Local Grants

The Grant County Community Foundation in North Dakota is offering grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 to projects or nonprofit organizations in Grant County, with a focus on enhancing the quality of life for residents, and excluding projects substantially supported by government, national organizations, day-to-day expenses, and sectarian activities of religious organizations.

The Southern Monterey County Foundation (SMCF) offers grants to organizations that serve the communities of Southern Monterey County, specifically King City and all points south, excluding the coastal region. The foundation's mission is to support nonprofit organizations with strong leadership and the capacity to provide essential community resources and services. This grant program directly aligns with SMCF's mission by channeling funds to local initiatives that address critical needs within its defined service area. The target beneficiaries of these grants are residents and communities in Southern Monterey County. The impact goals include measurable improvements in identified community needs, the establishment of new community programs, and the expansion of existing ones that tackle high-priority issues. The SMCF aims to foster stronger, more resilient communities by investing in projects and programs that yield tangible benefits for the local population. In 2020, the foundation prioritized specific types of requests. These include funding for specific projects or one-time costs designed to produce a measurable impact on an identified community need. Additionally, grants are given to establish or expand community programs that address high-priority community issues or needs. These priorities reflect the SMCF's strategic focus on outcomes-based funding and its commitment to addressing pressing local challenges. Eligibility for these grants extends to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, public programs (such as schools, parks, and public health initiatives), and church-sponsored activities that benefit a broader community beyond their own membership. Organizations and collaboratives that are not legally incorporated can also apply, provided they have a 501(c)3 fiscal sponsor. The foundation's strategic priorities include supporting a diverse range of organizations capable of delivering impactful services, emphasizing fiscal responsibility through the fiscal sponsor requirement for unincorporated groups. The expected outcomes of the SMCF grant program are positive and measurable changes in Southern Monterey County communities. This includes addressing specific community needs, fostering the growth of vital community programs, and enhancing the overall well-being of residents. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by strategically investing in projects and programs with clear objectives and measurable results, it can empower local organizations to drive meaningful and sustainable improvements in the region.

The Unity Foundation of La Porte County is offering "Power for Good" Grants to support qualified nonprofit organizations, governmental bodies, and educators serving La Porte County, Indiana. This grant program aligns with the Foundation's mission to enhance the quality of life and strengthen the county by supporting innovative projects. The target beneficiaries of these grants are residents of La Porte County, with the goal of addressing issues not adequately serviced by existing community resources. The Foundation encourages submission of innovative projects that will further enhance the quality of life and strengthen the county, seeking new concepts rather than repetitive projects. Priorities for funding include one-time projects or needs, projects that provide leverage for generating other funds and community resources, and projects that facilitate cooperation and collaboration between organizations and communities within La Porte County. Funding requests should be at least $500 and no more than $5,000. Eligible applicants generally include charitable organizations with verifiable 501(c)(3) status operating or offering programs in La Porte County, Indiana. Governmental bodies (such as townships and fire districts) and educational institutions (including teachers) are also eligible, with additional restrictions noted under General Grant Making Policies. Churches may request funds for non-religious purposes only. The expected outcomes are innovative solutions that address community needs, leverage additional resources, and foster collaboration, ultimately leading to a stronger and more vibrant La Porte County.

The Beyond Pencils and Beyond Crayons Grants, available to K-12 teachers in Marathon County, Wisconsin, provide $1000 to $10,000 for innovative, creative, and cost-effective projects that enrich education, inspire students and educators, and foster community, excluding core curriculum items, staff, transportation, refreshments, rewards, and incentive programs.

