Local Grants

This program provides financial assistance and support to new small businesses in Santa Ana, helping them thrive during their first three years of operation.

The FY 2025 Latino Community Development Grant (LCDG), solicited by the Executive Office of Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs (MOLA), aims to bolster Latino-serving programs within the District of Columbia. This grant seeks to enhance initiatives across various critical areas, including Education (all ages), Workforce and Economic Development, Housing Services, Civic Engagement, Legal Services, Public Safety, Crisis Intervention, Health and Wellness, and Arts, Culture, and Humanities. This aligns with MOLA's mission to support and empower the Latino community in the District. The grant targets the District of Columbia’s Latino community, with an emphasis on improving the quality of life and fostering stronger communities. The expected outcomes include strengthening the middle class, ensuring access to job opportunities, and enabling residents to build better lives for themselves and their loved ones across all eight wards. By investing in these key areas, the program intends to create a more equitable and prosperous environment for Latino residents. Key funding priorities include the "Downtown Comeback," which seeks to reimagine Downtown DC as a vibrant center for living, working, and playing, positioning the District as a global and forward-thinking leader. Another critical priority is "Public Safety," aiming to create significant, lasting change by reducing all forms of violence, including gun violence. "Education" is also a core focus, with the goal of ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential through strong schools, reading, math, recreational activities, and civic and youth engagement. The strategic approach of this grant is rooted in the belief that investing in education, housing, and economic development will lead to improved public safety and overall quality of life for residents. By empowering the District to remain a city for people of all ages and stages of life, and by fighting to protect the middle class, the program aims for comprehensive community upliftment. The grant’s theory of change posits that targeted support for CBOs providing direct services will result in tangible progress towards these community-wide goals.

The Creative Economy Fund, formerly known as the Creative Industries Incentive Fund, is an initiative by the City of San José Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs (OEDCA) in partnership with the Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI). CCI is a nonprofit intermediary dedicated to the economic security of individuals in the arts. The fund awards project grants to arts, cultural, and creative-based commercial businesses located within the City of San José. These businesses can be involved in the production or distribution of the arts, encompassing manufacturers, service providers, presenters, and designers. The program's mission is aligned with enhancing San José’s creative economy and bolstering the growth and financial resilience of small arts, cultural, and creative-based businesses, as well as providing financial support to artists and creative entrepreneurs across all disciplines, both non-commercial and commercial. The primary target beneficiaries of the Creative Economy Fund are commercial enterprises, including small businesses (defined as those with 35 employees or less by the City of San José) and sole proprietorships. These businesses must be based in San José and primarily provide a cultural, creative, or arts-related service or product. They must also be in good standing with the City of San José, holding an active business tax certificate. The fund explicitly supports projects and activities aimed at building successful arts, cultural, and creative-based small businesses, fostering economic stability and growth within the creative sector. For the 2024 grantmaking round, a total of $40,000 is available, with grants of up to $8,000 awarded through a competitive application process. The program prioritizes applicants who contribute to the city’s cultural vibrancy, demonstrate readiness for project implementation, and show potential for growth and greater financial resilience. A key focus is on demonstrating economic impact, such as attracting visitors, generating sales tax, and creating jobs within San José. Competitive applicants are also expected to reflect the City’s diverse cultural communities and creative-based commercial landscape, ensuring equitable and inclusive support for the creative sector. The expected outcomes and measurable results include enhancing the creative economy, increasing the growth and financial resilience of small arts, cultural, and creative-based businesses, and providing financial support to artists and creative entrepreneurs. The period of support for projects is from September 2024 to September 2025. The fund's strategic priorities are to strengthen the economic foundation of San José's creative sector, facilitate business development, and promote cultural vibrancy. The theory of change posits that by providing targeted financial support and capacity building to creative businesses and entrepreneurs, the fund will stimulate local economic activity, create jobs, and enrich the cultural landscape of San José, ultimately leading to a more robust and resilient creative economy.

