Local Grants

The City of Sacramento Office of Innovation and Economic Development is offering Incubator and Accelerator Grants to fund organizations that support start-up businesses and entrepreneurs in the Sacramento region. The program's mission aligns with stimulating economic development and fostering innovation by nurturing early-stage businesses. The grant size ranges from $10,000 to $100,000, with a total allocation of approximately $500,000, and a grant duration of one year. The deadline for applications is September 9, 2024. The target beneficiaries are early-stage businesses and entrepreneurs within the Sacramento region, particularly those with high growth potential and innovative solutions. The primary impact goal is for participants of the funded incubator and accelerator programs to successfully start or grow their businesses, thereby spurring innovation and stimulating economic development locally. Non-profits and companies are invited to apply for funding to run these programs. The grant prioritizes programs that offer a comprehensive suite of services, including mentorship and coaching from experienced professionals, educational workshops on business planning and financial management, product development support, and legal and administrative assistance. Furthermore, programs should focus on marketing and branding support, strategic partnerships, and facilitating access to funding through pitch training and investor introductions. Access to shared office space is also a valuable component. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the number of new businesses started and existing businesses grown within the Sacramento region. The program aims to foster a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, leading to job creation and economic prosperity. The City's strategic priority is to invest in initiatives that directly contribute to innovation and economic growth, with the theory of change being that by supporting early-stage businesses through comprehensive programs, they will be better equipped to succeed and contribute to the local economy. Eligible activities for grant expenditures are broad, covering program development and delivery, staff salaries, stipends for volunteers and participants, training supplies, office space, marketing, and even food for participants (up to 5% of the grant total). Scholarships for program participants, software subscription fees, and professional services are also permissible. Applicants must operate from a fixed place of business within Sacramento city limits, or provide grant-supported programming within the city, and be in compliance with current and past City grants.

This grant provides funding to community organizations in Soldotna for programs and events that enhance the cultural, economic, and overall quality of life for residents, particularly focusing on public welfare and community growth.

The Nonprofit Capacity Building Capital Support grant program, funded by ARPA, is designed to strengthen nonprofits by addressing their capital needs, thereby improving core operations and infrastructure. This initiative by Gwinnett County aims to assist local nonprofits in more effectively carrying out their missions, both now and in the future, by providing capital support. The program's core aligns with a strategic objective to enhance the capacity and sustainability of organizations serving the community. The target beneficiaries of this grant are private nonprofit organizations registered as 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) that have been in operation for at least 12 months. These organizations must demonstrate a history of serving Gwinnett County residents and have experienced negative economic impacts due to COVID-19. The program specifically seeks to identify nonprofits with limited capacity but impactful activities for Gwinnett County residents most in need, with the overarching impact goal of increasing their effectiveness and ability to meet community needs. The program's priorities and focuses include providing capital support for items such as equipment, software solutions, and vehicles. A key focus is to fund as many organizations as possible within the available funding to increase the overall effectiveness of local nonprofits. This reflects a strategic priority to support organizational capacity building that will sustain or enhance the ability of these nonprofits to address community needs, particularly those aligning with existing recommendations from the Human Services Strategic Plan. Expected outcomes include enhanced organizational capacity, improved infrastructure, and more effective service delivery by Gwinnett County nonprofits. Measurable results will be reflected in the number of organizations receiving awards, with individual capital support awards ranging from $3,000 to $100,000. The county anticipates awarding up to $4,550,000 for these projects, with each award having a duration of 12 months, allowing for concrete project implementation and assessment of capacity improvements.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in New Orleans that focus on community well-being, youth recreation, and cultural enrichment.

The Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama (CFNEA) is offering grants through its Farley Moody Galbraith Fund (FMGF) to 501(c)(3) qualified public charities operating within CFNEA’s nine-county region. The fund's purpose is to address a broad spectrum of charitable needs, aligning with Mrs. Galbraith's historical philanthropic focus on needy children, disadvantaged youth, and the arts. This grant program is a key component of CFNEA's mission to foster charitable support and improve the well-being of communities in Northeast Alabama by leveraging donor legacies to meet current needs. The FMGF primarily targets organizations dedicated to serving needy children, disadvantaged youth, and promoting the arts within Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, DeKalb, Etowah, Randolph, Saint Clair, and Talladega counties in Alabama. The impact goals are to provide essential resources and support to vulnerable populations and to enrich the cultural landscape of the region. By focusing on these specific areas, CFNEA aims to create a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and the vitality of local communities. The program prioritizes organizations that demonstrate a strong operational history and strategic planning. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) not-for-profits or governmental/state agencies with a minimum one-year operating history and a board-approved strategic plan covering at least 24 months, including a mission statement, strategic goals, and measurable objectives. Financial transparency is also key, with revenue-based requirements for submitting audited financial statements, review, or compilation. These criteria ensure that grants are awarded to stable and well-managed organizations capable of effectively utilizing funds. Expected outcomes include improved conditions for needy children and disadvantaged youth, as well as enhanced access to and participation in arts programs. Grant awards, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, are designed to support activities for one year, with awards under $3,000 receiving 100% upfront upon agreement. This structure allows for timely implementation of projects and a clear timeframe for assessing results. The Foundation's theory of change is rooted in the belief that by investing in established, strategically-aligned organizations addressing critical community needs, it can foster sustainable positive change and uphold the charitable intentions of its donors.

The Community Fund is an annual grant program by the Philadelphia City Fund, aligning with the city's goals to enhance residents' quality of life. This initiative supports charitable projects addressing Philadelphia's most pressing needs. The funding is a result of a partnership with the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, which contributes a portion of its annual revenues to the fund. For the 2024 cycle, the program specifically focuses on youth wellness, promoting lifelong healthy activity, and nurturing healthy minds, bodies, and spirits through out-of-school time programming. The target beneficiaries are youth aged pre-K through 12th grade in Philadelphia, particularly those participating in out-of-school time (OST) programs. The program aims to support their healthy physical, social, educational, and emotional development. The impact goal is to increase equitable access to OST programming across the city, with a preference for organizations serving specific Priority ZIP Codes (19120, 19124, 19132, 19134, 19138, 19139, 19141, and 19144) identified through an analysis of quality of life metrics and OST slot distribution. The fund prioritizes small nonprofit organizations with annual operating budgets not exceeding $5 million that provide OST programming to youth in Philadelphia. Grantees will receive $25,000 in unrestricted funds, which can be used for general operations, programmatic activities, or other mission-supporting costs. Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their organization's mission and/or programming aligns with the "Nurturing healthy minds, bodies, and spirits through out-of-school time programming" theme. The expected outcome is improved well-being and safety for youth in Philadelphia through enhanced access to comprehensive OST programming. While specific measurable results beyond the funding allocation and unrestricted nature of the grants are not explicitly detailed, the focus on priority ZIP codes and the definition of OST programming suggest an intention to measure the reach and impact on youth development in underserved areas. Grantees will be expected to comply with Pennsylvania childcare regulations and maintain necessary insurance coverage during the one-year grant term, starting February 2025.

The Northgate Boulevard Storefront Improvement (NBSI) Grant Program is designed to empower small business owners along the Northgate Boulevard commercial corridor by providing financial assistance for exterior property enhancements. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to foster local economic vitality and community pride. By focusing on physical improvements such as new paint, signage, lighting, windows, doors, and awnings, the program directly addresses the aesthetic and functional needs of small businesses, thereby contributing to a more vibrant and appealing commercial district. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are small, for-profit retail or service establishments with street frontage on Northgate Boulevard. These businesses must be independently and locally owned and operated, with a principal office and owners domiciled in the greater Sacramento region. Furthermore, eligible businesses must have 100 or fewer employees or earn $18 million or less in average annual gross receipts over the last three tax years. Tenants are also eligible, provided they secure property owner consent and have a current lease with at least three years remaining, or an assurance of a lease extension. The program explicitly excludes non-profit entities and franchises, ensuring its focus remains on supporting truly local and independent enterprises. The program's impact goals are multifaceted, aiming to support the retention and growth of existing businesses, deter vacancies, attract more visitors to the corridor, and spur new investment. The strategic priority is to enhance the physical appearance of storefronts, which is viewed as a catalyst for broader economic and community benefits. The theory of change posits that by improving the visual appeal and functionality of individual businesses, the entire commercial corridor will become more attractive, leading to increased foot traffic, customer spending, and business stability, ultimately contributing to a more resilient local economy. Eligible activities encompass a range of exterior improvements, including painting, installation or repair of façade elements, restoration of original architectural features, and removal of exterior clutter. Exterior security enhancements are also permitted, with the caveat that they cannot exceed 25% of the total grant award, must comply with City design standards, and be proposed in conjunction with other beautification efforts. Additionally, applicable professional service fees related to design, architectural, electrical, engineering, or construction plans (up to 25% of the award) and City/State permitting fees (up to 10% of the award) are covered. The program has a total of $200,000 available, with minimum funding requests of $5,000 and maximum requests of $15,000 per application, over a project period of one year. These measurable results, coupled with the improved physical appearance of storefronts, will indicate the program's success in achieving its stated objectives.

