Private Income Security and Social Services Grants

The Hubbell-Waterman Foundation is actively seeking grant applications from nonprofit organizations operating within Scott County, Iowa, and Rock Island County, Illinois. The foundation's mission is deeply rooted in enhancing community well-being through strategic investments in three key areas: culture and the arts, education, and social welfare. This aligns with their overarching goal of fostering a vibrant, educated, and supportive community by addressing critical needs and enriching local life. Within the realm of culture and the arts, the foundation prioritizes cultivating and supporting both visual and performing arts, investing in landmark cultural institutions, and backing new, innovative programs that contribute to community enrichment. For education, their focus extends to pre-K–12 education, encompassing after-school and summer programs, creative learning initiatives, life skills and career training, environmental education with a sustainability emphasis, and crucial mental health programs for students and their families. Social welfare initiatives are designed to support accessible programs for individuals and families, specifically targeting at-risk and low-income family services, food and nutrition support, housing security, immigrant and refugee community support, and physical and mental health services. The foundation's funding strategies support a variety of grant types to achieve its impact goals. These include capital campaigns and acquisitions for construction and renovations, operational and/or program grants for up to three years following a capital campaign, and multi-year program grants, also not exceeding three years. These program grants may also cover general operating expense reimbursement. The target beneficiaries are primarily nonprofit organizations serving the specified counties, and through these organizations, individuals and families who will benefit from improved access to cultural experiences, educational opportunities, and social support. Expected outcomes include a more culturally vibrant community, improved educational outcomes and access, enhanced life skills, increased environmental awareness, better mental health support for students and families, and stronger social safety nets for vulnerable populations. The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly laid out in its long-term funding priorities and its defined areas of focus. Their theory of change appears to be that by strategically investing in these three core areas through various grant mechanisms, they can catalyze positive, sustainable change within the communities of Scott County, Iowa, and Rock Island County, Illinois, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and thriving society.

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is accepting applications for its Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Bicycle and Pedestrian Education Program, a grant initiative aimed at enhancing safety and promoting active transportation. This program aligns with the broader mission of moveDC, DDOT's strategic plan, which seeks to strengthen the multimodal network for all roadway users and support goals in safety, mobility, and sustainability. The grant, ranging from $500,000 to $1 million over a four-year duration, focuses on providing comprehensive education to reduce injuries and fatalities related to walking and bicycling in the District of Columbia. The target beneficiaries of this program include DC charter school students, adults, families, and children who will benefit from various safety courses and events. The impact goals are multifaceted: to reduce the number of injuries and deaths, promote healthy and active lifestyles that can lower healthcare costs, and further the moveDC objectives of safety, mobility, and sustainability. By addressing critical areas of bicycle and pedestrian safety, the program aims to foster a culture of safe and active transportation within the District. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined. These include providing in-school pedestrian and bike safety classes for DC charter schools, establishing a Bike Ambassador program, offering "learn to ride" and bicycle safety courses for adults, families, and children, and organizing pedestrian and bicycle safety events. Furthermore, the initiative emphasizes maintaining a pedestrian and bicycle safety website with a calendar of events and a dashboard for Bike Ambassador activities, providing necessary equipment, and distributing printed educational materials. Expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around increased participation in safety education, a reduction in pedestrian and bicycle-related incidents, and greater adoption of active transportation methods. The program's success will be tracked through metrics such as the number of participants in courses and events, engagement with the safety website, and ultimately, a decline in injury and fatality rates. This continuous commitment reflects DDOT's strategic priority to enhance the safety and functionality of its multimodal network, operating under the theory that comprehensive education and outreach are critical drivers for achieving a safer, healthier, and more sustainable urban environment.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in Western North Carolina that enhance community services for older adults and their caregivers, focusing on health, housing, food security, transportation, mental wellness, and social connectivity.

