rowan County by empowering local organizations and artists, which aligns with a theory of change that increased local investment in the arts leads to broader community engagement and cultural development.

The Butler County Communities Grant Cycle, managed by the Central Kansas Community Foundation, is dedicated to enhancing communities within Butler County, Kansas. This grant program is a testament to the foundation's mission of supporting charitable, scientific, and educational purposes through various community-focused initiatives. It aligns with the foundation's strategic priority to foster community service, projects, programs, and events that directly contribute to local betterment. The overall goal is to uplift the quality of life and address specific needs within El Dorado and broader Butler County. The grant targets a diverse set of beneficiaries and aims for significant impact. The El Dorado Prairie Port Festival Fund specifically supports community events designed to improve family relationships by bringing together residents and former residents of El Dorado, KS. The George Trimble Special Needs Charitable Fund focuses on the welfare and safety of El Dorado citizens, providing critical response in disasters, promoting public health and education, and offering general assistance to the needy. The Kansas Health Foundation Funds (both Butler County and El Dorado) are dedicated to underwriting solutions to local health issues, encouraging healthy lifestyles, and promoting well-being across individuals and communities. The expected outcomes include stronger family bonds, enhanced public safety and health, and a more resilient community in the face of challenges. A key priority of this grant cycle, particularly for the El Dorado Prairie Port Festival Fund, is the funding of new community events in El Dorado, KS, alongside supporting existing ones. The George Trimble Special Needs Charitable Fund prioritizes critical response to disasters and the promotion of public health and safety. The Kansas Health Foundation Funds prioritize solutions to local health issues and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by strategically investing in community events, critical support services, and health initiatives, they can foster a more connected, safer, and healthier environment for all residents of Butler County and El Dorado. The measurable results for this grant cycle include the number of new and existing community events supported, the reach and impact of disaster relief and public health programs, and the improvements in health and well-being metrics within the targeted communities. Specific funding limits are in place to ensure a broad distribution of resources: requests should not exceed $1,500 for the El Dorado Prairie Port Festival Fund and Kansas Health Foundation Fund – El Dorado, $1,200 for the Kansas Health Foundation Fund – Butler County, and $3,000 for the George Trimble Special Needs Charitable Fund. Organizations applying must possess 501(c)(3) status or equivalent and be managed by reliable, ethical, and experienced personnel, ensuring accountability and effective use of funds.

This grant provides funding to non-profit organizations in Missouri that support entrepreneurs in developing high-tech companies and creating sustainable jobs through innovation and commercialization of new technologies.

This grant provides funding for artists and community organizations in Marion County, Indiana, to collaborate on public art projects that enhance local neighborhoods and engage residents in arts and culture.

This program provides funding to New York dairy farmers and cooperatives for upgrading milk storage and transfer systems to improve efficiency and reduce waste.

The Launch LC grant opportunity, facilitated by Naturally Lewis, is a competitive program designed to bolster start-up businesses within Lewis County, New York. Its core mission aligns with enhancing the quality of life for residents and fostering a more appealing community for living, working, and recreation. Naturally Lewis, as the funding body, strategically aims to support creative entrepreneurs whose ventures will contribute to these overarching community development goals, embodying a direct alignment between the grant's purpose and the foundation's strategic priorities. The program is specifically tailored to address local economic growth and community enrichment through targeted business support. The program's target beneficiaries are start-up microenterprises—defined as businesses with five or fewer employees—that are either new or have been operating for less than six months in Lewis County. A key impact goal is to empower low-to-moderate income individuals, either by directly supporting businesses owned by them or by incentivizing the creation of jobs made available to this demographic. This focus ensures that the grant funds not only stimulate economic activity but also contribute to social equity and opportunity within the community. The 6-month program structure is designed to provide comprehensive training, funding, and essential tools, thereby equipping entrepreneurs for successful business launch and sustained operation. Naturally Lewis prioritizes start-up businesses within specific categories: Food & Beverage, Small-scale Manufacturing, Tourism, and Construction Trades. These sectors have been identified as key areas that can significantly enhance local experiences for both tourists and residents, directly contributing to the community's attractiveness and economic vitality. The funding model, with awards ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 based on project costs, ensures that a variety of small-scale projects can receive crucial early-stage capital. The requirement for applicants to contribute at least 10% of project costs with personal funds promotes a shared investment and commitment to the business's success, aligning with a theory of change that emphasizes entrepreneurial buy-in. Expected outcomes include the successful establishment and growth of new microenterprises in Lewis County, leading to job creation, particularly for low-to-moderate income individuals. Measurable results will be seen in the number of businesses successfully launched, the volume of grant funds effectively utilized for equipment, machinery, furniture, and inventory, and the tangible improvements in community quality of life and attractiveness. The program explicitly excludes retroactive projects, ensuring that funding is directed towards new ventures that will generate future positive impacts. Ultimately, Naturally Lewis anticipates that the Launch LC grant will serve as a catalyst for sustainable economic development and community vibrancy in Lewis County.

