Local Grants

The County of Maui's Green Grants program offers approximately $1.7 million in funding to support projects promoting sustainability. Managed by the Department of Environmental Management’s Environmental Protection & Sustainability Division (EP&S), the program aims to advance critical initiatives in environmental protection, restoration, and sustainable development across Maui County. This aligns with the broader mission of fostering a more resilient and environmentally conscious community. The grants target a wide range of beneficiaries, including individuals, non-profit organizations, and for-profit businesses. The program particularly encourages projects led by, or with a focus on, women, youth, and traditional native Hawaiian practices and approaches. The overall impact goal is to enhance environmental protection, restore wetlands, promote renewable energy, encourage green building, and facilitate the acquisition of essential equipment for sustainability initiatives, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable Maui County. The Green Grants program prioritizes several key areas through its distinct funding streams. These include the Environmental Protection Grant, which supports invasive species management, environmental restoration, conservation, and sustainability (with a specific allocation for Waikapū community beautification). The Wetlands Restoration Grant focuses on organizations dedicated to wetland restoration. The Renewable Energy Grant supports initiatives promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency. The Green Building and Resilient Housing Grant encourages sustainable building practices, with a portion designated for Living Building Challenge participants. Finally, the Equipment Purchase Grant assists in acquiring necessary equipment for all sustainability and environmental initiatives. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in environmental health, increased adoption of renewable energy, more sustainable building practices, and enhanced capacity for environmental initiatives through equipment acquisition. For instance, the Wetlands Restoration Grant aims to advance critical restoration efforts, while the Renewable Energy Grant seeks to enhance energy efficiency. The Green Building and Resilient Housing Grant promotes sustainable design and construction. Measurable results would include the number of restored wetlands, reduction in invasive species, new renewable energy installations, and the implementation of green building projects. The project period for grants is a full year, with options to align with either the Fiscal Year (July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025) or Calendar Year (January 1, 2025–December 31, 2025) in 2025.

The City of Santa Barbara's Cultural Arts Grants program is an annual initiative demonstrating the city's commitment to fostering a vibrant and sustainable local cultural sector and ensuring arts access for all residents. With an investment of nearly $250,000, the program aims to strengthen the community through various artistic endeavors. This aligns with a broader mission to enhance local economic and community vitality by supporting diverse nonprofits and catalyzing engaging events and festivals. The grant program targets Santa Barbara-based organizations, specifically focusing on underserved communities and youth to provide equitable arts access. The overall impact goal is to uplift these communities, support the capacity and performance of nonprofit arts organizations, and promote the city's cultural vitality. By embracing multicultural and neighborhood arts, the program seeks to create a more inclusive and culturally rich environment for everyone. The program is structured around three distinct grant programs, each with specific priorities and focuses. Community Arts (CA) Grants prioritize projects that create arts opportunities for underserved communities and youth, with a maximum funding request of up to $6,000. Organizational Development (OD) Grants are designed to support nonprofit arts organizations in enhancing their capacity, audience reach, and earned income, with a maximum funding request of up to $15,000. Finally, Community Events & Festivals (EF) Grants focus on incubating events that contribute to the city's cultural promotion and vitality, also with a maximum funding request of up to $15,000. The expected outcomes of these grants include increased arts access for all community members, strengthened capacity and performance of local arts organizations, and the successful execution of events and festivals that boost local economic and community vitality. Measurable results would likely involve the number of participants reached through Community Arts projects, the growth in audience numbers or earned income for organizations receiving Organizational Development grants, and the attendance and economic impact generated by Community Events & Festivals. The city's strategic priority is clearly to invest in and sustain a thriving arts ecosystem that serves all its residents and contributes to the overall well-being and economic health of Santa Barbara. The theory of change suggests that by providing targeted financial support, the city can foster a dynamic cultural landscape that enriches lives, strengthens community bonds, and stimulates local economic activity.