The Middlesex Savings Bank Social Service Grant Program is designed to support projects and programs that address critical social needs within the communities served by the bank. While the provided text details the grant program's specific focus areas and eligibility, it does not explicitly outline the Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation's broader mission or strategic priorities. However, by funding initiatives related to shelter, hunger security, clothing and basic needs, and support for veterans and first responders, the program implicitly aligns with a mission to foster community well-being and alleviate hardship for vulnerable populations. This grant program is a key component of the bank's community engagement, demonstrating a commitment to addressing fundamental social challenges at a local level. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are low- and moderate-income individuals and vulnerable populations, including the homeless, those experiencing food insecurity, and veterans and first responders. The impact goals are to improve access to stable housing, ensure food security, provide essential clothing and hygiene products, and enhance the physical and mental well-being of veterans and first responders. Through these targeted interventions, the program aims to create more resilient and supportive communities where basic needs are met and critical support systems are in place for those who need them most. The program's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined: Shelter (affordable housing, homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention, housing for the homeless, emergency home repairs), Hunger Security (food provision for low-income and vulnerable populations, with a note that food pantries must request funding for a program or initiative, not just food purchase), Clothing and Basic Needs (provision of clothing and personal hygiene products), and Veterans & First Responders (projects benefiting their physical and mental well-being). This structured approach ensures that funding is directed towards specific, high-impact areas that align with the bank's community support objectives. While the description does not explicitly state "expected outcomes" or "measurable results" with specific metrics, it implies that successful programs will lead to improved living conditions, reduced hunger, increased access to basic necessities, and better support for veterans and first responders within the designated geographic areas. The "Funding Information" indicates that grant requests are considered up to $20,000, suggesting that the foundation seeks to achieve tangible, localized impact through these investments. The emphasis on programs and initiatives, particularly for food pantries, further suggests an interest in sustainable solutions over one-off aid. The foundation's strategic priorities, as inferred from the grant details, revolve around direct community investment in social welfare. Its "theory of change" appears to be that by strategically funding nonprofit organizations working in key social service areas, it can directly contribute to improving the quality of life for vulnerable residents in the communities it serves. The requirement for applicants to be nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations further reinforces a commitment to working with established, accountable entities capable of delivering effective programs. The explicit exclusions of political or sectarian activities and organizations using fiscal agents highlight a focus on direct, non-partisan, and transparent charitable impact.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have established the Hurricane Response Marine Debris Removal Fund. This fund supports projects focused on assessing, removing, and disposing of marine debris in coastal communities affected by hurricanes and other storm events. The initiative aligns with the foundations' broader mission to conserve and restore fish, wildlife, and their habitats, as well as to benefit human communities impacted by natural disasters. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are coastal communities in Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico, and South Carolina that were impacted by the 2022 hurricanes Fiona, Ian, Nicole, and Typhoon Merbok. The impact goals are to reduce the effects of marine debris on these communities, protect industries, and prevent further harm to habitats and fish and wildlife populations. The program aims to address both the immediate and long-term consequences of storm-related marine debris. The program prioritizes projects that offer dual benefits, meaning they benefit both human communities and fish and wildlife. Emphasis is placed on projects that are ready for direct clean-up efforts and have already completed marine debris assessments, addressed hazardous materials, and secured necessary permits and disposal logistics. Community engagement and co-design processes that incorporate traditional knowledge are also encouraged to ensure maximum benefits and sustainability. Expected outcomes include a significant reduction in marine debris from coastal habitats and nearshore waters, leading to enhanced ecological integrity and functionality of ecosystems. Measurable results will include the reduction of impacts to properties, community infrastructure, assets of economic and cultural importance, and improved navigational safety. The grant duration is four years, with awards of up to $6 million to achieve these accelerated and comprehensive outcomes for impacted coastal resources and communities.

