Private Employment Labor and Training Grants

The Glass Recycling Foundation (GRF) operates a grant program aimed at enhancing glass recovery, diverting it from landfills, and connecting glass generators with viable end markets. This initiative aligns directly with the GRF's overarching mission as a non-profit foundation dedicated to funding and distributing resources to intervention, demonstration, and pilot projects that address existing gaps within the glass recycling supply chain across the United States. The program serves as a strategic priority for the GRF, embodying its theory of change by focusing on tangible projects that can strengthen the circular economy for glass. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are nonprofit entities, municipal, county, city, and state governments, public waste management districts, and publicly owned/operated Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) or service providers. The impact goals are to increase the quantity of glass recycled, improve the quality of diverted materials, and establish stronger end markets for recycled glass. By funding projects that show glass returning to the supply chain for manufacturing, the GRF aims to achieve a higher and better use of recycled glass, thereby promoting circularity. The grant program prioritizes projects under two main categories: demonstration projects and education projects. Demonstration projects are designed to address specific gaps in the glass recycling supply chain and offer alternative strategies for reinforcing glass end markets. Examples include funding for equipment to clean recycled glass, collection containers for glass drop-offs, the development of regional strategies for collection and storage infrastructure, and hauling systems to boost collection rates. These projects are expected to result in more efficient and effective glass collection and processing, leading to increased recovery rates and a more robust supply chain. Education projects, on the other hand, focus on public awareness and engagement. These projects must present a clear message and strategy for educating the public about the environmental and community benefits of glass recycling, as well as methods for improving the quality of materials diverted by residents. Potential initiatives include developing and presenting training programs on effective glass collection and recycling practices, writing and disseminating case studies and guidance documents, creating signage for residential glass recycling drop-offs, and launching public education campaigns about community glass recycling. The expected outcomes for these projects include a more informed public, increased participation in glass recycling, and a reduction in contamination rates of recycled glass.

This funding program provides financial support to organizations working to improve digital access and skills in underserved communities through the acquisition of devices, client-facing IT support, and the development of digital literacy courses.

This grant provides funding for educators in Brookline to collaborate on innovative projects that enhance teaching and learning across disciplines and grade levels.

The Forecast Public Art’s Midwest Memory Grant, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, is open to non-profit organizations in rural Midwest communities, aiming to elevate and preserve the stories of BIPOC communities through monuments, with a focus on addressing systemic inequities and advancing racial justice.

This grant provides financial support to U.S.-based for-profit businesses with at least one Latino/x founder, celebrating their contributions and fostering economic growth within the Latino/x community.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Gulf Research Program (GRP) is inviting proposals for its "Building the Next Generation of STEMM Leaders in the Field of Environmental Justice" initiative. This grant opportunity is designed to support projects that develop and implement programs cultivating future STEMM leaders in Environmental Justice (EJ). The GRP's mission, as evident in this program, aligns with fostering scientific literacy and addressing critical environmental challenges through education and mentorship. The grant aims to raise awareness, expand understanding, and empower young people to apply STEMM disciplines to explore the relationship between environmental hazards and their effects on community health and resilience. The primary beneficiaries of this program are young people in grades 9-12, particularly those from communities affected by environmental inequalities in the United States Gulf of Mexico region. The impact goal is to increase the number of young people in this region who pursue studies and careers in STEMM disciplines within the field of Environmental Justice. The program specifically encourages collaborations with nonprofit or community-based organizations that have a history of working with children and youth, especially underrepresented or underserved populations such as racial/ethnic minorities, tribal youth, LGBTQ+ youth, students with low socio-economic status, children with disabilities, first-generation immigrants, and students from rural or remote areas. The core focus of this funding opportunity is on education and mentorship. Projects should provide youth with opportunities to learn about and apply STEMM principles in examining environmental hazards and their impact on communities. Activities can take place in both formal and informal educational settings, but must target 9th-12th graders and complement formal education standards. The GRP prioritizes proposals that foster the development of scientific and environmental literacy, skills, and competencies crucial for cultivating the next generation of EJ leaders. Expected outcomes include increased awareness and understanding among youth regarding environmental hazards and their effects on communities, as well as enhanced capacity for youth to pursue STEMM studies and/or careers in Environmental Justice. The GRP anticipates a measurable increase in the number of young people in the Gulf of Mexico region engaging with STEMM disciplines related to EJ. This grant operates with a strategic priority of building human capacity and fostering a more equitable and resilient future by empowering youth to address environmental challenges. The theory of change behind this initiative is that by investing in early education and mentorship in STEMM and EJ, the GRP can create a pipeline of informed and capable leaders who will contribute to solving complex environmental issues in vulnerable communities.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and government agencies that provide services to enhance the quality of life and independence of seniors aged 60 and older living on the western slope of El Dorado County, California.