The City of Augusta allocates funding to the Greater Augusta Arts Council (GAAC) to distribute to the non-profit arts community through the FY25 Annual City Arts Grant Program. This program aligns with the city's mission to sustain a wide variety of artistic disciplines and expressions, recognizing the importance of public financial support for the arts. The GAAC acts as the primary donor, ensuring that funds reach eligible non-profit arts organizations within Richmond County, Georgia. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are non-profit organizations dedicated to the performance, exhibition, and/or presentation of arts and cultural programming within the Augusta-Richmond County community. These organizations must have a mission statement reflecting their focus on arts and culture, be a 501(c)3 non-profit for at least one year, and have a physical headquarters in Richmond County. The program's impact goals are multifaceted: to provide programming and educational opportunities, promote Metro Augusta as a cultural destination, build the capacity and stability of Augusta's arts organizations, and enhance the city's economic development through the arts. For fiscal year 2025, the program prioritizes funding for General Operating Expenses, with up to $7,000 available, and specific Art Projects, with up to $5,000 available. This dual approach allows for both the sustained operation of arts organizations and the execution of distinct artistic endeavors. Organizations are expected to demonstrate excellence in programming, provide accessible programs to the general public, consider the community's diversity, and articulate strategies for inclusiveness in their operations and programming. Expected outcomes include a more vibrant arts and cultural scene in Augusta-Richmond County, increased engagement from diverse community members, and a stronger economic impact derived from the arts. Measurable results would likely involve tracking the number of programs offered, audience attendance, the reach of educational opportunities, and the economic contributions of funded projects. The GAAC's strategic priority, in alignment with the City of Augusta, is to foster a thriving arts community that enriches the lives of its citizens and enhances the city's overall cultural and economic landscape. The theory of change suggests that by providing financial support to qualified arts organizations, the city can achieve these broad community and economic development objectives.

The Four County Community Foundation (4CCF) is launching its Spark Grant Program, designed to offer a more accessible and interactive grant application experience than traditional processes. This program aligns with the 4CCF's mission by focusing on funding innovative projects that address unmet community needs within its service area. The foundation aims to foster community development and empower local initiatives through this streamlined grant format, ensuring that vital projects receive the support they require to make a tangible difference. The Spark Grant Program targets a broad range of beneficiaries, including both individuals and nonprofit groups, who are actively working to meet community needs. The program's impact goal is to support truly innovative projects that can demonstrate a clear benefit to the local community. An example of a past successful project includes a partnership between a Shelby Township-based business and the Hispanic Service Center, offering reduced-cost Spanish-language food safety training, which met a critical need for local entrepreneurs. This illustrates the foundation's commitment to supporting diverse and impactful initiatives. The program prioritizes proposals that are innovative and seek to address an unmet community need within 4CCF’s service area. The selection process involves applicants presenting an in-person proposal to a panel of 4CCF committee members, followed by a five-minute question and answer session. This interactive approach emphasizes transparency and direct engagement, allowing the foundation to better understand the proposed projects and their potential impact. With a pool of $50,000 to award, the Spark Grant Program expects measurable outcomes in community development and the support of local entrepreneurs, particularly those from underrepresented groups. The example of the Spanish-language food safety training highlights the potential for projects to address specific demographic needs and foster economic empowerment. The foundation's strategic priority is to identify and invest in initiatives that demonstrate creativity and a direct, positive impact on the well-being and growth of the four-county community, reflecting a theory of change that values accessible support for innovative local solutions.

The McKean County Community Foundation (MCCF) awards grants through its McKean County Community Development Fund, an unrestricted fund aimed at enhancing the economic and community well-being of McKean County. This initiative aligns directly with the MCCF's mission to support community development, ensuring that vital resources are channeled to areas that will foster significant growth and improvement within the region. The grants are designed to be a catalyst for positive change, focusing on broad community benefit rather than specific individual needs. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are nonprofit agencies operating within McKean County that are dedicated to community development initiatives. The overarching impact goal is to strengthen the economic and social fabric of the county by funding projects that address critical community needs and foster sustainable growth. While specific target populations within the county are not explicitly detailed, the focus is on initiatives that benefit the community as a whole, thereby elevating the quality of life for all residents. The MCCF prioritizes innovative projects that demonstrate a clear plan for long-term sustainability. The grants are not intended to cover an agency's direct operating expenses but rather to enhance existing programs or support the development of new, impactful initiatives. This strategic focus ensures that funding is used to build capacity and create lasting solutions, rather than simply maintaining the status quo. The foundation's theory of change emphasizes investment in creative solutions that have the potential for enduring community benefit. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of innovative community development projects that contribute to the economic vitality and overall well-being of McKean County. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the emphasis on innovation and sustainability suggests that successful projects would demonstrate tangible improvements in community indicators relevant to economic and social development. Approximately $10,000 is available this year, with a maximum grant request of $2,000 per applicant, indicating a strategy to support multiple smaller, impactful projects across the county.

