Local Grants

The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation is offering the Eastland Giving Circle Grant Program, focusing on supporting organizations that provide mental health resources to children and youth in Eastern Jackson County, Missouri. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to make a substantive impact in the eastern Jackson County area through yearly donations from its Eastland Giving Circle, a group of philanthropic and civic-minded individuals. The grant specifically targets children and youth in Eastern Jackson County who require mental health resources. The impact goal is to improve access to and the quality of mental health support for this vulnerable population within the specified geographic area. The program's priority is to fund nonprofits with current 501(c)(3) status that have a presence or mailing address in eastern Jackson County, Missouri. Organizations requesting general operating funds, individuals, political parties or activities, primary and secondary educational institutions, and religious organizations for denominational programs are ineligible. While explicit expected outcomes and measurable results are not detailed, the implicit outcome is improved mental health and well-being for children and youth in Eastern Jackson County through the funded programs. The grant amount of $30,000 indicates a commitment to substantial support for chosen initiatives. The foundation's strategic priority is to address community needs through targeted philanthropic efforts, guided by the collective decision-making of the Eastland Giving Circle.

The Kansas City Outdoor Dining Enhancement Grant Program offers eligible restaurants grants of up to $15,000 to improve their outdoor dining areas. This initiative is a direct reflection of the City of Kansas City's broader mission to cultivate a thriving local economy, provide substantial support to small businesses, and foster the development of vibrant, community-oriented neighborhoods. By enhancing outdoor dining spaces, the program aims to not only boost the economic vitality of local establishments but also create more inviting and dynamic public spaces that benefit the entire community. The alignment with the city's strategic priorities is clear, as it addresses both economic development and quality of life for its residents. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are private, for-profit, full-service restaurants located within Kansas City, Missouri. The program specifically targets those businesses that have been operational for at least one year, as evidenced by a KCMO business license acquired by July 1, 2023. The impact goals are centered on enabling these restaurants to increase their outdoor dining capacity and improve the overall experience for customers. This, in turn, is expected to lead to increased revenue for the businesses, job creation or retention, and a more vibrant street-level atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined. Grant funds must be used exclusively for outdoor dining enhancement, encompassing a wide range of improvements such as building structure construction, infrastructure, expanding walkways, purchasing furniture and coverings, and covering necessary permit costs. A crucial focus is on increasing the total number of available tables for outdoor dining, with the stipulation that these enhancements must be usable for at least six months out of a calendar year. Additionally, all projects must adhere to ADA requirements, ensuring a 5-foot clear path for accessibility in street or sidewalk cafes, demonstrating a commitment to inclusive urban design. The expected outcomes of the Kansas City Outdoor Dining Enhancement Grant Program are multifaceted and measurable. Restaurants receiving grants are anticipated to expand their customer capacity, leading to a direct increase in sales and operational stability. The broader community is expected to benefit from enhanced urban aesthetics and a more lively, pedestrian-friendly environment. Measurable results will include the number of outdoor dining tables added, the total amount of grant funds dispersed, and potentially, local economic indicators such as increased foot traffic in participating areas and business growth reported by grant recipients. The theory of change underpinning this program is that by directly investing in the physical infrastructure and operational capabilities of local restaurants, the city can stimulate economic growth, strengthen its small business sector, and create more engaging public spaces, thereby improving the overall quality of life for its citizens.

The Advancing Westfield Foundation offers grants to support nonprofit partnerships in their efforts to provide vital services. This aligns with their mission to ensure sustainable support for a wide range of services benefiting youth, adults, seniors, veterans, and disabled community members within the Westfield community. The foundation's strategic priority is to strengthen the community by supporting organizations that directly serve these diverse populations. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are youth, adults, seniors, veterans, and disabled individuals residing in or served by organizations operating in the Westfield community. The impact goal is to enhance the well-being and quality of life for these community members by providing essential services. The foundation prioritizes organizations that can demonstrate a clear plan for addressing the needs of these groups. The grant program focuses on supporting 501c3 accredited organizations that operate in and/or serve the Westfield community. This eligibility criterion ensures that funding is directed towards established and legitimate entities with a direct connection to the community they aim to help. The maximum grant request per organization is $25,000, which is part of a larger grant size ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. Expected outcomes include the continued provision and expansion of vital services to the identified beneficiary groups. Measurable results would typically include the number of individuals served, the types of services provided, and the positive changes observed in the community. The foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in local nonprofit partnerships, it can create a ripple effect, leading to a stronger, more resilient community with improved access to essential support for all its members.

