Local Grants

The Town of Glastonbury has established the 2024 Farm Assistance Program (FAP) to provide crucial financial assistance to local farmers. This reimbursable grant program aims to support eligible farmers who faced negative impacts from significant weather events in 2023. The program also encourages investments in the long-term viability of farm businesses within the town. The Glastonbury Town Council has allocated $220,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for this initiative, demonstrating a commitment to supporting the local agricultural community and fostering resilience against future challenges. The target beneficiaries of the FAP are eligible farm businesses within Glastonbury, CT. To qualify, farms must be current on property taxes, actively farm at least 10 acres of land in Glastonbury, be registered in the PA490 program, and gross at least $100,000 per year based on the total average gross of their three best years over the last five. Crucially, they must also have sustained a financial hardship due to the 2023 weather. The impact goals are to help these farmers overcome financial hardships caused by weather events and to enable them to make investments that will ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of their operations. The program prioritizes reimbursement for a range of essential expenses designed to address immediate needs and promote future stability. These eligible expenses include payroll, recruitment, training, rent or mortgage assistance, utilities, and other operational costs. Furthermore, the FAP encourages investments in equipment, technology, capital improvements, and marketing programs, all aimed at supporting farm business growth and improving overall viability. This comprehensive approach reflects a strategic priority to not only provide relief but also to empower farmers to adapt and thrive. The expected outcomes of the Farm Assistance Program include a reduction in financial strain for Glastonbury's farming community, increased operational stability, and improved long-term resilience against environmental and economic pressures. By providing up to $10,000 in reimbursement grants, the Town of Glastonbury aims to foster a stronger agricultural sector, contributing to local food security and economic vitality. The measurable results will be evident in the successful reimbursement of eligible expenses, the continued operation and growth of participating farm businesses, and the overall strengthening of the farming landscape in Glastonbury following the 2023 weather events.

This grant provides funding for tree planting, care, and education projects that improve the urban forest in Austin, benefiting civic properties and engaging the community.

This grant provides urgent financial support to nonprofit organizations in Wayne County, Ohio, that deliver essential services like food, shelter, and healthcare during emergencies.

The City of Dearborn's Small Business Grant Program aims to bolster the local economy by providing financial assistance to established small businesses. This program is designed to align with the city's broader mission of fostering a vibrant and sustainable business environment, recognizing the crucial role small businesses play in community development and job creation. By offering grants for business improvements, the city seeks to enhance the competitiveness and longevity of its local enterprises, contributing to overall economic stability and growth. The primary beneficiaries of this program are small businesses located in Dearborn, specifically those with 15 or fewer employees and a minimum of five years in operation within the city. These businesses must also be in good standing with the City, State, and IRS, and not currently in bankruptcy. The program targets businesses that are stable but could benefit from financial support to make improvements, thereby strengthening their operations and contributing to the local business landscape. Business owners must also not be listed on the MI State Police Sex Offender Registry. The program's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined: facade improvements (such as paint, windows, building face materials), awnings, and other exterior enhancements like signage, patios, walkways, and landscaping. The grant explicitly aims to improve the physical appearance and functionality of business premises, which can directly impact customer attraction and business viability. This focus on tangible improvements suggests a strategic priority to enhance the aesthetic appeal and operational efficiency of Dearborn's commercial districts. The expected outcomes include an improved physical appearance of small businesses, increased business competitiveness, and a stronger local economy. Businesses can receive $5,000 in assistance, with an expected $2,500 match from the business themselves, indicating a commitment to shared investment and responsibility for improvement. While specific measurable results like increased revenue or job creation are not explicitly stated, the focus on direct improvements implies a theory of change where enhanced business infrastructure leads to greater customer engagement, sustained operations, and ultimately, a more prosperous local economy.

