Local Safety Grants

The City of Tacoma's 2025-2026 Neighborhood and Community Services Grant Program is soliciting proposals for service contracts aimed at supporting a wide variety of groups, including agencies and organizations that assist youth, seniors, and people experiencing homelessness. The program's overall mission aligns with enhancing community well-being and addressing critical social issues within Tacoma. The grant duration is two years, with a substantial funding size of over $1 million, specifically $8,000,000 to be distributed among various projects. The program targets several vulnerable populations and aims for significant impact. Key beneficiaries include individuals who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness (including families, unaccompanied youth, and veterans), persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and domestic violence survivors. The impact goals revolve around increasing access to permanent, stable housing, reducing domestic violence, preventing at-risk youth involvement in criminal activity, improving health outcomes, and ensuring equitable food access for all Tacoma residents. There are eight prioritized service categories for the 2025-2026 funding cycle. These include Housing Services and Interventions, Encampment Response, Domestic Violence Reduction and Prevention, Building Resilience Against Violence and Exploitation (BRAVE), Health and Health Care, Equitable Food Access, and Complementary Services. Across all categories, a strong emphasis is placed on addressing racial disparities through tailored service delivery, collaborative service delivery, and trauma-informed, culturally competent practices. Specific geographical focuses for the BRAVE program include the Hilltop, Eastside, West of the Mall, and Hosmer communities, targeting individuals aged 30 and younger, particularly BIPOC young men, girls/women, justice-connected youth, and LGBTQ+ youth. Expected outcomes and measurable results include increasing access to permanent housing, enhancing public health and safety through encampment response, reducing family and intimate partner violence, decreasing youth involvement in criminal activity, improving health outcomes and equitable healthcare access, and providing nutritious food options. The program also seeks to foster housing stability, promote resiliency, and enhance life skills. The City's strategic priorities and theory of change are rooted in a holistic approach to community well-being, emphasizing collaboration, evidence-based practices, and culturally relevant services to create a more equitable and supportive environment for all Tacoma residents.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community-based organizations in Salinas that implement programs focused on improving health, safety, and well-being while addressing issues like youth violence and mental health.

The Social Justice Fund's 2024 Native Led Organizing Grant aims to support grassroots organizations in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. This grant is aligned with the Social Justice Fund's broader mission of community organizing, focusing on Indigenous frontline communities, Nations, organizers, actions, and movements. The program specifically targets Native-led organizing efforts across the northwestern region, providing funding to organizations with 501(c)3 or 501(c)4 status, fiscally sponsored groups, or those willing to confirm a fiscal sponsor upon award. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are Indigenous, Native, American Indian, and First Nation community-led organizations (51% or more), particularly those working with reservation communities or in rural/small towns. The impact goals revolve around strengthening these communities through various initiatives. Priority consideration is given to organizations deeply embedded in and led by these communities, ensuring that the funding directly supports their self-determination and local needs. The grant prioritizes funding for a range of organizing work, including language rejuvenation programs, culture as healing programs, environmental justice, civic engagement (including voter education), food sovereignty, MMIW & MMIP (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People), wellness projects, youth-led initiatives, and art as activism installations. These focus areas reflect the critical needs and cultural priorities of Indigenous communities and align with a holistic approach to social justice and community well-being. Expected outcomes include the empowerment of Native-led organizations, the revitalization of Indigenous languages and cultures, increased civic participation, enhanced environmental protection, and improved community health and safety. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantifiable metrics, the focus on community-led initiatives implies success will be measured by the strength and sustainability of these programs and their positive impact on the target communities. The awards range from $10,000 to $30,000, which will enable these organizations to implement their vital work.

This funding program provides financial support to organizations in Prince George's County that assist domestic violence survivors with housing, legal services, workforce development, and mental health support.