The City of Claremont's Community Based Organization (CBO) Program for 2025 aims to partner with non-profit service providers to strengthen the social, economic, and family infrastructure within the Claremont community. This initiative aligns with the city's mission to address the social service needs of its residents by supporting non-profit agencies in developing programs that meet both existing and emerging community needs. The program's overarching goal is to foster a more robust and supportive environment for Claremont residents through collaborative efforts. The CBO Grant Program targets Claremont residents in need of social services, with a particular focus on vulnerable populations. Through its two distinct funding programs—General Services and Homeless Services/Critical Need—the program seeks to make a tangible impact on various aspects of community well-being. The impact goals include improving health and wellbeing, supporting special needs individuals, enhancing children's education, providing services for seniors, promoting arts, and addressing environmental concerns, in addition to directly supporting homeless individuals and those facing critical needs. The program prioritizes funding for initiatives that best address the community's identified needs and priorities. Specifically, the grant categories are divided into two main focuses: grants providing funding for homeless services/critical need, and grants providing funding for general services. Within the general services category, the program focuses on health and wellbeing, special needs, children/education, seniors, arts, and environmental programs. This structured approach ensures that funding is directed towards areas where it can have the most significant and targeted impact. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided description, the program's design implies an expectation of improved social, economic, and family infrastructure within the Claremont community. Successful outcomes would include a strengthened network of non-profit service providers, increased access to vital services for residents, and a demonstrated ability of funded programs to meet new and emerging community needs. The continuous offering of the program in 2025 suggests an ongoing commitment to achieving and sustaining these positive community impacts.

The County of Maui's Green Grants program, managed by the Department of Environmental Management’s Environmental Protection & Sustainability Division (EP&S), is a significant initiative providing approximately $1.7 million in funding to support projects that promote sustainability. This program aligns with the county's mission to enhance environmental protection and sustainability within Maui. The grants aim to foster a greener future for the region by supporting a diverse range of environmental projects. The program targets a broad spectrum of beneficiaries, including individuals, non-profit organizations, and for-profit businesses. A particular emphasis is placed on projects led by, or with a focus on, women, youth, and traditional native Hawaiian practices and approaches. The impact goals are centered around environmental restoration, conservation, and sustainability. This includes initiatives in areas such as invasive species management and broader environmental protection efforts, contributing to the overall ecological well-being of Maui County. Key priorities for the Green Grants include supporting initiatives that address environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices. The program has a specific allocation for an Environmental Protection Grant, totaling $490,000 for FY25, which will fund initiatives in invasive species management, environmental restoration, conservation, and sustainability. Additionally, up to $10,000 is specifically allocated for Waikapū community beautification projects, highlighting a focus on local community engagement and improvement. The expected outcomes and measurable results include tangible environmental improvements across Maui County, such as reduced invasive species, restored natural habitats, and enhanced conservation efforts. The program anticipates projects that will contribute to a more sustainable environment, with a particular emphasis on community-led initiatives and the integration of traditional ecological knowledge. Projects are expected to run for a full year, with options for alignment to either Fiscal Year (July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025) or Calendar Year (January 1, 2025–December 31, 2025) 2025, allowing for flexible project planning and execution to maximize impact.

This program provides financial assistance to low to moderate income homeowners in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, to help them maintain ownership of their primary residences.

