Private Community Development Grants

The "2024 Fall Advancing Advocacy and Justice with Communities of Color" grant aims to financially support advocacy organizations led by or focused on people of color, with the goal of promoting health equity, influencing policy, and advancing racial and economic justice in their communities.

The Chesapeake Oyster Innovation Award Program, offered by the Chesapeake Bay Trust and supported by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, aims to increase knowledge of the value of oysters, advance technologies for increasing oyster populations or aquaculture production, and improve oyster population monitoring techniques. This program supports projects in Maryland and Virginia and welcomes requests from members of the Chesapeake Oyster Alliance, including community organizations and both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. The grant awards up to $10,000, with applications due by September 19, 2024. Match is encouraged but not required.

This grant provides funding for innovative community projects in Chautauqua and Erie County, New York, focusing on underserved populations and new problem-solving approaches.

WKCF Community Grants, merging Operating and Core grant applications since January 2024, support organizational needs across operating, programmatic, or both areas. Available thrice yearly with deadlines in March, July, and November, these grants cater to 501(c)(3) organizations or equivalent in specific Kansas counties. Exclusions apply, including grants to individuals and for capital campaigns. Awards typically do not exceed $10,000, focusing on projects that align with WKCF's mission and address broad community needs. Applications must be submitted online by the specified deadlines. Grant renewed every year. Annual deadline: March 1st, July 1st, November 1st.

The BlueAngel Community Health Grant program at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island aims to fund organizations and programs that will result in more Rhode Islanders being able to afford safe, healthy, and stable housing. The program seeks to increase awareness about safe, affordable housing as a shared public concern and highlight solutions to support access to safe and affordable housing. The grant is open to Rhode Island nonprofit agencies that have qualified for exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code or are public instrumentalities. Funding amounts historically range from $25,000 per year to $75,000 per year. Applicants are invited to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI), which will be reviewed by a BCBSRI LOI Review Subcommittee. Selected agencies will then be invited to submit full proposals for funding. Site visits will be conducted by Community Relations staff with each of the finalist organizations. The 2024 grant application cycle is closed, and funding awards begin in January 2024. For more information or questions, potential applicants can email BlueAngel.News@bcbsri.org.

The South Dakota State Historical Society is inviting applications for the Deadwood Fund Grant. This initiative aims to support significant restoration or rehabilitation projects for historic properties across the state. Managed by the State Historical Society's historic preservation office, the program offers grants ranging from $1,000 to $25,000. Applicants must match the grant amount with nonfederal and nonstate sources on a dollar-for-dollar basis, with nonprofits allowed to count in-kind services for up to half of their match requirement. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Fall deadline: October 1st

The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is inviting applications from organizations committed to building inclusive and welcoming entrepreneurial environments that expand equitable opportunities for all. This grant aims to empower communities in southern Minnesota to support diverse and traditionally underserved populations in pursuing entrepreneurship. By strengthening local ecosystems that remove barriers to participation, SMIF seeks to drive lasting economic vitality and ensure that prosperity is shared across racial and cultural lines. The foundation is particularly focused on initiatives that cultivate equitable access to entrepreneurial resources and that foster collaboration among community members to create long-term change. Eligible applicants include IRS-designated 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and public institutions that provide direct services or resources to help entrepreneurs start and grow businesses. Grassroots and informal organizations may also apply, provided they have an eligible fiscal sponsor. Proposed initiatives might include entrepreneurial education programs designed for BIPOC or underserved populations, community dialogues promoting inclusivity in business, or systems that expand access to funding, mentorship, and professional development. Successful proposals will articulate how their projects create tangible economic opportunities and address the systemic inequities faced by entrepreneurs of color in the region. The foundation will award grants of up to $10,000 per project, with a grant duration of up to 18 months for implementation. Each recipient is required to provide a 10% cash match and to submit both interim and final reports detailing progress and outcomes. Projects must demonstrate clear alignment with SMIF’s mission, show measurable community impact within its 20-county region, and present a plan for sustaining efforts beyond the grant period. Proposals that show strong collaboration and innovation in addressing racial and economic disparities will be viewed favorably. Certain activities and applicants are not eligible for funding. Exclusions include individuals, for-profit businesses, and general operating expenses unrelated to the project. The grant will not support capital purchases, real estate investments, feasibility studies without implementation, or re-granting activities. Likewise, projects already underway or completed before application are not eligible, nor are those focused on research or school-based internships. Organizations with an open Inclusive & Equitable Communities Grant from SMIF are also ineligible until the previous project concludes. Through this program, SMIF continues its mission to advance equitable economic growth across southern Minnesota. By investing in community-led efforts to uplift diverse entrepreneurs and dismantle barriers to opportunity, the foundation is helping to create a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous regional economy.

