Private Infrastructure Grants

The Arts and Humanities Grants program, a collaborative effort between the Maine Humanities Council and the Maine Arts Commission, is designed to support organizations in Maine that actively present the state's stories and cultural expressions. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission by fostering cultural understanding and engagement within Maine communities. The grants specifically target innovative community projects that integrate both arts and humanities components, reflecting a strategic priority to bridge these disciplines for broader cultural impact. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are organizations with 501c3 status, government organizations (including federally recognized Indian tribal governments, state/local/city governments), churches, and education organizations (such as schools, school districts, or public/private institutions of higher education) operating within Maine. Organizations serving and/or led by communities traditionally under-resourced in the arts and humanities are particularly encouraged to apply, underscoring an impact goal to promote equity and access within the cultural landscape of the state. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate strong and clear arts and humanities content, well-defined project goals and impact, a sound project design, effective outreach and engagement strategies, and a realistic budget. These evaluation criteria highlight the focus on projects that are not only creatively rich but also strategically planned to achieve meaningful community engagement and measurable results. The expected outcome is to support projects that effectively share Maine's diverse cultural narratives and artistic expressions with its people. While specific measurable results beyond the project's impact are not explicitly detailed, the emphasis on "strength and clarity in... project goals and impact" suggests that successful applicants will be able to articulate how their projects will achieve tangible benefits for the community. The grants, providing up to $1,000, are a strategic investment by the Maine Humanities Council and Maine Arts Commission to stimulate local cultural activity and ensure that a wide array of voices and stories from across all counties in Maine are heard and celebrated.

This grant provides financial support to public agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations for the preservation and interpretation of historic sites along the Route 66 corridor, with a focus on underrepresented communities.

This program recognizes and honors young professionals under 40 in the Denver metro area who demonstrate exceptional leadership, community involvement, and significant career accomplishments.

The Rose Community Foundation is offering a grant opportunity to nonprofit organizations in the Greater Denver region, including Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson counties, or those advancing statewide policy efforts benefiting this area. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to foster equity, justice, inclusion, and engagement by supporting organizations engaged in equity-focused policy and advocacy work. The foundation seeks to fund a diverse array of organizations with varying approaches, perspectives, and populations served, working at local or state levels, and pursuing both short-term and long-term policy objectives. The grant program targets a diverse ecosystem of organizations in Greater Denver that leverage policy and advocacy to create conditions for equity for communities furthest from opportunity. The funding aims to achieve impact goals related to advancing equity and justice through strategic policy changes. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the foundation's emphasis on policy and advocacy work implies an expectation of policy changes, improved systemic equity, and increased engagement of underserved populations as outcomes. Organizations receiving program or project support will be required to report direct and grassroots lobbying expenses, indicating a focus on demonstrable advocacy efforts. The foundation's strategic priorities revolve around supporting policy efforts across a range of issues, ensuring a broad spectrum of approaches and populations are represented. The theory of change appears to be that by funding diverse organizations engaged in policy and advocacy, they can drive systemic changes that lead to greater equity, justice, inclusion, and engagement for local communities. This is evident in their support for general operating expenses to maximize flexibility for policy and advocacy work, as well as program-specific funding for organizations where advocacy is not their primary focus. Funding amounts typically range from $15,000 to $75,000, with most grant durations being one year. Eligibility extends to 501(c)(3)s and 501(c)(4)s or fiscally sponsored projects, provided they serve the seven-county Greater Denver region or advance statewide policy efforts benefiting this area. Local, municipal, state, and federal government agencies are not eligible. The foundation also outlines specific conditions for organizations that have received prior funding or have active multi-year grants, encouraging consultation with their grantmaking team for eligibility clarification. This structured approach aims to maximize the grant's impact within their strategic framework.

This grant provides funding to partnerships and organizations working to improve water quality and habitats in the Chesapeake Bay watershed through innovative practices that reduce nutrient and sediment pollution.

