Local Infrastructure Grants

The Wichita County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Western Kansas Community Foundation, is a local grantmaker dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Wichita County, Kansas. Its mission is to strengthen community well being by supporting charitable activities carried out by eligible organizations that serve residents of Wichita County. The program seeks proposals that address community issues, stimulate participation, leverage other support, and demonstrate broad impact, innovation, responsiveness to emerging needs, collaboration, and long term sustainability. Grants are intended to improve quality of life across the service area through new initiatives or enhancements to existing programs. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) public charities or other tax exempt entities and government equivalents such as public schools and city, county, or state entities, including churches for non religious activities, that serve Wichita County, Kansas. The board will not consider requests from individuals or for operating or maintenance expenses including salaries, medical or scholarly research, membership fees, banquets, ticket purchases, religious purposes, travel for groups, capital debt reduction, political lobbying or legislative activity, fiscal agent services, endowments, umbrella funding, marketing tchotchkes, or giveaway prizes or incentives. Applications are submitted through the foundation’s stated process by the deadline of May 1, 2024. Grant size and duration are not stated. Additional information and official details are available from the Wichita County Community Foundation.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, local government units, and public educational institutions that serve Monona County, focusing on projects that enhance community well-being in areas such as arts, education, health, and the environment.

The City of Wichita's Operating Grants program aims to provide essential operational support for qualifying 501(c)(3) non-profit arts and cultural organizations that significantly serve the citizens of Wichita. This initiative aligns with the city's long-standing mission to recognize, preserve, and celebrate Wichita’s rich arts and cultural heritage, acknowledging its profound impact on residents' quality of life. The funding is intended to bolster the infrastructure and day-to-day functions of these vital organizations, ensuring the continued accessibility and vibrancy of cultural experiences within the community. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are non-profit arts and cultural organizations operating within the City of Wichita. The overarching impact goal is to sustain and enhance the city's cultural landscape, thereby enriching the lives of Wichita citizens through diverse artistic and cultural programming. By supporting these organizations, the city aims to foster a dynamic cultural environment that contributes to community well-being and civic pride. The program prioritizes organizations that have as their primary purpose the production, presentation, advancement, or preservation of arts or culture in Wichita, serving its residents for a minimum of two years. Key focuses include organizations with full-time professional management or cultural/artistic staff, those presenting a full season of programming, and those demonstrating ADA compliance and adherence to equal opportunity employment requirements. The grant specifically funds operational expenses such as salaries, office rent, utilities, and general website upkeep, recognizing that stable operations are fundamental to consistent program delivery. Expected outcomes include the sustained operation and growth of Wichita's arts and cultural organizations, leading to a broader array of cultural offerings for residents. Measurable results could include the number of performances or exhibitions presented, the number of citizens served, and the overall financial stability of recipient organizations. The city's strategic priority is to invest in its cultural assets to maintain a high quality of life and a strong community identity, with the theory of change positing that direct operational funding empowers cultural organizations to deliver their services more effectively, leading to a more culturally enriched and engaged populace. Funding limitations are based on an organization's actual expenses in its most recently completed fiscal year, categorizing them as "Small" (less than $250,000 in expenses, eligible for up to 15% of expenses), "Medium" (between $250,000 and $499,999 in expenses, eligible for up to 10% of expenses), or "Large" ($500,000 or more in expenses, eligible for up to 8% of expenses or $75,000, whichever is less). Organizations can submit only one application per cycle. This tiered approach ensures that funding is distributed equitably and proportionally to the operational scale of each applicant, maximizing the program's reach and impact across the diverse cultural ecosystem of Wichita.

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 funding opportunity provides financial support to community-based organizations and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Connecticut that serve Trumbull residents, focusing on projects that address the ongoing public health and economic challenges related to COVID-19.