This program provides funding to non-profits, businesses, and government agencies in Clinton County to promote tourism, develop attractions, and host events that encourage overnight visits and boost the local economy.

The City of Gig Harbor is offering 2025 Lodging Tax Grants to foster tourism and economic activity within its limits. This program is funded by a percentage of hotel/motel taxes collected from lodging establishments, with funds distributed by the Department of Revenue back to the City. These grants are specifically allocated for tourism-related capital facilities, non-event operations, and event marketing and operations, aligning with the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), Chapter 67.28, which details the use and reporting of tourism funds. The target beneficiaries for this program are non-profit organizations and municipalities that can demonstrate the ability to achieve specific tourism-related goals. The primary impact goals are to increase hotel/lodging occupancy within the City of Gig Harbor by generating overnight stays and to increase the number of visitors traveling more than 50 miles away to the city. All applicants are required to provide estimates on how their proposed activities will lead to these increases, including attracting visitors from other states or countries. The program's priorities and focuses revolve around maximizing tourism promotion and its economic impact. "Tourism" is defined as economic activity from tourists, encompassing sales of lodging, meals, tours, gifts, or souvenirs. "Tourism promotion" includes activities like advertising, publicizing, developing strategies to expand tourism, and operating special events and festivals designed to attract tourists. "Tourism-related facilities" are properties with a usable life of three or more years that support tourism, performing arts, or accommodate tourist activities. The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee considers various factors when making recommendations, including the estimated available funds, proposal thoroughness, financial stability of the applicant, and projected economic impact, particularly on overnight stays. Expected outcomes and measurable results are central to the grant program. Applicants must explicitly detail how their activities will result in increased overnight stays and an influx of visitors from over 50 miles away, or from outside the state/country. The City requires this data to be collected and provided in the lodging tax application. The Committee’s considerations, such as the projected economic impact and the applicant’s history of tourism promotion success, underscore the emphasis on tangible, positive results directly related to tourism growth and economic benefit for Gig Harbor.

The Tustin Cares program, offered by the City of Tustin in partnership with the Orange County-Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (SBDC), presents the Main Street Digital Training & Grant Program. This initiative aims to provide vital training and funding to retail businesses, home-based businesses, and nonprofits within Tustin, specifically targeting an increase in their social media presence and overall revenue. While not explicitly stating a "foundation mission alignment," the program's focus on local business development and recovery suggests an alignment with broader community economic well-being and resilience, particularly in the wake of financial hardships. The target beneficiaries of the Main Street Digital Program are for-profit commercially-zoned brick-and-mortar retail businesses, home-based businesses, and nonprofits physically located in Tustin. Eligibility criteria specify that businesses must have had an active Tustin business license since the first quarter of 2023, possess a minimum of 2 employees and no more than 25 full-time equivalent employees as of December 31, 2023, and be in good standing with the City. Businesses that have participated in previous Main Street Digital Programs are ineligible, but those that received alternative COVID-19 related funding, such as EIDL or PPP loans, are eligible. The program's priorities and focuses are squarely on digital presence and revenue generation for small businesses and nonprofits. The SBDC has developed a virtual training program specifically designed to assist businesses with "Creating a Digital Presence." This emphasis highlights the City of Tustin's strategic priority to empower local enterprises with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital marketplace, thereby fostering economic growth and stability within the community. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an enhanced social media presence and increased revenue for participating businesses and nonprofits. The program's theory of change appears to be that by providing targeted digital marketing training and financial assistance, local businesses will be better equipped to reach customers, expand their operations, and ultimately contribute to the economic revitalization of Tustin. The requirement for businesses to certify financial hardship due to COVID-19 and the $500 grant amount, which cannot exceed the amount of lost revenue, also suggest an immediate goal of alleviating pandemic-related economic strain.

