Local Infrastructure Grants

The City of Houston Department of Neighborhoods Matching Grant Program seeks to enhance Houston neighborhoods through community-led physical improvement projects. Administered in partnership with City Council Member’s Offices, the program aims to foster strong neighbor relationships, encourage volunteerism, and develop projects that build a sustainable and stronger community. Its overarching mission aligns with improving the quality of life for Houston communities by actively partnering with residents. The program primarily targets neighborhood-based organizations and civic clubs within Houston city limits. Eligible organizations must be incorporated as 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) non-profit organizations through the State of Texas, or partner with such an entity. Individuals and political organizations are not eligible. The program's impact goals are to improve neighborhood organization and pride, enhance community appearance and beautification, and increase community participation. The program prioritizes physical improvements that are accessible and beneficial to the broader community, involving neighborhood residents, and offering long-standing benefits. Examples of approved projects include street sign toppers, entryway signage and columns, esplanade landscaping and irrigation, park benches, electrical signage, walkways with pavers, and murals. Projects must demonstrate pre-approval from relevant City of Houston departments if required for permitting. The program does not fund ongoing operation or maintenance. Expected outcomes include tangible physical improvements within neighborhoods, increased civic engagement, and a strengthened sense of community pride. Measurable results would involve the number of projects completed, the extent of community participation in these projects, and visible enhancements to public spaces. The program's theory of change posits that by empowering residents to lead and implement physical improvements, it will cultivate volunteerism, build stronger social ties, and ultimately lead to a higher quality of life and a more sustainable community. Funding for the Matching Grants is provided on a reimbursement basis, ranging from $500 to $5,000. Applicants must also identify how their organization will fund and support the project in the future, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the improvements beyond the initial grant. Required documentation includes letters of permission from property owners, proof of ownership, photos of the proposed site, and three letters of support for the project from neighborhood organizations, businesses, or elected officials.

This grant provides funding for middle school students in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties to engage in philanthropy by awarding grants to local nonprofit organizations of their choice.

The Community Foundation of White County is offering Mental Wellness Grants to support innovative approaches to community problems, unexpected opportunities, and collaborative projects. The Foundation's mission, as evidenced by this grant, aligns with improving the well-being of the White County community by focusing on mental health initiatives. This aligns with a strategic priority to foster a healthier community through targeted funding. The target beneficiaries of these grants are residents of White County, with a particular emphasis on youth, parents, and youth workers through education and training. The impact goals are to expand access to mental health services, reduce the stigma around mental health, build protective factors, especially in youth, and provide evidence-based programs that impact mental wellness. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate collaboration among agencies and reach as many people as possible, while also improving the ability of the organization to serve the community over the long term. These priorities reflect the Foundation's theory of change, which posits that strategic investments in collaborative and far-reaching mental wellness initiatives will lead to sustained community-wide improvements in mental health. Expected outcomes include a more accessible and destigmatized mental health landscape in White County, with increased protective factors among youth. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond "reach as many people as possible" and "improve the ability of the organization," successful applications will likely need to articulate their own clear metrics to demonstrate impact in line with the Foundation's interests. A total of $50,000 is available for the 2024 grants, with individual grant sizes ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.

This funding initiative provides financial support to businesses and organizations along the Route 40 corridor in Cecil County, Maryland, for exterior improvements and revitalization efforts, with a special focus on removing blighted structures.

The City of Fishers 2024 Neighborhood Vibrancy Grant is a matching grant program designed to fund creative and innovative ideas that enhance the community's beauty and positively impact the lives of residents in a smart, vibrant, and entrepreneurial manner. While a specific "foundation mission alignment" isn't explicitly stated for a city grant, the program's purpose clearly aligns with a civic mission of improving the quality of life and fostering community engagement within Fishers. The grant aims to transform public spaces and encourage sustainable practices, reflecting a strategic priority of community development and environmental stewardship. The target beneficiaries of this grant are neighborhood groups and Homeowners Associations (HOAs) located within Fishers City Limits. The impact goals are to make the community a more beautiful place to live, and to affect the lives of the community at large. This is achieved through projects that focus on design, construction, or installation, with a strong emphasis on visibility and positive effect on Fishers as a community. The program's theory of change appears to be that by providing financial incentives for resident-led improvement projects, the city can foster a greater sense of community pride and improve the local environment, leading to a more vibrant and livable city for all. Priorities for the grant include projects with the greatest visibility and positive effect on Fishers. Preferred projects range from converting high-maintenance lawns to native plantings, installing shoreline plantings and rain gardens, creating Monarch Butterfly Waystations and Wildlife Habitat Corridors, establishing Neighborhood Community Gardens, and improving common area trails and parks with amenities like picnic shelters and accessible playground equipment. Other priorities include connecting neighborhood walking trails, installing solar lights or other renewable energy projects, and improving pedestrian connectivity or tactical urbanism. Grants are competitive and will not be awarded for recurring or maintenance items, emphasizing the focus on new, transformative projects. The expected outcomes include more aesthetically pleasing public spaces, enhanced biodiversity through native plantings and habitats, improved recreational opportunities, increased pedestrian connectivity, and the adoption of sustainable energy solutions. Measurable results could include the number of acres converted to native plantings, the number of new community gardens established, the linear feet of trails improved or connected, and the number of solar lights installed. The maximum amount to be awarded per project is $25,000, and applicants must provide at least 20% of the total project cost, ensuring local investment and commitment to the success of these community-driven initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in St. Mary’s County that aim to reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations through culturally competent and evidence-based initiatives.