The Swim Safe Access Grant, spearheaded by Mayor Michelle Wu, the Office of Human Services (OHS), and the Boston Centers for Youth & Families, is a critical initiative aimed at enhancing water safety and increasing access to swimming lessons for Boston families. The program's core mission aligns with public health goals to address the threat of drowning, which is a leading cause of death among children in the U.S. The grant seeks to mitigate this risk by providing free and easily accessible swim lessons, directly supporting a strategy proven to reduce drowning risk by up to 90 percent. This directly reflects a strategic priority of improving community health and safety through preventative measures, particularly for vulnerable populations. The primary beneficiaries of the Swim Safe Access Grant are Boston residents, with a specific focus on low-income families and socially and economically disadvantaged, historically underrepresented, or underserved groups. The program's impact goals center on improving water safety knowledge and skills among these residents, ultimately reducing the incidence of drowning. By making beginner-level swim programs free and accessible, the grant aims to lower existing barriers to access, ensuring that a broader segment of the community can acquire essential water safety skills. The grant prioritizes beginner-level swim programs operating within the city of Boston, emphasizing foundational water safety skills over intermediate or advanced instruction. Funding is specifically available for ongoing programs, explicitly excluding one-time events, to ensure sustained impact and skill development. Eligibility criteria further specify that applicants must be non-profit 501(c)3 tax-exempt organizations, with Boston Public Schools-affiliated entities encouraged to apply. Programs must also demonstrate either direct operation of an aquatics facility or a partnership with one that can accommodate the proposed activities. This focused approach reflects a theory of change that by investing in foundational, accessible, and sustained beginner swim instruction, a significant and measurable improvement in public water safety can be achieved across the city. Expected outcomes include a substantial increase in the number of Boston residents, particularly children from underserved backgrounds, who possess basic water safety skills. Measurable results will be tracked through regular reports on program outcomes, which award recipients are required to submit. These reports will provide data on participation rates, skill acquisition, and potentially anecdotal evidence of increased water confidence and safety awareness among participants. The total available funding of $250,000, with individual awards up to $49,999 per organization, underscores the program's commitment to supporting multiple community-based initiatives to achieve its broad safety and access goals.

The American Water Charitable Foundation’s Water and Environment grant program is a targeted funding opportunity designed to support innovative, community-based projects that align directly with the Foundation’s core mission of environmental stewardship and water sustainability within American Water’s service areas. The program seeks to fund new, non-operational initiatives focused on three key aspects: improving, restoring, or protecting watersheds, surface water, and groundwater; promoting water conservation practices; and enhancing equitable access to water-based recreation for underserved communities. Eligibility is restricted to 501(c)(3) public charities, K-12 public schools, colleges, and universities located within the company’s operational footprint, ensuring a direct local impact. The grant program’s priorities and focuses center on addressing local environmental and community needs. Key focus areas include scientific investigation and monitoring of pollutants, the development and implementation of green infrastructure, and environmental education. For example, grants were awarded to support analytical costs for increasing upstream pollution monitoring, to fund new sampling sites for pollutant testing in rivers, and to install bioswales to reduce runoff and recharge local aquifers. The target beneficiaries are the local communities within American Water’s service regions, with a specific focus on projects that improve equitable access for underserved populations. The expected outcomes are strongly tied to measurable, on-the-ground results that contribute to improved water quality and conservation. Grantees are expected to deliver tangible outcomes such as eliminating pollution sources, providing communities with actionable data for improving local water quality, reducing runoff, and supporting remediation efforts based on new scientific findings. To ensure efficiency, all projects are required to be completed within 12 months of the grant being awarded. This emphasis on clear, time-bound deliverables ensures that the Foundation’s investment translates quickly into demonstrable environmental and community benefits. The Foundation's strategic priorities and implicit theory of change rest on the principle that local, community-driven investment is the most effective pathway to sustainable water resource management and protection. By funding specific, measurable activities—such as water quality monitoring, targeted infrastructure installation, and educational programming—the Foundation aims to achieve intermediate outcomes like reduced contamination and increased environmental awareness. This approach is rooted in the belief that empowering local organizations to gather data, implement physical solutions, and cultivate environmental stewardship will lead to the long-term impact of protected and enhanced water supplies across the communities served by American Water.