The Thursday Club Foundation's 2024-2025 Benevolence Grant program aims to support non-profit organizations based in San Diego County with a Federal 501(c)(3) and State 23701D charitable status for a minimum of two years. The foundation's mission, though not explicitly stated, is clearly aligned with supporting the San Diego community through targeted grants. The program offers two tiers of funding: TC Tier 1 Grants ranging from $500 to $15,000, and TC Tier 2 Grants from $15,001 to $30,000, with an overall grant size of $10,000 to $100,000. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are the people of San Diego County, as all funded grants must be used within the county to benefit its residents. The impact goals are to support specific, stated purposes outlined in the grant applications, ensuring that funds directly address identified community needs. The foundation prioritizes organizations that can demonstrate a clear plan for fund utilization and impact. The program focuses on specific expenditures, explicitly excluding general operating expenses, salaries, capital campaigns, endowment/investment accounts, and political or religious purposes. This indicates a strategic priority on direct program-related costs and tangible community benefits. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by funding specific initiatives within San Diego County, they can create measurable positive change for its residents. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of grant-funded projects and services that directly benefit the San Diego community. Measurable results are reinforced by the requirement for beneficiaries of the 2023-2024 grant year to provide a balance sheet and income statement with supporting documentation confirming the expenditure of all funds by December 31, 2024. This commitment to accountability ensures that the grants achieve their intended purpose and allows the foundation to assess the effectiveness of its strategic priorities. Additionally, approved applicants are encouraged to volunteer, fostering a deeper community engagement.

This program provides funding for out-of-school arts initiatives that help underserved youth develop essential skills for success in education and careers through artistic engagement.

The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation's Impact100 Grant Program is currently seeking applications, inviting proposals across a broad spectrum of community needs. While the explicit mission alignment and strategic priorities of the foundation are not detailed in the provided text, the grant program itself demonstrates an implicit commitment to fostering positive change in areas vital to community well-being. By supporting projects in arts/culture/recreation, social services, conservation/environment, health, youth, and education, the foundation aligns with a general philanthropic mission to enhance the quality of life for residents within its service area. The program's openness to operating funds, one-time projects addressing critical needs, new or expanding programs, and improvement projects beyond an organization's means, indicates a flexible and responsive approach to community investment. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are primarily non-profit organizations that serve the residents of Macon, Piatt, and Moultrie counties, or Paris, IL. Specifically, organizations with 501(c)(3) status or other qualified charitable, religious, or government organizations are eligible. A prioritization is given to 501(c)(3) organizations recognized by the IRS as operating public charities for a minimum of three years, suggesting a focus on established and sustainable entities. The overarching impact goal is to address critical needs within these communities by funding projects that fall within the designated categories. The grant program focuses on a diverse range of project types and subject areas. These include arts/culture/recreation, social services, conservation/environment, health, youth, and education. This broad scope indicates a desire to support a holistic improvement of community life. The funding also specifically supports operating funds, one-time projects addressing critical needs, new or expanding programs, and improvement projects. These priorities highlight the foundation's understanding that effective community support can take many forms, from sustaining ongoing operations to catalyzing new initiatives and addressing urgent needs. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the nature of the supported project types implies a desire for tangible community benefits. For instance, funding for social services would likely aim for improved well-being for vulnerable populations, while education grants would seek enhanced learning opportunities. Similarly, support for conservation/environment would aim for improved ecological health, and health grants for better public health outcomes. Organizations applying are likely expected to articulate their own specific, measurable outcomes that align with the foundation's broad areas of interest, demonstrating how their proposed projects will generate positive, quantifiable change within the communities served. With $200,000 available funding for 2024 and individual grants ranging from no minimum to $50,000, the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation is strategically investing in local organizations that are working to address the most pressing issues in Macon, Piatt, and Moultrie counties, and Paris, IL. Their theory of change, while not explicitly stated, appears to be rooted in empowering local non-profits to effect positive change through direct service, program development, and critical infrastructure improvements. By providing financial resources to a diverse array of projects, the foundation aims to strengthen the social fabric and overall vitality of the communities it serves, ultimately contributing to a healthier, more vibrant region.

The Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment, in partnership with the Bay Foundation of Morro Bay, is offering a grant opportunity through the Central Coast Community-Based Water Quality Grants Program. This initiative focuses on supporting water quality-related projects within the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board’s jurisdiction. The program's core mission aligns with the Rose Foundation's broader goals of fostering environmental health and community well-being, specifically by addressing critical water issues in California's Central Coast. The program primarily targets projects that advance environmental justice and provide water quality benefits to underrepresented communities. This focus aims to address historical inequities and ensure that all communities have access to clean and safe water. The expected outcomes include tangible improvements in water quality, enhanced environmental justice outcomes, and increased resiliency for communities facing water-related challenges. Measurable results will likely involve reductions in pollutant loading, progress toward water quality objectives, and the preservation and restoration of watershed functions. Key priorities and preferred topic areas for this grant include the human right to water, environmental justice capacity building, and understanding the water quality impacts of climate change. The program also emphasizes drought-related water supply resiliency, climate adaptation and mitigation, sustainable drinking water and wastewater treatment, and sustainable groundwater management strategies. Additionally, projects that benefit marine habitats in San Luis Obispo County, reduce pollutant loading to meet Central Coast Basin Plan objectives, restore impaired waterbodies, implement on-farm Best Management Practices to reduce salt and nitrate, and prevent or address Harmful Algal Blooms are highly encouraged. The grant offers two funding tracks: a Large Grant Track for requests up to $200,000 (with most awards between $100,000-$200,000) and a Small Grant Track for requests up to $50,000 (with most awards between $20,000-$50,000). Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, federally recognized and State Indian tribes, and public agencies with jurisdiction over water resources management. All projects must be conducted within the Central Coast Water Board's Region 3 jurisdiction, encompassing Southern Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and portions of Ventura, Kern, and San Mateo Counties. The foundation's strategic approach underscores a commitment to community-driven solutions and measurable environmental impact through collaborative partnerships.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations serving residents of Perry County, Pennsylvania, to enhance community quality of life through various projects.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Lee and Collier Counties, Florida, that assist underserved families, enabling them to expand their services and reach more individuals in need.

The Ion Bank Foundation is currently accepting applications for its grant program, designed to support organizations and initiatives that contribute to the betterment of communities it serves. The foundation's mission is aligned with fostering community well-being through strategic investments in various key areas. This program offers both designated and competitive grants, with competitive grants specifically targeting direct costs for starting or improving programs, as well as capital needs. The foundation emphasizes that indirect/overhead expenses are permitted, with specific documentation required for overhead exceeding 10% of the request. The grant program targets a broad range of beneficiaries within Hartford County, Litchfield County, and New Haven County in Connecticut, and Morris County in New Jersey. The primary impact goal is to address demonstrated community needs and advance community plans. The foundation seeks to achieve this by funding projects that show potential for leveraging additional or sustaining support, clearly explain their project plan, and provide a realistic budget. The Ion Bank Foundation's strategic priorities include affordable housing and rehabilitation, community services (encompassing healthcare, education, job training, social services, childcare, and credit/financial services), economic development, and the revitalization or stabilization of distressed or underserved areas. The foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in these key areas, it can contribute to a more stable, healthy, and prosperous community environment. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the successful implementation of evidence-based programs, improved community services, enhanced economic opportunities, and the revitalization of targeted areas. The foundation looks for strong proposals that summarize an organization's track record, adopt evidence-based models, and demonstrate a clear project plan. Preference is given to requests with broad, visible community involvement and collaborative ventures, indicating a focus on collective impact and sustainable change. Eligibility for the grant program extends to non-profit organizations recognized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, municipal entities seeking grants for public purposes, and religious organizations undertaking nonsectarian projects aligned with the foundation's priorities. Applicants must be located in, or serve communities within, Ion Bank's defined assessment area for Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) purposes. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000.