This funding initiative provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Orleans Parish for citywide tree planting projects, contributing to the goal of planting 40,000 new trees by 2030.

Grant Opportunity: LEH Rebirth Grants Funding Organization: Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities (LEH) Contact Information: Contact LEH grants staff for assistance Award Details: Grant awards range from $1,000 to $5,000. LEH may award partial amounts. Matching cost share in cash or in kind is required. Eligibility: Humanities-based organizations operating within the 64 parishes of Louisiana are eligible to apply. Eligible organizations include nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, public-facing organizations within accredited institutions of higher learning, state and local government agencies, and state or federally recognized Native American tribal governments in Louisiana. Organizations reaching underserved populations are encouraged to apply. Program and Intent: LEH Rebirth Grants support programmatic initiatives focused on the humanities. Eligible projects include public humanities programs, documentary photography, podcast and radio projects, humanities-based festivals and exhibition development, digital humanities projects, speaker series, assistance with publication projects, and humanities-based educational initiatives. Projects must involve the participation of credentialed humanities scholars. Application Timeline: Applications open on April 1 each year, with decisions announced in July. Rebirth project activities should be implemented between September 1 and October 31 of the following year. The application period for 2024 Rebirth Grants is April 1 to May 1, 2024. Funding Guidelines: Humanities scholars must play a central role in all phases of the project. Projects must focus on topics and themes drawn from the humanities or bring the analytical potential of the humanities to bear on current concerns. Programs must provide a balance of viewpoints, target public audiences, involve community representatives, and avoid advocacy and bias. LEH does not fund certain types of projects, such as creative and performing arts, research exclusively for scholarly audiences, scholarships, and political action. Nonprofit status is required, and cost share is expected. Evaluation and final reports are required for funded projects.

This grant provides financial support for innovative educational programs at Eastview Elementary School in Lake Geneva, WI, that go beyond standard funding to enrich the learning experience for students.

The Home Office Giving Program aims to enhance the Greater Richmond, Virginia area, making it an ideal place for families by supporting underserved youth and/or adults in specified localities. Eligible nonprofits must focus on promoting education and workforce success, health and wellness, or fostering resilient communities. They should also demonstrate a clear need for their program based on demand or the population served. Grant renewed every year. Grant annual opening/ closing deadline: September 1st to October 15th, with nonprofits being informed of their application status by the following spring.

The Spirit of Humanity Award, offered by the Legacy Foundation, recognizes individuals, civic groups, organizations, or groups of individuals who inspire the Foundation's vision through their leadership and action. This annual award aligns directly with the Legacy Regional Community Foundation's mission: "creates a stronger future for our area by building endowments, providing informed leadership & connecting donors to critical needs of the region." The award seeks to honor those whose contributions reflect this core mission, thereby reinforcing the Foundation's strategic priority of fostering community betterment through leadership and impactful initiatives. The target beneficiaries of this award are individuals or groups residing in or around the Cowley/Sumner County area who have demonstrated uncommon leadership or action within the past 12 months. The impact goal is to celebrate and highlight those who embody the Foundation's values, inspiring others to contribute to the region's strength. By recognizing these efforts, the Foundation aims to cultivate a stronger sense of community and encourage ongoing engagement in addressing critical local needs. The program prioritizes actions that genuinely reflect the Foundation's mission, emphasizing leadership and contributions that may or may not be financial. This broad definition ensures that a wide range of impactful activities are considered. The focus is on inspiring positive change and demonstrating a commitment to the well-being of the community, aligning with the Foundation's theory of change that recognizing exemplary community service fosters a more engaged and resilient region. Expected outcomes include increased public awareness of the Legacy Regional Community Foundation's mission and values, a stronger sense of community pride, and the encouragement of further civic engagement. Measurable results would include the number of nominations received, the visibility of the awardees' stories in the Foundation gallery, and the anecdotal evidence of inspired community action following the award. The award serves as a tangible expression of the Foundation's commitment to informed leadership and connecting donors to critical needs, ultimately contributing to a more robust future for the area.