The Hospice Foundation of Oklahoma at OCCF grant opportunity, managed by the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, is dedicated to enhancing end-of-life care and promoting awareness of hospice and palliative care options across Oklahoma. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission to support critical community needs, focusing on areas that directly improve the well-being and dignity of individuals during a vulnerable life stage. The grant aims to foster a more informed and supportive environment for patients and their families by addressing gaps in education, awareness, and accessible care models. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are healthcare professionals, patients, families, and the general public throughout Oklahoma. The impact goals are multifaceted: to improve the quality and accessibility of end-of-life care, to increase public understanding of available options such as hospice, palliative care, and advance directives, and to develop innovative social model hospice services. By empowering healthcare providers with specialized training and informing the community, the grant seeks to ensure that individuals can make informed decisions about their end-of-life journey and receive compassionate support. The grant program prioritizes three key areas: Education, Awareness, and Social Model Hospice. Education programs focus on training healthcare professionals in hospice, palliative care, and end-of-life issues. Awareness programs aim to inform patients, families, and the public about their rights, care options, and legal aspects like advance directives. The Social Model Hospice category is designed to establish or expand non-medical hospice facilities and services, offering dedicated home-like environments with round-the-clock individualized care, particularly when dying at home becomes unmanageable. This includes support for facility purchasing, remodeling, furnishing, equipment, and general operating costs. Expected outcomes include a better-educated healthcare workforce, an increase in public knowledge about end-of-life care, and the establishment of new or expanded social model hospice facilities. Measurable results for education and awareness grants, typically ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, could involve tracking the number of professionals trained or the reach of public information campaigns. For social model hospice grants, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 over two years, outcomes could include the number of new facilities, beds available, or individuals served. The foundation’s strategic priority is to invest in programs that demonstrate a clear theory of change, leading to tangible improvements in end-of-life care infrastructure and community understanding across the state.

This grant supports the purchase of new, more efficient equipment to enhance business operations in Goshen County. It focuses on helping businesses become more productive and competitive by upgrading their operational tools. Technology upgrades and deferred maintenance are not eligible. Applicants must seek multiple bids, preferably from local contractors. Deadlines: Applications due first Friday of November, February, May, August

This grant provides funding to Goshen County businesses to enhance their workforce training initiatives. It aims to complement potential funding from Wyoming Workforce Development, addressing the increasingly competitive nature of workforce development funds. The grant supports the creation of training programs that improve skills and capabilities, thereby boosting job creation and economic prosperity within the county. Deadlines: Applications due first Friday of November, February, May, August

This grant caters to unique and innovative projects that do not fit the conventional frameworks of the other sub-grants but still demonstrate significant economic development merit. Eligible projects may include feasibility studies, engineered drawings, architecture plans, and planning studies. These projects should aim to significantly impact the economic landscape of Goshen County. Deadlines: Applications due first Friday of November, February, May, August

This grant aims to assist businesses in Goshen County to diversify and enhance their online presence, a critical factor due to the growing importance of e-commerce post-COVID-19. Funding covers website creation, e-commerce platform set-up, app creation, POS system upgrades necessary for e-commerce integration, and other related online business development tools. Projects require multiple bids and give preference to local contractors. Deadlines: Applications due first Friday of November, February, May, August

The Alachua County Small Farmer Grant Program is a mini-grant initiative funded by the County Commission, designed to support Alachua County-based small farms and ranches. The program aims to promote local food system economic resilience and equity, particularly for marginalized communities. This grant differs from traditional reimbursement models by offering an immediate infusion of funds upon award, recognizing that small producers may lack the immediate cash flow for capital equipment. The total funding available for this mini-grant is approximately $100,000, with individual grant requests not exceeding $5,000. The primary target beneficiaries are small producers (farms, ranches, or other agricultural operations) within Alachua County that produce foodstuffs for human consumption and have annual gross cash income between $1,000 and $250,000. There is a strong prioritization for small producers with an annual gross cash income of no more than $75,000. Furthermore, the program specifically prioritizes black, women, indigenous, and persons-of-color owned agricultural operations, aligning with broader goals of economic equity and community support. The program's key priorities and focuses include assisting Alachua County residents and supporting the immediate acquisition of capital infrastructure and equipment. This direct funding approach is intended to enhance the farm's productive capability and financial expansion, addressing a critical need for small producers who may struggle with upfront costs. The grant is not a cost reimbursement grant, emphasizing its role in providing immediate financial support. Expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around improving the economic viability of these small producers and increasing the resiliency of local food production. The program also aims to expand the production of related value-added farm products. Ultimately, these efforts are designed to achieve the Board's policies related to economic development, specifically by increasing economic prosperity, economic equity, and fostering a diverse tax base within Alachua County.