The City of Tacoma's Grit City Trees Program aims to foster happy and healthy neighborhoods by facilitating community tree planting. This initiative aligns with a broader mission of environmental stewardship and community well-being, enhancing green spaces within the city. The program, which has evolved since 1993 and was revitalized in 2016, focuses on equitable access to trees and the knowledge required for their successful long-term growth. The primary beneficiaries of the Grit City Trees Program are Tacoma property owners with eligible right-of-way planting opportunities, as well as neighborhood groups and individuals in designated Priority Planting Areas. The impact goals include increasing the urban tree canopy, improving neighborhood aesthetics and air quality, and educating residents on proper tree care. By providing free trees, supporting materials, and expert guidance, the program empowers residents to actively participate in greening their communities. The program prioritizes proper tree placement and selection, guidance on right-of-way planting, and educational resources on long-term care and maintenance. It also supplies essential materials like tree stakes, ties, compost (TAGRO), and watering supplies to ensure the trees thrive, especially during dry months. Delivery of up to 150 trees is offered, with priority given to Neighborhood Groups and individual applicants in Priority Planting Areas. Remaining applicants can pick up materials from the City’s plant holding facility. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the number of healthy street trees across Tacoma, particularly in underserved areas. The program anticipates enhanced community engagement in urban forestry, leading to more sustainable and aesthetically pleasing neighborhoods. Through application and planting assistance, and the submittal of planting permits, the City of Tacoma aims to remove barriers to tree planting and simplify the process for residents, ultimately contributing to a greener and more resilient urban environment.

This program provides financial assistance to small, independently owned businesses in Wakefield, Massachusetts, to help them enhance their digital marketing efforts and expand their online presence.

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.

The Oshkosh Area United Way (OAUW) is offering its 2025 Community Investment Grant, a funding opportunity designed for organizations in Southern Winnebago County, Wisconsin. This grant program aligns directly with OAUW's mission to address critical community needs by investing in programs focused on youth-focused education, mental health, and financial stability. The OAUW's strategic approach is to support initiatives that create long-term positive change and foster a thriving community in the Oshkosh area. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are residents of Southern Winnebago County, specifically within the zip codes 54901, 54902, 54903, 54904, 54906, 54927, 54963, 54964, 54980, 54985, and 54986. The OAUW aims to achieve significant impact by supporting programs that provide access to high-quality childcare and education, connect residents to health and human services (including healing and crisis intervention for mental health), and empower households to achieve financial stability through improved employment skills, reduced transportation barriers, and access to basic needs like food and shelter. The grant prioritizes programs in three key focus areas: Youth-Focused Education, Mental Health, and Financial Stability. Within Youth-Focused Education, OAUW seeks to fund programs that equip parents and children with tools for early childhood development and overall school and career readiness. For Mental Health, the focus is on connecting residents to support services for healing and crisis intervention. Financial Stability initiatives should improve skills for gainful employment, reduce transportation barriers, and offer essential resources such as food and shelter. Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their programs benefit local residents, measure and track positive results for clients, maintain records, comply with anti-terrorist funding regulations, and practice non-discrimination. The OAUW will not fund individuals, religious activities serving only members, lobbying efforts, direct travel support (unless critical to an eligible program), advertising (beyond service awareness), endowments, capital campaigns, athletic associations, or fundraising events. The deadline for applications is June 28, 2024.

