Local Science and Technology Grants

The Special Project grants, offered by the City of Saint Paul through its Cultural STAR fund, aim to support quality arts activities across all disciplines within the city's geographic boundaries. This initiative is deeply aligned with the fund's overarching mission to promote cultural vitality and economic growth, particularly within the downtown Cultural District, by strengthening the arts and culture community. The grants are designed to support projects that contribute to a vibrant cultural landscape, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for residents and attracting visitors, thereby fostering economic development. Target beneficiaries for these grants include nonprofit arts and cultural organizations located within the City of Saint Paul, as well as informal arts-focused groups, individuals, and one-time arts projects that partner with eligible nonprofits. Businesses in the Cultural District are also eligible for projects that enhance visitor enjoyment. The impact goals are centered on building and diversifying audiences, promoting a broad range of cultural offerings, producing long-term cultural impact, and leveraging additional financial support for the arts. The Cultural STAR Program prioritizes projects and programs that attract audiences, develop and improve cultural facilities, and build the capacity of artists and cultural organizations. A significant focus is placed on the Cultural District of downtown Saint Paul, with at least 80% of funds allocated to nonprofit organizations within this targeted area. The remaining 20% can support businesses in the Cultural District or nonprofit organizations located elsewhere in Saint Paul. This geographic focus underscores the strategic priority of revitalizing and enriching the downtown cultural hub. Expected outcomes include increased audience engagement with diverse cultural offerings, enhanced and accessible cultural facilities, and strengthened organizational capacity within the arts and culture sector. Measurable results could include metrics related to audience attendance, the number and variety of cultural events, improvements in cultural infrastructure, and the ability of organizations to secure additional funding. The Cultural STAR fund's theory of change is that by investing in these areas, it will lead to sustained cultural vitality and economic growth, creating a dynamic and engaging environment for both residents and tourists.

This funding opportunity is designed for non-profit organizations in Chemung County to promote tourism through events and promotional initiatives that attract visitors and boost local economic activity.

This funding opportunity supports the development and preservation of affordable multifamily rental housing in Hennepin County, Minnesota, specifically targeting projects that serve low-income households and promote equity and sustainability.

The City of Deltona is offering a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for Public Services for the 2024-2025 Federal Fiscal Program Year, with an anticipated allocation of approximately $500,000 from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). This grant aims to implement activities that benefit low- and moderate-income families and persons within Deltona. Up to 15% of these funds are specifically designated for eligible public service activities. The City of Deltona, as the donor, aligns its mission with HUD's objectives by addressing community development needs and improving the quality of life for its residents, particularly those who are economically disadvantaged. The program emphasizes a commitment to fostering a more equitable and supportive community. The target beneficiaries for this CDBG program are income-eligible Deltona residents, specifically low- and moderate-income families and individuals. The primary impact goal is to provide essential public services that might otherwise be inaccessible, thereby improving the overall well-being and stability of these residents. By supporting services for those most in need, the program seeks to alleviate hardship and promote greater self-sufficiency within the community. The City of Deltona's strategic priorities include enhancing community services and ensuring that vital resources reach vulnerable populations. The program prioritizes projects that offer either new services or a quantifiable increase in the current level of service provided by non-profit agencies or other public service organizations. This focus ensures that the grant funds lead to tangible and measurable improvements in service delivery, rather than simply maintaining existing levels. The City's theory of change posits that by investing in impactful public services, it can create a ripple effect that strengthens the social fabric of the community and addresses systemic inequalities faced by low-income residents. Expected outcomes include an increased availability and accessibility of critical public services for income-eligible residents. Measurable results will be tied to the nature of the services provided, such as the number of individuals served, the types of services offered, and the quantifiable increase in service capacity. The grant's duration of one year suggests a focus on immediate and impactful interventions, with the potential for ongoing assessment of project effectiveness. The City of Deltona will evaluate proposals based on their ability to maximize services provided to the community, demonstrating a commitment to efficient and effective use of public funds.

This grant provides $10,000 to support impactful projects that benefit youth in the community, specifically targeting initiatives rather than general operating expenses.