The City of Allentown is launching a new Community Reinvestment program, committing $800,000 in grants to non-profit organizations that serve City residents. This initiative is designed to address critical needs within the community, focusing on areas that directly impact the well-being and stability of Allentown's population. The program's mission aligns with supporting local non-profits as essential service providers, ensuring that funding directly benefits city residents. While a specific foundation's mission and strategic priorities are not explicitly stated, the program's structure clearly indicates an alignment with community development, social welfare, and direct service provision to vulnerable populations within Allentown. The program targets Allentown non-profits serving city residents, with a specific focus on those assisting minority and underserved populations. The primary impact goals are to prevent evictions, improve community well-being through mental health and safety training, enhance technology for data collection on unsheltered and food-insecure individuals, and provide essential operational support for critical non-profits. The expected outcomes include increased legal representation for eviction prevention, improved emergency response for displaced individuals, broader access to mental health and safety training, better data tracking for vulnerable populations, and sustained operations for key service providers. Funding is allocated across four key categories, each with distinct priorities. Eviction Prevention and Emergency Response is prioritized with $400,000, seeking to fund legal representation and support for those displaced by catastrophic circumstances. Community Well-being, with $100,000, focuses on training providers in mental health awareness, violence prevention, and other critical health and safety areas. Technology Enhancements, also with $100,000, aims to improve data collection on unsheltered and food-insecure individuals by engaging shelters and food distribution centers with tracking software. Finally, Essential Not For-Profit Operational Support receives $200,000 to offset costs for non-profits meeting critical unduplicated service needs. The program's theory of change is rooted in empowering local non-profits to address immediate and systemic community challenges. By providing direct financial support, the City of Allentown aims to strengthen the capacity of these organizations to deliver vital services, improve the quality of life for its residents, and build a more resilient community. Measurable results will likely include the number of individuals receiving legal aid for eviction, the number of people trained in mental health and safety, improved accuracy and scope of data on vulnerable populations, and the continued operation of essential non-profits. Eligibility criteria emphasize that organizations must be Allentown non-profits with 80% of clients being city residents, or explicitly target funds to city residents, ensuring a direct local impact.

The City of Boulder Health Equity Fund (HEF) Request for Proposals (RFP) is designed to support community-based health equity programs for Boulder residents experiencing health disparities. The fund aims to reduce systemic socio-economic and health barriers, aligning with the city's mission to achieve health equity—defined as the absence of systematic health disparities and the ability of all residents to reach their full health potential regardless of life circumstances. This initiative directly supports health and wellness programs that address these disparities. The target beneficiaries of the HEF include residents disproportionately impacted by diseases linked to sugar-sweetened beverage consumption or targeted by SSB marketing, those lacking access to healthy food, safe water, quality health care, wellness information, and health care services, and populations systemically disenfranchised due to race, ethnicity, income, age, ability, sexual orientation, or gender identification. The primary impact goal is to improve health equity and reduce health disparities within these vulnerable communities. The HEF prioritizes programs that benefit individuals most affected by or at increased risk from chronic diseases linked to sugary drink consumption, or who generally experience health disparities. Key focuses include health services for prevention of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and oral diseases, increased access to healthy food and clean water, wellness programs, and physical fitness. The program also emphasizes leadership diversity reflective of client demographics, alignment with program priorities, evidence-based practices, and valuing lived experience and cultural knowledge. Expected outcomes and measurable results include long-term evaluation of outcomes, meaningful engagement of community members in program design and implementation, strong collaborations, cost-effectiveness, and demonstrated financial stability and diverse funding sources for applying agencies. The City of Boulder's strategic priority is to fund programs that directly address health inequities and contribute to a community where all residents can achieve their full health potential. The underlying theory of change is that by investing in targeted, community-based health and wellness programs, the city can systematically dismantle health barriers and create a more equitable health landscape for its residents.

The City of Maple Valley is offering grants to local agencies and organizations that provide services and events within the community, with a deadline of July 10, 2024. The program aims to support initiatives that contribute to the city's economic development, community engagement, and human services. The grants are categorized into Economic/Community Events and Human Services, reflecting the city's commitment to fostering a vibrant and supportive environment for its residents. The Economic Development Commission (EDC) and the City's Finance Committee are responsible for reviewing applications and allocating funds, ensuring alignment with municipal purposes such as community participation and economic development. The grant program targets non-profit corporations that can demonstrate significant value to the citizens of Maple Valley. For Economic Events, beneficiaries include organizations that attract regional, state, and national participants, bringing economic benefit to the city. Examples like the Lake Wilderness Triathlon and the Be the Hope Walk illustrate the type of events that align with this focus. Community Event grants are intended for organizations that attract local participants and spectators, such as the Maple Valley Youth Symphony and Maple Valley Days, emphasizing local engagement and cultural enrichment. Human Services grants support agencies dedicated to providing essential services to the community. The program prioritizes events and services that serve valid municipal purposes, specifically community participation and economic development. For Economic Events, the focus is on attracting visitors from outside Maple Valley to stimulate the local economy. Community Events prioritize local engagement and enrichment. Human Services grants are aimed at addressing critical community needs through direct services. The evaluation process for Economic/Community Events is managed by the EDC, which recommends organizations to the City’s Finance Committee. The Finance Committee directly oversees the Human Services grant process. Expected outcomes include increased community participation, enhanced economic activity within Maple Valley, and improved access to vital human services. Measurable results for Economic Events could include visitor numbers from outside the city and economic impact assessments. For Community Events, success might be measured by local attendance and resident feedback on community engagement. Human Services grant outcomes would likely be assessed by the number of individuals served and the impact of those services on community well-being. The City of Maple Valley's strategic priority is to invest in its community through initiatives that offer both economic and social returns, thereby strengthening the overall fabric of the city.