This program provides financial support to individual artists and small collectives in North Carolina to enhance their artistic skills and business operations, enabling them to reach new audiences.

The FY2025 LGBTQIA+ Community Development Grant, offered by the Executive Office of Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Mayor’s Office on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning Affairs (MOLGBTQA), aims to support Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) serving the District of Columbia’s LGBTQIA+ community. This grant aligns with the Mayor's broader mission to foster a vibrant, safe, and equitable city for all residents, including those within the LGBTQIA+ community. The grant's focus on community development reflects a strategic priority to empower local organizations to address specific needs and improve the quality of life for a key demographic within the District. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are LGBTQIA+ residents and/or business owners in the District of Columbia. The impact goals are to support services that contribute to a "Downtown Comeback," enhance "Public Safety," and improve "Education" within the community. These goals are designed to create significant, lasting change, protect the middle class, reduce violence, and ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. The grant seeks to strengthen communities by providing access to job opportunities, affordable living, and quality educational and recreational activities. The grant prioritizes services in three key areas: Downtown Comeback, Public Safety, and Education. "Downtown Comeback" envisions a reimagined downtown where residents, workers, and visitors can live, work, and play in vibrant centers, positioning DC as a global leader in serving its residents. "Public Safety" aims to reverse rising trends in violence, including gun violence, through investments in education, housing, and economic development to improve residents' quality of life. "Education" focuses on strengthening schools as community heartbeats, ensuring every child can pursue their dreams through basic education, sports, arts, and civic engagement. Eligible organizations can be awarded up to $50,000 for projects running from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. Expected outcomes include a more vibrant and inclusive downtown, a reduction in violence and improved public safety, and enhanced educational and recreational opportunities for LGBTQIA+ youth and residents. Measurable results will likely be tied to the specific programs implemented by CBOs within the funding priorities, such as increased engagement in downtown activities, decreases in crime rates, and improvements in academic performance or participation in youth programs. This grant embodies MOLGBTQA’s theory of change, which posits that investing in community-based initiatives across these critical areas will lead to a stronger, safer, and more prosperous District of Columbia for its LGBTQIA+ population.

This program provides funding to residents and community groups in the Worthington School District for projects that strengthen community ties and enhance local neighborhoods.

The NGLCC Community Impact Grant Program, supported by the Grubhub Community Fund, offers crucial financial assistance to LGBTQ+-owned and allied restaurants, cafes, bars serving food, and other eating establishments. This initiative aligns with the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce's mission to promote economic growth and well-being within the LGBTQ+ business community. By providing grants, the program helps sustain and strengthen these businesses, contributing to the overall economic vitality of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and allies. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are LGBTQ+-owned and LGBTQ+ ally-owned restaurants, bars, and cafes that serve food. The program aims to provide a financial lifeline to these establishments, helping them navigate economic challenges and fostering their continued operation and success. The impact goal is to ensure the resilience and growth of these businesses, which often serve as vital community hubs and safe spaces. The program's priorities and focus are clear: supporting establishments that identify as LGBTQ+-owned or ally-owned, with a specific emphasis on those in the food service industry. Eligibility requirements include providing proof of LGBTQ+ or allied ownership and not having received two or more NGLCC Community Impact Grants in previous years. This ensures that the grants reach a diverse range of businesses in need and are distributed equitably. Expected outcomes include the sustained operation and potential growth of recipient businesses, increased financial stability, and enhanced capacity to serve their communities. Measurable results could include the number of businesses supported, the average grant amount disbursed, and qualitative feedback from recipients on how the funding has positively impacted their operations and local communities. The grants range from $5,000 to $25,000, providing substantial support to individual establishments. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are rooted in the belief that direct financial investment in LGBTQ+ and allied businesses creates a ripple effect of positive economic and social impact. By bolstering these enterprises, the program contributes to job creation, local economic development, and the overall empowerment of the LGBTQ+ community. This targeted approach ensures that resources are directed where they can have the most significant and immediate benefit, reinforcing the NGLCC's commitment to a thriving LGBTQ+ business ecosystem.

