Local Grants

The Innes Street Incentive Grant, offered by the City of Salisbury, aims to enhance building facades, landscapes, driveways, and parking lots within the Innes Street Improvement District. This program is a matching grant, with the City providing up to $5,000 per project on a 50/50 basis. The grant seeks to align with the City's mission of urban beautification and economic development by incentivizing property and business owners to invest in their properties, thereby improving the overall appearance and pedestrian-friendly environment of the district. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are property and business owners within the Innes Street Improvement District. The impact goals include fostering a more aesthetically pleasing and vibrant commercial area, attracting more visitors and businesses, and ultimately boosting local economic activity. By supporting a range of projects from minor repairs to substantial rehabilitations and the installation of new pedestrian amenities, the grant targets a broad spectrum of improvements that collectively enhance the district's appeal. The grant prioritizes several key areas, including the introduction of new pedestrian amenities like outdoor seating, planters, awnings, and lighting, as well as the installation of new façade elements and the restoration of storefronts. Other focuses include painting murals, repairing and replacing windows and doors, repointing brick, and implementing green building improvements such as solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations. Projects are expected to result in visible improvements to properties, increased pedestrian traffic, and a more positive perception of the Innes Street area. Measurable results could include the number of completed projects, the total investment leveraged through matching funds, and qualitative assessments of improved aesthetics and public engagement. The City of Salisbury's strategic priorities for this grant center on urban revitalization and creating a more attractive and sustainable downtown area. The theory of change is that by offering financial incentives for property enhancements, the city can stimulate private investment, which in turn leads to a cumulative positive effect on the district's economic vitality and quality of life for residents and visitors. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to foster community pride and encourage a vibrant local economy through targeted improvements that enhance both functionality and visual appeal.

The City of Newark's Love Your Block (LYB) Mini-Grants Program is a community-driven initiative aimed at fostering neighborhood beautification and community building through collaborative projects between residents, city departments, and local organizations. This program aligns with a broader mission of empowering residents to actively shape their communities, promoting a sense of ownership and pride, and ultimately creating cleaner, greener, and healthier neighborhoods. The underlying theory of change suggests that by providing accessible funding and technical support, resident-led initiatives will lead to tangible improvements and stronger community ties. The primary beneficiaries of this program are individuals, resident groups, and community organizations within the City of Newark who are passionate about enhancing their local environments. The program's impact goals are centered on reducing litter, improving waste management, revitalizing underutilized properties, and enhancing green spaces. By engaging residents directly in these efforts, the program aims to cultivate a more vibrant and engaged citizenry, leading to sustainable community improvements and a better quality of life for all residents. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly delineated into three grant categories: Community clean-ups, Minor exterior home repairs & curb appeal, and Enhancing Green Spaces and Activating Vacant Lots. These categories reflect the city's strategic priorities in addressing key challenges such as litter, property blight, and underutilized public spaces. The emphasis on these areas is designed to produce visible and impactful results that resonate with residents' everyday experiences and contribute to the overall aesthetic and environmental health of the city. Expected outcomes include a noticeable reduction in litter and an improvement in recycling efforts, the repurposing of dormant or underutilized properties, and the enhancement of community advantages around parks and open areas. Measurable results will likely be observed through the number of successful clean-up events, the completion of home repair and curb appeal projects, and the transformation of vacant lots into valuable community assets. The program's reimbursement-based funding of up to $5,000 per project, coupled with targeted technical assistance, is designed to ensure that these initiatives are achievable and produce meaningful, lasting change within the designated project period of September 2024 to November 15, 2024.

The York County Community Foundation is offering a three-year grant of $100,000 to $500,000 for municipalities, county agencies, school districts, and non-profit organizations in York County, Pennsylvania, to preserve and protect open spaces, natural habitats, and waterways through land acquisition, planning studies, and ordinance assistance, with a focus on public access, recreational opportunities, and natural resource protection.

This grant provides financial support to arts and cultural organizations, individual artists, and local schools in Rowan County to enhance access to arts and cultural opportunities.