The Loudoun County Disability Services Board sponsors an awards program, the Full Accessibility and Inclusion: Moving toward Equity (FAIME) Awards, designed to recognize businesses and organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to the full inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace. This program aligns with the broader mission of promoting equity and accessibility for individuals with disabilities within the community. The awards are given to those who go above and beyond in fostering an inclusive workplace and business model. The target beneficiaries of this program are people with disabilities who seek employment and professional development opportunities. The program aims to increase the recruitment, hiring, training, and promotion of people with disabilities, ultimately enhancing their participation in the workforce. The impact goals include creating more inclusive work environments and business models that provide equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The FAIME Awards program prioritizes businesses and organizations that actively demonstrate a commitment to hiring people with disabilities, providing necessary accommodations in the workplace, and offering professional development opportunities to help them grow their skills. The focus is on encouraging practices that support the long-term career growth and integration of people with disabilities. Expected outcomes of this awards program include a greater number of businesses and organizations adopting inclusive hiring and workplace practices. Measurable results could include an increase in the employment rate of people with disabilities in Loudoun County, a rise in the number of businesses offering accommodations, and a measurable improvement in professional development opportunities available to this demographic. The program serves as a strategic initiative by the Loudoun County Disability Services Board to drive systemic change and foster a more equitable and inclusive society through the workplace.

The Outreach and Restoration Grant Program is a collaborative effort between the Chesapeake Bay Trust and various partners including BGE, Charles County, the City of Baltimore Department of Public Works, and others. This program is designed to foster community engagement, raise awareness, and facilitate on-the-ground restoration projects. Its core mission aligns with increasing knowledge, changing behaviors, and accelerating the stewardship of natural resources within Maryland. The Trust encourages projects that recognize the interconnectedness of environmental and human health, aiming for co-benefits such as improved air quality, access to green spaces, and reduced flooding, alongside direct natural resource improvements. The program targets a diverse range of organizations, encompassing both community-related and environmental-focused missions. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 private nonprofits, faith-based organizations, community and homeowners associations, public agencies, and educational institutions. The overarching impact goals are to increase public understanding of environmental challenges and solutions, address community environmental health disparities, implement demonstration-scale community-inspired restoration projects, and expand the base of public support for the restoration and protection of Maryland's natural resources. Projects funded through this grant program must meet one or both of two primary goals: engaging specific audiences in community sustainability and environmental health issues through knowledge-building or behavior-change efforts, and accomplishing on-the-ground restoration that enhances the health of Maryland's natural resources, specifically through water quality improvement or habitat enhancement. These priorities are further broken down into four distinct funding tracks: Outreach/Knowledge Building (up to $50,000), Behavior Change (up to $75,000), Restoration (up to $100,000), and Outreach and Restoration (up to $125,000), allowing applicants to focus on their specific expertise and project scope. Expected outcomes and measurable results include increased knowledge and altered behaviors among community members regarding environmental stewardship. On-the-ground restoration projects are expected to yield tangible improvements in water quality and habitat health. The program seeks to demonstrate the effectiveness of community-led stewardship efforts and address local environmental health disparities. By engaging a broad spectrum of organizations and communities, the Chesapeake Bay Trust and its partners aim to build a stronger, more informed base of support for long-term environmental protection and restoration across the state of Maryland.