The City of Allentown is launching a new Community Reinvestment program, committing $800,000 in grants to non-profit organizations that serve City residents. This initiative is designed to address critical needs within the community, focusing on areas that directly impact the well-being and stability of Allentown's population. The program's mission aligns with supporting local non-profits as essential service providers, ensuring that funding directly benefits city residents. While a specific foundation's mission and strategic priorities are not explicitly stated, the program's structure clearly indicates an alignment with community development, social welfare, and direct service provision to vulnerable populations within Allentown. The program targets Allentown non-profits serving city residents, with a specific focus on those assisting minority and underserved populations. The primary impact goals are to prevent evictions, improve community well-being through mental health and safety training, enhance technology for data collection on unsheltered and food-insecure individuals, and provide essential operational support for critical non-profits. The expected outcomes include increased legal representation for eviction prevention, improved emergency response for displaced individuals, broader access to mental health and safety training, better data tracking for vulnerable populations, and sustained operations for key service providers. Funding is allocated across four key categories, each with distinct priorities. Eviction Prevention and Emergency Response is prioritized with $400,000, seeking to fund legal representation and support for those displaced by catastrophic circumstances. Community Well-being, with $100,000, focuses on training providers in mental health awareness, violence prevention, and other critical health and safety areas. Technology Enhancements, also with $100,000, aims to improve data collection on unsheltered and food-insecure individuals by engaging shelters and food distribution centers with tracking software. Finally, Essential Not For-Profit Operational Support receives $200,000 to offset costs for non-profits meeting critical unduplicated service needs. The program's theory of change is rooted in empowering local non-profits to address immediate and systemic community challenges. By providing direct financial support, the City of Allentown aims to strengthen the capacity of these organizations to deliver vital services, improve the quality of life for its residents, and build a more resilient community. Measurable results will likely include the number of individuals receiving legal aid for eviction, the number of people trained in mental health and safety, improved accuracy and scope of data on vulnerable populations, and the continued operation of essential non-profits. Eligibility criteria emphasize that organizations must be Allentown non-profits with 80% of clients being city residents, or explicitly target funds to city residents, ensuring a direct local impact.

The Community Fund is an annual grant program by the Philadelphia City Fund, aligning with the city's goals to enhance residents' quality of life. This initiative supports charitable projects addressing Philadelphia's most pressing needs. The funding is a result of a partnership with the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, which contributes a portion of its annual revenues to the fund. For the 2024 cycle, the program specifically focuses on youth wellness, promoting lifelong healthy activity, and nurturing healthy minds, bodies, and spirits through out-of-school time programming. The target beneficiaries are youth aged pre-K through 12th grade in Philadelphia, particularly those participating in out-of-school time (OST) programs. The program aims to support their healthy physical, social, educational, and emotional development. The impact goal is to increase equitable access to OST programming across the city, with a preference for organizations serving specific Priority ZIP Codes (19120, 19124, 19132, 19134, 19138, 19139, 19141, and 19144) identified through an analysis of quality of life metrics and OST slot distribution. The fund prioritizes small nonprofit organizations with annual operating budgets not exceeding $5 million that provide OST programming to youth in Philadelphia. Grantees will receive $25,000 in unrestricted funds, which can be used for general operations, programmatic activities, or other mission-supporting costs. Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their organization's mission and/or programming aligns with the "Nurturing healthy minds, bodies, and spirits through out-of-school time programming" theme. The expected outcome is improved well-being and safety for youth in Philadelphia through enhanced access to comprehensive OST programming. While specific measurable results beyond the funding allocation and unrestricted nature of the grants are not explicitly detailed, the focus on priority ZIP codes and the definition of OST programming suggest an intention to measure the reach and impact on youth development in underserved areas. Grantees will be expected to comply with Pennsylvania childcare regulations and maintain necessary insurance coverage during the one-year grant term, starting February 2025.

This program provides financial assistance to low and moderate-income homeowners in Scituate, Massachusetts, to make essential health and safety repairs and modifications to their primary residences.

The City of South Bend, Indiana is inviting applications for the South Bend Alive Grant program, aimed at funding community organizations that work towards reducing violence and positively impacting the lives of young people through mentorship, employment training, and community outreach activities.

The Town of Avon Community Grant Program aims to support non-profit organizations offering programs and services across various critical areas, including arts, culture, education, environment, health, heritage, housing, human services, and recreation. This program is designed to provide financial assistance for initiatives that benefit the Avon community, particularly those not directly offered by the municipal government. The overarching mission is to enhance community well-being and address identified local needs through strategic partnerships with local non-profits. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are the residents and businesses within the Avon community. The Town of Avon has specifically identified housing, food insecurity, and childcare as the top three pressing needs to be addressed through the 2025 Community Grant Program funding. The impact goals are centered on improving the quality of life, increasing access to essential services, and fostering a vibrant, supportive community environment. The program's strategic priorities are clearly focused on these critical areas: housing, food insecurity, and childcare. While the program broadly supports a range of community services, special emphasis is placed on projects that directly address these core needs. The intent is to channel resources towards initiatives that can demonstrate tangible benefits and contribute to the town's strategic vision for community development and social welfare. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in housing instability, improved food security for vulnerable populations, and enhanced access to affordable and quality childcare services within Avon. While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided information, the program implicitly seeks to improve overall community health and resilience. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by financially supporting qualified non-profit organizations, the Town of Avon can effectively leverage external expertise and resources to meet community needs that might otherwise go unaddressed, thereby fostering a more equitable and thriving local environment.