The Municipal Service District Grant Program, offered by the City of Salisbury, provides financial assistance to commercial property owners and building tenants. This initiative aims to enhance building facades, landscapes, and parking lots, as well as facilitate the installation of new pedestrian elements within the Downtown Municipal Service District. The program's core mission aligns with urban revitalization and fostering a more attractive and pedestrian-friendly environment, contributing to the overall economic vitality and aesthetic appeal of the city center. The primary beneficiaries of this program are commercial property owners and business tenants operating within the Downtown Municipal Service District. The impact goals are to encourage significant improvements ranging from minor repairs and repainting to substantial rehabilitation projects. This includes the introduction of new pedestrian amenities, restoration of storefronts, and overall beautification, ultimately leading to an improved urban experience for residents and visitors alike. The program prioritizes a diverse range of projects designed to significantly enhance the public and commercial spaces. Key focus areas include the installation of new pedestrian amenities such as outdoor seating, planters, awnings, café fences, lighting, bicycle racks, and art. It also supports the installation of new façade elements (signage, lighting, awnings), painting of murals, ghost sign restoration, storefront rehabilitation, removal of false façades, and repairs to windows, doors, and architectural details. Furthermore, the program encourages green building improvements like solar panels, EV charging stations, green roofs, and white roofs, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a noticeable increase in the aesthetic quality and functionality of the downtown area. The 50/50 matching grant, with a maximum City participation of $5,000, ensures a shared investment and commitment to these enhancements. Success will be measured by the number and scope of completed projects, the visible improvements in building facades and public spaces, and the increased presence of pedestrian-friendly amenities, all contributing to a more vibrant and appealing urban core. The City of Salisbury's strategic priorities, as evidenced by this grant, center on enhancing the municipal service district through tangible improvements that benefit both businesses and the community. The theory of change suggests that by investing in the physical environment of the downtown area, the city will stimulate economic activity, improve quality of life, and strengthen community pride. This grant acts as a catalyst for private investment, aligning with a broader vision of sustainable urban development and community engagement.

This program provides funding to public entities, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses in Orange County, North Carolina, to implement innovative projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate resilience for local communities.

The Opelousas Downtown Development District (ODDD), with support from the City of Opelousas and Opelousas Main Street (OMS), is launching the fifth round of funding for its Building Improvement Grant (BIG) program. This program is a grant/reimbursement initiative designed to empower property and business owners in rehabilitating commercial buildings. The overarching mission alignment for this program is to create a positive visual impact within the city, stimulate private investment, and diligently preserve Opelousas' historic identity and cultural assets. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are property and business owners within the Opelousas Downtown Development District who own commercial buildings. The core impact goals are to foster economic development through private investment, enhance the aesthetic appeal of the downtown area, and ensure the safeguarding of the city's rich historical and cultural heritage. The program directly supports the revitalization of commercial spaces, which, in turn, contributes to a more vibrant and economically robust downtown. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly on tangible and permanent building improvements. Eligible uses of funds are comprehensive, including restoration and renovation of buildings, installation of awnings (without signage), brick cleaning or re-pointing, accent lighting, removal of deteriorating or inappropriate materials visible from the street, and restoration of windows, doors, and original exterior/interior architectural features. Additionally, interior work related to ceiling repair, electrical, and plumbing is covered, as well as work on roofs, cornices, gutters, downspouts, and the cleaning, preparation, and painting of walls and trim. These priorities are aimed at holistic improvement of commercial properties. The expected outcomes include a noticeable improvement in the visual appeal of downtown Opelousas, an increase in private investment in commercial properties, and the successful preservation of historic buildings. While not explicitly stated as "measurable results" in the traditional sense, the program's structure and goals imply that the number of rehabilitated buildings, the amount of private investment stimulated, and the visible improvements in the downtown area would serve as key indicators of success. The program offers a total of $200,000 in grant funds, with a maximum application amount of $10,000 per project, providing a clear framework for financial allocation and impact tracking.

The City of West Park is offering a "Mom and Pop" Small Business Grant to support local businesses within its jurisdiction. This program is designed to provide financial assistance to qualified small businesses, fostering economic stability and growth within the community. The initiative aligns with the city's mission to support its local economy and preserve the unique character of its small business sector. The target beneficiaries for this grant are small businesses located exclusively within the City of West Park. This includes both brick-and-mortar establishments and home-based businesses, with specific provisions for the latter. The grant prioritizes businesses that are not part of national chains, have a gross income of $250,000 or less, and whose owners operate no more than two active businesses. Non-profit agencies are explicitly excluded from eligibility. The primary impact goals of this grant program are to sustain and strengthen the local small business ecosystem. By providing direct financial aid, the City of West Park aims to help these businesses with essential needs such as inventory, supplies, equipment, and marketing. This support is expected to prevent business closures, encourage local entrepreneurship, and contribute to the overall economic well-being of the city's residents. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined by its eligibility criteria. Emphasis is placed on truly independent local businesses that demonstrate a need for financial assistance and contribute to the local economy. The restriction on re-application for ten years for previous awardees ensures that the grant reaches a broader range of businesses over time. The inclusion of home-based businesses, with specific uses for the funds, demonstrates a commitment to supporting diverse small business models within the community. Expected outcomes include a more resilient local business community, increased retention of small businesses, and a stimulated local economy. By supporting businesses that might otherwise struggle, the City of West Park anticipates a positive ripple effect, leading to job retention and creation, and maintaining the vibrancy of its commercial districts. The program serves as a strategic tool for the city to directly invest in its local economy, reflecting a theory of change that small, targeted financial interventions can yield significant community-wide economic benefits.