The Student STEM Enrichment Program (SSEP), supported by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund (BWF), aims to engage primary and secondary students in creative, hands-on STEM activities and inquiry-based exploration within North Carolina. This initiative directly aligns with BWF's broader mission to foster scientific talent and advance biomedical sciences, by targeting foundational STEM education at the K-12 level. Since its inception in 1996, SSEP has significantly contributed to this mission, awarding 288 grants totaling $43.3 million to 136 organizations, ultimately reaching over 43,000 North Carolina students. The primary beneficiaries of SSEP are K-12 students across North Carolina, with a particular focus on enabling diverse participation. The program's impact goals are clearly defined through its three core objectives: improving students’ competence in science and mathematics, nurturing their enthusiasm for these subjects, and interesting them in pursuing careers in research or other science-related fields. By focusing on these areas, SSEP aims to build a stronger pipeline for future scientific and mathematical professionals, contributing to the state's intellectual capital and economic development. SSEP's priorities and focuses revolve around providing experiential learning opportunities. Successful projects typically include activities such as helping students learn basic scientific inquiry skills (observing, comparing, measuring, communicating, analyzing, generating, and evaluating), increasing their insight into and appreciation of the investigative process, and supplying them with STEM-related career information. Furthermore, the program emphasizes connecting science and mathematics to students’ daily lives, providing opportunities to use technology, enabling interaction with STEM professionals, and involving parents in program activities. These guidelines illustrate a comprehensive approach to STEM education. The expected outcomes and measurable results of SSEP grants include increased student competence and enthusiasm in science and mathematics, and a greater interest in STEM careers. While specific metrics beyond the number of grants and students reached are not detailed, the program's long-standing success and continued funding suggest a positive impact on these goals. The grant provides up to $60,000 per year for three years, with a maximum of $180,000 per award. Eligibility is restricted to nonprofit organizations in North Carolina, including public and private schools, colleges, universities, community groups, museums, zoos, and scientific groups that can offer experiential K-12 activities. Individuals and organizations offering religious programming are explicitly excluded.

The FY24 Arizona Automobile Theft Authority (AATA) Grant programs represent a critical funding initiative aligned with the mission of combating and preventing automobile theft across the state. This Notice of Funding Availability specifically targets Arizona Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice agencies, offering financial resources for projects in three core areas: Law Enforcement, Training, and Theft Prevention. The program's foundational mission is to reduce auto theft through strategic investments that enhance the capabilities of agencies responsible for enforcement and public safety, ensuring a focused, systematic approach to this crime. The target beneficiaries of the AATA Grant funding are Arizona Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice agencies, which serve as the direct implementers of the funded projects. The ultimate impact goal is to create safer communities for all Arizona residents and businesses by reducing the financial and social costs associated with vehicle theft. By strengthening the tools and skills of these agencies, the grant aims to achieve a demonstrable decrease in auto theft incidents, improve recovery rates, and enhance public awareness regarding prevention measures. The AATA's strategic priorities are clearly focused on the three identified project categories: Law Enforcement, Training, and Theft Prevention. The funding is specifically available for the FY24 cycle, with a deadline of June 30, 2024, although the AATA demonstrates flexibility by allowing for grant extensions beyond this date to facilitate necessary procurement and program implementation. A key operational priority is accountability, as agencies are required to submit detailed budget sheets and consistent financial and performance reports either monthly or quarterly through the Ecivis Grant Management System. All applications must also receive formal approval from the AATA Board of Directors before contracts are generated and funding is issued. The expected outcomes of the grant program are tied directly to the measurable success of the funded projects across the three focus areas. The AATA's theory of change posits that targeted investment in enforcement, education, and skill development will lead to a quantifiable reduction in automobile theft. Measurable results are determined through the mandatory financial and performance reports, allowing the AATA to track progress indicators such as the effectiveness of new law enforcement initiatives, the reach and impact of training programs, and the efficacy of prevention campaigns. The Foundation’s strategic priority is to ensure that these measurable results confirm that the resources are generating a tangible, positive impact on reducing vehicle crime within Arizona.

