Local Science and Technology Grants

The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) is currently accepting applications for the 2024-2025 Creative Sector Flex Fund (CSFF). This grant program aims to provide flexible support to eligible applicants that offer consistent annual artistic programming and/or arts services within Pennsylvania. The fund is designed to bolster the administrative, programmatic, and project-related expenses of arts organizations, aligning with the PCA's mission to support and strengthen the arts community across the state. This initiative reflects the PCA's strategic priority of fostering a vibrant and sustainable creative sector by providing direct financial assistance where it's most needed. The primary beneficiaries of the CSFF are nonprofit, tax-exempt corporations, or units of local government in Pennsylvania that demonstrate a history of at least two years of consistent arts programming. Pre-K-12 public, private, and parochial schools are not eligible, but are directed to other PCA opportunities. The fund targets organizations with an annual average arts revenue between $10,000 and $200,000. The impact goal is to ensure the continued delivery of artistic programming and services to communities throughout Pennsylvania, thereby enriching the cultural landscape and supporting the economic viability of the arts sector. The program prioritizes flexibility, allowing funds to be used for a wide range of needs, including administrative costs, program development, and specific project expenses. This approach is rooted in the understanding that a resilient arts sector requires adaptable support. While annual grants are not guaranteed and are dependent on the PCA's budget, the expected outcome is that successful applicants will be able to maintain or expand their artistic offerings, reach broader audiences, and continue to contribute to the cultural and economic well-being of Pennsylvania. Measurable results would include the number of organizations supported, the scope and reach of the artistic programming delivered, and the overall stability of the recipient organizations. By investing in these entities, the PCA's theory of change posits that targeted financial support will lead to a more robust, diverse, and accessible arts environment, ultimately benefiting all Pennsylvanians. The project period for this grant is January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025, with a grant size ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, typically set at $5,000 per applicant.

The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida is offering Small Arts Organization Grants to support small and mid-size arts and cultural organizations in the Northeast Florida region. This funding aims to enhance organizational capacity-building and program development within the arts and culture sector. The foundation's mission, as evidenced by this grant, aligns with fostering a vibrant cultural landscape in the region by investing in the growth and stability of local arts organizations. The target beneficiaries of this grant are small to mid-sized arts and cultural organizations with current 501(c)(3) status or a formal fiscal sponsorship agreement, along with a minimum two-year work history. These organizations must be primarily focused on arts and culture and be based in Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, Putnam, or St. Johns County, Florida. The impact goals are to strengthen these organizations, enabling them to expand their reach, improve their programs, and contribute more effectively to the cultural enrichment of their communities. The grant prioritizes initiatives that focus on organizational development and program enhancement, providing funding between $1,000 and $10,000. This focus suggests a strategic approach by the Community Foundation to not only fund individual projects but also to build the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of arts organizations. By strengthening the foundational capacity of these groups, the foundation aims to create a more robust and resilient arts ecosystem in Northeast Florida. Expected outcomes include improved operational efficiency, expanded programming, and increased community engagement by recipient organizations. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on capacity-building and program development implies a focus on quantifiable improvements in these areas, such as increased audience participation, diversified funding streams, or the development of new and impactful artistic programs. This strategic funding approach reflects the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida's theory of change, which posits that investing in the foundational strength of arts and cultural organizations leads to greater community benefit and a richer cultural environment.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Manhattan and Riley County, Kansas, to create accessible and lasting public arts projects that enrich community life.