The City of Bellevue Art and Cultural Facility Grant Program aims to fund capital projects by arts and cultural organizations within Bellevue, Washington. This program directly supports the city's commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural landscape, recognizing the importance of well-maintained and accessible facilities for artistic expression and community engagement. The program's mission aligns with the broader goal of enriching the lives of Bellevue residents by ensuring robust and sustainable cultural infrastructure. It prioritizes the physical foundations that enable arts and cultural organizations to thrive, acknowledging that facility health is critical for long-term operational success and public service. The target beneficiaries are nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Bellevue that require funding for capital projects or facility maintenance. The ultimate impact goal is to enhance the longevity, functionality, and accessibility of cultural facilities, thereby expanding access to arts and culture for underrepresented groups and the general public. Expected outcomes include improved physical spaces for performances, exhibitions, workshops, and educational programs, leading to increased participation and engagement from Bellevue residents. Measurable results could include the number of facilities renovated or maintained, the increase in program offerings, and the growth in audience attendance or participant numbers. The program has two distinct focuses: Capital Projects and Facility Maintenance. Capital Projects encompass acquiring property, building new facilities, acquiring specialized equipment, and major building renovations. Facility Maintenance focuses on preventative maintenance and repairs to preserve existing arts and cultural facilities. Both types of projects are prioritized, reflecting a comprehensive strategy for supporting the physical infrastructure of the arts. The funding structure for Capital Projects allows for requests up to $499,999 for renovations and equipment, with potential for higher requests for land acquisition or new construction, provided it doesn't exceed 40% of the total project budget. Facility Maintenance grants also cap at $499,999. Eligibility criteria emphasize a commitment to public benefit, a sustainable financial model, and a strong presence in Bellevue. Organizations must be nonprofits in good standing for at least two years and not be dependent on City funding for their operational staffing or facility maintenance. A key strategic priority is to ensure that public funding translates into tangible public benefits, such as free or reduced-fare tickets, scholarships for arts education, and services that expand access to underrepresented groups. This aligns with a theory of change where investment in cultural infrastructure and organizational stability directly leads to increased public access and engagement with the arts. Project eligibility also requires site control and a commitment to operating the facility for a minimum of five or ten years, depending on the project size, demonstrating a long-term vision for cultural sustainability in Bellevue.

The Rapides Foundation's Workforce Opportunity Grant Program aims to address the critical need for increased household income levels in Central Louisiana, aligning directly with the foundation's overarching mission to improve the health status of the region. The program operates under the belief that economic prosperity, characterized by low unemployment and higher-wage jobs, directly correlates with improved healthcare access, better health choices, and healthier lifestyles for all income levels. This grant initiative is a strategic effort to uplift the standard of living by fostering economic opportunity and family income, which are core tenets of the foundation's "Healthy Communities" strategic area. The primary target beneficiaries of this program are potential and existing employees within The Rapides Foundation's nine-parish service area, which includes Allen, Avoyelles, Catahoula, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Vernon, and Winn parishes. Additionally, businesses and industry partners located within these parishes will benefit from the increased skill and knowledge of their workforce. The impact goals are two-fold: to enhance the skills and knowledge of the workforce, leading to higher wages for employees, and to simultaneously boost the production capacity of participating businesses and industries. This directly supports the foundation's "Education" strategic area by increasing educational attainment and achievement as a path to improved economic and social status. The program prioritizes accredited, nonprofit, postsecondary institutions as eligible grant recipients, ensuring that the training provided is of high quality and meets recognized educational standards. The focus is on trainings that directly benefit the local workforce and businesses, addressing specific skill gaps or enhancing existing capabilities to meet industry demands. The grant provides up to $75,000 for a period of up to 12 months, indicating a commitment to substantial and sustained impact. The expected outcomes of the Workforce Opportunity Grant Program include a more highly skilled and better-compensated workforce, leading to an increase in household income levels across the targeted parishes. This, in turn, is expected to result in improved health outcomes due to greater financial stability and access to healthcare. By increasing the production capacity of businesses, the program also aims to strengthen the local economy, creating a virtuous cycle of economic growth and improved community well-being. This comprehensive approach reflects The Rapides Foundation's "Healthy People" strategic area by indirectly promoting healthy behaviors and improving access to healthcare through economic empowerment.

