Private Community Development Grants

This track supports projects that examine the impact of climate change on communities within Massachusetts, highlighting local knowledge, experiences, and strategies for resilience. Offering up to $20,000, the grant focuses on narrative projects that use humanities methodologies to discuss climate-related changes and challenges. Projects should not include capital projects, feasibility studies, or collections preservation. Applicants must demonstrate how their work contributes to a broader understanding of climate impacts on local communities.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Eau Claire area for high-impact projects that improve the quality of life for local residents.

This funding opportunity supports organizations in Minnesota that provide essential services to individuals and families facing housing and food insecurity, helping them acquire necessary tools and infrastructure to improve their support efforts.

This grant supports collaborative partnerships among cultural nonprofits, local businesses, and government entities in California to establish and promote new cultural districts that celebrate and preserve local cultural assets.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in East Hawai‘i that are working on community projects related to education, health care, economic sufficiency, and recreational activities.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan for innovative programs that improve community well-being, support families, and foster youth development.

This funding opportunity supports Maryland-based public and nonprofit organizations in their efforts to engage communities and implement projects that protect and restore local natural resources, particularly in the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and government entities in Southwest Missouri to develop programs and services that directly benefit wounded war veterans.

The White Family Foundation, a fund of the Community Foundation of Hancock County, aims to bolster local community development in Hancock and Henry counties, Indiana. This grant program is designed to support initiatives that enhance the quality of life, making these areas more desirable places to live, work, and play. The foundation's mission is directly aligned with fostering community growth and well-being within these specific regions. The grant program targets a broad range of beneficiaries, including tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations, mutual benefit organizations, government agencies, municipalities, and churches that serve Hancock and/or Henry counties. The primary impact goal is to create more vibrant and sustainable communities. The foundation prioritizes projects that fall under several key focus areas. These include beautification projects, building façade improvements, enhancements to recreational facilities and accessibility, and initiatives related to public safety and transportation. These priorities reflect a strategic approach to addressing various facets of community development that contribute to a higher overall quality of life. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the expected outcomes are clear: improved community aesthetics, enhanced recreational opportunities, safer public spaces, and more efficient transportation networks within Hancock and Henry counties. The foundation's strategic priorities are rooted in a theory of change that posits by investing in these diverse areas of community infrastructure and social programs, the overall desirability and functionality of the counties will increase, leading to a more engaged and thriving populace.

Established in 1996, the Evansville Fund is a permanent charitable endowment aimed at supporting the Evansville community across various domains, including the arts, education, health and human services, and historic preservation. Through its annual earnings, a portion is allocated as grants to enhance community welfare, distributed to non-profit organizations, the local school district, and government agencies. The fund is characterized by its diverse Family of Funds, each established by individuals or organizations to support specific charitable objectives within Evansville. Grants are awarded annually in November by a volunteer board responsible for fundraising and grant decisions. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual deadline: October 1st

This grant provides funding to organizations that improve the lives of children and families by addressing education, basic needs, healthcare, climate change, and community support initiatives.

Jewish Community Foundation Small Grants Program in Arizona offers an expedited process for local organizations to apply for grants of $5,000 or less. In the first combined grant cycle, the Jewish Community Foundation and Jewish Federation (now the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix) awarded over $1.4 million to support Jewish organizations, programs, and services locally, in Israel, and overseas. The grants provided core operating support and program funding to address the needs of the Jewish community. FUNDING PARAMETERS • One-time grants up to $5,000. Requests for more than $5,000 will be rejected. • Only organizations whose program or project serves the Greater Phoenix Jewish community. • Organizations may not receive more than one small grant in a 12-month period. • Applicants must be either a 501(c)(3) organization, a school, or a synagogue, or must have a fiscal agent that falls into one of those categories. • Small grant applicants are eligible to participate in the CJP’s annual grant cycle. WHAT WE FUND We will review applications that serve the local Jewish community in the following categories: • Time-sensitive or urgent needs or opportunities: or requests that capitalize on a time-limited opportunity (funding or otherwise) • New programs • Events that serve a significant number of people in the Jewish community • Capacity building WHAT WE DO NOT FUND • Organizations that are NOT recognized as registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit entities • General operating support or general support for ongoing programs • Capital, endowment, ongoing or other fundraising campaigns • Equipment purchases to replace or upgrade equipment for an office, existing program or service • Scholarships or grants to individuals • Projects in their entirety • Proposals from organizations that do not follow our application procedures • Renewed support to past grantees that have not met our reporting requirements HOW AND WHEN TO APPLY • Applications may be submitted anytime to squen@phoenixcjp.org. • Applications not submitted on this form will be rejected. 12-point font is preferred. • Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. • After review of your application, we may request additional information. • The CJP will endeavor to notify grant applicants within 45 days. During the peak months of the annual grant cycle (December through February), it may longer to process small grant applications.