The Lola Wright Foundation is a private, non-profit charitable foundation dedicated to supporting community-based organizations. Its overarching mission is to bolster entities that are granted tax exemption under the Internal Revenue Code, Section 501(c)(3), particularly those operating primarily within a 50-mile radius of Austin, Texas. This geographic focus ensures that the Foundation's efforts are concentrated on local community development and impact, aligning its grant-making activities directly with the needs of the Austin area. The Foundation targets a diverse range of beneficiaries, including children and youth, individuals in need of public health and human services, and groups benefiting from education and community development initiatives. It also extends its support to arts and culture organizations. Specific populations like minorities, the homeless, and the elderly are explicitly mentioned as funding emphases, indicating a strategic priority to reach vulnerable and underserved segments of the community. The impact goals revolve around fostering social well-being, promoting health, supporting educational advancement, and enriching cultural life within its defined geographic area. The Foundation's priorities and focuses are clearly delineated across several key fields of interest: Children and Youth, Public Health and Human Services, Education and Community Development, and Arts and Culture. These areas represent the strategic pillars of its grant-making. The Foundation generally does not provide funding for day-to-day operating costs or expenses, preferring to support projects and initiatives that align with its broader objectives. This suggests a focus on sustainable, project-based impact rather than routine operational support. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed as quantitative metrics in the provided text, the Foundation's theory of change appears to be rooted in strengthening community infrastructure through strategic investment in key social, health, educational, and cultural sectors. By supporting 501(c)(3) organizations, it aims to empower local groups to address pressing community needs. The restriction on reapplying for a grant for at least twelve months after receiving one suggests a desire to allow funded projects sufficient time to demonstrate impact before further consideration, promoting a cycle of focused investment and evaluation.

This program provides financial assistance to small businesses and nonprofit organizations in Los Angeles County that were significantly affected by the Eaton and Palisades wildfires, helping them recover and rebuild.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profit organizations that use football to help underprivileged children and young people while promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that implement programs benefiting the communities of Dalton, Marshallville, and Orrville, Ohio, focusing on youth development, life skills, emergency assistance, and health services.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to birth centers facing economic challenges, particularly those serving low-income or rural communities, to help cover membership fees to the American Association of Birth Centers.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in South Hampton Roads, Virginia, focusing on education, community enrichment, and sustainability initiatives to improve the quality of life in the region.

The Republic Community Foundation's grant program is designed to enhance the quality of life for individuals within the Republic area through considered grantmaking and active community leadership. This mission aligns directly with the foundation's fundamental purpose to conduct a flexible community grantmaking program. This program addresses the most critical needs of the community at any given time, enabled by charitable donors who establish unrestricted or field-of-interest funds, entrusting decision-making to community leaders on the Board of Directors, and through funds raised by the Republic Community Foundation itself. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are 501(c)(3) organizations or other IRS-approved entities, including government entities, school districts, and churches, that serve the Republic area. The overarching impact goal is to improve the quality of life for residents, achieved through strategic funding that responds to evolving community needs. The foundation prioritizes a flexible approach to grantmaking, ensuring that funds are directed to areas of greatest need as identified by community leaders. The foundation's strategic priorities are centered on community leadership and flexible grantmaking. This approach reflects a theory of change where local community leaders, serving on the Board of Directors, are best positioned to identify and address the most pressing issues. By empowering these leaders and maintaining funding flexibility, the foundation aims to create a responsive and effective mechanism for community improvement. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in various aspects of community life, supported by the grant recipients. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the program's success is inherently tied to its ability to address "the most important needs of the community." The funding cap of up to $3,500 per grant cycle for applicants suggests an emphasis on supporting a range of smaller-scale, impactful projects that collectively contribute to the overall enhancement of the Republic area.

This grant provides financial support to arts and culture organizations in the Denver area that are facing economic challenges due to recent federal policy changes, particularly those serving marginalized communities.