The City of Battle Ground is offering grants aimed at stimulating economic growth by attracting tourists to the area. This program aligns with the City's mission to foster a vibrant community and create opportunities for local businesses and residents. By encouraging tourism, the City seeks to generate a positive economic impact, support local enterprises, and enhance the overall vitality of Battle Ground. The grants are a strategic initiative to leverage the potential of tourism as a driver for community development. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are organizations and businesses that can develop and implement programs, special events, and activities designed to draw visitors to Battle Ground. The impact goal is to increase the number of tourists, thereby boosting local spending, supporting job creation, and enhancing the City's profile as a desirable destination. This in turn contributes to the economic well-being of the entire community, from local shops and restaurants to service providers. The grant program prioritizes funding for the marketing and operational aspects of initiatives specifically designed to bring visitors to Battle Ground. This includes, but is not limited to, special events, ongoing programs, and activities that highlight the unique attractions and offerings of the City. Previous grants have supported a diverse range of projects, such as the development of wayfinding signs to enhance visitor experience, the creation of marketing materials to promote the City, and the operational costs of various events. The focus is on tangible projects that directly contribute to attracting and accommodating tourists. The expected outcomes of this grant program include an increase in tourist numbers, a measurable rise in local economic activity, and an enhanced reputation for Battle Ground as a tourist destination. Measurable results could include metrics such as event attendance figures, hotel occupancy rates, sales tax revenue increases, and the reach of marketing campaigns. The City's strategic priority is to create a sustainable tourism sector that continuously generates economic benefits and enriches the community. The underlying theory of change is that by investing in initiatives that directly attract visitors, the City can stimulate a positive economic cycle, leading to long-term community prosperity and improved quality of life for its residents.

The Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership, in collaboration with the City of Kennewick’s Community Development Department, has relaunched the Downtown Kennewick Façade Improvement Grant Program. This initiative aims to enhance the visual appeal of downtown Kennewick by fostering a cohesive image, promoting coordinated signage and store graphics, and complementing existing building façades. The program offers grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, with up to $25,000 per storefront, to support improvements. This program aligns with the broader mission of revitalizing and developing the downtown area, contributing to economic growth and community pride. The primary beneficiaries of this program are property owners and businesses within the designated target area of downtown Kennewick. The impact goals are centered on creating a more attractive and vibrant downtown environment, which in turn is expected to draw more visitors and customers, stimulate local commerce, and encourage further investment in the area. By improving the aesthetics of storefronts, the program directly addresses the need for a unified and appealing commercial district. The program prioritizes eligible improvements such as cleaning and painting, new awnings, canopies, and signs, gutters and downspouts, exterior wall repairs, building-mounted lighting, door and window repairs and replacements, and accessibility improvements. A key focus is on ensuring projects comply with the City of Kennewick Façade Improvement Program Underwriting Guidelines and are evaluated for consistency with an approved color palette by the Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership’s Design Committee. The committee specifically encourages a sophisticated and restrained application of color, using vibrant hues for highlights and trim, and softer tones for main building elements. Expected outcomes include a visibly improved downtown area with enhanced curb appeal and a more unified architectural style. Measurable results will likely involve the number of storefronts that undergo renovations, the total investment leveraged by the grants, and potentially increased foot traffic or business activity in the revitalized areas. The underlying theory of change is that by investing in physical improvements and enhancing the aesthetic quality of downtown façades, the program will create a more inviting and economically dynamic environment, leading to increased community engagement and sustained revitalization efforts. The program’s strategic priorities are clearly focused on visual improvement and adherence to design guidelines to achieve these broader community development goals.

The City of Tacoma's 2025-2026 Neighborhood and Community Services Grant Program is soliciting proposals for service contracts aimed at supporting a wide variety of groups, including agencies and organizations that assist youth, seniors, and people experiencing homelessness. The program's overall mission aligns with enhancing community well-being and addressing critical social issues within Tacoma. The grant duration is two years, with a substantial funding size of over $1 million, specifically $8,000,000 to be distributed among various projects. The program targets several vulnerable populations and aims for significant impact. Key beneficiaries include individuals who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness (including families, unaccompanied youth, and veterans), persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and domestic violence survivors. The impact goals revolve around increasing access to permanent, stable housing, reducing domestic violence, preventing at-risk youth involvement in criminal activity, improving health outcomes, and ensuring equitable food access for all Tacoma residents. There are eight prioritized service categories for the 2025-2026 funding cycle. These include Housing Services and Interventions, Encampment Response, Domestic Violence Reduction and Prevention, Building Resilience Against Violence and Exploitation (BRAVE), Health and Health Care, Equitable Food Access, and Complementary Services. Across all categories, a strong emphasis is placed on addressing racial disparities through tailored service delivery, collaborative service delivery, and trauma-informed, culturally competent practices. Specific geographical focuses for the BRAVE program include the Hilltop, Eastside, West of the Mall, and Hosmer communities, targeting individuals aged 30 and younger, particularly BIPOC young men, girls/women, justice-connected youth, and LGBTQ+ youth. Expected outcomes and measurable results include increasing access to permanent housing, enhancing public health and safety through encampment response, reducing family and intimate partner violence, decreasing youth involvement in criminal activity, improving health outcomes and equitable healthcare access, and providing nutritious food options. The program also seeks to foster housing stability, promote resiliency, and enhance life skills. The City's strategic priorities and theory of change are rooted in a holistic approach to community well-being, emphasizing collaboration, evidence-based practices, and culturally relevant services to create a more equitable and supportive environment for all Tacoma residents.