The BLOOM Grant Program, initiated in 2018 by the BLOOM Business Empowerment Center through the York County Economic Alliance (YCEA), aims to empower small businesses in York County. This initiative aligns with the YCEA's mission to foster economic growth and stability within the region by providing crucial financial support to businesses with tangible needs. The program's core objective is to help businesses improve productivity, expand services, or achieve the next level of growth, thereby contributing to the overall economic vitality of York County. Since its inception, the BLOOM Grant Program has demonstrated significant impact, distributing 235 grants totaling $480,000 to various small businesses and organizations. The program specifically targets small businesses in York County, including those in Downtown York and York County Trail Towns communities, with a particular focus on women-owned businesses, start-up entrepreneurs, and graduates of BLOOM classes. This broad reach reflects a commitment to inclusive economic development, ensuring that a diverse range of businesses can access vital resources for growth. Priority consideration for funding is given to businesses that have not previously received BLOOM grant funding, promoting equitable access and supporting a wider array of enterprises. The program also prioritizes businesses owned by Women, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, and Veterans, aiming to address historical disparities and promote economic empowerment within these communities. Furthermore, businesses that commit to using local businesses for grant implementation are favored, reinforcing local economic cycles and fostering community collaboration. The program awards grants ranging from $500 to $1,500, with amounts determined by need and potential impact. These grants are intended to fund projects that demonstrably improve productivity, expand services, or facilitate business growth. Examples of previously funded projects include improving signage, physical improvements to business locations, marketing initiatives, training and certification for new services, and the purchase of new equipment. The expected outcome is a measurable increase in the operational efficiency, market reach, and overall growth of recipient businesses, contributing to job creation and sustained economic development within York County. This strategic approach reflects the YCEA's theory of change, which posits that targeted financial investment in small businesses, especially those in underrepresented groups, can lead to significant and sustainable regional economic benefits.

The Benton County Community Foundation seeks applications to enhance the quality of life for individuals within Benton County, Missouri, through a flexible community grantmaking program. This initiative aligns directly with the foundation's mission to address the most critical and evolving needs of the community at any given time. The foundation's strategic priority is to empower community leaders, specifically the Benton County Philanthropic Society (Benton County PHIL), to make informed grant decisions that reflect local priorities. The grant program targets 501(c)3 organizations, government entities, school districts, and churches that serve Benton County. The primary impact goal is to fund programs that expand current services or create new ones to address identified priority needs within the county. The Benton County PHIL will determine these priority needs, ensuring that funding directly benefits the local population and improves their overall quality of life. For 2024, the program has a total grant budget of $50,000, bolstered by a $25,000 matching grant from the Patterson Family Foundation. The maximum individual request amount is $25,000, with additional awards of $15,000 and $10,000 for the second and third highly-ranked agencies, respectively. While collaboration among applicants is encouraged, it is not a mandatory eligibility criterion. The expected outcome is to allocate these funds strategically to organizations that can demonstrate a clear plan for positive community impact. Measurable results will stem from the funded projects' ability to expand existing programs or establish new services that address specific community needs. The foundation's theory of change posits that by placing grantmaking decisions in the hands of knowledgeable community leaders and leveraging philanthropic contributions, they can effectively foster sustainable improvements in Benton County. Grant proposals are accepted according to an announced timetable, and recommendations are made as funds become available, ensuring a responsive and impactful grantmaking process.

The Juneau Affordable Housing Fund (JAHF), established by the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ), aims to increase affordable (0% to 80% area median income (AMI)) and middle-income (80% to 120% AMI) housing in Juneau. This initiative aligns with the CBJ's broader mission to address housing needs within the Capital City. The JAHF directs financial resources towards various activities including funding capital costs for rental and ownership housing, supporting capacity-building efforts for non-profit housing developers, and leveraging CBJ investments with other funding sources to maximize the creation and preservation of quality affordable and middle-income housing units. The primary beneficiaries of the JAHF are households within the affordable (0-80% AMI) and middle-income (80-120% AMI) ranges, as well as non-profit housing developers, public housing authorities, tribal governments, and for-profit developers who contribute to the creation of such housing. The impact goals include increasing the number of available affordable and middle-income housing units, fostering long-term affordability, and encouraging downtown housing development. The JAHF prioritizes the use of capital to develop housing units, specifically funding for acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, or preservation of affordable, middle-income, and senior housing, as well as homeowner opportunities. A key focus is on long-term affordability, with a preference for units created with affordability covenants or that are permanently affordable. Additionally, the fund prioritizes housing development within the boundaries established by the Downtown Juneau Residential Tax Abatement Map. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in the supply of affordable and middle-income housing units in Juneau. Measurable results will be tracked through the number of housing units created or preserved, the proportion of units designated for long-term affordability, and the geographic distribution of new developments, particularly in the downtown area. The CBJ’s strategic priority, as reflected in the JAHF, is to implement its Housing Action Plan by directing financial resources and incentives to address the critical need for diverse housing options across different income levels, thereby enhancing the overall livability and economic stability of the community.