The City of Wickliffe's reimbursement grant program aims to enhance the appearance of commercial storefronts for non-franchised property and business owners. This initiative directly aligns with the City's broader mission to foster economic growth and prosperity by encouraging reinvestment and restoration of commercial properties. The program is designed to improve the exterior aesthetics of commercial buildings, thereby contributing to a more vibrant and attractive business environment within Wickliffe. The primary beneficiaries of this program are commercial, non-franchised property owners and business owners within the City of Wickliffe. The program's impact goals include supporting locally-owned businesses, attracting new businesses, and retaining existing ones. By providing financial assistance for property improvements, the City seeks to create a more appealing commercial landscape that benefits both businesses and the community as a whole. The program prioritizes projects that enhance the visible aspects of commercial properties, including front exterior façades, signage, parking lots, and street-visible hardscaping. Specific focuses include new or restored front doors and windows, painting, siding, tuck pointing, awnings, outdoor cafes, company signage, seal coating or resurfacing of parking lots, and perennial plantings as part of larger hardscape projects. The maximum grant amount for parking lot funding is $1,000, and for annual plantings, it is $200. Expected outcomes include a measurable improvement in the overall aesthetics of commercial properties, increased reinvestment in the commercial sector, and enhanced economic vitality in Wickliffe. The program offers reimbursement assistance of up to 50% of total eligible project costs, with a maximum reimbursement of $10,000, ensuring that significant improvements can be undertaken. The duration of the grant is stated as more than 10 years, suggesting a long-term commitment to these strategic priorities and a theory of change that posits sustained investment in commercial aesthetics will lead to lasting economic benefits and community development.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to public water systems in Maine to develop essential plans and documents that enhance their technical, financial, or managerial capabilities.

The City of Bellingham's Tourism Promotion Grants program aims to bolster economic activity within the city by attracting tourists. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to stimulate local commerce and development by encouraging visitor stays and expenditures. The program is designed to provide "seed money" for new events or marketing funds for ongoing events, with the overarching goal of increasing hotel stays and drawing more tourists to Bellingham. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are organizations and individuals hosting events or activities that have the potential to attract tourists to Bellingham. The impact goals are centered on increasing economic activity through tourism, specifically by "putting heads in beds" (hotel stays) and encouraging visitor spending. The program prioritizes activities that directly contribute to drawing tourists to the city, making funding contingent on this core objective. The grant program offers two distinct types: the Start-Up Grant and the Standard Grant. The Start-Up Grant is for events or activities that are three years young or less, allowing funds to be used for marketing and eligible operating expenses such as venue rentals, equipment rentals, a portion of rent, and the purchase of goods/supplies with prior approval. The Standard Grant is for events or activities that have been running for over three years, with similar eligible operating expenses. Both grant types explicitly exclude payroll, travel, alcohol, and equipment expenses. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in tourism-related economic activity, particularly in hotel occupancy and local spending. Measurable results would likely be tracked through metrics such as visitor numbers, hotel bookings, and event attendance, all contributing to the city's economic growth. The program's strategic priority is to maximize tourist attraction to Bellingham, and its theory of change is that by providing financial support for new and existing events that draw visitors, the city will experience a direct and positive economic impact from increased tourism.