The Portland Office of Violence Prevention's 2024-2025 Safer Portland Grant is an opportunity to help reduce gun violence through community-based prevention efforts. Who should apply? The 2024-2025 grant prioritizes efforts in the following Portland neighborhoods, including: Cully; Hazelwood; Eliot; Powellhurst-Gilbert; and/or Areas known for high rates of gun violence. Applicants supporting efforts in all neighborhoods, even those outside the priority areas, are encouraged to apply. We encourage organizations that serve culturally specific communities, women and female identifying communities, African Immigrant/Refugee communities, and the LGBTQIA+ community to apply. What programs are supported by the grant? Examples of programs and activities that can be supported through this grant include: Preventative programs, workshops, camps, and events; Flexible funds for direct community assistance and services; Youth and adult mediation and mentoring programs; Arts and culture or recreational violence preventative programs; Aftercare support funds for families of victims; and Capacity building in small contractors to provide services. How much funding is available? A total of $500,000 is available. Organizations can apply for up to $100,000. Grant awards may vary based on the scope of work and number of community members served. How to apply? Visit the City of Portland Webgrants website - https://cityofportlandgrants.net - and create an account. Select "Click here to register." Fill out the required information. Under "Program area of interest," select "ovp - office of violence prevention." Answer the remaining questions. When finished, select "Save registration information." Once your account is created, you will receive two separate emails with your login and password information. Log on to the City of Portland Webgrants website. Access the Safer Portland Grant and fill out the application and budget forms. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on May 17, 2024. Questions? For more information, contact Riamyrie Walter at riamyrie.walter@portlandoregon.gov.

The Special Event Fee Relief Fund is a grant opportunity launched by Mayor Bowser and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED). It is a $1.5 million investment aimed at supporting events that celebrate the culture of the District of Columbia and support local communities. The fund provides financial assistance to organizers of festivals and outdoor special events to cover event expenses. To be eligible, events must occur between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024, be free and open to the public (partially ticketed events may also be eligible), celebrate DC culture or have significant economic impact on the District, not primarily aim to generate revenue or serve as a fundraiser for an organization, foster an inclusive experience, not be religiously affiliated in a way that excludes other faiths or lack thereof, and receive services from at least one eligible DC Government agency. All eligible events must also obtain a DLCP Special Events License and approval from the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) Mayor's Special Events Task Group (MSETG) if street closures are required. Applications can be submitted on a rolling basis between October 1, 2023, and September 1, 2024, with a minimum of 30 days in advance for events occurring November 15, 2023, onwards. DMPED will directly cover unpaid DC Government fees for approved events. For inquiries about the grant opportunity, please contact specialeventfund@dc.gov.

This funding opportunity supports local nonprofit organizations in Gahanna, Ohio, that provide essential services and programs to benefit the community, with a focus on basic human needs, mental health, and overall community improvement.