The Acorn Grants, administered by The Erie Community Foundation, are designed to bolster newer and smaller organizations by helping them establish a robust and stable foundation. This grant program aligns directly with the Foundation's broader mission to support and strengthen the non-profit sector within Erie County. By focusing on organizational capacity building, the Foundation aims to cultivate a resilient ecosystem of community-focused entities, ensuring that vital services and initiatives continue to thrive. The primary beneficiaries of The Acorn Grants are non-profit organizations located within Erie County, or those that serve a significant population within the county, and are defined as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue code. The impact goal is to empower these emerging organizations to better identify and address community needs by enhancing their operational capabilities. This includes strengthening their infrastructure, developing strategic plans, and improving their ability to deliver effective programs. The program prioritizes organizations that clearly articulate a specific need and convincingly demonstrate how the requested funding will directly contribute to building their capacity. While not explicitly stated as "strategic priorities" or a "theory of change" in the traditional sense, the focus on foundational support for newer and smaller organizations implicitly reflects the Foundation's strategy to foster long-term community well-being by investing in the stability and growth of its grassroots organizations. Expected outcomes include increased organizational efficiency, enhanced program delivery, and a greater ability for recipient organizations to sustain their operations and expand their reach. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the emphasis on identifying needs and explaining capacity-building indicates an expectation that organizations will demonstrate tangible improvements in their operational health and impact within the community. The grant size, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, suggests a targeted approach to providing essential funding that can make a significant difference to smaller entities.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is offering Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants (AFIG) with approximately $5 million in funding. This program aims to support school districts, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and businesses in Pennsylvania in their transition to cleaner fuel transportation. The grant's mission aligns with environmental protection efforts by promoting the adoption of alternative fuels such as electricity, compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, propane, hydrogen, hythane, biodiesel, ethanol, methanol, and other advanced biofuels, ultimately working towards reducing emissions and improving air quality. The AFIG program targets a broad range of beneficiaries across Pennsylvania, including public and private entities. Specific eligible organizations include counties, townships, municipalities, municipal authorities, public school districts (including charter schools), 501(c)3 organizations providing services to vulnerable populations (seniors, low-income individuals and families, individuals with disabilities, veterans, or medical services), businesses registered as Small Diverse Businesses with the Commonwealth, and county/local government-supported or contracted organizations providing similar services. The program intends to impact environmental health and economic development by fostering a cleaner transportation infrastructure and supporting diverse businesses. The program prioritizes businesses headquartered or with principal operations in Pennsylvania, zero-emission vehicle projects, medium-duty and light-duty fleet refueling infrastructure projects, renewable natural gas vehicle and infrastructure projects, and projects located in or predominantly serving environmental justice areas. Additionally, minority-, veteran-, or woman-owned businesses are also prioritized. These priorities reflect a strategic approach to maximize environmental benefits, support local economies, and promote equity in the transition to alternative fuels. Expected outcomes of the AFIG program include a significant increase in the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles and associated refueling infrastructure across Pennsylvania. Measurable results will include the number of vehicles retrofitted or purchased to operate on alternative fuels, the installation of new fleet- or home-refueling equipment, and the advancement of research and development in alternative fuel technology. The program's strategic priorities and theory of change are centered on catalyzing a widespread shift towards cleaner transportation options, driven by financial incentives and targeted support for innovative projects and underserved communities, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and healthier Pennsylvania.

The Pierce County Endowment Fund in North Dakota is accepting applications from IRS recognized 501(c)3 organizations and government-related entities for grants to support non-profit community projects, excluding day-to-day operations, with a preference for health and wellness initiatives, and decisions will be based on organizational integrity, local support, number of people served, and the grant's impact on the project's success, with applications due by October 1, 2024.