The "Main Street Connected" Grant Program, a collaboration between Main Street Oakland County (MSOC) and MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU), is designed to bolster small businesses in designated downtowns and historic neighborhood commercial corridors within Oakland County, Michigan. Its primary mission is to provide technology and digitally based support, complementing MSOC’s existing economic vitality efforts. This alignment ensures that the grant directly contributes to the broader goal of fostering economic growth and stability at the local community level, particularly within these vital commercial districts. The program specifically targets small businesses that are up to 10 years old and located within one of the Main Street Districts in participating cities, including Auburn Hills, Berkley, Birmingham, Clarkston, Clawson, Farmington, Ferndale, Lathrup Village, Oak Park, Ortonville, Pontiac, Rochester, Royal Oak, Southfield, and Wixom. The impact goals are centered on supporting the attraction, retention, and growth of these small businesses by enhancing their digital capabilities and operational efficiency. By doing so, the program aims to strengthen the local economies of these selected cities. The grant prioritizes and focuses on a range of eligible activities designed to improve a small business's technological infrastructure and digital presence. These include the development or use of data analytics software, payment processing software or equipment (such as Point of Sale systems), website creation and e-commerce support, and social media or digital marketing costs. Additionally, the program supports cybersecurity and data protection, customer relationship management (CRM) costs, and project or inventory management software. The creation or implementation of pop-up operations or public markets also falls within the scope of supported activities. Expected outcomes include enhanced digital literacy and operational effectiveness for participating small businesses, leading to improved market competitiveness and sustainability. Measurable results would likely include an increase in the number of small businesses adopting new technologies, growth in online sales or customer engagement, improved data management, and a stronger presence in both physical and digital marketplaces. The grant’s theory of change posits that by providing targeted financial assistance for technology and digital support, small businesses in these corridors will be better equipped to adapt to modern commerce demands, ultimately contributing to a more vibrant and resilient local economy.

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

The 2025 Sharing Prince George Grants, announced by The Greater Washington Community Foundation, aim to support high-impact nonprofits serving Prince George’s County’s most vulnerable residents. This initiative aligns with the Community Foundation’s broader 10-year strategic plan, which is centered on addressing urgent community needs, advancing economic justice, and ultimately closing the racial/ethnic wealth gap. The fund prides itself on supporting organizations that have effectively responded to community needs, working in partnership toward a shared vision for a more equitable, just, and thriving Prince George’s County, directly reflecting the foundation's mission. The target beneficiaries are the low-income and most vulnerable residents of Prince George’s County. The grant program seeks to achieve significant impact by enabling people to chart pathways out of poverty and empowering them with the financial and social capital needed to build wealth. The ultimate goal is to enhance the health and stability of the entire community by mitigating the effects of the racial/ethnic wealth gap, fostering economic justice, and ensuring basic needs are met. The grant-making priorities for this year are threefold. First, economic mobility resources are prioritized, including access to higher education, training, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. Second, the program focuses on individual and community wealth-building opportunities to help residents weather crises and pursue their dreams. Third, basic needs for low-income neighbors are addressed, encompassing access to health and mental health resources, food security, affordable housing, childcare, education, and interventions that facilitate a transition from crisis to recovery. For the FY25 cycle, Sharing Prince George’s will award up to ten one-time grants, each up to $50,000. These grants provide flexible general operating support, allowing nonprofits to allocate resources where they are most needed to advance their missions within Prince George’s County. Regional organizations receiving grants will have their funds specifically earmarked for efforts within the county, ensuring the direct impact on the intended beneficiaries and contributing to the foundation's strategic objective of fostering a more equitable and stable community.

The United Way Grant Program, spearheaded by the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike Counties, aims to improve the quality of life for residents in Lackawanna, Wayne, and surrounding communities. The program is deeply aligned with the foundation's broader mission to serve as a catalyst for community problem-solving and to conduct efficient fundraising efforts to address compelling social problems. Specifically, it focuses on promoting quality education leading to graduation, stable employment, and sufficient income, while also advocating for good physical and mental health and a strong safety net during crises. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are non-profit, 501(c)(3) health and human service organizations that provide in-person, direct services within Wayne County. These organizations, in turn, serve the residents of Wayne and Pike Counties by supporting services specifically designed for them. The overarching impact goals are centered on achieving financial stability for families, ensuring access to quality education, fostering overall well-being, and building community resilience. The program's priorities and focus areas are broad, encompassing existing programs, new initiatives, program expansion, and even capital items, as long as they align with the United Way's mission. The emphasis is on addressing critical social challenges and improving outcomes in areas such as education, income stability, and health. The funds are a direct result of campaigns supported by individuals, businesses, and foundations dedicated to aiding Wayne and/or Pike County residents. Expected outcomes include an improvement in educational attainment, increased rates of stable employment and sufficient income for families, enhanced physical and mental health outcomes, and the establishment of robust safety nets for communities in times of crisis. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the general improvements in quality of life, the program's structure implies that the success will be evaluated through the direct services provided by the funded organizations and their impact on the target populations. The strategic priorities revolve around community problem-solving and effective resource allocation, operating under a theory of change that posits that by investing in key areas like education, health, and financial stability, the overall well-being and resilience of the community will be significantly improved. The grant sizes, ranging from $500 to $4,000 for individual grants to organizations, reflect a commitment to supporting a variety of initiatives that contribute to these comprehensive goals.