This funding opportunity supports community organizations in Philadelphia that provide re-entry and workforce development programs to help at-risk individuals secure employment and overcome barriers related to addiction and incarceration.

This funding program provides financial support to community-based organizations in the Pacific Northwest working to address environmental justice and public health challenges in historically underinvested communities.

This grant provides financial support to senior centers in specific Missouri counties to enhance their programs, services, and facilities for older adults.

This funding opportunity supports Arkansas-based nonprofit organizations focused on projects that promote agricultural and rural community development.

This funding opportunity provides up to $25,000 for projects that improve recreational access and enhance habitats in the Groveland Mine Pond or Pine Creek Basin area, targeting nonprofits and organizations focused on community development and environmental stewardship.

The City of Milwaukee's Fresh Food Access Fund (FFAF) is a 2024 grant program designed to enhance healthy food access in underserved communities. While not explicitly a foundation, the City of Milwaukee's initiative aligns with a broader mission of public health and community well-being, specifically addressing food insecurity and promoting healthier lifestyles among its residents. The program serves as a direct intervention to mitigate disparities in food access within the city. The primary target beneficiaries of the FFAF are residents of underserved communities in Milwaukee who lack adequate access to fresh, healthy food. The impact goals are multi-faceted, aiming to not only increase the availability of fresh food but also to foster community partnerships and support local food-related businesses. The program directly addresses issues identified in the Milwaukee Fresh Food Access Report, indicating a data-driven approach to community needs. The FFAF prioritizes capital expenditures for projects that establish, expand, or improve food-related businesses. This includes a wide range of eligible uses, such as purchasing equipment for food storage and preparation, acquiring furniture and initial inventory for healthy food businesses, developing space for food retail or production, and improving transportation for healthy food. Strategic priorities include attracting grocery stores and mobile markets, developing other retail outlets, increasing the stock of fresh foods in corner stores, boosting the availability of locally grown food, meeting special dietary needs, and improving transportation to food sources. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in fresh food availability and improved access for underserved residents. The FFAF provides 1:1 matching grants, covering up to 50% of cash expenditures up to $25,000, which incentivizes significant project investment. Awards of less than $5,000 are also considered, demonstrating flexibility. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations with 501(c)3 registration and for-profit businesses, ensuring a broad reach for implementation. The program's theory of change posits that by financially supporting the infrastructure and operations of businesses that provide fresh food, the accessibility and consumption of healthy food options within underserved communities will significantly improve, leading to better public health outcomes.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Kansas City area for specific arts-related projects that are publicly accessible and not year-round initiatives.

The Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation Grant Program is currently accepting applications for grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, with awards typically falling between $1,000 and $5,000. These grants are designed to fund programs and projects that will be completed within one year of the award date. The foundation's mission, as indicated by its focus areas, is deeply rooted in human services, aiming to address critical needs within Arizona communities. While the specific "foundation mission alignment" and "strategic priorities and theory of change" are not explicitly stated, they are implicitly demonstrated through the consistent focus on human services and community impact. The program's primary target beneficiaries are organizations located in Arizona that serve various populations in need. The "impact goals" are to alleviate suffering and improve the quality of life for individuals experiencing homelessness, those requiring indigent healthcare, and youth participating in various programs. While programs operated by schools and youth sports leagues typically fall under other grant programs, the broader human services category ensures a wide reach. The exclusion of certain funding areas like annual appeals, capital campaigns, and endowments further defines the scope of their intended impact, emphasizing direct program support. The grant program's priorities and focuses are clearly delineated: homelessness, indigent healthcare, and youth programs. Additionally, other human services requests will be considered, demonstrating a flexible yet targeted approach. This indicates a strategic priority on immediate and direct community intervention rather than long-term infrastructural or endowment building. The focus on short-term, impactful projects with a one-year completion timeline suggests a theory of change centered on addressing pressing community issues through focused, measurable interventions. To ensure accountability and demonstrate "expected outcomes and measurable results," eligible organizations are required to submit an end-of-year Grant Progress Report. The application process itself mandates the submission of detailed information, including an Agency Overview, Board of Directors Roster, Financial Statements, Program/Project Timeline, Use of Funds Description, and Outcome Measurements. This rigorous reporting requirement underscores the foundation's commitment to understanding the tangible impact of its grants, aligning with a strategic approach that values transparency and demonstrable results in its philanthropic endeavors.