This grant provides financial support to farmers and ranchers in the Southern U.S. for small-scale research projects that promote sustainable agricultural practices and address production and marketing challenges.

This program provides financial support to small-scale, sustainable farms in metro Atlanta to improve their operations and enhance their contributions to the local food system.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska that focus on improving financial literacy and employment readiness to help individuals achieve financial stability.

This program provides funding to local organizations in EPA Region 3 for projects that address environmental and health challenges in historically underserved communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in El Dorado County for programs and improvements that directly benefit the local veteran community.

This initiative provides financial and technical support to individuals and organizations in Hayward, California, for community-driven projects that promote education, sustainability, economic development, and health.

This funding opportunity supports Delaware schools, arts organizations, and artists in creating engaging arts education programs for pre-K–12 students, enhancing their learning experiences through the arts.

The Mayor’s Office of African Affairs (MOAA) is offering its FY2025 African Community Grant to qualified Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) serving the African community in the District of Columbia. This grant aims to support initiatives that contribute to the District's strategic priorities, fostering a vibrant, safe, and educated community. The program's mission is directly aligned with strengthening the African community by supporting organizations that provide direct services and address key areas of need within the District. The grant targets the African community of all ages residing in the District of Columbia. The impact goals are broadly focused on improving the quality of life for this community. This includes contributing to a "Downtown Comeback" by reimagining vibrant centers of activity, enhancing "Public Safety" by reducing all forms of violence and supporting residents through investments in education, housing, and economic development, and improving "Education" by ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential through academic and recreational activities. The grant prioritizes services in three key funding areas: Downtown Comeback, Public Safety, and Education. For the Downtown Comeback, the focus is on creating spaces where residents, workers, and visitors can live, work, and play, positioning DC as a global and forward-thinking leader. For Public Safety, the emphasis is on creating lasting change, reducing violence, and supporting residents through investments in education, housing, and economic development. In Education, the priorities are fundamental skills like reading and math, as well as recreational activities such as sports, arts, civic engagement, and youth engagement. Expected outcomes and measurable results, while not explicitly detailed with specific metrics, are implied through the funding areas. For example, in Public Safety, the expected outcome is a reduction in violence and improved quality of life through various investments. In Education, the goal is for children to reach their full potential, suggesting improved academic outcomes and increased participation in enriching activities. The grant's theory of change appears to be that by investing in CBOs providing direct services in these critical areas, the overall well-being and strength of the African community in the District of Columbia will be enhanced, contributing to a more equitable and thriving city for all.

The California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program (CSNSGP), provided by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), offers funding support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements. This program is specifically designed for nonprofit organizations in California that are at high risk for violent attacks and hate crimes due to their ideology, beliefs, or mission. The grant size ranges from $100,000 to $500,000 with a duration of two years, running from December 1, 2024, to December 31, 2026. The total amount available for solicitation is $76,000,000, with a maximum of $250,000 per location, up to a total of $500,000 per applicant. The primary target beneficiaries are California nonprofit organizations described under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) and exempt from tax under Section 501(a). This includes organizations such as churches, mosques, and synagogues, which are automatically exempt if they meet 501(c)(3) requirements. The overarching impact goal is to enhance the physical security of these vulnerable organizations, thereby preventing and protecting them against violent attacks and hate crimes. The program seeks to ensure the safety of both facilities and the people within them, including those with access and functional needs, and those with limited English proficiency. The program prioritizes several categories of cost, including Planning, Equipment, Training, Construction/Renovation, Contracted Security, Management and Administration (M&A), and Support Services. Planning activities may include developing security plans, emergency contingency plans, and evacuation plans. Equipment focuses on physical security enhancements like reinforced doors, high-intensity lighting, alarms, inspection systems, and access control. Training is for employees or members to receive on-site security training, addressing specific threats and vulnerabilities. Construction or Renovation is permitted for target hardening, limited to $100,000, and contracted security personnel are allowed but cannot exceed 50% of the requested amount, with the expectation that applicants can sustain this capability without future CSNSGP funding. M&A and Support Services each have a cap of five percent of the funds. Expected outcomes include a significant improvement in the physical security posture of participating nonprofit organizations, a reduction in their vulnerability to violent attacks and hate crimes, and enhanced preparedness for emergencies. Measurable results would involve the successful implementation of security enhancements, such as new equipment installations, improved security plans, and trained personnel. The program's strategic priorities align with the foundation's goal of safeguarding communities and promoting a secure environment for organizations that may face threats due to their core identities or missions, thereby contributing to the broader theory of change that targeted security investments can mitigate risks and foster resilience within vulnerable populations.

This initiative provides funding and support programs for for-profit businesses in Portland, Oregon, that are at least 51% Black-owned and have been operating for over two years.