This funding opportunity represents the FY25 Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force Annual Grant, administered by the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority (AATA). The grant is specifically designated for the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZ DPS) to ensure the continuity and effective administration of the statewide Vehicle Theft Task Force. This financial commitment is central to the AATA's core mission, which is implicitly to combat, reduce, and prevent motor vehicle theft across Arizona by providing annual, dedicated support to the state’s primary coordinating law enforcement effort in this area. The target beneficiaries of this funding are the citizens and vehicle owners of Arizona, who benefit from reduced crime rates and the recovery of stolen property. The ultimate impact goal is a measurable reduction in the incidence of vehicle theft statewide, alongside the disruption of organized theft rings and the successful investigation and prosecution of related criminal activity. The primary priority and focus of this annual funding is the sustained operational capacity of the Vehicle Theft Task Force, ensuring resources are available for administrative overhead, specialized investigations, and cross-jurisdictional collaboration necessary to fulfill its mandate. While specific metrics are not detailed, the expected outcomes are tied to the mandatory reporting requirements. Agencies receiving this grant funding are required to submit monthly or quarterly financial and performance reports through the Ecivis Grant Management System. Measurable results are expected to include key performance indicators such as the number of successful vehicle theft investigations, the total dollar value of recovered property, the number of arrests made by the Task Force, and overall data demonstrating a decline in statewide vehicle theft rates over the funding period. The AATA's strategic priority and underlying theory of change are centered on leveraging stable, annual funding to support a singular, coordinated statewide law enforcement body. The theory posits that the most effective way to address a complex, organized crime issue like vehicle theft is to dedicate resources to the AZ DPS for the administration of a specialized task force, thereby concentrating expertise and authority. The grant applications must receive approval from the AATA Board of Directors on June 21, 2024, after which contracts requiring signature by an authorized grantee representative and the AATA Director will be issued prior to the disbursement of funds.

The Artist Trust (AT) Endurance Grants (END) program offers unrestricted emergency need-based grants of $2,500 to artists across Washington State. These grants are designed to provide crucial assistance during unforeseen emergencies, crises, or catastrophic events, aligning with Artist Trust's mission to support and sustain artists in their creative endeavors and alleviate immediate financial burdens that could otherwise impede their artistic practice. This program is an integral part of their broader strategy to foster a resilient and vibrant arts community by directly addressing the urgent needs of individual artists. The primary target beneficiaries for these 40 grants are artists who identify with one or more specific communities. These include Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and/or Native, LGBTQIA+, immunocompromised individuals, those with immigrant status, people living with a disability, artists residing outside King County, and/or low-income artists. The impact goal is to provide immediate financial relief and stability, enabling these artists to navigate personal crises without abandoning their artistic pursuits. By focusing on these historically underserved and vulnerable populations, the program aims to promote equity and inclusion within the arts landscape of Washington State. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly on emergency relief and supporting artists from marginalized communities. The grants are explicitly for "unforeseen emergency, crisis, or catastrophic event," emphasizing their role as a safety net. Furthermore, the detailed eligibility criteria, which specifically list various marginalized communities, underscore a strategic focus on addressing systemic inequities. This approach reflects a theory of change where targeted financial support for artists facing acute needs within these communities leads to increased artist retention, well-being, and continued cultural production, ultimately enriching the broader artistic ecosystem. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the successful disbursement of 40 grants to eligible artists, providing immediate financial aid. Success would also be measured by the ability of these artists to continue their artistic practices despite facing emergencies, thereby mitigating potential career disruptions. While not explicitly stated as metrics, the foundation's strategic priorities imply a commitment to fostering diversity and resilience within the arts, with these grants serving as a direct mechanism to achieve those aims by preventing artists from leaving the field due to financial hardship. This direct intervention is intended to strengthen the foundational support for artists who often lack traditional safety nets.

This funding opportunity supports projects that promote recreation, tourism, and environmental education while preserving the Delta's cultural heritage, with a focus on benefiting disadvantaged communities.

This funding opportunity supports public agencies, tribes, and nonprofit organizations in California to restore coastal environments, improve public access, and enhance climate resilience, particularly for historically underrepresented communities.