The City of Maple Valley is offering grants to local agencies and organizations that provide services and events within the community, with a deadline of July 10, 2024. The program aims to support initiatives that contribute to the city's economic development, community engagement, and human services. The grants are categorized into Economic/Community Events and Human Services, reflecting the city's commitment to fostering a vibrant and supportive environment for its residents. The Economic Development Commission (EDC) and the City's Finance Committee are responsible for reviewing applications and allocating funds, ensuring alignment with municipal purposes such as community participation and economic development. The grant program targets non-profit corporations that can demonstrate significant value to the citizens of Maple Valley. For Economic Events, beneficiaries include organizations that attract regional, state, and national participants, bringing economic benefit to the city. Examples like the Lake Wilderness Triathlon and the Be the Hope Walk illustrate the type of events that align with this focus. Community Event grants are intended for organizations that attract local participants and spectators, such as the Maple Valley Youth Symphony and Maple Valley Days, emphasizing local engagement and cultural enrichment. Human Services grants support agencies dedicated to providing essential services to the community. The program prioritizes events and services that serve valid municipal purposes, specifically community participation and economic development. For Economic Events, the focus is on attracting visitors from outside Maple Valley to stimulate the local economy. Community Events prioritize local engagement and enrichment. Human Services grants are aimed at addressing critical community needs through direct services. The evaluation process for Economic/Community Events is managed by the EDC, which recommends organizations to the City’s Finance Committee. The Finance Committee directly oversees the Human Services grant process. Expected outcomes include increased community participation, enhanced economic activity within Maple Valley, and improved access to vital human services. Measurable results for Economic Events could include visitor numbers from outside the city and economic impact assessments. For Community Events, success might be measured by local attendance and resident feedback on community engagement. Human Services grant outcomes would likely be assessed by the number of individuals served and the impact of those services on community well-being. The City of Maple Valley's strategic priority is to invest in its community through initiatives that offer both economic and social returns, thereby strengthening the overall fabric of the city.

This program provides funding to community groups and local organizations in Santa Rosa for projects that improve neighborhoods and foster community engagement, such as clean-ups, public art, and gardens.

This grant provides funding for nonprofit organizations in the greater Theresa area to support projects that enhance community well-being, education, and cultural initiatives.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and local government entities in Tennessee to use arts and culture for community revitalization and economic growth.

The Neighborhood Beautification Grant (NBG) initiative, a component of the City's Community Partnerships & Engagement Division (CPED), is designed to engage and encourage residents to work with their neighbors on enhancement and improvement projects. The core mission of NBG is to promote healthier, safer, and cleaner neighborhoods, while simultaneously strengthening community connections and the social fabric within them. The City Council has approved an allocation of $42,000 for these beautification projects, distributed equally at $6,000 to each Council District and the Mayor's office. The NBG targets a broad range of beneficiaries including any resident, group, and/or organization with a new or established community project in Salinas. Specifically, residents, community-led groups, advocacy groups, art organizations, apartment or community associations, and neighborhood watch groups are encouraged to apply. The impact goals are centered around cultivating healthy and resilient neighborhoods, supporting engaged and informed residents, stimulating a thriving community, and properly managing shared assets and spaces. The ultimate aim is to achieve a collective impact in the development of neighborhood communities and service delivery strategies to improve the overall quality of life in Salinas. The program prioritizes projects that can be completed within the established timeline, promote neighborhood self-help efforts, and foster neighborhood improvement and beautification. Furthermore, projects must provide health and safety benefits, have confirmed neighborhood support, be visible and accessible to all city residents, and address a specific neighborhood need. Eligibility also requires that group projects focus on beautification, restoration, neighborhood improvements, fostering neighborhood leadership, or addressing neighborhood problems, with each group including at least five volunteers or members. The expected outcomes and measurable results of the NBG initiative include tangible improvements in neighborhood aesthetics, safety, and community engagement. By supporting projects that are visible and accessible to all city residents, the program aims to create a widespread positive impact. The emphasis on confirmed neighborhood support and self-help efforts suggests a theory of change that empowers communities to drive their own improvements, leading to more sustainable and impactful results. While the document does not explicitly detail the foundation's strategic priorities or theory of change beyond the NBG's objectives, the program's design implicitly aligns with strategies that foster civic participation, local ownership, and community-led development for urban betterment.