This grant focuses on funding publicly owned infrastructure or community improvements like sidewalks, curbs, and artistic enhancements that serve the needs of businesses and citizens in Goshen County. These projects must directly relate to economic development and are intended to improve the quality of life and economic diversification efforts. Preference is given to local contractors if multiple bids are sought. Deadlines: Applications due first Friday of November, February, May, August

The City of Newport News is offering a Gun Violence Intervention Grant to fund or enhance evidence-based strategies and projects that reduce gun violence within the city. This grant program aligns with the city's commitment to partner with community-based organizations (CBOs) to interrupt cycles of violence and support those at the highest risk. The program represents the third and final year of the GVIP cohort that began in FY 2023, with an allocation of $1,000,000 in the City Manager’s recommended operating budget for FY 2025. Organizations may be eligible for future funding through the annual City of Newport News Community Support Agency Grant program, which opens in October 2024. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are children, youth, young adults, and families residing in Newport News. The impact goal is to significantly reduce gun violence by implementing or enhancing effective, evidence-based strategies. Proposals are expected to demonstrate the utilization of such strategies and have a clear sustainability plan that includes sources of funding beyond the City of Newport News. Applicants for continuation funding must show progress and success from their FY 2024 projects. The grant prioritizes efforts around seven critical areas: Effective Conflict Resolution, Healthy Family Functioning, Economic Prosperity, Gun Control & Safety, A Caring Community, Mental Wellness & Healing, and Effective Deterrence & Adjudication. Projects eligible for continuation funding must address one or more of these critical areas, or focus on concentrated poverty, access to guns, desensitized communities, the judicial system, mental health/unaddressed trauma, family dysfunction, or poor conflict resolution. Additionally, projects relating to youth violence prevention or early intervention should align with CDC guidelines on individual, family, community, peer, and social risk factors. Collaboration among organizations is strongly encouraged. Expected outcomes include a reduction in gun violence within Newport News through community-based and evidence-based prevention and intervention projects. Measurable results will stem from addressing the identified critical areas and risk factors. The city's strategic priorities are to support CBOs in their violence reduction efforts using best practices. The theory of change is that by funding and partnering with these organizations to implement targeted, evidence-based interventions in critical areas, cycles of violence can be interrupted, and the well-being of those most at risk can be improved, leading to a safer community. The grant period is from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.

Supports Goshen County businesses in making structural enhancements or expansions such as new construction or renovations, aimed at increasing economic activity and market expansion. Excludes roofing and HVAC projects. Applicants must demonstrate the economic development merit of the project through detailed applications and multiple bids, with a preference for local contractors. Deadlines: Applications due first Friday of November, February, May, August

This grant assists Goshen County businesses in enhancing the external appearance of their buildings to attract more customers and improve community aesthetics. Projects can include updates to building frontages and business signage. Applicants are required to provide multiple bids for their projects, with a preference for local contractors, to demonstrate the economic development merit of the enhancements. Deadlines: Applications due first Friday of November, February, May, August