This funding opportunity provides educators in Missouri and Illinois with financial support to acquire essential technology and equipment needed to enhance innovative teaching and improve student learning.

The Greenville Zoo Conservation Grants program is designed to support and promote conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all living things, directly aligning with the foundation's mission of promoting conservation and sustainability, seeking knowledge through science, and collaborating to maximize impact. This program is funded through the “Quarters for Conservation” initiative and supports both local conservation projects in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, as well as national and international endeavors. The target beneficiaries are free-ranging wildlife and their habitats, as well as communities and individuals who can be educated or empowered in conservation. The program aims for several impact goals, including the long-term survival of species in natural ecosystems, increased public awareness and appreciation of wildlife conservation issues, and the transfer of conservation skills and technology. Expected outcomes include a reduction in human-wildlife conflict, successful reintroduction programs, improved water quality, and the creation of new conservation leaders. The program prioritizes projects focusing on Field Conservation, Conservation Research, and Conservation Education. Local projects receive preferred funding, and greater weight is given to applications addressing species and habitats at risk. This strategic focus ensures that resources are directed to areas with the most urgent needs and potential for significant impact, reflecting the zoo's commitment to protecting vulnerable ecosystems and species. The funding structure includes a New Grants Program for first-time applicants, offering $300 to $1,500, and a Continuing Grants Program for established partners, providing up to $3,500. This tiered approach supports both emerging and ongoing conservation initiatives, fostering long-term relationships with successful grantees. The overall theory of change is that by investing in scientific research, education, and direct field action, the program can collectively contribute to a more sustainable future for wildlife and natural habitats.

The California Wildlands Grassroots Fund (Cal Wildlands), administered by the Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment, aims to preserve California's wildlands by supporting the work of activists and organizations dedicated to their protection. This aligns directly with the Rose Foundation's broader mission for communities and the environment by fostering grassroots efforts that lead to permanent conservation, restoration, and stewardship of natural habitats. The program's core objective is to safeguard California's wilderness and native biological diversity through strategic, community-driven initiatives. The primary beneficiaries of Cal Wildlands are small nonprofit organizations with annual expenses and income of $200,000 or less, as well as individual activists with a proven track record in protecting California's natural landscapes, ecosystems, plants, and wildlife. The fund specifically targets geographic areas and advocacy efforts that have not traditionally received significant financial support, including rural communities. The impact goals are centered on achieving permanent protection for wildlands, which are defined as natural habitats capable of supporting significant native plant and animal life, through legislation or deed restrictions. The fund prioritizes discrete, project-specific support with concrete sites and strategies, particularly those in geographic or issue areas historically underserved by financial and political support. It strongly emphasizes community-based advocacy and organizing, where campaigns are steered by affected community members and largely driven by volunteers. Other key priorities include projects that establish or combat critical precedents, innovative strategies, and efforts to build diverse constituencies for wildlands protection, especially by engaging communities of color and non-traditional stakeholders. Cal Wildlands supports a broad range of strategies and activities to achieve its objectives. These include grassroots organizing, public education, legislative advocacy, media campaigns, lawsuits, scientific research (including citizen science), coalition building, and developing partnerships. Supported activities range from communications campaigns and strategic planning to hiring technical and legal experts, training, and restoration. The expected outcomes involve tangible advancements in wildlands and open space protection, increased community engagement in conservation efforts, and the establishment of critical precedents that can influence future protection initiatives, ultimately contributing to the long-term preservation of California's natural heritage and biodiversity.