The City of Bellingham is offering a grant for parties capable of producing a special or unique public experience, referred to as a “signature event.” This grant aims to foster artistic and cultural impact within the local community and among visitors, celebrating Bellingham’s indoor food, restaurant, arts, and culture scene. While the specific foundation mission or strategic priorities are not explicitly stated as a separate entity, the City of Bellingham's Tourism Commission acts as the guiding body with clearly defined goals that serve a similar purpose, aligning with the broader civic objective of enhancing the city's appeal and economic vitality through tourism and cultural enrichment. The target beneficiaries include the local community of Bellingham, visitors (with an emphasis on Canadian tourists), and historically marginalized communities such as BIPOC and LGBTQIA+. The impact goals are multi-faceted, aiming to create meaningful artistic and cultural experiences, celebrate local culinary and arts scenes, promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, attract significant tourism (particularly overnight stays), generate secondary economic benefits, and foster a positive long-lasting impression of Bellingham/Whatcom County. The program also seeks to integrate new and emerging talent, ensuring a dynamic and evolving cultural landscape. The program prioritizes events that provide a unique and distinctive Pacific Northwest experience, avoiding replication of events found in larger cities like Seattle. A strong focus is placed on walkability, highlighting the food and restaurant scene, and incorporating local businesses, history, attractions, and environmental stewardship. Crucially, the program aims for the signature events to become self-sustaining within a few years, minimizing the long-term reliance on City funding. This reflects a strategic priority to seed initiatives that can ultimately thrive independently, contributing to the city's cultural and economic fabric for the long term. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in tourism, particularly from Canadian visitors, and a higher likelihood of overnight stays. The events are anticipated to generate numerous secondary economic benefits for local businesses. Success will also be measured by the artistic and cultural impact on the community, the level of diversity and inclusivity achieved, and the creation of a lasting positive impression of Bellingham. The long-term goal is for these events to become financially self-sufficient after three years, demonstrating a successful launch and sustainable operation, thereby contributing to the City's broader tourism and economic development objectives. Funding is committed for up to three years to provide seed money. Up to $100,000 is available for the first year, with approximately $70,000 for each of the following two years, for one or more signature events. Eligible expenses cover marketing and operational costs. Marketing activities include advertising, publicizing, and distributing information to attract tourists, as well as developing tourism expansion strategies. Operational expenses encompass typical event management costs such as supplies, equipment rentals, and venue fees. This financial structure supports the strategic objective of launching a new event and fostering its growth towards self-sustainability within the initial three-year period.

The 2025 Juvenile Justice Community Agency Grants from Ingham County aim to provide financial support to community agencies, primarily non-profit organizations. This grant program is aligned with the Ingham County Board of Commissioners' mission to utilize a portion of the Juvenile Justice Millage proceeds to further the goals and objectives of the County’s Juvenile Justice Millage. The overarching goal is to increase the capacity of the county's juvenile justice system. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are delinquent and disturbed youth within Ingham County. The program's core impact goal is to reduce the involvement of these youth in the formal adjudication process. By supporting community agencies, the county seeks to offer effective treatment and intervention strategies that divert youth from deeper engagement with the justice system. The grant prioritizes proposals from qualified vendors that can demonstrate a clear ability to enhance the county's juvenile justice system. The focus is on increasing capacity for treatment and support services, ultimately leading to a reduction in formal adjudications. The program emphasizes community-based solutions and aims to leverage the expertise of local non-profit organizations. Expected outcomes include an increased availability of effective treatment programs for at-risk youth and a measurable decrease in the number of youth entering or progressing through the formal juvenile justice system. While specific measurable results are not detailed in terms of percentages or absolute numbers within the provided text, the intent is clear: to see a tangible reduction in youth involvement in formal adjudication. The funding cycle makes $240,000 available for these efforts, underscoring the county's strategic priority to invest in prevention and early intervention within its juvenile justice framework.

This funding opportunity supports sustainable building projects and resilient housing designs, particularly those led by or benefiting women, youth, and traditional native Hawaiian practices.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency in Maui County, with a focus on initiatives led by women, youth, and traditional native Hawaiian practices.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations focused on restoring wetlands in Maui County, promoting environmental sustainability and community well-being.