The Park City Community Foundation aims to cultivate an enduring philanthropic community that benefits all residents of greater Park City. Their Community Fund provides unrestricted funding to local nonprofit organizations to support community health. This aligns with the foundation's mission by empowering a broad range of organizations that contribute to the well-being and vitality of the region, ensuring that philanthropic efforts have a lasting and widespread impact on the community. The grant program targets people living or working in Summit County, with Wasatch County also considered. The primary goal is to support the health of the community by funding organizations focused on critical areas such as arts and culture, education, sports and recreation, children and families, physical or mental health and human services, youth services, conservation and environment, and housing security. The expected outcome is a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant Park City community through the sustained efforts of these local nonprofits. The foundation prioritizes unrestricted support for various organizational needs, including operating costs, equipment, startup expenses, consulting services, technical assistance, research, measurement & evaluation, demonstration, capacity building, and matching grants. This flexible approach allows grantees to address their most pressing needs and implement their programs effectively, aligning with the foundation's strategic priority of empowering local organizations to achieve their goals with maximum impact. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $15,000, dependent on available funds. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Summit County, or those with pending 501(c)(3) status or operating under a qualified 501(c)(3) umbrella. This structured eligibility ensures that funds are directed towards legitimate charitable endeavors that directly benefit the targeted community. The foundation’s theory of change posits that by providing flexible and accessible funding to a diverse range of local nonprofits, they can collectively address key community challenges and foster long-term positive change across multiple sectors.

This funding opportunity provides financial and technical support to small businesses and microenterprises in Vancouver, focusing on those owned by individuals with low to moderate incomes.

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

The City of Irving is offering a Neighborhood Association Grant Program, providing funds between $1000 to $10,000 for projects that foster community spirit, such as communication initiatives, neighborhood identity enhancements, physical improvements, special events, and participation in the Great Flag Caper initiative, with applications due by October 23, 2024.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that offer summer programs for youth in the Greater Lawrence area, focusing on enhancing educational and developmental opportunities while addressing achievement gaps.

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

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 grant provides financial assistance to businesses in Takoma Park for enhancing their storefronts, promoting a vibrant commercial environment.

Creative Engagement is a program designed to assist Manhattan-based artists, arts groups, and community-focused organizations in securing public and private funding to present arts activities to the public. It is overseen by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC) and is funded through a combination of City funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs’ Greater New York Arts Development Fund, State funds from the New York State Council on the Arts’ (NYSCA) Statewide Community Regrants program, and additional funds from the Howard Gilman Foundation. This program specifically targets artists and organizations that may not be able to directly apply to these larger agencies for arts funding, thereby acting as a crucial entry point for many applicants, often providing their first grant and helping to leverage further support. The program's mission aligns with supporting the arts at a grassroots level, fostering public access to a diverse range of artistic expressions, and building capacity within the arts community, particularly for those who might otherwise face barriers to funding. By offering technical assistance, networking opportunities, and promotional support, Creative Engagement not only provides financial aid but also helps develop the professional capabilities and visibility of its grantees. The underlying theory of change suggests that by empowering individual artists and smaller organizations, the program contributes to a more vibrant and accessible arts landscape within Manhattan. Creative Engagement primarily targets individual artists and collectives, as well as nonprofit organizations, all based in Manhattan. For nonprofit organizations, eligibility requires a core artistic mission or history of arts programming, proof of nonprofit status, and a commitment to not directly apply to DCLA (GNYADF) or NYSCA (Statewide Community Regrants) funds in another county/borough for the same fiscal year. Individual artists must also be Manhattan-based and cannot apply on behalf of an organization. Collectives must designate a lead artist who meets these individual artist criteria. First-time applicants are required to attend an information session webinar, ensuring they are well-prepared for the application process. The program prioritizes projects across various artistic disciplines, including performing, literary, media, and visual arts. This encompasses a broad spectrum from folk/traditional forms to contemporary and socially-engaged artistic practices. Supported activities are diverse, ranging from concerts, performances, public art, exhibitions, and screenings to festivals, workshops, and readings. The expected outcomes include an increase in publicly accessible arts activities across Manhattan, enhanced capacity and sustainability for individual artists and small arts organizations, and the fostering of new and diverse artistic voices. Measurable results could include the number of grants awarded, the number of public events supported, and feedback from participants and audiences on the impact of the funded projects. Grants are awarded in specific amounts of $4,000, $8,000, and $12,000, depending on the number of funding sources an applicant is eligible for, indicating a structured approach to resource allocation.

This funding opportunity provides $100,000 to established for-profit businesses in Cook County, Illinois, to support their growth through capital investments in workforce expansion, equipment, and facility upgrades.