The Tourist Development Council Arts, Culture & Heritage (ACH) funding program, administered by the St. Johns Cultural Council, aims to bolster the economic impact of local tourism. Its core mission is to encourage exceptional arts, culture, and heritage programming while enhancing advertising and promotion for these tourism opportunities. This aligns with a broader strategy to position St. Johns County as a culturally rich and vibrant destination, utilizing a portion of the Tourist Development Tax to support relevant operations and promotions that specifically attract visitors. The program targets organizations and events within St. Johns County that are dedicated to arts, culture, or heritage and primarily seek to draw tourists. Beneficiaries include for-profit businesses, private institutions of higher education, and municipalities that are qualified to operate in Florida. The ultimate impact goal is to increase the positive economic contributions of tourism through cultural engagement. The ACH Grant Program prioritizes activities that attract visitors, evidenced by promotion to tourists. It offers two main funding options: "Out-of-Area Marketing Support" for existing, unchanged events or programs, and "Program and Marketing Support" for new or significantly improved programs/events. A significant focus is on marketing efforts that reach audiences outside St. Johns, Flagler, Putnam, Clay, Duval, and Nassau counties, with reimbursement based on the percentage of documented out-of-area reach. Expected outcomes include enhanced advertising and promotion of St. Johns County's cultural offerings, leading to a greater influx of tourists. Measurable results will likely be tied to the documented out-of-area reach of marketing campaigns and the overall increase in tourism-related economic activity within the county. The program's strategic priority is to leverage arts, culture, and heritage as key drivers for tourism, thereby contributing to the county's economic vitality.

The Georgia Health Initiative invites organizations to apply for its 2024 Building the Field of Health Advocacy grant program, which aims to improve the health of people in Georgia through advocacy projects. This grant aligns directly with the Georgia Health Initiative's mission, vision, and values by supporting non-profit partners who are advancing advocacy initiatives to bring about change at a systems level. The overarching goal is to transform processes, power structures, policies, and/or relationships that determine how resources and services are distributed, ultimately advancing health equity across the state. The target beneficiaries are Georgians, with a focus on communities and populations that stand to benefit from improved health equity. The grant program seeks to support projects that elevate community voices to educate decision-makers on important health-related issues. The impact goals are centered around creating systemic change, ensuring a more equitable distribution of health resources and services throughout Georgia. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt public charities, state or local government agencies, or coalitions/collaboratives using a fiscal sponsor, and must work in Georgia on behalf of Georgians. The priorities and focuses of this grant program are multifaceted. It aims to identify emerging opportunities to advance health equity in Georgia at the systems level, whether locally or statewide. Another key focus is to bolster the capacity of non-profit organizations to engage in effective advocacy efforts, which includes research, policy development, coalition building and mobilization, community education, and strategic communications. Furthermore, the initiative seeks to strengthen the overall field of health advocacy in Georgia. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the successful implementation of advocacy initiatives that lead to tangible changes in systems, policies, and power structures affecting health. This could manifest as new policies enacted, improved access to services, or stronger community engagement in health decision-making processes. The grant aims to foster a more robust and effective health advocacy ecosystem in Georgia, with a greater number of capable non-profit organizations driving positive change. The Initiative anticipates investing a total of $1.2 million, with organizations able to apply for up to $75,000 for projects lasting up to 12 months, allowing for sustained and impactful advocacy work.

The Branch County Grant Program is offered by an undisclosed funding organization and aims to support projects that benefit organizations in Branch County. The program operates on a quarterly basis, with four competitive grant cycles per year. The grant committee reviews requests for proposals during each cycle, and funding proposals must be submitted by February 1, May 1, August 1, or November 1. It is important to note that availability for these grants may be limited. For further information and to apply, interested organizations should contact the funding organization directly using the provided contact information.