This program provides financial support for essential improvements to commercial buildings in The City of Frederick, targeting small businesses, including those owned by minorities and women, as well as businesses involved in neighborhood revitalization or recovery from disasters.

The Imperial Valley Wellness Foundation (IVWF) is offering its Mission Support grant to nonprofit organizations primarily serving Imperial County. This grant aligns with IVWF's mission to enhance the quality of life for all residents in the Imperial Valley, recognizing the critical need to support organizations addressing health and wellness, and community engagement within disinvested communities, particularly those historically excluded from planning and decision-making. The foundation also prioritizes supporting these nonprofits in building their capacity to effectively execute their work and mission, reflecting a strategic priority to strengthen the local nonprofit ecosystem. The grant targets a broad range of beneficiaries within Imperial County, including children, disadvantaged students, farm workers, homeless individuals, LGBTQ individuals, low-income families, seniors, and veterans. The impact goals are centered around fostering a healthier and more engaged community. Expected outcomes include improved food security, increased active living and physical activity, enhanced mental and emotional health, safer neighborhoods, and stronger social health. For community engagement, the goals involve empowering residents to address local issues, promoting collaborative efforts, creating social opportunities, increasing community awareness, and building local capacity for change. The IVWF's focus areas for the Mission Support grant are Health and Wellness, Community Engagement, and Nonprofit Capacity Building. Within Health and Wellness, specific priorities include addressing food insecurity, promoting physical activity, supporting mental and emotional health, ensuring safe and healthy living environments, and funding programs for asthma prevention, prenatal care, diabetes, and obesity. Community Engagement focuses on empowering residents to identify and address community needs, fostering collaboration, creating social connections, increasing awareness, and building community-led change. Nonprofit Capacity Building is another key strategic priority, aimed at strengthening the operational, staffing, and volunteer capabilities of organizations. This includes support for attending conferences and workshops, acquiring and improving equipment and software, and accessing technical assistance or consulting services. By investing in these areas, IVWF aims to create a ripple effect, where strengthened nonprofits can more effectively deliver services, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and thriving Imperial Valley. The foundation’s theory of change emphasizes that by empowering local nonprofits and fostering community-led initiatives, significant improvements in health, wellness, and overall community well-being can be achieved.

This program provides financial support to non-profit organizations and for-profit businesses in Oregon City to host public events that attract significant tourism and benefit the local economy.

The City of Lawrence's Affordable Housing Trust Fund is accepting applications to provide and improve the quality, availability, and affordability of housing in Lawrence. This initiative aligns with the mission of the Affordable Housing Advisory Board (AHAB) to ensure everyone in Lawrence has access to safe, quality, affordable housing and supportive services for independent living with dignity. The fund is supported by a local sales tax, demonstrating a community-wide commitment to addressing housing needs. The primary target beneficiaries are low-to-moderate income households and residents within the City of Lawrence city limits. The impact goals include increasing the supply of affordable housing, preserving existing affordable housing stock, and enhancing accessibility. Additionally, the program aims to provide housing vouchers for low-income households, increase community awareness on affordable housing issues, and advance racial equity in housing. The program prioritizes several key areas, including affordable housing or land acquisition, new affordable housing development, and rehabilitation of existing affordable housing for preservation. It also focuses on accessibility modifications for households with specific needs to maintain affordable and accessible housing, as well as projects that specifically advance racial equity in housing. Investing in private/public partnerships for the provision of affordable housing is also a central focus. The City of Lawrence anticipates awarding up to $1.2 million in Affordable Housing Trust Funds. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the number of affordable housing units, improved quality of existing affordable housing, and greater accessibility for those with specific needs. The program also aims to reduce housing insecurity through vouchers and foster a more equitable housing landscape within Lawrence, with success measured by the number of projects funded and the households served.

This program provides $5,000 each to ten minority-owned businesses in Columbia, Missouri, to promote inclusivity and support underrepresented entrepreneurs.