The Animal Services Responsive Grant, offered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, aims to improve the quality of life for all animals, educate the community on responsible pet care, and enhance spay/neuter and adoption services. This aligns with the foundation's broader mission to support vital community needs, ensuring that organizations dedicated to animal welfare receive the necessary funding to operate and expand their reach. By focusing on these key areas, the grant seeks to create a more humane environment for animals and foster responsible pet ownership within the community. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are animals in need, as well as the communities and individuals who benefit from enhanced animal welfare services. The grant targets organizations working in specific Texas counties: Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, Medina, and Wilson. The impact goals are centered on reducing animal suffering, increasing pet adoptions, promoting spay/neuter initiatives to control pet overpopulation, and educating the public on best practices for animal care. The grant prioritizes nonprofit organizations that demonstrate a clear commitment to these objectives and have a proven track record of serving their local animal populations. The program's priorities include supporting direct animal care services, public education campaigns, and programs that facilitate adoption and spay/neuter. The expected outcomes are a measurable reduction in the number of homeless and neglected animals, an increase in responsible pet ownership, and a more informed community regarding animal welfare issues. Measurable results are tied to the organizational budget and corresponding award amounts, indicating that larger, more established organizations with greater capacity are expected to achieve more significant outcomes. For instance, organizations with budgets over $1,000,000 are eligible for a $50,000 award, implying an expectation of broader impact. The San Antonio Area Foundation's strategic priorities, as demonstrated by this grant, include fostering community well-being through targeted support for critical services. Their theory of change appears to be that by providing financial resources to qualified animal welfare organizations, these organizations will be empowered to implement effective programs that directly address the root causes of animal neglect and overpopulation, ultimately leading to a healthier and more compassionate community for both humans and animals. The eligibility criteria, such as requiring 501(c)(3) status and local operation, ensure that funding is directed to legitimate and impactful entities. This grant does not support endowments, capital campaigns, religious purposes, scholarships, political activities, or lobbying efforts. This restriction further refines the foundation's strategic focus, ensuring that funds are directly applied to programmatic efforts that align with the core goals of animal services. The focus is strictly on responsive grants that address immediate and ongoing needs, rather than long-term institutional building or advocacy.

The Arts & Culture Capacity Building Grant Program, offered by the City of Dubuque, is designed to support initiatives that foster more sustainable and effective arts and culture organizations within the city. This program aligns with a mission to strengthen the operational capacity of local arts and culture entities, ensuring their long-term viability and ability to contribute to the community. Funding is available for fiscal year 2025, from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, with a total of $35,000 allocated for grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, although eligible organizations can apply for up to $8,000. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are arts and culture organizations that are nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, have at least two years of programming documentation and two Form 990s, and are officially located within the city limits of Dubuque. These organizations must serve residents of Dubuque and conduct programming within the city. The program aims to impact these organizations by enhancing their capacity in various key areas, ultimately leading to improved organizational health and effectiveness. The program prioritizes a range of capacity-building initiatives. These include strategic planning, creating development plans and/or fundraising strategies, improving donor experience, providing nonprofit 101 training for staff and board members, leadership development, project or program development, program management, volunteer management, and Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) training. These focus areas are intended to address common challenges faced by arts and culture organizations and equip them with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive. Expected outcomes include organizations with stronger strategic frameworks, enhanced fundraising capabilities, improved donor engagement, more skilled staff and board members, and more effectively managed projects and programs. Measurable results would involve the successful implementation of these capacity-building initiatives, which could be tracked through reports detailing new strategic plans, implemented fundraising strategies, attendance at training sessions, and improved operational metrics. The City of Dubuque's strategic priorities for this grant program appear to be rooted in a theory of change that by investing in the foundational and operational strength of its arts and culture sector, it will foster a more vibrant, resilient, and inclusive cultural landscape for its residents.

This program provides financial support to practicing, professional, and emerging artists in Wichita to help them pursue professional development and skill-building opportunities that enhance their careers.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government entities for projects that improve the quality of life in Franklin County, focusing on areas such as arts, education, health, and community development.