The Toolbox grant, offered by the Live Music Society, is specifically designed to support venue owners in implementing one-time, practical projects that enhance their spaces for performers, staff, and visitors. This grant directly aligns with the foundation's mission to elevate the live music experience by addressing essential, practical needs of music venues. Unlike the Music in Action grant, which focuses on broader audience development and community building, the Toolbox grant is strategically focused on tangible venue improvements. The primary beneficiaries of the Toolbox grant are live music venue owners in the United States and its territories who operate venues with a legal capacity of 50-300 and present a minimum of 50 music performances annually. The impact goals are to empower venues to improve safety and comfort, modernize operations through innovative technology, address practical challenges with expert consultants, and invest in staff training and education. The Live Music Society's theory of change is that by supporting these specific, practical improvements, venues can significantly enhance the overall live music experience for musicians, staff, and audiences. The priorities and focuses of the Toolbox grant are clear: supporting practical projects that lead to concrete improvements. This includes initiatives like enhancing safety and comfort, incorporating innovative technology, engaging consultants for specialized challenges (e.g., acoustics, ticketing, fundraising, branding), and providing staff training and education. While examples are provided, the funding is not limited to these, encouraging venues to propose any practical challenge they believe qualifies for support, thereby fostering a responsive and needs-driven approach. Expected outcomes include more comfortable and safer environments for all venue occupants, more efficient and modern operations, and improved capacity through specialized expertise and staff development. Measurable results could include the successful completion of specific projects, enhanced venue features (e.g., new sound systems, improved accessibility), and demonstrable improvements in staff capabilities or operational efficiency. Applicants can request up to $10,000 per application, with projects taking place between December 1, 2024, and May 31, 2025, ensuring a focused and timely impact on the recipient venues.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that provide stable housing and empower low- and moderate-income communities, focusing on vulnerable populations such as working families, youth, seniors, and veterans.

The Walter Cerf Community Fund (WCCF), administered by The Vermont Community Foundation, offers grants to address various charitable needs throughout Vermont. Its mission aligns with the Foundation's goal of supporting communities by focusing on key areas like the arts, education, historic preservation, and social services. A significant aspect of the WCCF's strategic priority is to support initiatives that address the needs of underserved populations within these focus areas. The fund also prioritizes proposals that foster cooperation, collaboration, and community building, reflecting a theory of change that emphasizes collective impact for broader community benefit. The WCCF aims to benefit organizations serving either a statewide constituency with a unique contribution to Vermont, or those located in or serving the populations of Addison County or Brandon. Approximately 70% of available funds are allocated to programs and projects in/or serving the Addison County/Brandon area, with the remaining 30% supporting statewide initiatives. This targeted approach seeks to achieve impact goals of strengthening local communities while also addressing broader state-level needs. Expected outcomes include enhanced access to arts, improved educational opportunities, preserved historical sites, and strengthened social services, particularly for underserved groups. The fund offers both small ($500-$5,000) and large (up to $25,000) grant requests. Small grants can be used for program/project support or general operating support, while large grants are strictly for program/project-specific initiatives and are reserved for organizations serving Addison County or Brandon. This structured approach to grant sizing and scope allows for both flexible support for smaller, local needs and more substantial, focused investments in specific projects with measurable results in the designated areas. The WCCF typically will not fund an entire project, preferring projects that demonstrate support from a variety of sources, which encourages broader community investment and sustainability. Eligibility for WCCF grants requires organizations to be located in or serve the people of Vermont, and to be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or be a public agency or municipality in Vermont. Nonprofit organizations without 501(c)(3) status may apply with a fiscal sponsor. The foundation maintains a strict non-discrimination policy based on actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, political affiliation, military service, and physical or mental ability, ensuring that its funding initiatives are inclusive and equitable. This commitment to non-discrimination reflects a core strategic priority to foster an inclusive Vermont where all individuals have the opportunity to participate in and benefit from community programs.