The Madison Area Sports Commission (MASC) Youth Grant Program provides financial assistance to connect underserved youth in Dane County, Wisconsin, aged 17 and under, to sports activities. The program aims to foster lifelong enjoyment and health benefits through sports, aligning with MASC's broader mission to promote healthy lifestyles and combat childhood obesity. Established with contributions from the Ironman Community Foundation, individuals, corporations, and annual fundraisers, the grant program is a key initiative of MASC to serve its community. The primary target beneficiaries are Dane County youth, aged 17 and under, who are from populations underserved by existing sports programs. The program's impact goals are to assist children in developing healthy lifestyles by introducing them to sports that match their interests and abilities. This includes combating childhood obesity, creating positive emotional connections, and instilling commitment and daily structure in their lives. Key priorities and focuses for grant consideration include ensuring the child or children served are Dane County residents, aged 17 and under, and from underserved populations. MASC also prioritizes a mutual commitment between the sports program and individuals, and considers a broad scope of sports, including "minor" and individual sports. The quality of the sports program and the alignment of individuals with a suitable sport are crucial. Consideration is also given to the number of people impacted, the non-duplication of efforts, and the potential for program growth and quality maintenance. Transportation requests and capital construction (under specific conditions) are also considered. Expected outcomes include increased participation of underserved youth in sports, leading to the development of healthy lifestyles, improved physical and emotional well-being, and enhanced commitment and daily structure. The program's success is measured by the reach of the grant application, the growth and quality of participating sports programs, and the ability of the programs to meet the interests and abilities of the youth. MASC's strategic priority is to create sustainable opportunities for youth development through sports, with a theory of change centered on the idea that access to appropriate sports activities directly contributes to healthier, more engaged youth in the community.

The Farm and Food Growth Fund (FFGF) administers a portion of New York State’s Department of Agriculture and Markets USDA Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) grant program. This program, funded by the American Rescue Plan (ARP) of 2021, aims to enhance, grow, and improve the mid-channel of the food supply chain within New York State. The overarching mission alignment is to expand each state’s middle-chain capacity and infrastructure for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transporting, wholesaling, or distribution of targeted local and regional agricultural food products, excluding meat, poultry, cannabis, animal food and forage, fiber, and wild-caught seafood. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are New York State agricultural producers, processors, groups of producers and processors, nonprofit organizations, local government entities, tribal governments, and institutions such as schools, universities, or hospitals that bring producers together to establish cooperative or shared infrastructure or invest in equipment for middle-of-the-supply-chain activities. The impact goals are to increase the supply of New York-sourced food products available in New York and regional markets, benefit multiple producers and markets, and support the development of new value-added products. The program prioritizes infrastructure development to expand business capacity for processing, aggregation, storage, and distribution. Specific focuses include targeting infrastructure projects to the dairy, fruit and vegetable, and organic industries. Another key priority is to create greater market access to intermediaries like food hubs, aggregators, wholesalers, and distributors, with the goal of increasing local food sales to institutions such as schools, hospitals, and correctional facilities. Expected outcomes include expanded processing capacities, modernized equipment and facilities, increased packaging and labeling capabilities, enhanced worker safety, and greater storage space, including cold storage. The program also seeks to develop and install climate-smart equipment that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, increases water use efficiency, and improves air/water quality. Measurable results would involve an increase in New York-sourced food products in local markets, a greater number of businesses with expanded processing and distribution capacities, and an increase in local food sales to institutions, ultimately strengthening the resilience and efficiency of the state's food supply chain.