The City of Victoria offers grant funding to local non-profit organizations for programs focused on child safety, child abuse intervention/prevention, and drug and alcohol abuse intervention/prevention for children. This initiative directly aligns with the city's mission to enhance the welfare and safety of its youngest residents. Funding is generated from a $1.50 child safety fee assessed during vehicle registration in Victoria County, specifically designated for child safety and welfare services as defined by state law. This funding mechanism demonstrates a clear strategic priority to leverage local resources for community benefit, with a direct link between vehicle registration fees and child welfare programs. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are children within Victoria County, particularly those in vulnerable situations such as foster care, at-risk youth, or those coping with the effects of abuse. The program targets specific needs, aiming to bridge gaps in services, provide essential after-school support, and offer critical training for caregivers and mentors. The impact goals are broad, encompassing physical and mental health, safety education, and the prevention of substance abuse among children. The City of Victoria's strategic priorities are evident in its focus on prevention, intervention, and support services for children. In fiscal year 2024, the City of Victoria prioritized various programs. These included "Bridging the Gap" for foster children (A World for Children), after-school programs for different age groups (Boys & Girls Club of Victoria, Mid-Coast Family Services), supplies and training for CPR/first aid and mental health (Girl Scouts of Greater South Texas), staff funding and occupancy expenses (Golden Crescent CASA, The Gabriel Project of the Golden Crescent), and part-time therapy for abused children and families (Hope of South Texas). These examples highlight a multi-faceted approach, addressing both immediate needs and long-term developmental support. The expected outcomes of these programs include improved child safety, reduced instances of child abuse, increased access to supportive after-school environments, enhanced mental and physical health for children, and decreased rates of drug and alcohol abuse among the youth. Measurable results could include the number of children served, participation rates in after-school programs, the number of individuals receiving training, and indicators of improved well-being among program participants. The City of Victoria's theory of change appears to be that by investing in local non-profits and their specialized programs, they can create a safer, healthier, and more supportive environment for the children of Victoria.

This funding opportunity is designed for nonprofit organizations in Los Angeles County that provide arts and cultural services, enabling them to enhance and expand their projects that benefit the local community.

The Somerville Health Foundation (SHF) invites proposals for projects and activities in Massachusetts that align with its mission to promote and support accessible primary care and preventive health services for Somerville residents. This also includes supporting educational, research, and outreach programs to enhance the delivery and accessibility of these services. The foundation's overarching goal is to provide financial resources that enable it to fulfill these core purposes, ultimately improving the health and well-being of the community. The target beneficiaries are primarily residents of the City of Somerville, Massachusetts, with a particular focus on addressing the disproportionate health impacts on low-income communities and communities of color. The impact goals revolve around creating a healthier, more equitable Somerville by addressing social determinants of health. The foundation’s strategic priorities are rooted in principles of language justice, inclusion of underrepresented voices in leadership and decision-making, and system improvements that foster collective care. SHF prioritizes proposals that also address specific preventative health areas. These include Housing (affordability, stability, anti-displacement, safety, accessibility, homelessness), Equitable Economies (sustainable food systems, living wages, healthy working conditions, caregiving systems), Equity in Access to Healthcare, Services and Information (costs, cultural/linguistic barriers, navigation, referrals, staffing, transportation, digital access, quality, disability accessibility), and Climate Health and Justice (air/water quality, climate change preparedness). The expected outcomes are projects or activities that directly contribute to the SHF's mission and priority areas. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the general grant overview, the emphasis on addressing specific concerns within each priority area suggests that successful proposals would demonstrate measurable progress in these areas. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by strategically funding initiatives that address these core principles and preventative health priorities, it can improve access to care, reduce health disparities, and ultimately enhance the overall health of the Somerville community. The SHF plans to distribute approximately $30,000 this year, funding two projects at $15,000 each.