Grant Opportunity: Community Priorities Grant Cycle Funding Organization: Charlevoix County Community Foundation (C3F) Contact Information: To discuss eligibility and get started, contact Ashley Cousens at acousens@c3f.org. For technical assistance with the online grant application, reach out to Megan Havrilla DeHoog. Award Details: The Community Priorities Grant Cycle offers funding opportunities for projects and programs that address needs in Charlevoix County, including health needs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, all units of government, and educational institutions serving Charlevoix County residents. Donor advisors can also make grants through this cycle. There are no restrictions on the size or scope of grant requests, and grants of all sizes are encouraged. The grant period is one year. Eligibility: Eligible organizations must be current with follow-up reports for all previous grant awards from C3F and be in good standing with the IRS. Faith-based organizations must demonstrate a clearly demonstrated public benefit and be fully accessible to all people regardless of religious beliefs and lifestyle choices. Other Relevant Information: Proposals should address new needs or try new approaches, encourage self-help, focus on prevention, avoid duplication of services, and demonstrate collaboration. The evaluation criteria include the organization's impact and relevance in the community, organizational capacity and solvency, proposed activities' comprehensiveness and planning, duration of impact in the community served. Applications for the Community Priorities Grant Cycle are due by May 1st each year. To apply for a grant, contact Ashley Cousens to discuss eligibility. If eligible, you will receive an access code for the online grant application available on the C3F website. Complete the online application and save your progress as needed before submitting it. Grant decisions will be announced in early June. After receiving a grant, organizations are required to submit a follow-up report within one year of the grant award. The governing board of the organization is responsible for appropriate use of funds and project implementation. Please note that this breakdown is specific to the Community Priorities Grant Cycle. For information on other grant cycles and guidelines, please refer to the provided links or contact the appropriate staff member.

The Clean Power Alliance (CPA) offers Community Benefits Grants (CBG) to support organizations that are advancing clean energy, fostering green jobs, promoting environmental education and stewardship, and championing energy equity and diversity within the communities served by CPA. This grant program directly aligns with CPA's mission to drive sustainability and resiliency through various pathways, reflecting their strategic priority to invest in community-level initiatives that complement their core energy services. The CBG program targets several key beneficiaries, particularly focusing on environmental and social justice communities. These include areas predominantly inhabited by communities of color or low-income populations, those underrepresented in policy and decision-making processes, and communities disproportionately affected by environmental hazards. Specifically, targeted communities include disadvantaged communities (based on CalEnviroScreen scores), all Tribal lands, and low-income households or census tracts. The impact goals are to alleviate environmental burdens, promote equitable access to clean energy benefits, and empower these communities through education and workforce development. The program prioritizes projects and organizations that advance clean energy, sustainability, and resiliency through specific focus areas: Research, Environmental and Social Justice Communities, Workforce Development, and Education. These priorities are designed to address systemic inequalities and foster a just transition to a clean energy economy. The expected outcomes include increased community engagement in clean energy initiatives, the development of a skilled green workforce, improved environmental literacy, and a reduction in environmental disparities in historically underserved areas. Awards for this grant range from $15,000 to $30,000, with a grant duration of one year. Eligible applicants must be IRS-designated 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations operating within the CPA service territory, which encompasses numerous cities and unincorporated areas in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. While previous grant recipients can apply for the 2024-2025 cycle, they are ineligible to receive funds for more than two consecutive years. This structure aims to ensure a broad reach of funding and sustainable impact across the service areas.

UpStart Thrift Store will award competitive grants of up to $5,000 to small business owners in Washington County. The UpStart Thrift Store team will work with the Startup Junkie Foundation leadership to select the awardees based on the merits of their application. If your startup or small business could benefit from such a grant, fill out the application at the link below. Please don't apply unless your business is physically located in Washington County, Arkansas. The grant awards starting at $500 are provided by the sales proceeds derived from efforts of an all volunteer non-profit thrift store called Upstart Thrift that is a program of the 501c3, Startup Junkie Foundation. The intent is to provide a hand up to deserving small businesses in Washington County, Arkansas. Applicants will only be eligible for one award per calendar year. Applications will be reviewed quarterly. The top three candidates will be contacted to conduct a brief interview. Candidates who do not receive a grant are still eligible for funds via Kiva NWA and free consulting from Startup Junkie.