The Veterans grant program, funded by El Dorado County and administered by the El Dorado Community Foundation, aims to support the veteran community at large. This aligns with the foundation's mission to facilitate impactful local initiatives, by providing financial assistance for operations, programs, or property improvements/repairs specifically benefiting veterans. The foundation acts as a conduit for county funds, ensuring they reach eligible organizations dedicated to supporting this vital demographic. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are organizations or groups that serve individual veterans within El Dorado County, California. While individuals are not directly eligible for grants, the program is designed to ultimately benefit veterans by supporting the organizations that provide them with essential services and resources. The impact goals include enhancing the quality of life for veterans through various support mechanisms, such as program funding and infrastructure improvements, ensuring their needs are met within the community. Key priorities for the program include funding nonprofits and ensuring accountability in the use of funds. Preference is given to organizations with established programs and a track record of consistently applying for other grants or engaging in separate fundraising efforts, indicating sustainability and commitment. A significant focus is also placed on compliance, requiring organizations to be recognized charitable concerns by the IRS (including 501(c) corporations, churches, government agencies, and schools) and to be in compliance with the IRS, CA SOS, FTB, and CA DOJ. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of veteran-supportive programs, improved facilities, and enhanced operational capabilities for organizations serving veterans. Measurable results could be tracked through final impact reports, which are a mandatory requirement for previous grants before new funding is released. The grant amounts, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, are intended to provide meaningful support that can lead to tangible improvements for the veteran community. The foundation's strategic priorities, as demonstrated by this program, revolve around community investment and targeted support for specific demographics. The theory of change appears to be that by strategically funding established and compliant organizations, the foundation can effectively leverage resources to address critical community needs, in this case, those of veterans. The emphasis on sustained engagement (organizations must sit out 1.5 years between requests) and financial prudence (funds do not need to be used in the year requested but long-term use must be specified) further underscores a commitment to long-term, impactful change rather than short-term fixes.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Louisiana that are focused on improving community health and education through evidence-based projects.

The Creative Howard grant program is offered by the Howard County Arts Council (HCAC) to support small nonprofit arts organizations and arts businesses in Howard County, Maryland. The program aims to strengthen the vitality of the arts community and provide funding for eligible activities. Grants of up to $2,500 are available, and there is no matching fund requirement. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit arts organizations or arts businesses located and operating in Howard County for at least one year with an operating revenue of $100,000 or less. The program supports a wide range of arts activities, including dance, design, folk and traditional arts, history exhibits, literature, media arts, music, theater, visual arts, and workshops. Applications can be submitted on a rolling basis with a deadline of the first day of each month at 11:59 PM. The grant period for FY24 is from September 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. Applicants may receive funding for only one application per fiscal year. The application process must be completed online using the Submittable platform. A final report is required within 15 business days after the funded project occurs.

This funding opportunity supports agricultural programs, educational initiatives, and community projects in Miami County, Ohio, aimed at strengthening local agricultural and leadership organizations.

This funding opportunity supports Baltimore-based nonprofits in implementing community-driven programs that improve digital literacy and access to technology for vulnerable populations, including older adults and minorities.