The City of Kemah's Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Sponsorship Program offers funding to organizations for events that directly enhance and promote tourism, as well as the convention and hotel industry within the city. This initiative is designed to align with the city's mission to stimulate economic growth through increased visitor traffic, ensuring that the local hospitality sector benefits from funded activities. The program's core objective is to utilize Hotel/Motel Tax funds to support endeavors that bring tangible advantages to Kemah's tourism landscape. To be eligible for funding, applications must satisfy a two-part criterion. Firstly, the "heads in beds" test requires that every funded project or event must demonstrably attract overnight tourists to Kemah's hotels and motels, thereby directly bolstering the city's lodging industry. This ensures that the grant funds are utilized in a manner that directly contributes to the program's primary goal of promoting the city's hotel industry. The target beneficiaries are primarily the hotels, motels, and businesses within the tourism sector in Kemah, with the ultimate impact goal of increasing their revenue and overall economic vitality. Secondly, the project or event must fall into one of nine statutorily authorized categories. These categories include convention and visitor centers/registration, advertising the city, promotion of the arts, historical restoration and preservation, sporting events in counties under one million in population, enhancing or upgrading existing sports facilities or fields (in certain cities), tourist transportation systems, and signage directing the public to frequently visited sights and attractions. These categories represent the key priorities and focuses of the grant program, ensuring that diverse aspects of tourism and community enrichment are supported. The expected outcomes and measurable results of the program include a measurable increase in hotel occupancy rates, a rise in the number of overnight tourists, and an enhancement of Kemah's reputation as a tourist destination. By funding projects aligned with these categories, the city aims to create a vibrant tourism ecosystem that benefits both visitors and local businesses. The City of Kemah's strategic priority is to maximize the economic benefits derived from the Hotel/Motel Tax through targeted investments in tourism promotion and infrastructure. The theory of change behind this program is that by providing financial support to events and projects that directly attract overnight visitors and enhance tourist experiences, the city will foster sustainable growth in its tourism and hotel industries.

This program provides financial support to organizations in Miami County for tourism-related projects that enhance visitor experiences, drive visitation, and contribute to the local economy.

The Ramsey County Trusted Messenger Initiative Grants aim to foster and develop innovative approaches for delivering public health services, resources, and information. The overarching mission alignment for this initiative is to address health inequalities, language barriers, and isolation from county services, particularly for racially and ethnically diverse communities, immigrant families, and new Minnesotans. By empowering trusted messengers, the program seeks to ensure equitable access to crucial public health support and information, aligning with a strategic goal of community well-being and health equity. The program targets specific beneficiaries across several priority areas. For "Healthy Communities," the focus is on racially and ethnically diverse communities, immigrant families, and new Minnesotans, with an impact goal of increasing awareness and access to culturally informed public health information in areas like healthy aging, Hmong health, sexual violence, adolescent health, and child/teen checkups. The "Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)" priority specifically targets pregnant and postpartum women and their children, especially early in pregnancy and multigenerational African American populations, with the goal of increasing WIC program awareness and referrals for healthy food, nutrition education, and lactation support. The "Family Health and Home Visiting" area is dedicated to promoting equity in birth outcomes for diverse communities, including African American, Native American, Latino/x, and immigrant populations, aiming to support families, fathers, and other caregivers in navigating pre- and post-birth care with a holistic approach. Key priorities also include "Clinical Services," which seeks to increase awareness and access to vaccines, immunizations, tuberculosis care, sexual and reproductive health services (HIV/STD testing, syringe services), wound care, and naloxone training for people using drugs. "Environmental Health" prioritizes finding creative ways to boost participation in food scraps pick-up, hazardous waste drop-off, and electronics recycling programs, especially within racially and ethnically diverse communities, while also raising awareness of the Environmental Service Center. Finally, "Climate Action" aims to increase awareness of climate change's health impacts and county resources to mitigate them. The expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around enhanced public health service delivery and increased community engagement. The initiative anticipates awarding approximately 10 grants, each up to $36,000, with an emphasis on reaching underserved populations. Success will be measured by improved access to health information, increased participation in public health programs, and a reduction in health disparities among the targeted communities. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its encouragement of applications from organizations that have not previously contracted with Ramsey County, ethnically and culturally diverse, women-owned, or veteran-owned organizations, and those with fewer than 50 employees, indicating a theory of change that values community-led, grassroots efforts and seeks to broaden the network of trusted service providers. Organizations serving adjacent counties like Dakota County are also encouraged, signaling a broader regional impact goal.