The Berkeley FILM Foundation (BFF) is offering a 2024 Student grant program designed to support emerging filmmakers in various stages of production, post-production, and distribution. This initiative aligns with BFF's mission to foster film talent and contribute to the vibrant film community within specific California counties. The foundation's strategic priority is to provide financial assistance to student filmmakers, ensuring the continuity and development of cinematic arts. The target beneficiaries of this program are student filmmakers over the age of 18, residing in Berkeley, Emeryville, Albany, El Cerrito, Richmond, or Oakland. Crucially, applicants must be currently enrolled full-time in a film studies program within Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, or Marin counties. The program specifically focuses on supporting individuals who are the primary creators of their submitted work. Former grant recipients are eligible to apply for a new film proposal only after their previously funded film has been completed, encouraging a commitment to seeing projects through to fruition. The grant program prioritizes short documentaries (40 minutes or less) and long documentaries (over 40 minutes). This focus on documentary filmmaking indicates an interest in projects that explore real-world subjects and narratives. The maximum request per project is $5,000, with overall grant sizes ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. This tiered funding aims to support a variety of project scales, from early development to final distribution. The expected outcomes of the BFF student grant program include the successful completion and distribution of student film projects, contributing to the cultural landscape of the Bay Area. Measurable results would involve the number of films funded, the completion rate of these projects, and any subsequent screenings or awards received by the grant recipients. By supporting student filmmakers, BFF aims to cultivate a new generation of cinematic voices, thereby contributing to the long-term health and innovation of the film industry.

The Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) is offering its 2024 Infrastructure Grant Program, which aligns with its mission to support the viability and sustainability of historically underserved farmers and ranchers. This program aims to foster projects that enhance farm viability, create new markets for local agricultural products and services, develop innovative uses for existing farm infrastructure, add value to farm products through processing, packaging, or marketing, and optimize the use of on-farm and natural resources. Additionally, the grant supports cultural and heritage projects dedicated to preserving and continuing specific agrarian traditions, reflecting RAFI's broader commitment to a resilient and equitable food system. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are historically underserved farmers and ranchers, as defined by NRCS, who are in at least their fourth full growing season and have operated their current farm for at least two years. The program specifically targets "livelihood" farmers and ranchers who depend on agriculture for their financial support or are pursuing a long-term career in farming. Eligibility extends to individual farmer owners/co-owners or farm cooperatives, provided at least 50% of the cooperative members meet the individual eligibility criteria. The grants range from $1,000 to $10,000 and are available to farms located in specific states: AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, or VA. Funding priorities are given to proposals demonstrating a high expected impact on farm viability and sustainability, strong project feasibility, and comprehensive planning, including a clear plan, detailed budget, timeline, and all necessary supporting documentation. RAFI also prioritizes farmers who derive a significant portion of their household income from farm operations, individuals with financial need, or those located in economically disadvantaged areas. Projects that tangibly benefit the surrounding community and farms utilizing agroecological and/or ancestral farming practices are also highly favored, reflecting RAFI's strategic priorities for holistic agricultural development and community engagement. The expected outcomes of the Infrastructure Grant Program include increased farm viability and sustainability for historically underserved farmers, the establishment of new and diversified markets for local products, and the preservation of valuable agricultural traditions. Through these grants, RAFI aims to support projects that lead to concrete improvements in farm infrastructure, expanded income streams for farmers, and a stronger connection between agricultural practices and community well-being. By focusing on these outcomes, RAFI reinforces its theory of change, which posits that targeted financial support and capacity building for underserved farmers will lead to a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable agricultural landscape.