The City of Redmond's 2025 Tourism Grants program is designed to foster tourism development and promotion within the city. This initiative aligns with the city's mission to attract visitors from outside a 50-mile radius, specifically prioritizing overnight guests. Funding for these grants is derived from a 1% lodging tax collected on hotel rooms in Redmond, ensuring that the program directly reinvests in local tourism efforts. The program aims to enhance Redmond's appeal as a destination through various events, tournaments, and promotions. The target beneficiaries for these grants include a wide array of public and private organizations with a demonstrated ability to execute proposed projects. This encompasses business, community, cultural, educational, entertainment, heritage, historical, and sports organizations, as well as galleries, museums, and visitor information bureaus. The primary impact goal is to increase the number of visitors to Redmond, thereby stimulating the local economy and enhancing the city's vibrant community. The program prioritizes projects that align with specific state statutes and city ordinances governing the use of Tourism Promotion Program funds. Key focus areas include tourism marketing, the marketing and operations of special events and festivals explicitly designed to attract tourists, and the operations of tourism-related facilities owned or operated by IRC 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations. Grants are competitive, evaluated by the Redmond Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) using official funding criteria and weighted scoring, with recommendations subject to City Council approval. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in tourism activity and overnight stays in Redmond. While the grant duration is not specified, projects must clearly define the services or initiatives to be implemented. The minimum awarded amount is $1,000, and grants cannot exceed 50% of the total project cost. The program's strategic priority is to leverage lodging tax revenues to sustainably grow Redmond's tourism sector, operating under the theory of change that targeted investments in tourism promotion and infrastructure will directly lead to an influx of visitors and associated economic benefits for the city.

The LaGrange County Community Foundation offers Community Impact Grants to support nonprofit organizations serving LaGrange County, Indiana. This program aligns with the Foundation's mission to foster effective, efficient, and self-sustaining nonprofits that create significant community impact. The grants are funded by the Foundation’s unrestricted funds, demonstrating a strategic commitment to addressing broad community needs through flexible funding. The target beneficiaries are nonprofit organizations that serve LaGrange County and its citizens. The primary impact goal is to empower these nonprofits to be more effective, efficient, and self-sustaining. The Foundation specifically seeks innovative or creative projects that will have a significant impact on the community, thereby contributing to the overall well-being and development of LaGrange County. The program prioritizes grant requests that reach a broad segment of the community, promote cooperation to avoid service duplication, and offer seed money for innovative solutions to unmet needs. It also favors projects that provide services not typically available, inspire additional funding, and ultimately enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of charitable organizations. This reflects a strategic focus on collaborative, forward-thinking initiatives that strengthen the nonprofit sector. Expected outcomes include a more robust and responsive nonprofit ecosystem within LaGrange County, with organizations that are better equipped to meet community needs. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the emphasis on significant impact, efficiency, and self-sustainability suggests a focus on long-term positive change. The Foundation’s theory of change appears to be that by supporting innovative and collaborative projects, they can catalyze community-wide improvements and create a lasting positive legacy.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofits in LaGrange County, Indiana, for projects that benefit the Stroh community, such as parks, youth sports, schools, and community events.