The James S. McDonnell Foundation (JSMF) is offering a grant program designed to foster economic mobility in its priority communities and among specific groups. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission by supporting collaborative efforts that bring together individuals from diverse zip codes, races, and income levels. The program emphasizes the importance of cross-cultural and cross-socioeconomic engagement to achieve its economic objectives. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are low and moderate-income individuals and families, as well as Black and historically marginalized groups, including immigrants, residing in the City of St. Louis and North St. Louis County, Missouri. The program aims to strengthen the collaborative capacity of these diverse groups to work together effectively and, in doing so, improve their economic well-being. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are centered on the belief that fostering collaboration across differences can lead to tangible economic improvements. JSMF encourages proposals that implement approaches to strengthen collaborative capacity and create positive, long-term, and tangible impacts on the economic well-being of their priority populations. Examples of focus areas include youth mentorship across class divisions, networking support for first jobs, community investment clubs, business-to-business mentorship, and peer-to-peer lending. Expected outcomes include enhanced collaborative capacity among participants and improved economic well-being for JSMF priority populations. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond these objectives, the foundation seeks proposals that will demonstrate a clear alignment with its mission and guiding principles, and that can achieve a positive and lasting impact. Grants range from $20,000 to $40,000, with awards totaling $200,000, and most grants will be for one to three years. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)3 organizations or have a fiscal sponsor, and proposals must bring people together across diverse backgrounds to partner for the first time.

This program provides $1,000 grants to local businesses in Carroll County to improve their storefronts and attract more customers through various facade enhancements.

This program provides funding to individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and government entities in Telluride for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability within the community.

This program provides financial assistance to eligible homeowners in Fort Pierce for essential home improvements, enhancing their quality of life through necessary rehabilitation efforts.

This program provides funding to commercial property owners and managers in Boulder to create affordable spaces for small businesses, particularly those owned by women and minorities, helping them thrive in the community.

The County of San Luis Obispo's Continuum of Care Builds Program aims to address and reduce homelessness by creating new Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) units. This initiative is authorized by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, as amended by the HEARTH Act of 2009, and administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The program aligns directly with HUD's overarching mission and strategic plan for FY 2022-2026, which focuses on creating strong, sustainable, and inclusive communities with quality, affordable homes for all. The target beneficiaries of the CoC Builds program are individuals experiencing homelessness, who will be served through new Permanent Supportive Housing projects. The primary impact goal is to reduce the prevalence of homelessness by addressing both immediate shelter needs and the underlying factors contributing to homelessness. This approach is expected to lead to improved outcomes for individuals and communities by providing stable housing and supportive services. The program prioritizes several key areas, reflecting HUD's strategic goals. These include supporting underserved communities and promoting equitable community development, strengthening the "Housing First" approach to reduce and ultimately end homelessness, and ensuring access to and increasing the production of affordable housing. Furthermore, the program emphasizes advancing sustainable communities by strengthening climate resilience, energy efficiency, and environmental justice, particularly for low-income households and communities of color. It also aims to integrate health and housing policies, recognizing housing's essential role in overall well-being. The expected outcomes of the CoC Builds program include an increase in the supply of Permanent Supportive Housing, leading to a measurable reduction in the number of individuals experiencing homelessness in San Luis Obispo County. By aligning with HUD's Strategic Plan, the program seeks to achieve better health outcomes for residents, foster more equitable access to housing opportunities, and build more resilient and sustainable communities. The maximum funding available for new PSH projects is $4,750,000, with up to $1,000,000 designated for supportive services, indicating a comprehensive approach to both housing and the necessary support systems for long-term stability. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are rooted in the belief that providing permanent supportive housing, coupled with comprehensive services, is the most effective way to address chronic homelessness. By fortifying support for underserved communities and implementing the Housing First approach, the program anticipates that individuals will achieve greater stability, improve their health, and integrate more fully into their communities. The program's success will be measured by the creation of new PSH units, the number of individuals successfully housed, and the long-term reduction in homelessness, all contributing to HUD's vision of quality, affordable homes for all and stronger, more inclusive communities.