The Town of Trumbull is offering grants to community-based organizations and nonprofits that serve Trumbull residents through eligible programs, services, and capital investments. This funding originates from the federal government's ARPA program, specifically targeting the COVID-19 public health and economic response. The program aims to address the pandemic's impact on public health, as well as economic harms to households, small businesses, nonprofits, impacted industries, and the public sector within Trumbull. This initiative aligns with the town's commitment to supporting its community and mitigating the ongoing effects of the pandemic. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are Trumbull residents, who will benefit from the services, programs, and capital investments provided by the selected community-based organizations and nonprofits. The overarching impact goal is to support the COVID-19 public health and economic recovery within the town. This includes addressing public health challenges exacerbated by the pandemic and alleviating economic hardships experienced by various sectors of the community. The program prioritizes projects, programs, and services exclusively within the Town of Trumbull that directly support the COVID-19 public health and economic response. Eligible activities include those that address the pandemic's impact on public health and mitigate economic harms to households, small businesses, nonprofits, impacted industries, and the public sector. There is a strong focus on organizations that demonstrate a palpable presence within the Town of Trumbull. Expected outcomes include improved public health conditions, reduced economic hardship for households and businesses, and enhanced capacity of local nonprofits and community-based organizations to serve Trumbull residents. Measurable results will likely involve reporting on the number of residents served, the specific public health and economic issues addressed, and the overall impact of the funded programs. Applicants are required to comply with federal reporting guidelines, including periodic project and expenditure reports, ensuring accountability and the ability to track progress. The Town of Trumbull's strategic priority in launching this grant program is to effectively deploy federal ARPA funds to create a tangible positive impact on its community in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The theory of change is that by providing financial support to local organizations, the town can empower these entities to deliver targeted, effective interventions that directly address the pandemic's multifaceted challenges, thereby fostering a stronger, more resilient Trumbull. This program is not intended to replace other federal, state, or local ARPA assistance, reinforcing its role as a supplementary and focused effort.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to arts organizations in specific Minnesota counties for creating and promoting diverse artistic activities that engage local communities, particularly those benefiting underserved populations.

The James City County Good Neighbor Grant Program aims to enrich neighborhoods by fostering community spirit and environmental well-being through sustainable community planning. This grant seeks to align with a broader mission of promoting civic pride and environmental stewardship among residents by encouraging active participation in maintaining and enhancing communal spaces. The program's core objective is to empower community members to take ownership and responsibility for their shared environments. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are the community members within James City County, with a focus on neighborhoods seeking to improve their common areas. The program's impact goals center on enhancing the physical aspects of these communal spaces, leading to a more vibrant and environmentally healthy community. This includes improvements in areas such as community gardens, entryway landscaping, trail systems, communal composting, and playground or pool area aesthetics. The program prioritizes projects that focus on environmental quality and the minimization of negative impacts. This includes initiatives like the installation of native plants to support local ecosystems, the implementation of erosion control methods to protect natural resources, and place-making efforts that create inviting and functional spaces for residents. Additionally, the grant encourages projects that consider energy-saving techniques and litter prevention measures, further contributing to a sustainable and clean environment. Expected outcomes include a visible improvement in the physical appearance and ecological health of common areas, leading to increased community engagement and a stronger sense of shared responsibility. Measurable results could include the number of native plants installed, linear feet of trails improved, or the establishment of new community gardens. The program's theory of change posits that by providing financial support and encouraging community-led initiatives, residents will be more invested in their neighborhoods, fostering a positive cycle of environmental improvement and social cohesion. Matching grant awards up to $500 demonstrate a commitment to supporting these local efforts.