The 2024 Youth Development Fund (YDF), launched by the City of Boston's Human Services Cabinet, is a $1.5 million grant program aimed at supporting non-profit organizations that offer high-quality, engaging programs for youth and young adults aged 14-24. The fund prioritizes initiatives aligning with Mayor Michelle Wu’s Connect, Learn, Explore commitment, aiming to increase free youth programming and provide positive outlets for youth outside school hours. Applications are open until 5:00 p.m. on August 19, 2024. This year, the fund will offer two tracks of funding: one for small, emerging organizations and another for larger, established organizations. Emerging organizations will also receive technical assistance and capacity-building support through the Emerging Organization Learning Community. Mayor Wu emphasized the importance of investing in youth programming for the community's future, while Human Services Chief José F. Massó highlighted the fund’s role in partnering with diverse youth development organizations. The program aims to foster growth in small organizations with annual budgets under $200,000 through mentorship and support, while larger organizations can receive grants up to $30,000. The 2024 YDF will focus on sports, gardening, urban farming, culinary arts, arts, and other youth development programming, supporting initiatives across all Boston neighborhoods.

The North Carolina IOLTA's Civil Legal Aid Grant Program aims to provide general support for a network of organizations that ensure basic access to the justice system for indigent individuals across all counties in North Carolina. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to support civil legal aid, encompassing direct representation, training, and technical assistance for eligible clients and groups. Organizations, whether staffed or utilizing pro bono lawyers, contribute to this mission by offering crucial legal services without charge to clients who meet the indigency criteria. The program primarily targets North Carolina residents who are indigent, defined as individuals at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines or eligible for public assistance. Impact goals center on expanding access to justice for these low-income clients, particularly those who are not currently being reached or who require services not otherwise available. The program also seeks to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and collaboration within the civil legal aid delivery system to ensure high-quality legal assistance for the poor. The program offers four main areas of funding, each with distinct priorities. General Civil Legal Aid Grants provide programmatic support to non-profit legal aid organizations whose primary purpose is to serve low-income clients. Project Support Grants focus on specific client subgroups or service types, addressing unmet needs. Pro Bono Support Grants are dedicated to developing and expanding efforts to engage lawyers in voluntary legal services, specifically for indigent clients. Finally, System Support Grants aim to improve the overall civil legal aid delivery system through initiatives like training, research, program innovations, and online tools. Funding criteria prioritize applicants providing direct representation to clients or client groups, including extended representation, brief advice, community legal education, and community economic development. Preference is given to staffed civil legal aid organizations, recognizing them as the most effective means of delivery, with pro bono efforts serving as a vital supplement. The program also favors current qualified providers and organizations with diverse funding sources, emphasizing a sustainable approach to providing legal services. The expected outcomes include increased access to legal services for indigent populations, improved program efficiency, enhanced collaboration among legal aid providers, and ultimately, a more equitable justice system for low-income North Carolinians. The grant period for these initiatives is January 1 to December 31, 2025.

The Merrimack County Social Services Grant Program aims to address the increased demand for social services within the county due to reductions in state and federal funding and current economic conditions affecting charitable giving. Merrimack County, located in New Hampshire, has established this grant to guide the allocation of its limited resources to social service agencies that provide critical services to its residents. The grant period is from January 1 to December 31, 2025, and applications are due by August 30, 2024. The program seeks to ensure that essential services continue to be available to the community, demonstrating a clear alignment with the county's mission to support the well-being of its residents and manage its welfare functions responsibly. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are Merrimack County residents who rely on social services. The program's impact goals are to support agencies that provide critical services that the County would otherwise be obligated to provide or pay for through its welfare function. By funding these agencies, the County aims to reduce its own expenditures and enhance the overall quality of life for its community members. The grant emphasizes a direct or indirect reduction in County expenditures and a clear demonstration of financial need by the requesting agencies, ensuring that resources are directed where they are most needed and will have the greatest impact. The program prioritizes agencies that serve a core group of Merrimack County residents and offer services that significantly enhance the quality of life within the community. The focus is on critical services that address essential needs and, in turn, alleviate the burden on county resources. This strategic approach reflects a theory of change where targeted financial support to effective social service agencies leads to improved community well-being and more efficient use of county funds. The eligibility criteria are designed to ensure that funded initiatives are both impactful and aligned with the county's responsibility to its residents. Expected outcomes include a sustained or improved level of critical social services available to Merrimack County residents, a reduction in the county's direct and indirect expenditures related to welfare and social service provisions, and a demonstrable enhancement in the quality of life within the Merrimack County community. Measurable results will likely be tied to the number of Merrimack County residents served, the specific services provided that the county would otherwise be obligated to offer, and the financial impact on county expenditures. Agencies must clearly demonstrate financial need and how their services enhance the community's quality of life, allowing the county to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of its grant allocations.