This program provides up to $25,000 in reimbursement funding to support new or expanding businesses in Cadillac's designated districts, aimed at stimulating growth and revitalizing commercial spaces.

The O’Connor Fund for Historic Preservation, established in 2000 by Pam and Terry O’Connor, is administered by the City of Kalamazoo to support historic preservation activities within the city. Its core mission aligns with the Kalamazoo Historic Preservation Commission (KHPC)'s goals, aiming to safeguard and enhance Kalamazoo's historical resources. The fund provides grants between $2,000 and $10,000 to eligible projects that contribute to the preservation of buildings, areas, and other resources more than 50 years old. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are 501(c)(3) or other non-profit organizations, public agencies, and governmental units operating within the city of Kalamazoo that own historic properties. The impact goals are centered on fostering a vibrant historical landscape, ensuring the longevity of significant structures, and promoting an understanding of the city's heritage. The fund seeks to prevent dilapidation, encourage respectful rehabilitation, and support comprehensive planning efforts that contribute to the overall historic preservation strategy of Kalamazoo. The fund prioritizes projects that fall into two main categories: Rehabilitation Projects and Preservation Planning Projects. Rehabilitation projects focus on the physical restoration and repair of exterior components of historic resources, including roofs, chimneys, walls, windows, doors, fire escapes, elevators, and foundations. Preservation Planning Projects encompass a broader range of activities such as Economic Feasibility Studies, Historic Building Condition Reports, architectural rehabilitation plans, historic district study reports, under-represented communities surveys, and designation nominations. All projects must be carried out or supervised by qualified professionals. Expected outcomes include the successful preservation and rehabilitation of historic structures, the creation of robust preservation plans, and increased community engagement with Kalamazoo’s historical assets. Measurable results could include the number of historic properties successfully rehabilitated, the completion of planning documents that inform future preservation efforts, and the designation of new historic sites or districts. The fund's strategic priorities are deeply integrated with the KHPC Annual Work Plan, goals and plans of Imagine Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County Housing Plan, and the Michigan Statewide Historic Preservation Plan, signifying a comprehensive approach to historic preservation as a component of broader community development and cultural enrichment.

The Town of Trumbull is offering ARPA Nonprofit Grants to community-based organizations and nonprofits serving Trumbull residents. This program aims to support the COVID-19 public health and economic response by addressing the pandemic's impact on public health, as well as economic harms to households, small businesses, nonprofits, impacted industries, and the public sector. The Town of Trumbull's mission, as demonstrated by this grant, aligns with fostering community well-being and economic recovery in the wake of the pandemic. Target beneficiaries for this grant include Trumbull residents served by eligible programs, services, and capital investments provided by 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or community-based organizations with a fiscal sponsor. The impact goals are to support public health initiatives related to COVID-19 and to alleviate economic hardships experienced by various sectors of the community due to the pandemic. The program prioritizes projects, programs, and services exclusively within the Town of Trumbull that directly address the COVID-19 public health and economic response. Applicants must have a demonstrable presence in Trumbull and adhere to a 15% indirect cost limit. The focus is on direct support and recovery efforts within the local community. Expected outcomes include improved public health conditions in Trumbull and a more robust economic landscape for households, small businesses, and other affected entities. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the grant's structure suggests an emphasis on quantifiable project expenses and services rendered, with all funds required to be expended by June 30, 2025. The federal reporting guidelines further imply a need for tracking project and expenditure reports for accountability.

The Anderson County Watershed Protection Council is offering grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 for projects that protect or restore water quality in the Savannah River watershed, increase citizen awareness, and empower communities to collect and share water quality data, with priority given to proposals closest to the spill site.