The Golden Valley County Community Foundation (GVCCF), an affiliate of the North Dakota Community Foundation, is offering grants to benefit projects or nonprofit organizations within Golden Valley County, North Dakota. The foundation's mission aligns with fostering community development by providing a structured method for receiving donations and distributing grants, thereby supporting local initiatives. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation, the GVCCF is committed to enhancing the well-being of the community. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are primarily organizations serving youth, senior citizens, and those involved in leadership and community development within Golden Valley County. The GVCCF seeks to fund projects and programs that will have a broad impact, benefiting a significant number of residents. The expected outcomes include strengthening community infrastructure, improving quality of life for vulnerable populations, and promoting local leadership. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the focus on benefiting a "greater number of residents" implies a desire for widespread positive impact. The GVCCF prioritizes applications from organizations that demonstrate a commitment to securing additional funding sources, indicating a desire for sustainable and collaborative projects. High-priority areas include services for youth, senior citizens, leadership development, and general community development initiatives. Conversely, the foundation gives low priority to requests for multiple-year funding and explicitly will not consider requests for operating funds, day-to-day expenses, or grants/scholarships for individuals. This strategic focus ensures that grants are directed towards specific projects that address identified community needs rather than ongoing operational costs. The foundation's theory of change appears to be centered on empowering local organizations and projects through financial support, thereby catalyzing positive change and development within Golden Valley County. By supporting initiatives with a broad reach and encouraging diversified funding, the GVCCF aims to achieve long-term community benefits. A total of $29,200 is available for distribution, with individual grant sizes ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit tax-exempt organizations, government agencies, or have a fiscal sponsor with one of these designations, and must provide services in Golden Valley County.

The Mercer County Cultural and Heritage Commission, in partnership with the New Jersey Historical Commission's County History Partnership Program (CHPP), offers grants through its annual History Regrant program. This initiative aims to support historical organizations and history programming within Mercer County. The program's mission aligns with fostering an appreciation for local, county, and New Jersey state history by providing financial assistance to organizations dedicated to preserving and presenting this heritage. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include Mercer County-based non-profit organizations, particularly historic sites and historical organizations, as well as libraries, schools, and local government entities. These organizations must operate historic sites and/or offer historical programming and events. The program specifically emphasizes those with a focus on Mercer County and its communities, aiming to reach a broad public audience. The ultimate impact goal is to strengthen the historical infrastructure and engagement within the county. The program prioritizes both General Operating Support (GOS) and Special Projects (SP) grants. GOS grants are available exclusively to non-profit historical sites and groups with a primary mission of presenting New Jersey and/or Mercer County-related history. SP grants are open to a wider range of non-profit community organizations, local government entities, schools, higher education institutions, and libraries that offer programming and events related to local, county, or New Jersey state history. This dual focus ensures support for both established historical entities and diverse project-based initiatives. Expected outcomes include enhanced historical programming, improved preservation of historic sites, and increased public engagement with local and state history. The program seeks to support projects and organizations that demonstrate clear public benefit, responsible management, proven quality of work, and historical merit. Grants are awarded competitively by the County based on evaluation by an independent review panel, ensuring that funding goes to initiatives with the highest potential for positive and measurable results in historical education and preservation.

The Anderson Water Council is currently accepting applications for grants focused on the protection and remediation of water resources within Anderson County, specifically within Georgia and South Carolina. This grant program is designed to align with the Anderson Water Council's mission to assist Savannah Riverkeeper and Upstate Forever in identifying, prioritizing, and funding projects that empower citizens to address existing and emerging threats to water resources. The core objective is to restore water quality in the impacted areas of the Savannah River watershed. The target beneficiaries for this grant funding include not-for-profit charitable corporations or trusts authorized to operate in South Carolina or Georgia with a mission aligned with the Water Council's goals. Additionally, the Georgia and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Forestry Commissions, and Departments of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism are eligible. Educators, municipalities, school systems, and any agency, commission, or instrumentality of such a municipality in the impacted areas are also encouraged to apply. The impact goals are centered on empowering local communities to take action and collect and publicly share water quality data, ultimately leading to improved water quality. The program prioritizes projects that empower local communities to actively participate in water resource management, particularly those focused on data collection and public sharing of water quality information. Funding is also available for water restoration projects. The Water Council is particularly interested in initiatives that foster citizen engagement and education around water resource issues. The expected outcomes include a more engaged citizenry, increased awareness of water quality threats, and the implementation of effective water restoration efforts. Measurable results for citizen empowerment and education projects typically see average individual grant awards ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, while water restoration projects can receive up to $100,000. Grants may also include multi-year awards, not exceeding three years. The Anderson Water Council's strategic priority is to support initiatives that contribute directly to the restoration and protection of the Savannah River watershed, with a strong emphasis on community-led solutions and data-driven approaches. Their theory of change suggests that by empowering local communities with funding and support for data collection and restoration, significant improvements in water quality and resource protection can be achieved.