The Northgate Boulevard Storefront Improvement (NBSI) Grant Program is designed to empower small business owners along the Northgate Boulevard commercial corridor by providing financial assistance for exterior property enhancements. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to foster local economic vitality and community pride. By focusing on physical improvements such as new paint, signage, lighting, windows, doors, and awnings, the program directly addresses the aesthetic and functional needs of small businesses, thereby contributing to a more vibrant and appealing commercial district. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are small, for-profit retail or service establishments with street frontage on Northgate Boulevard. These businesses must be independently and locally owned and operated, with a principal office and owners domiciled in the greater Sacramento region. Furthermore, eligible businesses must have 100 or fewer employees or earn $18 million or less in average annual gross receipts over the last three tax years. Tenants are also eligible, provided they secure property owner consent and have a current lease with at least three years remaining, or an assurance of a lease extension. The program explicitly excludes non-profit entities and franchises, ensuring its focus remains on supporting truly local and independent enterprises. The program's impact goals are multifaceted, aiming to support the retention and growth of existing businesses, deter vacancies, attract more visitors to the corridor, and spur new investment. The strategic priority is to enhance the physical appearance of storefronts, which is viewed as a catalyst for broader economic and community benefits. The theory of change posits that by improving the visual appeal and functionality of individual businesses, the entire commercial corridor will become more attractive, leading to increased foot traffic, customer spending, and business stability, ultimately contributing to a more resilient local economy. Eligible activities encompass a range of exterior improvements, including painting, installation or repair of façade elements, restoration of original architectural features, and removal of exterior clutter. Exterior security enhancements are also permitted, with the caveat that they cannot exceed 25% of the total grant award, must comply with City design standards, and be proposed in conjunction with other beautification efforts. Additionally, applicable professional service fees related to design, architectural, electrical, engineering, or construction plans (up to 25% of the award) and City/State permitting fees (up to 10% of the award) are covered. The program has a total of $200,000 available, with minimum funding requests of $5,000 and maximum requests of $15,000 per application, over a project period of one year. These measurable results, coupled with the improved physical appearance of storefronts, will indicate the program's success in achieving its stated objectives.

The Women Working Wonders Fund (WWWF), an endowed fund of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF), is currently accepting proposals to empower women and girls to effect positive change in the community. The GLCF's mission, through the WWWF, is to advance the contributions of women and girls, fostering their development and impact within the Greater Lowell area. This grant program directly aligns with the foundation's broader goal of supporting community-led initiatives and enhancing the quality of life for all residents. The primary beneficiaries of the WWWF grants are women and girls within the community. The fund aims to achieve several impact goals, including assisting women in transition, providing leadership development opportunities for women and girls, and contributing to environmental beautification efforts that specifically benefit women and girls. These goals are designed to address key areas of need and opportunity for this demographic, fostering self-sufficiency, leadership skills, and an improved living environment. The WWWF focuses on programs and projects that directly empower women and girls. Specific priorities include initiatives that offer support during transitional periods, such as career changes or life events, and programs that cultivate leadership abilities from a young age. Additionally, the fund supports projects that enhance the local environment, with a particular emphasis on creating spaces that are beneficial and safe for women and girls. This strategic focus ensures that the grants create tangible and lasting positive changes. Expected outcomes for funded programs include measurable improvements in the lives of women and girls, such as increased access to resources for those in transition, enhanced leadership skills among participants, and visible improvements in community spaces benefiting women and girls. The WWWF will award five grants of up to $10,000 each, aiming to support diverse projects that align with its mission. The foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in programs that directly address the needs and potential of women and girls, a stronger, more equitable, and thriving community will emerge. Non-profit organizations are eligible to apply, and further information is available through the GLCF.

The James City County Stormwater and Resource Protection has initiated the Clean Water Heritage Grant program, aiming to promote the proper maintenance of privately owned neighborhood drainage systems and private stormwater management facilities, also known as Best Management Practices (BMPs). This program is designed to support the safety and general welfare of all County residents by ensuring these systems are well-maintained. The grant is open to a range of applicants, including Non-HOA Neighborhoods, HOAs with Public Roads, and HOAs with Private Roads within James City County, Virginia. The core mission of the Clean Water Heritage Grant aligns with safeguarding both citizens and property from the negative impacts of runoff. By focusing on drainage systems that move runoff safely through residential areas and stormwater management facilities that reduce runoff quantity and improve water quality, the program directly addresses critical environmental and public safety concerns. The target beneficiaries are residents and property owners within James City County, with the overarching impact goal of fostering a healthier and safer community through improved water management and infrastructure maintenance. The program prioritizes addressing non-routine maintenance and repairs for both drainage systems and BMPs. It offers several types of grants: Inspection Grants, which support inventorying, mapping, and inspecting existing drainage structures for operational condition; Repair & Maintenance Grants for general drainage system upkeep; and BMP Repair & Maintenance Grants specifically for stormwater management facilities. This structured approach ensures that both preventive and corrective measures are supported, allowing for comprehensive care of these vital systems. Expected outcomes include a more resilient local infrastructure capable of effectively managing stormwater, leading to reduced flooding and improved water quality across the county. Measurable results will be seen through the number of inspected and repaired drainage systems and BMPs, the documented improvements in their operating conditions, and the extent to which these efforts contribute to overall community safety and environmental health. The funding structure, with varying award limits and cost-sharing percentages (e.g., up to $6,000 for inspections with a 75%-25% JCC-Owner split, and up to $50,000 for maintenance and repairs with a 50%-50% split), further encourages shared responsibility and investment in these critical infrastructure improvements.