The Chester County Community Foundation's Fund for ChesCo Capacity Building Grants program is designed to strengthen the effectiveness of nonprofit organizations (NPOs) serving the Chester County region. This aligns directly with the foundation's mission to support and enhance the community by empowering the organizations that work within it. The grants aim to help NPOs achieve a higher level of operational, programmatic, financial, or organizational maturity, enabling them to fulfill their missions more effectively and efficiently. The target beneficiaries for this program are NPOs located in and serving Chester County, specifically those with budgets of $500,000 or less. The impact goal is to enhance the overall effectiveness and sustainability of these organizations. By building their capacity, the program seeks to ensure that essential services and programs continue to be delivered to the community, ultimately leading to a stronger, more resilient Chester County. The program prioritizes several key areas for capacity building, including Mission, Vision & Strategy; Governance & Leadership; Partnerships & Collaborations; Operations & Technology; and Fundraising, Development & Marketing. Within these broad categories, specific focuses include organizational assessments, strategic planning, board development, executive transition planning, coalition building, financial management, technology improvements, and various resource development campaigns. Expected outcomes include improved organizational assessment and strategic planning, more effective governance and leadership structures, enhanced collaborative efforts among NPOs, more robust operational and technological infrastructure, and stronger fundraising and marketing capabilities. Measurable results could include documented strategic plans, increased board engagement, new or strengthened partnerships, implemented technology solutions, and successful development campaigns. The foundation's strategic priority is clearly rooted in a theory of change that posits that by investing in the foundational strength and operational capabilities of NPOs, the overall health and well-being of the Chester County community will improve. This approach recognizes that effective nonprofits are crucial drivers of positive social change, and by strengthening them, the foundation can achieve a broader and more sustainable impact across various sectors.

The City of Athens is offering the 2025 Tourism Development Grant, a program specifically designed to promote tourism and attract overnight visitors to Athens. The primary mission of this grant aligns directly with the city's strategic priority to enhance and grow its tourism, convention, and hotel industry. The program is open to eligible organizations or events located within the Athens city limits, with a core focus on projects that are demonstrably effective in drawing visitors from outside the city. This initiative reflects the City of Athens' theory of change, which posits that targeted financial support for tourism-enhancing projects will lead to increased economic activity and the overall development of the local hospitality sector. The target beneficiaries of this grant are organizations and events that contribute to the tourism ecosystem within Athens, ultimately aiming to benefit local hotels, businesses, and the general economy through increased visitor traffic. The impact goal is to substantially increase the number of overnight visitors and, consequently, boost economic activity in Athens. This is achieved by ensuring that funded projects directly enhance and promote tourism and the convention and hotel industry. The grant has specific priorities, including advertising, promotion of the arts (with a cap of 15% of annual Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax revenues), sporting event promotion, tourist transportation systems, and signage directing tourists to local attractions. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in hotel occupancy rates, greater attendance at local events, and an overall rise in tourist-related spending within the city. The program emphasizes that projects must be specifically designed to attract overnight visitors, ensuring that the allocated funds directly contribute to this key objective. While the City of Athens is not obligated to allocate collected Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) revenues unless a funding contract is in place, the council's final decision on fund allocation ensures that projects are vetted for their potential impact and alignment with strategic goals. To ensure accountability and effective use of public funds, applicants must meet several eligibility requirements. These include demonstrating good financial standing and having safeguards in place to protect public funds. Applicants must also be legal entities capable of entering into contracts, governed by a board of directors or similar structure, and demonstrate public accessibility for their programs or events. The focus on direct benefit, where funds must enhance tourism by attracting visitors from outside Athens, serves as a measurable result, ensuring that the grant achieves its core objective of promoting the city as a desirable tourist destination.

The City of Lacey is offering its Human Services Grant Program to support non-profit human service providers. This program aligns with the city's mission to enhance community well-being by addressing critical needs in housing, survival, and security. The grant provides funding up to $300,000, with a total size ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, to organizations that directly serve Lacey community members. The program aims to create a stronger, more resilient community by investing in services that provide fundamental support to its residents. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are Lacey community members who are vulnerable or in need of support. Non-profit human service providers are the direct recipients of the funding, enabling them to expand or improve their services. The impact goals are broad, aiming to improve the overall quality of life for residents by addressing immediate needs and promoting long-term stability and self-sufficiency. The program's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined across three key pillars: Housing, Survival, and Security. Housing initiatives include expanding affordable housing programs, providing emergency rental assistance, offering housing education, and establishing supportive housing services. Survival focuses on ensuring access to basic necessities such as food, water, shelter, sleep, and clothing. Security encompasses job training and placement, mental and physical health care, drug and alcohol recovery services, support during personal or family crises, and transportation. Expected outcomes include a significant improvement in access to affordable housing, a reduction in homelessness, and increased stability for residents. In the area of survival, the program anticipates enhanced access to essential resources for vulnerable populations. For security, measurable results will include improved employment rates, better access to healthcare and recovery services, and stronger community support systems during times of crisis. The program's strategic priority is to empower non-profit organizations to deliver effective, community-centric services that directly address the social determinants of health and well-being.