The City of Pittsburg Façade Improvement Grant Program aims to stimulate investment in the local business community by offering up to $10,000 for façade enhancements to eligible businesses. This initiative aligns with the city's mission to support and foster the growth of its local businesses, recognizing them as essential for community vitality, opportunity creation, and creativity. By focusing on visible improvements to storefronts, the program directly contributes to the beautification of public-facing areas and the overall image of the city. The primary beneficiaries of this program are small, brick-and-mortar businesses with public-facing storefronts located within Pittsburg city limits and holding an active City of Pittsburg Business License. Shopping centers with five or fewer tenants are also eligible. The program explicitly excludes home-based businesses and businesses that sell tobacco, alcohol, cannabis products, or adult materials. The impact goal is to create more inviting storefronts, improve neighborhood characteristics, encourage reinvestment in older buildings, and increase potential foot traffic for businesses, ultimately benefiting the businesses, their customers, and the wider Pittsburg community. The program prioritizes enhancements and beautification of public-facing building façades that will improve the image and characteristics of the building, the business, and the City. Specific focuses include signage, awnings, exterior paint (including anti-graffiti), architectural treatments, stucco, cladding, and/or siding repair, windows, front entrance doors, exterior lighting, planter boxes, and bicycle racks. The City seeks businesses that will provide the maximum return on investment and long-lasting benefits. A property-owner-led application is highly encouraged to ensure uniform projects, though individual tenants can also apply. The expected outcomes include a more aesthetically pleasing urban environment, increased business visibility, and a more inviting experience for customers. Measurable results will include the number of façades improved, the amount of grant funds dispersed (up to $10,000 per applicant from a $30,000 budget), and potentially qualitative feedback on improved neighborhood characteristics and increased foot traffic. The City's strategic priority is to invest in its local businesses to help them thrive, with a theory of change that by improving the physical appearance of business fronts, the city can stimulate economic activity, enhance community pride, and foster a more vibrant local economy.

Love Your Block is a City of Pittsburgh program designed to empower neighbors to enhance their communities by addressing blight, fostering community assets, and building resilience. The program's core mission aligns with promoting community development and civic engagement, focusing on tangible improvements at the neighborhood level. Through a grant or reimbursement model, Love Your Block supports local initiatives that directly contribute to a more vibrant and sustainable urban environment. The overarching goal is to cultivate stronger, more connected communities through resident-led action and collaborative efforts. The primary beneficiaries of this program are the residents and neighborhoods within the City of Pittsburgh. The program aims to create a positive impact by improving public spaces, increasing community safety, and fostering a sense of ownership and pride among residents. Impact goals include revitalizing neglected areas, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of blocks, and promoting active participation in community upkeep. This program targets communities that are eager to undertake projects ranging from maintaining community gardens and organizing neighborhood clean-ups to planting trees and flowers, directly benefiting those who live and work in these areas. Key priorities for Love Your Block projects include building strong partnerships, leveraging donations, ensuring feasibility, and engaging neighbors. Successful projects are expected to demonstrate collaboration with local businesses, VFW posts, or youth service-learning components. They should also encourage residents to donate resources like plants, compost, or food for volunteer events. The program emphasizes that while creative ideas are encouraged, projects must be realistic and manageable, potentially serving as a first step for larger initiatives. Crucially, the most impactful projects involve volunteers residing within proximity to the project, fostering a sense of local ownership and long-term sustainability. Expected outcomes include a visible reduction in blight, the creation of new or improved community assets, and increased neighborhood resilience. Measurable results could include the number of community gardens maintained, the volume of waste collected during clean-ups, the number of trees and flowers planted, and the level of volunteer participation from within the project's vicinity. The program's strategic priorities are rooted in a theory of change that posits that by empowering residents with resources and support, communities will be better equipped to address their own needs, leading to sustainable improvements and a stronger social fabric. The maximum award of $2,500, provided through reimbursement after project implementation, underscores a focus on supporting grassroots, community-driven efforts that demonstrate initiative and commitment.