The City of Champaign's Community Matters youth program, founded in 2007, offers funding for the 2024-2025 program year. This initiative aligns with the city's mission to address critical areas such as safety, academic support, technology, recreation, career exploration, and employment among its youth. The program seeks to support public or private non-profit agencies that provide services meeting the needs of Pre-K through 18-year-old students residing within Champaign. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are youth from low-income families within the City of Champaign. The program's impact goal is to have a lasting positive effect on the community by fostering well-rounded development in its youth. While open to low-income youth from any Champaign neighborhood as space and funding allow, a key prioritization is given to programs serving youth from specific target areas: Beardsley Park, Bristol Park, Garden Hills, and Douglass Park, ensuring that resources are directed where they are most needed for community transformation. Proposals should focus on activities that can be carried out with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. These activities are broad and include the rehabilitation of residential and non-residential structures, building demolition, construction and rehabilitation of public facilities, and public services. However, activities related to the general conduct of government, political activities, and new housing construction are generally ineligible. This focus ensures that the funded programs directly contribute to community improvement and youth development. The expected outcomes include enhanced safety, improved academic performance, increased technological literacy, greater recreational opportunities, and better career exploration and employment prospects for the youth participants. While specific measurable results for the 2024-2025 allocation are dependent on the yet-to-be-announced CDBG annual allocation, the previous year's public service allocation of approximately $133,000 provides an indication of the funding scale. This funding, limited to 15% of the City of Champaign’s total CDBG award, underscores the strategic priority of public services within the broader community development framework, aiming for a significant impact despite funding constraints. The funding period runs from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.

The City of Chicago Department of Planning & Development (DPD) offers grant funding to support local commercial, mixed-use, and light manufacturing projects. This initiative aligns with the city's broader mission to strengthen local business corridors and enhance neighborhood vitality, particularly through the Chicago Recovery Plan. The program aims to invest in catalytic developments that build upon DPD's existing investments, supporting a resilient and thriving urban environment. The target beneficiaries for this grant program include community developers, business owners, entrepreneurs, and property owners within Chicago. While applicants from all areas of Chicago are eligible, priority is given to projects located in historically disinvested areas or those with limited private investment. The impact goals are to foster economic growth, enhance community safety initiatives, and leverage local talents, capacities, and institutions to contribute to neighborhood strength. The program prioritizes capital improvement projects, including pre-development, construction, or renovation costs. Mixed-use projects are eligible, though residential-only developments are not. A key focus is on catalytic projects that demonstrate a strong local impact and have clear momentum, with an expectation to break ground within six months of grant acceptance. Site control is preferred but not strictly required. Expected outcomes include the successful completion of vital community projects, increased economic activity in targeted areas, and the creation of more vibrant and resilient neighborhoods. Measurable results would involve the number of projects funded, the scale of investment leveraged, and the tangible improvements in business corridors and community infrastructure. The city's strategic priority is to address historical disinvestment and ensure equitable development across Chicago, utilizing funding sources such as the Chicago Recovery Plan Community Development (Large Grants), Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (Large Grants), and Tax Increment Financing to achieve these goals.

The VISION Arts 6 Grant Program, administered by the City of Tulsa in partnership with the Tulsa Arts Commission, offers funding to local 501(c)(3) organizations and those with 501(c)(3) sponsorship to support artist-led activities that drive economic growth and enhance Tulsa’s arts ecosystem. Applications for the 2024–2025 cycle open on October 1, 2024, at 8:00 AM CDT, and close on December 22, 2024, at 11:59 PM CDT. Successful applicants will have from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, to use the funding. The program is part of the Vision Tulsa initiative, a voter-approved effort to promote economic development and improve quality of life through the arts. Since its inception, nearly $1 million has been granted to Tulsa arts organizations, with 2024 seeing over half of submissions from first-time applicants. For this cycle, organizations may request up to $50,000 with no private match requirement. Applications are reviewed by an independent panel of arts professionals and community leaders who evaluate proposals based on their alignment with program goals and priorities. VISION Arts 6 focuses on promoting Tulsa’s arts and cultural identity, increasing tourism, enhancing local engagement, and using the arts to address civic challenges. Priority is given to projects that attract diverse audiences, boost access to cultural events, and create unique “sense of place” experiences. Other priorities include initiatives that enhance tourism, broaden arts audiences through research and marketing, and create multimedia content that tells Tulsa’s story. Applicants must attend one of four mandatory virtual informational sessions to be eligible for funding. Sessions will be held on October 15, October 28, November 15, and December 14, 2024, each covering the same content. Additionally, several non-mandatory sessions are available to provide technical assistance on topics like grant writing, marketing, and budgeting. While these are not required, participation must be noted in the application. Grantees are required to complete an End-of-Cycle Report within 30 days of the funding period’s end on July 1, 2026, and submit a final invoice and itemization of costs by July 31, 2026. For additional information or assistance, organizations can contact the City Design Studio at studio@cityoftulsa.org or reach out to VisionArts@cityoftulsa.org for questions about the mandatory sessions. This grant program represents a significant opportunity for Tulsa’s arts organizations to secure funding for impactful projects that enhance the city’s cultural and economic landscape. Interested organizations are encouraged to prepare early and attend the required workshops to maximize their chances of success.