The Foothills Community Partnership Charitable Grant Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama, offers grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for a duration of one year. This program is specifically designed to support 501(c)(3) qualified public charities operating within Calhoun County, Alabama. The core mission of this fund is to benefit and enhance the sustainability of services provided by non-profit organizations that address critical human care issues within the county. This aligns directly with the Foundation's broader strategic goal of fostering community well-being and supporting vital local services. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are non-profit organizations serving Calhoun County that focus on human care issues. The overarching impact goal is to strengthen these organizations, enabling them to deliver more effective and sustainable services to the community. By providing financial support, the fund aims to help these organizations achieve their objectives and improve the quality of life for residents in Calhoun County. The fund's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined: Education, Community and economic development, and Safety and wellness. Programs and projects that address these specific community issues are given precedence. This targeted approach ensures that the grants contribute to strategic areas identified as crucial for the growth and stability of the community. Expected outcomes include a strengthened non-profit sector in Calhoun County, leading to improved access to essential human care services. Measurable results could involve an increased number of individuals benefiting from educational programs, enhanced economic opportunities, or a reduction in safety and wellness concerns within the community, all directly supported by the funded projects. The Foundation's theory of change posits that by strategically investing in these key areas through local non-profits, it can foster a more resilient, educated, and healthy community in Calhoun County.

The Harland Jones Charitable Fund (HJCF), administered by the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama (CFNEA), provides grants to 501(c)(3) qualified public charities in CFNEA's nine-county region. This grant program is aligned with the foundation's mission to support youth development through specific programming. Grant awards range from $1,000 to $10,000, with a one-year grant duration. Organizations must be tax-exempt, have at least one year of operating history after 501(c)(3) classification, and possess a board-approved strategic plan covering at least 24 months, including mission statement, strategic goals, and measurable objectives. The HJCF targets youth up to age nineteen, with a focus on programs that promote education, literacy, safety, and moral and physical development. The expected outcome is to provide charitable support to organizations that positively impact the lives of young people within the designated region. Measurable results would stem from the objectives outlined in the applying organizations' strategic plans, which are a required component of eligibility. The grant program's priorities clearly revolve around enhancing the well-being and development of youth. The foundation's strategic priorities, as reflected in the HJCF, emphasize direct support for operational charities rather than endowments, capital campaigns, or individual grants. This indicates a theory of change that focuses on empowering existing organizations with a proven track record to deliver services. The eligibility criteria regarding financial statements (audited, review, or compilation based on budget size) further suggest a commitment to responsible stewardship and accountability, ensuring that funds are directed to organizations capable of managing them effectively. Funding restrictions highlight areas that the foundation will not support, such as discriminatory practices, lobbying, political purposes, and organizations with less than one year of operation, or those with open grants in the same fund. This demonstrates the foundation's commitment to ethical practices, long-term impact, and ensuring equitable distribution of resources. The comprehensive guidelines ensure that grant funds are utilized for their intended charitable purposes, aligning with the overall strategic objective of fostering community development through targeted support for youth-focused programs.

The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin is accepting applications for its Women’s Fund, a component fund managed by an Advisory Board of community volunteers and staff. The fund's mission aligns with the Foundation's broader goals by providing a permanently endowed funding source to non-profit agencies serving the needs of women and girls in Rock County, while also offering hands-on grant-making and leadership experiences for Fund donors. This initiative directly supports the Foundation's strategic priorities by empowering women and girls and fostering community engagement in philanthropic efforts. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are women and girls in Rock County, Wisconsin, particularly those facing mental health challenges. The fund aims to address needs such as depression, anxiety, caregiver stress, addictions, work/family stress, isolation, and human trafficking. The impact goals are to improve the mental well-being of this target population through both prevention and response programs. The Foundation's theory of change suggests that investing in girls yields higher returns, impacting women's wages, reproductive choices, and their capacity to raise healthy, educated children who will continue this positive cycle. The program prioritizes proposals from 501(c)(3) charitable Rock County organizations and municipalities. Eligible projects and programs must serve the mental health needs of women and girls, including a wide range of services and interventions. Specific focuses include training programs for targeted audiences, support groups, mentoring programs, and resource identification. The fund strongly encourages collaborations throughout Rock County, emphasizing a community-wide approach to addressing these critical needs. Requests from individuals are explicitly not eligible. Expected outcomes include improved mental health conditions for women and girls in Rock County, increased access to mental health services, and strengthened community resources to support these populations. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the focus on various program types (prevention, response, training, support groups) suggests a commitment to measurable improvements in mental health indicators. The emphasis on community collaborations also implies an expected outcome of a more integrated and effective support system for women and girls in the region.