The City of Mishawaka's 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program aims to ensure decent affordable housing, provide services to vulnerable community members, and create jobs through business expansion and retention. This program is a vital tool for local governments to address community challenges, aligning with the broader mission of community development and support for low and moderate-income individuals and areas. The program targets several key beneficiaries and impact goals. It focuses on homeless individuals by improving and increasing public services. It also addresses the needs of special populations, including youth, the elderly, disabled, and low-income individuals, through public service programs like feeding and social welfare initiatives. Housing is another critical area, with goals to promote homeownership, develop new affordable housing, preserve existing owner-occupied housing, and make accessibility improvements. The Mishawaka Consolidated Plan, covering 2025-2030, outlines specific priorities and focuses. These include Homeless Priority-Public Services, Special Needs Priority-1 Public Services, and various Housing initiatives such as Homeownership Assistance, Affordable Housing, and housing preservation and rehabilitation. Community Development Priority focuses on improving public and community facilities, infrastructure (streets, walks, curbs, ADA ramps), and eliminating slum conditions through demolition. Administration, Planning and Management, and Fair Housing are also key priorities, ensuring sound program oversight and promoting fair housing choices. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in decent affordable housing, enhanced public services for vulnerable populations, job creation, and improved community infrastructure. The program seeks to assist low and moderate-income persons and families in achieving homeownership, provide accessible housing, and revitalize blighted areas. Through these initiatives, the City of Mishawaka is implementing a strategic approach to community development, guided by a theory of change that posits that by addressing fundamental needs in housing, public services, and infrastructure, the overall quality of life for all residents will significantly improve. Eligible activities for CDBG funding are diverse and designed to help low and moderate-income individuals, households, or areas. These activities encompass Public Facilities and Improvements, Code Enforcement, Architectural Barrier Removal, and a wide array of Public Services (including youth, senior, childcare, homeless shelter operations, services for persons with HIV/AIDS, and crime prevention). Other eligible activities include Planning, Housing Services (down payment assistance, renovation), Microenterprise Assistance, Economic Development Assistance, and Façade Improvements for Private Businesses. This comprehensive approach ensures that various community needs can be addressed effectively.

The City of North Charleston's Accommodations Tax Grants program is designed to allocate revenue generated from the state's 2% lodging tax, specifically for activities that promote and support tourism within the city. These funds are intended to enhance the visitor experience and stimulate economic activity directly related to the tourism sector. The program's mission is inherently aligned with fostering a vibrant tourism economy, ensuring that the tax contributions from visitors are reinvested into services and initiatives that benefit them and the local tourism infrastructure. This strategic allocation of funds reflects a foundational commitment to leveraging tourism as a driver for local development and cultural enrichment. Target beneficiaries of these grants are non-profit organizations operating within or serving the City of North Charleston. These organizations are expected to implement projects and services that directly or indirectly benefit tourists and the broader tourism ecosystem. The impact goals include increasing visitor satisfaction, promoting local arts and cultural events, enhancing public services for tourists, and improving tourism-related infrastructure. By supporting non-profits, the program aims to engage a diverse range of community stakeholders in the collective effort to promote North Charleston as an attractive destination. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly outlined, emphasizing several key areas of tourism-related activity. These include advertising and promotion of tourism, promotion of arts and cultural events, support for facilities that host civic and cultural activities, additional health, safety, and public services for tourists, transportation shuttles, visitor information centers, and waterfront erosion control and repair. These focus areas demonstrate a comprehensive approach to tourism development, addressing both promotional aspects and essential support services and infrastructure. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the expected outcomes are implicitly linked to the stated priorities. For instance, increased advertising and promotion should lead to higher visitor numbers or longer stays, while support for cultural events could result in greater attendance at these events. Improvements in public services and infrastructure are anticipated to enhance the overall visitor experience and satisfaction. The Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee, composed of hospitality industry representatives, plays a crucial role in reviewing applications and making recommendations, suggesting an emphasis on projects with tangible benefits for the tourism sector. The City of North Charleston's strategic priorities, as evidenced by this grant program, center on the sustainable growth and enhancement of its tourism industry. The underlying theory of change is that by reinvesting lodging tax revenues into targeted tourism-related activities and infrastructure, the city can attract more visitors, provide a better experience for them, and ultimately stimulate local economic growth. This approach involves empowering non-profit organizations to deliver services and programs that align with these goals, thereby creating a collaborative framework for tourism development and community benefit.

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 grant provides funding to Recovery Residence Providers in Anne Arundel County to install fire suppression systems, ensuring safety and compliance with state certification requirements.