The Portland Office of Violence Prevention is currently accepting applications for the 2024-2025 Safer Portland Grant, a community-based initiative designed to reduce gun violence. This grant program directly aligns with the mission of fostering safer communities by empowering local organizations to implement preventative measures. The overall objective is to mitigate gun violence through a variety of community-led efforts, focusing on proactive intervention and support. The grant targets a broad range of community members within Portland, with a particular emphasis on vulnerable neighborhoods known for high rates of gun violence. Specific prioritized areas include Cully, Hazelwood, Eliot, and Powellhurst-Gilbert, although organizations city-wide are encouraged to apply. The beneficiaries are individuals and families who will benefit from increased safety, access to supportive services, and participation in programs designed to deter violence. The impact goals are to reduce incidents of gun violence, provide support for victims' families, and build capacity within smaller contractors to deliver essential services. The Safer Portland Grant prioritizes several key areas to achieve its objectives. These include preventative programs, workshops, camps, and events aimed at addressing root causes of violence. Flexible funds are also provided for direct community assistance and services, ensuring immediate support where needed. Youth and adult mediation and mentoring programs are a core focus, aiming to foster positive relationships and conflict resolution skills. Furthermore, the grant supports arts and culture or recreational violence prevention programs, recognizing the role of creative and recreational outlets in community well-being. Aftercare support funds for families of victims and capacity building for small contractors providing services are also crucial priorities. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in gun violence rates within targeted neighborhoods and across Portland. Success will also be measured by the increased participation in preventative programs, the number of individuals receiving direct community assistance, and the enhanced capacity of local organizations to deliver effective violence prevention services. The grant's strategic priorities are to invest in community-led solutions, foster collaboration, and provide flexible funding that can adapt to the unique needs of different communities. This approach operates on the theory of change that by empowering and resourcing local efforts, sustainable reductions in gun violence can be achieved, leading to safer and more resilient communities for all Portland residents. A total of $500,000 is available, with individual grant awards ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.

The Endow El Dorado 2024 SAPLING Grant, offered by the El Dorado Community Foundation, aims to support the growth of nascent nonprofit organizations serving the residents and communities of El Dorado County. This grant is specifically designed for "sapling" nonprofits, defined as those with less than $175,000 in gross annual revenue. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to strengthen the local community by fostering the development of smaller, yet impactful, organizations. The grant's focus on capacity building or project/program ideas indicates a strategic commitment to empowering these nonprofits to enhance their operational effectiveness and deliver more substantial services. The target beneficiaries of this grant are nonprofit organizations that specifically serve El Dorado County communities and meet the revenue criteria. The grant seeks to impact these organizations by providing them with crucial financial support, ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, to be utilized during the 2024-2025 year. The primary impact goal is to enable these sapling nonprofits to either bolster their internal capabilities (capacity building) or implement specific projects and programs that directly benefit the community. This direct investment in smaller local organizations suggests a theory of change rooted in the belief that empowering grassroots efforts leads to a more resilient and vibrant community ecosystem. The priorities and focuses of the SAPLING grant are clearly defined: serving El Dorado County communities, supporting organizations with less than $175,000 in gross revenue, and ensuring grantees are in good standing with relevant regulatory bodies (IRS, CA SOS, CA DOJ, and FTB). These requirements emphasize accountability and local impact, ensuring that the grants are directed towards credible organizations committed to the well-being of El Dorado County. The flexibility to use funds for either capacity building or program implementation allows nonprofits to address their most pressing needs, whether it's strengthening their infrastructure or launching new initiatives. Expected outcomes and measurable results, while not explicitly detailed in quantifiable metrics, can be inferred from the grant's design. For capacity building, success would involve improved organizational efficiency, enhanced fundraising capabilities, or stronger governance. For project/program ideas, outcomes would relate to the specific objectives of those initiatives, such as increased service delivery, improved community well-being in a particular area, or heightened awareness of a social issue. The foundation's strategic priorities appear to center on fostering the growth of local nonprofits, recognizing their essential role in addressing community needs, and providing targeted support to those at an earlier stage of development. By investing in these sapling organizations, the El Dorado Community Foundation aims to cultivate a robust and diverse nonprofit sector that can effectively serve the evolving needs of El Dorado County residents.