The City of North Charleston's Accommodations Tax Grants program is designed to allocate revenue generated from the state's 2% lodging tax, specifically for activities that promote and support tourism within the city. These funds are intended to enhance the visitor experience and stimulate economic activity directly related to the tourism sector. The program's mission is inherently aligned with fostering a vibrant tourism economy, ensuring that the tax contributions from visitors are reinvested into services and initiatives that benefit them and the local tourism infrastructure. This strategic allocation of funds reflects a foundational commitment to leveraging tourism as a driver for local development and cultural enrichment. Target beneficiaries of these grants are non-profit organizations operating within or serving the City of North Charleston. These organizations are expected to implement projects and services that directly or indirectly benefit tourists and the broader tourism ecosystem. The impact goals include increasing visitor satisfaction, promoting local arts and cultural events, enhancing public services for tourists, and improving tourism-related infrastructure. By supporting non-profits, the program aims to engage a diverse range of community stakeholders in the collective effort to promote North Charleston as an attractive destination. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly outlined, emphasizing several key areas of tourism-related activity. These include advertising and promotion of tourism, promotion of arts and cultural events, support for facilities that host civic and cultural activities, additional health, safety, and public services for tourists, transportation shuttles, visitor information centers, and waterfront erosion control and repair. These focus areas demonstrate a comprehensive approach to tourism development, addressing both promotional aspects and essential support services and infrastructure. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the expected outcomes are implicitly linked to the stated priorities. For instance, increased advertising and promotion should lead to higher visitor numbers or longer stays, while support for cultural events could result in greater attendance at these events. Improvements in public services and infrastructure are anticipated to enhance the overall visitor experience and satisfaction. The Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee, composed of hospitality industry representatives, plays a crucial role in reviewing applications and making recommendations, suggesting an emphasis on projects with tangible benefits for the tourism sector. The City of North Charleston's strategic priorities, as evidenced by this grant program, center on the sustainable growth and enhancement of its tourism industry. The underlying theory of change is that by reinvesting lodging tax revenues into targeted tourism-related activities and infrastructure, the city can attract more visitors, provide a better experience for them, and ultimately stimulate local economic growth. This approach involves empowering non-profit organizations to deliver services and programs that align with these goals, thereby creating a collaborative framework for tourism development and community benefit.

The Small Grant Initiative (SGI) by the Alachua County Commission aims to foster the development and growth of non-governmental, grassroots organizations and emerging small businesses within Alachua County. This program aligns with the commission's mission to support its residents, particularly those living at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. The initiative is designed to strengthen the capacity and infrastructure of these organizations, thereby enhancing their ability to serve the community effectively. The primary beneficiaries of the SGI are Alachua County residents who are economically disadvantaged. The program seeks to achieve significant impact by addressing critical community needs in areas such as safe, affordable housing, adequate food, quality healthcare, and quality childcare and education. By supporting organizations focused on these areas, the initiative intends to improve the overall quality of life and well-being for vulnerable populations within the county. The SGI prioritizes one-time capacity building or infrastructure improvements. This focus ensures that the funded projects create lasting changes that enhance the organizational effectiveness and service delivery of the grant recipients. The program is specifically interested in proposals that demonstrate a clear strategy for addressing one or more of the identified priority areas, with a maximum award limit of $15,000 for individual proposals. Expected outcomes include strengthened local organizations, improved access to essential services for low-income residents, and tangible advancements in housing, food security, healthcare, and education within Alachua County. Measurable results could include an increase in the number of individuals served by recipient organizations, improved quality or accessibility of services, and the successful completion of capacity-building projects or infrastructure upgrades. The grant period, running from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025, provides a clear timeframe for the implementation and evaluation of these projects.

ACCESS GRANTED is a grant initiative aimed at supporting and empowering small minority and/or women-owned businesses in Frederick, Maryland. The program targets both start-ups and established businesses needing capital for specific projects that will promote business growth. The City of Frederick has allocated $400,000 for these grants, as part of the American Rescue Plan Act's State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA-SLFRF). Eligible businesses can apply for up to $40,000 to cover project costs such as equipment, renovations, inventory, professional services, marketing, and more. The goal is to enhance revenue, profitability, and business opportunities without replacing lost revenues. The application process for ACCESS GRANTED opens on July 15, 2024, and closes on August 12, 2024. Applications will be reviewed competitively, with awards distributed by early fall 2024. To be eligible, businesses must be registered for-profit entities in Maryland, in good standing, and have no more than 25 full-time equivalent employees. Preferences will be given to minority and women-owned businesses located within The City of Frederick. Award recipients must submit interim and final reports on the project's impact.