Herkimer County CARES Grant Program in New York is open to registered NYS for-profit legal business entities located within Herkimer County. Eligible activities include supporting businesses in manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, agriculture, high technology, research and development, and traditional and innovative small business endeavors. Technical assistance will be provided through the Mohawk Valley Small Business Development Center at no cost to the applicant. The grant aims to create or retain at least one new full-time equivalent job for low-to-moderate income individuals and allows reimbursement of eligible costs dating back to March 2020. Grant funds can be used for marketing adaption, community safety improvements, workforce development, safety enhancements to facilities, efficiency improvements, and air quality improvements. Previous funding received through COVID-19 reimbursement programs is allowed but cannot be duplicated through this program.

The Ohio Valley Jaycees Charitable Fund Grant, administered by the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley (CFOV), aims to support qualified nonprofits and students in the Upper Ohio Valley. The CFOV's mission as a tax-exempt, publicly supported organization is to manage charitable funds and provide grants and scholarships. This grant program directly aligns with the foundation's mission by offering financial assistance to organizations that serve the community, thereby fostering local development and addressing key needs within the Ohio Valley. This grant program targets 501(c)(3) organizations, public charities under Code Section 509(a), or those partnering with a nonprofit fiscal agent. Qualified charities include charitable, religious, and educational organizations, school districts, public libraries, and other government-affiliated organizations. The primary beneficiaries are residents of Ohio and Marshall Counties in West Virginia, and Belmont County in Ohio, who receive services from these organizations. The grant specifically excludes individuals and for-profit endeavors, ensuring that funds are directed towards community-focused initiatives. The grant prioritizes organizations that provide services within the specified geographic areas: Ohio and Marshall Counties in West Virginia, and Belmont County in Ohio. While specific thematic focuses or strategic priorities beyond serving these regions are not explicitly detailed, the nature of the eligible organizations (charitable, religious, educational) suggests an emphasis on enhancing community well-being, education, and social services. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by funding established and legitimate non-profit entities, they can effectively channel resources to where they are most needed, creating a ripple effect of positive community impact. The expected outcome of the Ohio Valley Jaycees Charitable Fund Grant is the successful implementation of projects and services by the awarded organizations, leading to improved conditions and opportunities for the residents of the Upper Ohio Valley. While measurable results are not explicitly outlined in terms of specific metrics, the grant size of $5,000 to $10,000 for 2024 indicates a commitment to providing substantial support. The underlying assumption is that by empowering qualified nonprofits, the grant will contribute to the betterment of the community, fostering charitable, religious, and educational growth.

The Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) is offering the 2023-2024 Public-Space Activation Fund (PAF), a grant program aimed at supporting activities that revitalize public spaces within the City of Los Angeles, California. This initiative aligns with the DCA's mission to enrich the cultural life of the city by fostering community engagement and providing accessible cultural experiences. The grant seeks to fund projects that transform public areas into vibrant hubs of activity, reflecting a commitment to broad public benefit and cultural accessibility. The primary beneficiaries of the PAF are the residents and visitors of Los Angeles, particularly those who participate in or attend the various public events and activities supported by the fund. The impact goals include enhancing community cohesion, celebrating cultural diversity, and providing opportunities for cross-cultural learning. By supporting a range of accessible events, the fund aims to improve the quality of public life and create inclusive environments for artistic and cultural expression. The PAF prioritizes projects falling under four main categories, with specific emphasis on International Festivals & Intercultural Foods (IFIF). IFIF grants, typically ranging from $7,500 to $10,000, are designed for pop-up or festival-style events such as community picnics, outdoor festivals, block parties, and food/food-truck festivals. Additionally, creative enhancements to farmers' markets that incorporate live performing arts and cultural activities are highly encouraged. These projects are expected to embrace multicultural themes and feature entertainment suitable for family-friendly, street-adjacent spaces like public parks, schoolyards, and parking lots. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in public attendance at cultural events, greater community participation in organized activities, and a visible enhancement of public spaces. The success of IFIF projects, for instance, will be measured by their ability to promote opportunities for cross-cultural learning and engage diverse audiences through multicultural entertainment. The DCA's strategic priority is to activate public spaces, and this grant program serves as a direct implementation of that theory of change, believing that by funding accessible cultural events, they can foster a more connected and culturally rich urban environment.