The Opelousas Downtown Development District (ODDD), with support from the City of Opelousas and Opelousas Main Street (OMS), is launching the fifth round of funding for its Building Improvement Grant (BIG) program. This program is a grant/reimbursement initiative designed to empower property and business owners in rehabilitating commercial buildings. The overarching mission alignment for this program is to create a positive visual impact within the city, stimulate private investment, and diligently preserve Opelousas' historic identity and cultural assets. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are property and business owners within the Opelousas Downtown Development District who own commercial buildings. The core impact goals are to foster economic development through private investment, enhance the aesthetic appeal of the downtown area, and ensure the safeguarding of the city's rich historical and cultural heritage. The program directly supports the revitalization of commercial spaces, which, in turn, contributes to a more vibrant and economically robust downtown. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly on tangible and permanent building improvements. Eligible uses of funds are comprehensive, including restoration and renovation of buildings, installation of awnings (without signage), brick cleaning or re-pointing, accent lighting, removal of deteriorating or inappropriate materials visible from the street, and restoration of windows, doors, and original exterior/interior architectural features. Additionally, interior work related to ceiling repair, electrical, and plumbing is covered, as well as work on roofs, cornices, gutters, downspouts, and the cleaning, preparation, and painting of walls and trim. These priorities are aimed at holistic improvement of commercial properties. The expected outcomes include a noticeable improvement in the visual appeal of downtown Opelousas, an increase in private investment in commercial properties, and the successful preservation of historic buildings. While not explicitly stated as "measurable results" in the traditional sense, the program's structure and goals imply that the number of rehabilitated buildings, the amount of private investment stimulated, and the visible improvements in the downtown area would serve as key indicators of success. The program offers a total of $200,000 in grant funds, with a maximum application amount of $10,000 per project, providing a clear framework for financial allocation and impact tracking.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is offering grants through its relaunched Materials Management grants program, now named the Reduce, Reuse, Reimagine Grants Program. This initiative aims to support statewide efforts in reducing the environmental and human health impacts of materials throughout their entire life cycle. The program's core mission is to build local capacity and foster community-driven solutions that address the environmental, social, and health consequences arising from the production, consumption, use, and disposal of materials. This aligns with a broader strategic goal of promoting sustainable consumption and material use, creating environmental and health benefits, and inspiring innovative projects. The program primarily targets a diverse range of eligible applicants, including local governments, nonprofit organizations (501(c)3 or 501(c)4 status) or fiscally sponsored organizations, organizations created by an Oregon public entity, Tribal nations, public schools, public universities, community colleges, and small businesses of 50 people or less. The impact goals are centered on empowering community action to reach environmental solutions, advancing equity, and ensuring environmental justice by providing resources to historically underserved and underrepresented communities across Oregon. The program seeks to fund projects that offer promising solutions to reduce material impacts, ultimately aiming for a more sustainable future. For the 2024 grant cycle, the program's annual funding area is specifically focused on waste prevention. This priority reflects an environmentally centered approach to reduce the consumption of natural resources and the generation of waste before items become trash or pollution. Waste prevention activities encompass changes in product design, reduced usage, extended product life, or repair. Examples of eligible activities include farmers markets purchasing reusable dishes, establishing or expanding community tool libraries, small businesses adopting new technologies to reduce plastic labels, and stores investing in bulk storage for low-waste products. Eligible activities also include education and outreach, training, research, program/policy development, and workforce development. The expected outcomes and measurable results of the Reduce, Reuse, Reimagine Grants Program include a tangible reduction in the environmental and human health impacts of materials. This will be measured by the successful implementation of innovative projects and programs that embody waste prevention principles. The program anticipates creating environmental and health benefits through more sustainable consumption and material use practices. Furthermore, it aims to advance equity and environmental justice by ensuring resources reach communities that have historically been underserved, fostering localized solutions and building capacity within these communities. The total funding available for the 2024 grant cycle is up to $1,000,000, with individual grant awards ranging from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $125,000, providing significant resources for impactful initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides up to $3,000 to established organizations in Edgecombe County that offer recreational services to enhance limited recreational opportunities for local residents.

Grant Name: CCEF Rapid Grants Location: Georgia Description: The Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF) is offering rapid grants to support growth and innovation in the Cherokee County School District. These grants, with funding of up to $500, are available to all faculty members for activities such as inviting authors to speak, organizing in-school field trips, and conducting science lab projects. The aim is to provide teachers and students with the necessary tools to make learning exciting. For more details, visit the Rapid Grants webpage.

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 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.

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.

The Jean P. Fitton Grant Program, funded by the Community Foundation for Monterey County, is accepting applications from 501(c)3 nonprofits, public schools, and public-school foundations in Monterey County, California, offering $1,000 to $10,000 for programs benefiting K-12 teachers, nonathletic scholastic and arts programs, and necessary equipment and facility improvements, with a deadline of October 4, 2024.

The Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development in New York is offering a matching grant of $10,000 to $100,000 for a duration of 3 years to not-for-profit organizations, schools, governmental agencies, businesses, and landowners for the development of tourism events and attractions, with a focus on increasing visibility and visitor numbers.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in North Carolina that serve disadvantaged groups, including youth, the elderly, and individuals with mental or physical disabilities, to help them improve their services and capacity.

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.

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.

The Volusia County Rapid Unsheltered Survivor Housing (RUSH) program, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) written standards, aims to address homelessness by providing rapid re-housing assistance. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to ensure individuals and families can obtain and maintain permanent housing, thereby reducing unsheltered homelessness within the community. The program's foundation is built on offering critical support that facilitates the transition from homelessness to stable living, reflecting a strategic priority to foster housing security. The primary beneficiaries of this program are individuals and families who were homeless prior to Hurricane Ian, became homeless as a result of Hurricane Ian, or whose needs are no longer met by the Temporary Shelter Assistance (TSA) program. The program specifically targets those in Volusia County, with a clear prohibition against serving Flagler County. The impact goal is to provide essential relocation and stabilization services, as well as short-term (up to 3 months) or medium-term (4 to 24 months) rental assistance and case management, to help these vulnerable populations secure permanent housing. The program's priorities and focuses are centered on rapid re-housing, emphasizing swift and effective interventions to move individuals and families out of homelessness. Key components include direct financial assistance for rent, coupled with comprehensive case management to address underlying issues and ensure long-term stability. The program also prioritizes serving the entire Volusia County, ensuring broad access to these vital services while adhering to the Commission on Homelessness and Housing (CoHH) for Volusia and Flagler Counties' written standards, even with the explicit exclusion of Flagler County in service provision. Expected outcomes include a significant reduction in unsheltered homelessness among the target population in Volusia County. Measurable results will be tracked through the number of individuals and families successfully housed, the duration of rental assistance provided, and the effectiveness of case management in fostering self-sufficiency. The program anticipates that beneficiaries will achieve greater housing stability and a reduced likelihood of returning to homelessness. The theory of change posits that by providing immediate housing coupled with supportive services, individuals and families can break the cycle of homelessness and achieve sustainable living. The total funding of $1,175,990, with up to 5% allocated for program administration, will be expended over approximately 20 months from the date agreements are executed, further underscoring the commitment to efficient and impactful resource utilization.

The Funds for the Newest New Yorkers is a collaborative initiative between government and philanthropic organizations, managed by The New York Community Trust, aimed at supporting innovative efforts to improve the lives of migrants who have recently arrived in New York City. This program aligns with the broader mission of ensuring that new arrivals thrive and contribute to a stronger city, recognizing the positive impact immigrants have on New York City. The grant is designed to enhance and fill gaps in existing government programs and funding, rather than replace them. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are newly arrived migrants in New York City. The program's impact goals are focused on facilitating their integration and stability within the city. This includes connecting them to essential services like work, school, legal assistance, public benefits, housing, and general support for city life. The program also aims to build the capacity of service providers to meet the increasing demand for these critical services. The program prioritizes proposals that offer services in three key areas: Case Management, Legal Services, and Community-Based Social Services. For Case Management, the focus is on providing support within shelters (both City-run and nonprofit-run) to connect migrants with necessary resources. Legal Services aim to increase the capacity of providers to assist with benefits applications, work authorization, deportation defense, and achieving lawful status. Community-Based Social Services are designed to help community groups provide or connect newcomers with public education, workforce development, job opportunities, English classes, and other services that aid in their integration. Expected outcomes and measurable results include improved efficiency and speed in migrants' path to stability, evidenced by successful connections to shelter, case management, and social services. The program also seeks to foster partnerships between organizations with complementary expertise, and to fund projects that can be adopted and scaled by the government for long-term impact. Prioritization will be given to projects that deliver services with cultural and linguistic sensitivity, and that leverage the existing strengths and experience of organizations. Grants are expected to range from $75,000 to $250,000 per year for up to two years, with larger grants awarded to projects that include a strong, coordinated case management component along with legal and/or community-based social services.