The City of Greenbelt Micro Grant is a resident-led, one-time, matching, reimbursable grant designed to foster community building and engage new individuals across neighborhoods. This initiative is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, aiming to help communities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen connections within Greenbelt's diverse neighborhoods. The program's core objective is to create welcoming and inclusive opportunities for neighbors to connect, cultivate volunteerism, increase civic participation, and encourage lasting community engagement. The grant aligns with a broader strategic priority of empowering residents to take responsibility for building connections and addressing community needs, thereby strengthening the social fabric of Greenbelt. Target beneficiaries for the Micro Grant include incorporated neighborhood and community organizations, such as Homeowner Associations, Condominium Associations, GHI Co-ops, Apartment Complexes, and Community Coalitions, that are actively involved in improving or developing programs and activities for their local residential communities. The impact goals are centered around fostering stronger relationships between Greenbelt residents, increasing civic participation, and celebrating community spirit. Through resident-led projects, the grant seeks to create tangible improvements and social cohesion at the neighborhood level. The program prioritizes projects and activities that build community, encourage new or stronger relationships among residents, and foster authentic, inclusive connections. Key focuses include supporting social events, enhancing neighborhood communication, and improving the quality of life through community enhancement projects. Funding amounts vary by grant type: Community Event Grants are eligible for up to $500, Neighborhood Communication Grants for up to $750, and Community Enhancement Grants for up to $1,000. All projects require a minimum of five neighborhood residents to be involved and must provide a public benefit, be free to participate, and abide by City ordinances. The neighborhood's match must be 25% of the requested grant amount. Expected outcomes include a more connected and engaged Greenbelt community, an increase in volunteerism, and tangible improvements in neighborhood aesthetics and functionality. Measurable results would involve the number of residents participating in projects, the types and frequency of community events, the reach of communication efforts, and the completion of neighborhood improvement projects. The theory of change posits that by empowering residents with resources and supporting their initiatives, the grant will directly lead to a more vibrant, cohesive, and resilient community, capable of addressing its own needs and celebrating its unique character. This approach reinforces the city's commitment to resident-led development and sustained community well-being.

The City of Fishers 2024 Neighborhood Vibrancy Grant is a matching grant program designed to fund creative and innovative ideas that enhance the community's beauty and positively impact the lives of residents in a smart, vibrant, and entrepreneurial manner. While a specific "foundation mission alignment" isn't explicitly stated for a city grant, the program's purpose clearly aligns with a civic mission of improving the quality of life and fostering community engagement within Fishers. The grant aims to transform public spaces and encourage sustainable practices, reflecting a strategic priority of community development and environmental stewardship. The target beneficiaries of this grant are neighborhood groups and Homeowners Associations (HOAs) located within Fishers City Limits. The impact goals are to make the community a more beautiful place to live, and to affect the lives of the community at large. This is achieved through projects that focus on design, construction, or installation, with a strong emphasis on visibility and positive effect on Fishers as a community. The program's theory of change appears to be that by providing financial incentives for resident-led improvement projects, the city can foster a greater sense of community pride and improve the local environment, leading to a more vibrant and livable city for all. Priorities for the grant include projects with the greatest visibility and positive effect on Fishers. Preferred projects range from converting high-maintenance lawns to native plantings, installing shoreline plantings and rain gardens, creating Monarch Butterfly Waystations and Wildlife Habitat Corridors, establishing Neighborhood Community Gardens, and improving common area trails and parks with amenities like picnic shelters and accessible playground equipment. Other priorities include connecting neighborhood walking trails, installing solar lights or other renewable energy projects, and improving pedestrian connectivity or tactical urbanism. Grants are competitive and will not be awarded for recurring or maintenance items, emphasizing the focus on new, transformative projects. The expected outcomes include more aesthetically pleasing public spaces, enhanced biodiversity through native plantings and habitats, improved recreational opportunities, increased pedestrian connectivity, and the adoption of sustainable energy solutions. Measurable results could include the number of acres converted to native plantings, the number of new community gardens established, the linear feet of trails improved or connected, and the number of solar lights installed. The maximum amount to be awarded per project is $25,000, and applicants must provide at least 20% of the total project cost, ensuring local investment and commitment to the success of these community-driven initiatives.

This grant provides financial support to educational institutions, local governments, and non-profit organizations for projects that promote recycling, composting, and waste reduction in the Ottawa-Sandusky-Seneca District.