The City of Charlotte's Corridors of Opportunity (COO) program aims to foster thriving communities, build lasting legacies, and promote equitable growth across six key corridors. These corridors serve as vital links that connect people to essential resources and businesses. Key Partnerships The city collaborates with Business District Organizations (BDOs) to enhance the vitality of neighborhood commercial districts. The partnership involves building organizational capacity and providing business-support services, which are essential for fostering vibrant, healthy business environments. Funding Opportunity The program is leveraging a one-time funding opportunity through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The Charlotte City Council has approved $1M to support this initiative. This funding will assist both established and emerging BDOs in enhancing their services and organizational capabilities. Application Period Open Date: Monday, May 6 Close Date: Friday, June 14, at 5 p.m. How It Works Objective: Address the most immediate needs of BDOs within the COO through capacity building and tailored technical assistance. Funding Use: The grant supports organizational development, asset inventories, marketing communications, and development support services. Requirements: All applying organizations must complete strategic work and inventories or provide existing documentation. Eligibility Organizations: Must be non-profit with a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) designation. Location: Must serve a business district within the COO. Representation: Must represent at least 10 businesses within the district. Registration: Active SAM.gov UEI or have a fiduciary/fiscal sponsor with an UEI. Application Process Access: Use the provided link to create a login and apply. Documentation: Include a Work Sheet template indicating the desired services for funding consideration. Submission: Ensure all documents are read and understood before submitting. Additional Information Webinar: A Q&A webinar will be held on May 16 at 11 am. Registration is required to receive the virtual meeting link. Contact: Questions can be directed to corridorsofopportunity@charlottenc.gov.

The City of Des Moines introduces the Ladder Up Social Equity Grant program, designed to support community organizations that work towards addressing economic disparities among marginalized and underrepresented residents. This initiative is part of the city's commitment to enhancing economic opportunities and fostering equitable outcomes. Funding Source Each year, the program allocates a total of $100,000 from Local Option Sales & Services Tax revenues to fund these critical efforts. The goal is to boost the local economy and strengthen the purchasing power within the community. Eligibility Criteria Organizations eligible to apply must: Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, or have a fiscal partner that is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Be based in Des Moines or demonstrate service to City of Des Moines residents. Have a proven track record of successful economic opportunity programming and a strong commitment to equity and inclusion. Supported Equity Efforts The grant supports a variety of initiatives, including but not limited to: Upskilling Programs: Training and education to enhance job skills. Small Business Support: Start-up assistance and ongoing coaching for underserved residents. Community Outreach: Targeted efforts towards specific marginalized groups. Language Accessibility: Increasing access to services through language support. Proactive Services: Quality services aimed at underserved communities. Economic Connection: Programs that link residents to economic opportunities. Grant Details Award Amounts: Organizations can receive between $10,000 and $25,000. Use of Funds: The grant covers operational costs such as program administration, supplies, and training. Funds must be used to expand or create programs specifically designed to serve historically marginalized communities.