City of Ashland Business Beautification Grant Program 2023 – Oregon: The City of Ashland is offering the Business Beautification Grant to support private investment in renovating and rehabilitating existing lodging and commercial properties within Ashland City limits. The grant provides financial assistance through a fifty percent (50%) grant match to non-residential property owners for exterior cosmetic improvements, outdoor lighting upgrades, code violation alleviation, sidewalk and infrastructure installation, signage or awning installation, landscaping, outdoor seating installation, and removal of non-conforming or illegal site elements. Eligible applicants must be current property owners or tenants of non-residentially developed properties within City limits with no outstanding debt to the City. All beautification activities must comply with City building and zoning codes and be performed by a licensed general contractor or service provider. Applicants are required to submit a minimum of two quotes for the project and adhere to all building and land use codes as applicable. More information is available on the City of Ashland website.

This funding opportunity provides up to $2 million to a single organization to enhance statewide tobacco prevention efforts in California through communication, technical assistance, and support for local initiatives targeting high-risk populations.

The City of Takoma Park’s Food Insecurity Reduction Grants aim to provide financial support to programs, projects, and events that reduce or prevent food insecurity among Takoma Park residents. This grant aligns with a mission to ensure community well-being by addressing basic needs and promoting equitable access to food resources. The program's strategic priority is to leverage ARPA funding to create a tangible impact on food security within the city, reflecting a theory of change that direct financial support to local initiatives will effectively combat food insecurity at the community level. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are residents of Takoma Park who experience or are at risk of food insecurity. The program targets 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and 501(c)(6) business associations that serve these individuals. The impact goal is to significantly reduce or prevent food insecurity through targeted interventions, ensuring that vulnerable populations have reliable access to nutritious food. Individuals and for-profit enterprises are not eligible, focusing the grant's resources on established community-oriented organizations. The program prioritizes initiatives that demonstrate a clear strategy for preventing and reducing food insecurity. Funding for FY25 allocates $155,000 in ARPA funding, with individual grant awards ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 for a 15-month period, from October 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025. This focus on specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives ensures that funded projects are well-defined and can demonstrate clear progress. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number of Takoma Park residents with consistent access to food and a reduction in instances of food insecurity across the community. Measurable results will likely involve metrics such as the number of individuals served by grant-funded programs, the quantity of food distributed, and documented improvements in food access within Takoma Park. The grant duration of 2 years and the specific funding period allow for sustained efforts and the evaluation of long-term impact on food security.

The City of Port St. Lucie, in partnership with the Florida Small Business Development Center at Indian River State College, launched the COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program to financially support businesses affected by the pandemic. This program serves as a reimbursement grant, providing up to $10,000 for business-related expenses such as mortgage, rent, utilities, insurance, reopening costs, safety measures, and payroll during closures. The initiative is funded by FloridaCommerce through its Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Program, demonstrating a commitment to economic recovery and stability within the community. The program primarily targets small businesses with 0-50 employees that were in operation before March 1, 2020, and have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. A key focus is on businesses located within qualified low-to-moderate-income Census Tracts (QCTs) or owned by individuals whose household income qualifies as low or moderate. This targeting aligns with a broader mission of supporting vulnerable populations and fostering equitable economic recovery within the city. Prioritization is given to applications from small businesses that have not previously received COVID-19 relief funding, ensuring that support reaches those most in need of assistance. The program aims to mitigate the financial strain caused by the pandemic, allowing businesses to cover essential operating costs and implement necessary safety measures. The emphasis on current tax status and registration with the Florida Division of Corporations underscores a commitment to supporting legitimate and compliant businesses. With a total of $390,000 initially available, and approximately $165,000 remaining after 23 approved applicants as of mid-March, the program has already made a significant impact. Expected outcomes include the sustained operation of small businesses, retention of employment, and a more resilient local economy. By providing direct financial relief, the grant contributes to the overall stability and recovery of Port St. Lucie's small business sector, particularly in its low-to-moderate-income areas.

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