The Council on Culture & Arts (COCA) offers three grant programs for the period of October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025: the Cultural Grant, Cultural Tourism Marketing Grant, and Local Community Grant. These programs collectively aim to fund programming expenses for arts, culture, history, or heritage organizations. COCA's mission, as evidenced by these grants, is to foster and support cultural and artistic endeavors within Florida, with a particular emphasis on Leon County's tourist attractions and broader community engagement. The Cultural Grant specifically aligns with the mission of attracting tourists by requiring applicants to promote their activities to visitors outside of Leon County, thereby leveraging arts and culture for economic development through tourism. The target beneficiaries for all three grants are arts, culture, history, or heritage organizations. The impact goals are multifaceted, seeking to enhance cultural programming, provide educational opportunities for both young people and adults in arts, culture, and history, and serve diverse populations or unique community needs. For the Cultural Grant and Cultural Tourism Marketing Grant, a key impact goal is to increase tourism to Leon County by showcasing its cultural assets. The Local Community Grant, while sharing similar programming goals, focuses on broader community engagement within Leon County, without the explicit tourism attraction requirement. Priorities and focuses for the Cultural Grant include offering exemplary arts and cultural programs, providing educational opportunities, and serving special or diverse populations. A significant focus is also placed on attracting tourists, requiring specific marketing plans and reporting on out-of-county visitors. The Cultural Tourism Marketing Grant directly supports this by offering additional funds for out-of-county marketing. The Local Community Grant shares the programming and educational priorities but emphasizes community impact and engagement within the local area. Expected outcomes include a robust offering of high-quality cultural programs, increased educational opportunities in the arts, and greater accessibility for people with disabilities. Measurable results for the Cultural Grant and Cultural Tourism Marketing Grant involve tracking the number of out-of-county visitors served by grant-funded programs and demonstrating effective out-of-market advertising. For all grants, applicants are expected to have documented statistics on attendance and participation, representing a broad community impact. COCA's strategic priorities are thus aligned with supporting both cultural enrichment and economic development through tourism, underpinned by a theory of change that posits that funding well-planned and promoted cultural programs will lead to increased community engagement, educational attainment, and tourist visitation.

The Arlington County Department of Human Services is offering a grant funding opportunity to support its Food Security Strategic Plan. This initiative aligns with the department's mission to address food insecurity and improve nutrition equity within Arlington County. The grant aims to support projects that enhance food access, promote outreach and education, build capacity among food assistance providers, and facilitate informed decision-making through data collection. The maximum grant award for a single project is $25,000, with funds to be spent by June 30, 2025. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are Arlington County residents experiencing food insecurity. The program targets various populations through strategies such as enhancing school-based supplemental food offerings, establishing new charitable food distributions in underserved neighborhoods, and increasing nutrition education opportunities for residents of all ages. The overarching impact goal is to eliminate, reduce, and prevent disparities in food security, ensuring that all those in need receive adequate support. The grant prioritizes projects that address at least one of five key strategies outlined in the Strategic Plan: Systemic Change, Food Access, Outreach & Education, Capacity Building, and Informed Decision Making. Specific focuses include improving nutrition equity, increasing food rescue and redistribution, promoting food assistance resources like SNAP, developing training materials for staff and volunteers, and collecting data on usage trends and services. Eligible organizations include IRS-designated 501c3 nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and public schools or universities that serve Arlington residents. Expected outcomes include improved access to nutritious food for Arlington residents, increased awareness and enrollment in food assistance programs, enhanced operational capacity for food pantries and meal programs, and better-informed decision-making based on collected data. Measurable results could include an increase in the number of residents served, the quantity of food distributed, the number of individuals participating in nutrition education, and the implementation of new or improved food security policies and practices. The grant period is from October 2024 through June 30, 2025, with funding awards announced in September 2024.