The Women’s Foundation of Minnesota (WFM) Fund for Safety is dedicated to innovating and resourcing initiatives that aim to end gender-based violence, encompassing sex trafficking, domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment. This grant program is deeply aligned with WFM's mission to invest in women’s safety and work collaboratively with communities to eliminate gender-based violence. The foundation operates with an ethos of listening and responding to community concerns, which drives its strategic, cross-sector plans and efforts to create collective impact. The Fund for Safety prioritizes ending all forms of violence affecting women, girls, and gender-expansive individuals, including sexual violence, physical violence, state and structural violence, and the exploitation and abuse experienced by elders and people with disabilities. WFM is committed to investing in organizations that serve Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian and Pacific Islander communities, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, Greater and rural MN communities, and immigrant and refugee populations. The definition of a woman for this program is inclusive of anyone who identifies as a woman, including transgender, gender nonconforming, gender nonbinary, and all gender-expansive people who experience gender-based structural harm. The program has three core priorities, with anticipated outcomes focused on healing from trauma and cultivating community-centered solutions for survivors. These priorities include strengthening systems and infrastructure to sustain the movement to end gender-based violence, building and sustaining movements for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, missing and murdered Black women and girls, and preventing violence against Latina women. Additionally, the fund aims to prevent cycles of gender-based violence among young women, men, and gender-expansive people by addressing misogyny, misogynoir, and toxic masculinity through education to promote healthy gender norms and relationships. Expected outcomes and measurable results stem from these priorities, aiming to address systemic inequities and reform policies that perpetuate gender-based and state-sanctioned violence. The grant specifically offers a one-year investment of $20,000 in general operating support. Eligibility criteria include Minnesota-based nonprofit tax-exempt organizations, schools, unincorporated organizations with a fiscal sponsor, and American Indian Nations, all operating programs within Minnesota that benefit women, girls, and gender-expansive people, or organizations serving at least 50 to 75 percent of these populations. Programs must demonstrate the ability to work in partnership with other organizations and drive innovative solutions that advance gender and racial equity and justice by increasing access to safety.

The Millennium Fund for Children, established in 1999 by generous individuals across Northeast Ohio, is a permanent endowment of the Akron Community Foundation dedicated to improving the lives of local children. Its mission aligns perfectly with the foundation's broader goal of supporting community well-being through strategic philanthropy. The fund accepts grant applications from nonprofit organizations that specifically serve the youth in Summit, Medina, Portage, Stark, and Wayne counties. This initiative directly reflects the foundation's commitment to nurturing future generations and addressing critical needs within its service areas. The primary target beneficiaries are children and youth within the specified Ohio counties. The impact goals are to support arts, civic, education, and health and human services programs that make a tangible difference in children's lives. The fund prioritizes initiatives where even a small amount of funding can yield significant results, demonstrating a focus on effective and impactful interventions rather than large-scale, generalized programs. This strategic approach ensures that resources are directed to areas with the greatest potential for positive change for children. The fund's strategic priorities are to provide support to underinsured and uninsured children for mental health treatment, foster diversity and inclusion through educational workshops, and furnish youth therapy rooms in critical support centers. These examples illustrate the range of needs the fund addresses and its commitment to comprehensive child welfare. The theory of change is that by investing in targeted programs that address critical needs in arts, education, and health, the fund can create lasting positive outcomes for children, thereby contributing to a healthier, more equitable community for future generations. Expected outcomes include improved mental health access for vulnerable children, enhanced understanding and acceptance through diversity and inclusion initiatives, and a safe, therapeutic environment for young victims of trauma. Measurable results are demonstrated by examples such as Red Oak Behavioral Health providing mental health treatment, the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio conducting workshops at Akron Public Schools, and the furnishing of youth therapy rooms at rape crisis centers. Qualified nonprofits can receive grants of up to $2,000, indicating a focus on empowering smaller, community-based initiatives that often have direct and measurable impacts.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government agencies in Mansfield for innovative projects that improve community services in areas like arts, education, health, and the environment.