The Access to Quality Child Care for Children with Disabilities Grant, issued by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), aims to expand the availability of quality, accessible, and affordable child care for infants, toddlers, and school-age children with disabilities within the District of Columbia. This initiative directly aligns with OSSE's mission to improve educational outcomes and ensure equitable access to services for all children, particularly those with special needs. By focusing on increasing the supply of specialized child care options, the program supports the foundational goal of creating inclusive early learning and out-of-school time environments. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are infants, toddlers (6 weeks to under 3 years old), and school-age children (5 to under 19 years old, with exceptions for 3- and 4-year-olds in out-of-school programs) with disabilities residing in the District of Columbia. Eligibility for infants and toddlers is based on an active Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or a diagnosis of specific medical conditions such as genetic, sensory, motor, neurologic, sociocommunicative, medically related, acquired trauma-related, or other OSSE-approved health impairments. For out-of-school time programs, children must have an active 504 Accommodation Plan or an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). The impact goal is to ensure that these children have access to child care slots specifically designed and equipped to meet their unique needs, thereby fostering their development in inclusive settings. The grant prioritizes providing resources to child development facilities and out-of-school time programs licensed by OSSE to create and operate ongoing child care slots. This includes supporting both individual organizations and consortia of multiple organizations. The focus is on expanding the capacity of these programs to cater to children with diverse disabilities within an inclusive framework. OSSE's strategic priority is to address the current gap in specialized child care options, ensuring that children with disabilities receive the comprehensive support necessary for their growth and development. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in the number of quality child care slots available for children with disabilities in DC. Measurable results will likely be tied to the number of new slots created, the number of children served, and the types of disabilities accommodated. The grant's three-year duration and substantial funding (totaling $6 million, with awards ranging from $200,000 to $4 million) reflect a theory of change that posits that by investing in the infrastructure and specialized resources of child care providers, OSSE can directly enhance the educational and developmental opportunities for children with disabilities, ultimately leading to improved long-term outcomes for this vulnerable population.

The Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) provides grants to rural-serving nonprofit organizations, as well as rural community colleges, that promote statewide and regional planning, economic and community development, and agricultural and forestry education. The core mission of this program is to increase the overall capacity of these organizations and community colleges to address a wide array of rural development challenges. A key aspect of the fund's strategy is to help these entities establish new public/private partnerships, which are crucial for leveraging non-state sources of funding and ensuring long-term sustainability. The Rural Maryland Council (RMC) serves as the administrative agency for this grant, managing applications and disbursing funds. The target beneficiaries of MAERDAF are rural-serving nonprofit organizations and rural community colleges. These entities work with communities across Maryland's state-determined rural counties, including Allegany, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Kent, Queen Anne’s, St. Mary’s, Somerset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester. The overarching impact goal is to strengthen rural Maryland through enhanced education, economic opportunities, and community development. By supporting organizations that directly serve these areas, MAERDAF aims to foster a more resilient and prosperous rural landscape. For Fiscal Year 2025, the RMC has outlined several key priority areas for applications. These include Agriculture & Forestry (Agricultural Education, Regional Food System Development, Forest Industry Development), Energy (Combined Heat Power, Energy Efficiency, Biomass), Rural Broadband (Rural Broadband Expansion Efforts, Digital Inclusion Programs), Youth Engagement & Leadership Development (Career Technology Centers, Youth Enrichment Programs), Economic Development (Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Development, Education & Workforce Development, Regional Marketing Efforts & Tourism Projects), and Community Development (Rural Transportation, Housing repairs, Housing counseling, Poverty Alleviation Efforts). These focus areas reflect the most pressing needs and strategic opportunities for rural growth and improvement in Maryland. The expected outcomes and measurable results from MAERDAF grants are multifaceted, aiming for tangible improvements in rural areas. Projects are expected to contribute to the growth of agricultural and forestry sectors, increase energy efficiency, expand rural broadband access, and enhance youth engagement and leadership. In economic development, anticipated outcomes include the creation of entrepreneurship ecosystems, improved workforce development, and increased regional tourism. Community development efforts are designed to result in better rural transportation, improved housing conditions, and a reduction in poverty. While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided information, the focus on these clear outcome areas indicates an expectation of measurable progress in each. MAERDAF's strategic priorities are deeply aligned with a theory of change that posits that by empowering and funding rural-serving organizations and community colleges, a ripple effect of positive development will occur. The funding, budgeted at $878,964 for Fiscal Year 2025 with a maximum grant amount of $45,000, is intended to build the capacity of these local entities. The encouragement of new public/private partnerships further demonstrates a belief that diversified funding and collaborative efforts are essential for long-term impact. The emphasis on a broad range of development areas reflects a holistic approach to rural well-being, recognizing the interconnectedness of agriculture, education, economy, and community health.

This program provides financial support to small businesses in Linn County to hire first-time teen employees, helping to subsidize their wages and promote youth employment during the summer months.