The Juneau Affordable Housing Fund (JAHF), established by the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ), aims to increase affordable (0% to 80% area median income (AMI)) and middle-income (80% to 120% AMI) housing in Juneau. This initiative aligns with the CBJ's broader mission to address housing needs within the Capital City. The JAHF directs financial resources towards various activities including funding capital costs for rental and ownership housing, supporting capacity-building efforts for non-profit housing developers, and leveraging CBJ investments with other funding sources to maximize the creation and preservation of quality affordable and middle-income housing units. The primary beneficiaries of the JAHF are households within the affordable (0-80% AMI) and middle-income (80-120% AMI) ranges, as well as non-profit housing developers, public housing authorities, tribal governments, and for-profit developers who contribute to the creation of such housing. The impact goals include increasing the number of available affordable and middle-income housing units, fostering long-term affordability, and encouraging downtown housing development. The JAHF prioritizes the use of capital to develop housing units, specifically funding for acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, or preservation of affordable, middle-income, and senior housing, as well as homeowner opportunities. A key focus is on long-term affordability, with a preference for units created with affordability covenants or that are permanently affordable. Additionally, the fund prioritizes housing development within the boundaries established by the Downtown Juneau Residential Tax Abatement Map. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in the supply of affordable and middle-income housing units in Juneau. Measurable results will be tracked through the number of housing units created or preserved, the proportion of units designated for long-term affordability, and the geographic distribution of new developments, particularly in the downtown area. The CBJ’s strategic priority, as reflected in the JAHF, is to implement its Housing Action Plan by directing financial resources and incentives to address the critical need for diverse housing options across different income levels, thereby enhancing the overall livability and economic stability of the community.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Minnesota to develop and implement trauma-responsive care practices in pediatric health settings, particularly for marginalized communities.

The Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) Micro-Grant Program, established by the City of La Crosse, aims to empower youth aged 15-24 to address urgent climate challenges within their community. This program directly aligns with the City's Climate Action Plan by activating youth-led initiatives. The foundational mission of this grant is to foster environmental stewardship and action among young residents, contributing to the broader strategic priorities of the City in climate mitigation and adaptation. The primary beneficiaries of this program are young individuals and youth-led groups between the ages of 15-24, residing in or directly benefiting the city of La Crosse. The overarching impact goal is to create a tangible difference in the local environment through youth-driven projects, thereby fostering a generation of climate-conscious leaders and contributing to the city's sustainability objectives. Projects must fit within the strategies of the City’s Climate Action Plan, ensuring alignment with municipal environmental goals. The program prioritizes several key areas. These include youth-led awareness, education, research, and development initiatives, such as climate education programs, hackathons, surveys, and public art campaigns. Additionally, youth-driven climate mitigation and adaptation projects are highly encouraged, encompassing community gardening, tree planting, waste reduction, and climate resilience workshops. Finally, co-governed youth climate action plans, which involve partnerships between city leaders and youth groups to inform policy and decision-making, are also a core focus. Expected outcomes include a more engaged and educated youth population regarding climate issues, the implementation of various local sustainability projects, and a reduction in the city's environmental footprint. Measurable results could involve the number of participants in youth-led initiatives, the amount of waste reduced, the number of trees planted, or the development of new climate-related policies influenced by youth input. The program’s theory of change posits that by providing direct funding and support to youth-led projects, it will catalyze innovative solutions and foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among young people for their local environment, thereby contributing to the long-term sustainability and resilience of La Crosse.

The Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) is offering Practicing Artist Grants through its Artists 360 program, aiming to elevate and energize practicing artists in greater Northwest Arkansas. This initiative aligns with M-AAA's mission to support creative practices and career advancement by providing financial assistance, professional development, and networking opportunities. The grants specifically target artists who have demonstrated artistic excellence, an active creative practice for at least three years, and a desire to evolve their careers, fostering a dynamic regional artist network. The primary beneficiaries are practicing artists residing in specific Arkansas counties: Benton, Carroll, Crawford, Sebastian, or Washington. The program aims to address challenges artists face, such as funding for equipment, studio space, child care, and professional development. The expected impact includes the continued development of creative practices, enhanced entrepreneurial skills, and stronger connections within the regional artistic community. This contributes to the overall vibrancy and sustainability of the arts in the region, reflecting M-AAA's strategic priority of investing in individual artists as a cornerstone of a thriving cultural landscape. The program prioritizes artists who show a deep commitment to their work and a motivation to continue and further evolve their practice. A key focus is on "Program Readiness," which assesses an artist's desire to advance their career, engage in strategic management, and share their work within a peer learning environment. The "Impact of Funding on Practice" criteria ensures that the grants directly address an artist's previous challenges and future aspirations, linking financial support to tangible improvements and growth. Expected outcomes include artists utilizing the $1,000 to $10,000 grants for various needs, such as equipment, travel, and professional services. Fellows are also expected to actively participate in peer-based learning experiences, including an in-person retreat and ongoing discussions, leading to developed entrepreneurship skills and an expanded network. The program anticipates awarding fifteen practice-based grants annually, contributing to a balanced cohort that represents diverse perspectives, disciplines, and experiences, ultimately strengthening the artistic ecosystem of Northwest Arkansas.