Local Grants

The City of Tallahassee's Vibrant Neighborhoods Grant Program (VNG) aims to support resident-led projects that improve the quality of life in Tallahassee neighborhoods. Administered by the City's Neighborhood Affairs Division, the program seeks projects that provide public benefits in categories such as community beautification/placemaking, community enrichment programs/initiatives, and neighborhood events. Examples of eligible projects include neighborhood lighting enhancements, community gardens, public workshops, and public art installations. Physical improvements must be located in public rights of way or on public or neighborhood-controlled property.

This program provides financial assistance to property owners and associations in Margate, Florida, for exterior improvements that enhance the visual appeal and value of their properties.

The Main Street Business Relocation Grant Program in Maryland, offered by the City of Laurel, aims to support the success and growth of businesses in the Main Street business area while creating local job opportunities. To be eligible, applicants must have a pre-application meeting with a representative from the Department of Economic and Community Development. Once deemed eligible, applicants can submit a completed application along with preliminary plans that adhere to design guidelines and code requirements. It's important to note that any improvements made prior to application approval and agreement execution are not eligible for reimbursement.

This program provides funding to community groups and residents in Portland to create projects that improve stormwater management and enhance the health of local watersheds through green infrastructure and educational initiatives.

Water/Sewer Assistance Program for Low-income Households in Washington State, also known as LIHWAP, aims to help low-income households meet their immediate water needs. The program provides one-time assistance per program year to eligible households with incomes at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. LIHWAP is funded by a federal block grant program and assists households in maintaining affordable and dependable utility services to avoid shutoff. The program offers grants of up to $2500, depending on income, household size, type of housing, and heat bill, to pay arrearage/past-due balances directly to the water provider on behalf of eligible households.

This grant provides funding for individual artists, arts organizations, and small businesses in Chula Vista to create free cultural events and projects that promote community engagement and inclusivity in various artistic disciplines.

City of New Bedford Enhanced Facade Improvement Program in Massachusetts offers a Facade Grant to owners and tenants of commercial properties to enhance or restore the original character of their buildings. The program aims to facilitate commercial revitalization, stimulate private investment, preserve and beautify New Bedford’s Commercial Districts, and create a pleasant walking environment. The objective is to assist in substantially beautifying the entire facade or elevation of a commercial building while promoting retail activities, encouraging neighborhood character and architectural design, and using quality materials with good design concepts. Applications prepared by tenants must be signed and submitted by the building owner.

NBForward! is a small business assistance program administered by the New Bedford Economic Development Council (NBEDC). It aims to help businesses navigate the challenges of the pandemic recovery phase while preparing for future growth. The program offers grants of up to $20,000, which must be matched with an NBEDC loan ranging from $10,000 to $200,000 with deferred payments for three months. In addition to financial assistance, technical support such as business planning and resource guidance is provided. Eligible applicants are for-profit businesses that have a physical location in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and have been in operation since at least January 1, 2020. Businesses must demonstrate continued adverse effects from the COVID-19 pandemic. Chains, franchises, liquor stores, tobacco shops, pawn shops, adult entertainment establishments, passive real estate investments, and businesses not complying with all local, state, and federal laws are ineligible.

This program provides funding to neighborhood associations in Manatee County, Florida, to enhance community engagement and address local issues through resident-led projects.

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.

City of Seattle: Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute Facility Grant (Washington) - The LHPAI Facility Grant supports public projects, opportunities, or events that celebrate and preserve African American and Diaspora performing arts and cultural legacies. It provides up to 40 hours of staffed building use for public arts or cultural events at LHPAI, with no monetary investment. Projects must focus on audience expansion, LHPAI goals, and community impact, serving underserved artists and communities while building community through arts and culture.

The North St. Louis Commercial Corridor Grant Program in Missouri has been allocated $37 million of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds for administration by the St. Louis Development Corporation. The program includes Community Need Grants for small businesses and nonprofits located in a HUD Qualified Census Tract within a neighborhood containing part of one of the North St. Louis Commercial Corridors, as well as Small Business Stabilization & Expansion Grants for operational support and business growth. Additionally, there is a Façade and Storefront Improvements Program aimed at enhancing the value of businesses and improving the quality of customer experience in North St. Louis neighborhoods.

City of Long Beach Activatelb Cultural Special Events Grants, funded by the Long Beach Recovery Act, seeks to support large citywide cultural special events that have not been previously funded by the City. The goal is to celebrate the diverse communities of Long Beach and promote community healing through cultural practices. Eligible events must be free and open to the public, and grant funding will cover the costs of City special event permits and fees.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Decatur County, Indiana, that focus on agricultural education, youth programming, and the preservation of farming history.

This program provides financial assistance to eligible homeowners in Waupaca for essential exterior repairs to preserve older homes, particularly those impacted by financial hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Business Innovation & Support Grants are available for small businesses in Iowa with one to 10 employees. This program, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and administered in partnership with the City and Chamber of Commerce, aims to provide financial support to small businesses that have faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Grant funding ranges from $5,500 to $15,500, and recipients will also receive up to five hours of mandatory business counseling from a pre-approved business coach, with $500 reserved from each cash award for this coaching fee.

COVID-19 Relief Fund in California is offering ongoing operating grants to nonprofit organizations and public agencies supporting vulnerable populations affected by the pandemic. Grant requests will be considered for basic needs assistance, program support, mental health impact programming, and proactive COVID-19 recovery efforts. Grants are expected to range from $5,000 to $30,000 and will be reviewed continuously.

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.

The Public-Space Activation Fund (PAF) is a grant opportunity offered by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs. The grant program aims to fund temporary, creative projects in public spaces within LA City neighborhoods where arts and culture are absent or scarce. The funding levels range from $600 to $45,000, depending on the category and complexity of the proposed projects. The grant is open for monthly submissions from October 2023 to July 2024. Eligible applicants include Los Angeles-based community entrepreneurs, independent artists, cultural activists, nonprofit organizations, and collaborative partnerships under the stewardship of one lead-agent. There are four categories under PAF: Neighborhood Expressions (NE), Arts and Social Wellness (ASW), International Festivals & Intercultural Foods (IFIF), and International Participation And Promotion Projects (IPAPP). Each category has specific requirements and funding ranges. The primary aim of PAF is to activate designated public spaces through creative-connectivity for well-defined audiences. The deadline for applications is July 31, 2024, at 12:00 am. For more information on eligibility requirements and application instructions, prospective applicants are encouraged to refer to the PAF program guidelines available at dcaredesign.org/artsactivate or contact Armando Smith at armando.smith@lacity.org or Ben Espinosa at ben.espinosa@lacity.org.

The Audience Access (AUD) Grant Program, administered by Francine Andersen, is a grant opportunity provided by the Miami-Dade County government. The program aims to fund arts program-related technology and services that ensure ADA compliance and programmatic access for audiences of all abilities. Examples of eligible services include American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, captioning, audio description, Braille materials, ADA/access training, and other similar services. It is important to note that this grant program does not support entire projects/productions or major capital/facilities projects or improvements such as construction or renovation. The maximum grant request is $5,000, and funded projects will be paid on a reimbursement basis upon project completion and submission of a correct and complete final report with all required documentation. Applications must be submitted at least one month prior to the project/event start date, and applicants may apply once per fiscal year. Funding is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information on eligibility requirements and guidelines, please refer to the AUD Grant program guidelines provided on their website.