The Massachusetts Food Ventures Program (MFVP) is a grant program designed to enhance access to healthy, affordable food options and generate economic opportunities within low to moderate income communities. It aligns with a broader mission to implement the goals of the Massachusetts Local Food Action Plan and contribute to the financial needs of local Massachusetts food enterprises. The program’s strategic approach emphasizes expanding investment to improve access to Massachusetts grown, harvested, or caught food products through the development of collaborations between local agricultural enterprises and private/public entities. The primary target beneficiaries of the MFVP are low to moderate income communities, including Gateway Cities and rural communities within Massachusetts. The program aims to improve commercial food access and distribution in these areas. The expected outcomes include increased availability of Massachusetts-produced foods, creation of new permanent jobs, greater access to affordable fresh food, and year-round access to diverse food production and distribution. The overall impact goal is to strengthen the local food system and foster equitable access to healthy food options. Key areas of investment for the MFVP include food processing infrastructure to meet the needs of the expanding local food system, improved distribution systems to support equitable access to fresh local food, and retail outlet strategies that enhance access to healthy food. Specific project types considered eligible reflect these priorities, such as the creation of commercial food processing infrastructure benefiting low and moderate income households, innovative proposals by commercial food commissaries that connect local farms, proposals for construction or renovation of food co-ops, development of greenhouses and farmers’ markets, and capital for food hubs. Additionally, the program focuses on innovative projects for commercial markets that connect local food producers and partners to develop or renovate large-scale retail markets for healthy, locally produced food. Mobile markets and other innovative market initiatives are also supported to purchase, design, and upgrade vehicles that provide healthy Massachusetts food. Each of these focus areas is intended to directly contribute to the program's theory of change, which posits that strategic investments in food infrastructure, distribution, and retail will lead to improved food access and economic opportunities for underserved communities. Applicants eligible for the MFVP include Massachusetts Municipalities, Massachusetts Non-Profit or For-Profit Organizations, and Individual Residents of Massachusetts. The program specifically excludes funding for audits, feasibility studies, design work, operation or maintenance costs, and reimbursement for already completed projects or staff/consultant time on proposals for completed projects. This ensures that the grants are directed towards new investments and initiatives that directly support the program’s objectives.

The Northeast SARE Professional Development Grant program aims to advance sustainable agriculture practices by enhancing the knowledge, awareness, skills, and attitudes of agricultural and other service providers. This directly aligns with the foundation's mission to support sustainable agriculture through education and professional development. The grant focuses on empowering professionals who work with farmers, enabling them to teach, advise, or assist in the adoption of sustainable methods. The program seeks to create a ripple effect, where trained service providers then apply their learned expertise to help farmers improve their agricultural practices, fostering a more sustainable food system within the Northeast region. The primary beneficiaries of this program are agricultural service providers, including those in non-profit organizations, colleges, universities, Cooperative Extension, and other entities that serve the farming community. Additionally, the program extends its reach to other service providers such as real estate agents, bankers, and attorneys, who can indirectly influence farmers. The overarching impact goal is to cultivate a more resilient and sustainable agricultural landscape in the Northeast by equipping these professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge. Expected outcomes include increased adoption of sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices by farmers, improved ecological and economic resilience to climate change, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The program prioritizes a wide array of topics, encompassing marketing and business, crop production, raising livestock, aquaculture, social sustainability, urban and Indigenous agriculture, and traditional ecological knowledge. A significant focus is placed on climate-smart agriculture practices, which are intended to improve ecological, social, and economic resilience to climate change. This includes practices such as reduced and no-till farming, cover cropping, prescribed grazing, ruminant feed management, manure management, fertilizer management, and on-farm energy efficiency. The program's strategic priorities are clearly aligned with addressing contemporary agricultural challenges through education and practical application. Northeast SARE actively encourages projects from, or in collaboration with, women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Furthermore, it encourages proposals from Minority Serving Institutions and other organizations in the Northeast that work with historically underserved communities, demonstrating a commitment to equity and inclusivity in agricultural development. The theory of change behind these priorities is that by supporting a diverse range of voices and institutions, the program can foster more innovative and equitable solutions for sustainable agriculture, leading to broader and more effective adoption of sustainable practices across the region. The expected measurable results include an increase in the number of service providers trained in sustainable agriculture, a documented increase in farmers adopting climate-smart practices, and the successful implementation of projects that demonstrate improved ecological, social, and economic resilience. Awards typically range from $30,000 to $150,000, with project lengths usually spanning 2 to 3 years, and a maximum allowed duration of 3.5 years. The program's geographical focus is exclusively on the Northeast region, which includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C., ensuring targeted and localized impact within this specific area.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to artists and organizers in Nebraska and Iowa who are working to challenge societal norms, foster community engagement, and promote collaboration through their creative endeavors.