The Gratiot County Community Foundation in Michigan is accepting grant applications for projects that improve the quality of life in Gratiot County, focusing on areas such as community development, arts and culture, education, and health, with preference given to innovative, sustainable projects with wide-reaching benefits and strong local support.

The City of Riverside Small & Micro Business Grant Program is designed to foster local small business resiliency by offering consultation services to identify areas for improvement and develop tailored strategies. The program aims to enhance financial stability, promote long-term sustainability, and build capacity for success among local businesses. This initiative addresses ongoing pandemic recovery needs and aligns with the Department of Treasury State & Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) to support long-term growth and reduce barriers for small businesses in disadvantaged communities. The target beneficiaries of this program are privately-owned, for-profit businesses that were in operation prior to March 13, 2020. This includes self-employed individuals, entrepreneurs, sole proprietors, 1099 independent contractors, home-based operations, LLCs, and C-Corporations. Individuals who started a business due to COVID-19 employment challenges before January 1, 2023, are also eligible. All applicants must be located within the City Limits of Riverside and possess a physical or residential business address. The program prioritizes businesses that are either categorically eligible (presumed impacted by ARPA) or can demonstrate a financial impact from COVID-19. This includes businesses experiencing decreased revenue, increased costs, challenges covering operating expenses like payroll and rent, or a lower capacity to withstand financial hardship due to depleted savings or lack of working capital. Annual gross revenue must be between $10,000 and $2.5 million, and businesses must have fewer than 50 employees, including owners. Maintaining active and good standing with all City, County, State, and Federal entities is also a key eligibility criterion. The expected outcomes and measurable results include increased financial stability and long-term sustainability for participating businesses, as well as enhanced capacity for success. The program seeks to reduce barriers to success for small businesses, particularly in disadvantaged communities, and promote access to valuable partner resources. In addition to direct financial support, with grant awards up to $25,000, all applicants receive a free one-on-one Strategic Planning Consultation. This consultation is a key component for identifying opportunities for improvement and building customized strategies, directly contributing to the program's goals of fostering resiliency and growth within the local small business ecosystem.

The Yolo Voter Education Grant, funded by the Walter & Evelyn Haas Fund and Yolo County and administered by the Yolo Community Foundation, aims to increase local understanding of how to vote among voters from low-turnout precincts and demographic groups with a history of lower turnout. This initiative, piloted in advance of the 2024 primary elections, is being re-launched for the 2024 general elections. The program aligns with the foundation's mission by fostering civic engagement and addressing disparities in voter participation, thereby strengthening democratic processes within Yolo County. The grant targets voters in geographic priority areas characterized by lower voter turnout in recent elections, as well as specific demographic priority communities. These demographic groups include Latinx, Asian Pacific Islander, and young voters. The primary impact goal is to empower these communities through enhanced voter education, leading to increased and more informed participation in elections. By focusing on these specific groups, the program seeks to address historical inequities in civic engagement and build a more representative electorate. Key priorities and focuses for this grant include delivering effective voter education messaging and reaching a broad spectrum of the identified priority communities. The total grantmaking pool is $75,000, with individual grant requests ranging up to $10,000, or up to $15,000 for organizations conducting outreach in multiple cities/regions within Yolo County. Eligibility requires applicants to be 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations (or fiscally sponsored by one) with demonstrated expertise in working with the target geographic and/or demographic communities, and extensive experience in Yolo County. It is crucial to note that voter registration activities are explicitly excluded from funding under this grant. Expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around the anticipated effectiveness and reach of the voter education messaging. Proposals will be evaluated on these factors, as well as the applicant’s demonstrated capacity to deliver the messaging effectively. While specific quantitative metrics for increased voter understanding or turnout are not explicitly detailed in the description, the program's success will implicitly be measured by the breadth and depth of outreach to priority communities and the quality of the educational programs implemented between early August and early November 2024. The foundation's strategic priority is to develop a portfolio of grantees that collectively reach all priority communities, reflecting a theory of change that effective, targeted voter education will directly lead to more informed and engaged citizens.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and government-related entities in Worcester County, Maryland, to enhance cultural access and artistic projects within the community.