The FY2025 LGBTQIA+ Community Development Grant, offered by the Executive Office of Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Mayor’s Office on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning Affairs (MOLGBTQA), aims to support Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) serving the District of Columbia’s LGBTQIA+ community. This grant aligns with the Mayor's broader mission to foster a vibrant, safe, and equitable city for all residents, including those within the LGBTQIA+ community. The grant's focus on community development reflects a strategic priority to empower local organizations to address specific needs and improve the quality of life for a key demographic within the District. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are LGBTQIA+ residents and/or business owners in the District of Columbia. The impact goals are to support services that contribute to a "Downtown Comeback," enhance "Public Safety," and improve "Education" within the community. These goals are designed to create significant, lasting change, protect the middle class, reduce violence, and ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. The grant seeks to strengthen communities by providing access to job opportunities, affordable living, and quality educational and recreational activities. The grant prioritizes services in three key areas: Downtown Comeback, Public Safety, and Education. "Downtown Comeback" envisions a reimagined downtown where residents, workers, and visitors can live, work, and play in vibrant centers, positioning DC as a global leader in serving its residents. "Public Safety" aims to reverse rising trends in violence, including gun violence, through investments in education, housing, and economic development to improve residents' quality of life. "Education" focuses on strengthening schools as community heartbeats, ensuring every child can pursue their dreams through basic education, sports, arts, and civic engagement. Eligible organizations can be awarded up to $50,000 for projects running from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. Expected outcomes include a more vibrant and inclusive downtown, a reduction in violence and improved public safety, and enhanced educational and recreational opportunities for LGBTQIA+ youth and residents. Measurable results will likely be tied to the specific programs implemented by CBOs within the funding priorities, such as increased engagement in downtown activities, decreases in crime rates, and improvements in academic performance or participation in youth programs. This grant embodies MOLGBTQA’s theory of change, which posits that investing in community-based initiatives across these critical areas will lead to a stronger, safer, and more prosperous District of Columbia for its LGBTQIA+ population.

The Mecosta County Community Foundation in Michigan is offering grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 from its Community Needs Fund to support projects in arts, culture, community development, education, health, historical preservation, and environmental conservation, open to applications from 501(C)3 or tax-supported organizations impacting Mecosta County.

The Storefront Improvement Program (SIP) is a discretionary reimbursement grant established by the City of Soldotna in 2012. Its primary goal is to revitalize commercial areas within Soldotna by stimulating private investment, fostering economic growth, and enhancing the overall visual appeal and vitality of the city's commercial districts. This program aligns with the City's long-range plan, Envision Soldotna 2030, specifically addressing goals such as promoting downtown development, encouraging redevelopment in key areas like the river and major highways, supporting diverse local businesses for a healthy economy, and improving the streetscape along major routes. The SIP targets property owners and business lessees within Soldotna’s commercial areas, with the aim of boosting traffic, increasing property values, and improving the city's aesthetic. The program prioritizes exterior improvements to business facades visible from the street, including elements like storefronts, windows, exterior lighting, canopies, awnings, painting, masonry work, permanent landscaping, decorative signs, and accessibility improvements. The emphasis is on transformative changes, and projects incorporating multiple elements receive greater weight during the competitive application process. Expected outcomes include a more vibrant and attractive commercial landscape, increased foot traffic for local businesses, and an uplift in property values. By sharing the cost of beautification, the program seeks to empower local business owners to invest in their properties, contributing to a more prosperous local economy. While routine upkeep, maintenance, or required updates (e.g., signage due to change in ownership) are not eligible, the program encourages proactive improvements that enhance the architectural character and functionality of commercial buildings. Measurable results could include an increase in the number of beautified storefronts, a rise in new business openings or expansions in commercial areas, and potentially an increase in sales tax revenue for the city. The program's theory of change posits that by directly incentivizing aesthetic and functional improvements to business exteriors, the city can create a more inviting environment that attracts both residents and visitors, thereby stimulating economic activity and supporting the long-term health of its commercial sectors. The competitive application process ensures that funding is directed towards high-impact projects that best align with the program's objectives.