The Northern Monterey County Foundation (NMCF), an affiliate of the Community Foundation for Monterey County, is seeking applications to support nonprofit organizations. The foundation's mission is to strengthen community resources and services in Northern Monterey County. This grant program is aligned with the foundation's goal of supporting organizations that demonstrate strong leadership and capacity to provide essential services to the communities of Aromas, Bolsa Knolls, Boronda, Castroville, Elkhorn, Las Lomas, Moss Landing, Oak Hills, Pajaro, Prunedale, Royal Oaks, and Santa Rita. The grant targets 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, public programs (including school activities not part of normal curricula, parks, and public health initiatives), and church-sponsored activities that benefit the entire community (e.g., food pantries). Organizations and collaboratives that are not legally incorporated may also apply with a fiscal sponsor. The goal is to make a significant impact by supporting vital community resources and services, ultimately leading to stronger, more resilient communities within Northern Monterey County. The program prioritizes several key areas. Funding will be considered for program support, which includes the expansion or refinement of existing programs and new programs with promise of impact and sustainability. Operating support is also available as unrestricted grants to organizations. Capital support is provided for costs associated with buildings and/or facilities. Additionally, organizational development is a focus, aiming to strengthen the internal capacity and infrastructure of organizations with a proven track record of community benefit in Northern Monterey County. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the expected outcomes are centered on enhancing the capacity of local nonprofits and public programs to serve their communities effectively. The foundation's strategic priority is clearly to invest in organizations that are directly improving the lives of residents in Northern Monterey County through various forms of support. The underlying theory of change is that by strengthening the infrastructure and programs of these community-focused organizations, the overall well-being and resources available to the target communities will be significantly improved and sustained.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and public entities that serve the residents of Park County, Montana, and Mammoth, Wyoming, to support community initiatives that align with local priorities and demonstrate clear benefits to the community.

The Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District is inviting applications for its Community Spaces Matching Grant Program, which aligns with its core mission of protecting land and fostering open spaces within urban and community settings. This program is rooted in the understanding that access to natural resources and open areas is vital for community well-being, ecological health, and agricultural preservation. Through strategic partnerships with local public agencies, non-profit organizations, and federally recognized tribal organizations, the District aims to implement projects that resonate with its broader conservation and community development goals. The primary beneficiaries of this program are the residents of Sonoma County, who will gain access to enhanced recreational opportunities, places for quiet reflection, venues for public gatherings, and spaces for growing local food. The program specifically targets collaborations with eligible public agencies, federally recognized tribes, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, leveraging their capacity to execute impactful projects. The overarching impact goal is to transform neighborhoods by creating vibrant and accessible open spaces that connect communities with nature and promote a deeper understanding of natural resources and agriculture. The program's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined by its three categories of eligible project types: acquisition, improvement, and a combination of acquisition and improvement. This structured approach ensures that funding is directed towards projects that directly contribute to the creation or enhancement of open spaces. The District's strategic priority is to facilitate projects that not only preserve land but also create tangible community assets, thereby addressing both environmental and social needs. The theory of change behind this program is that by investing in accessible open spaces, communities will experience improved quality of life, increased environmental stewardship, and a stronger connection to their local agricultural heritage. Expected outcomes include an increase in protected and accessible open spaces within cities and communities, a greater number of opportunities for recreation and community engagement, and a strengthened local food system through community gardens and agricultural education initiatives. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the program's success would likely be evaluated by metrics such as the acreage of land acquired and improved, the number of community members utilizing new or enhanced open spaces, and the development of new programs related to natural resources and agriculture within these spaces. The annual budget of $3,000,000 for the Matching Grant Program underscores the District's significant commitment to achieving these outcomes and realizing its vision for a more connected and sustainable Sonoma County.