Private Science and Technology Grants

This program provides quick funding to researchers at North Carolina universities and nonprofit institutes to develop innovative life sciences projects that show strong commercial potential.

The Rocky Brands Community Improvement Fund is seeking applications from 501c3 organizations and government agencies in specific Ohio counties for projects that align with their mission and values, address current or emerging needs, encourage cooperation, and can leverage additional funds, with a focus on areas such as children's welfare, hunger, education, senior citizens, health wellness, community development, and more.

Wilkes Community Foundation (WCF) is accepting applications for its community grants program, which is designed to address a wide array of local needs throughout Wilkes County, North Carolina. Rooted in its mission to strengthen and uplift the community, WCF strategically invests in initiatives spanning human services, education, youth development, health, food and nutrition, and the arts. The foundation’s theory of change is built on the principle that comprehensive investment across diverse sectors contributes to a stronger, more resilient community—one that can respond effectively to the evolving needs of its residents. This holistic funding approach ensures that multiple aspects of community life are supported, creating a network of programs that reinforce each other for maximum local impact. The program’s target beneficiaries are Wilkes County residents served through a broad spectrum of community organizations and institutions. Eligible applicants include qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, organizations with a 501(c)(3) fiscal agent, local governments—including public schools—fire and rescue departments, and religious entities engaged in social outreach and charitable services. The impact goals are both immediate and long-term: improving quality of life, enhancing access to educational opportunities, supporting healthy lifestyles, reducing food insecurity, and promoting cultural enrichment. By focusing on these goals, WCF aims to address both urgent community needs and the structural factors that shape well-being. WCF places strong emphasis on funding initiatives that can clearly demonstrate their potential for measurable impact. Priority is given to programs that respond to critical community needs and that show evidence of organizational capacity to implement effective solutions. This includes programs that address social determinants of health, expand educational attainment, enhance youth development opportunities, and foster community engagement through the arts. A key expectation for grantees is to deliver services equitably and without discrimination, ensuring that all residents have fair access to the benefits created through funded initiatives. The expected outcomes of the grant program are multifaceted. In the short term, funded projects are anticipated to increase access to essential services, improve food and health security, expand educational resources, and enrich the cultural fabric of Wilkes County. Over the longer term, WCF envisions these investments leading to stronger local institutions, more empowered community members, improved health and education outcomes, and greater civic engagement. These outcomes align with WCF’s belief that sustainable community improvement requires both meeting immediate needs and building long-term capacity for growth and resilience. Grant awards typically range from $1,000 to $2,500, with a possible maximum of $10,000. This funding structure enables the foundation to support both small grassroots efforts and more expansive initiatives. Religious entities may apply for funding tied specifically to charitable and social service programs but are not eligible for general operating support. This approach ensures that resources are strategically allocated to programs with direct and demonstrable community impact. By funding a broad range of initiatives, WCF empowers local organizations to act as catalysts for change. Ultimately, WCF’s grantmaking strategy reflects a belief in the power of local action and collaborative problem-solving. By equipping community-based organizations with the resources they need to address critical issues, the foundation is investing in a stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient Wilkes County. Its community grants program embodies a balanced strategy of flexibility and accountability—providing support where it is most needed while ensuring that funded efforts contribute meaningfully to the county’s collective well-being and long-term prosperity.

The Welch Charitable Fund, administered by the Maine Community Foundation, supports organizations within the Greater Portland area, specifically Cumberland County, Maine. This grant program aligns with the foundation's mission to foster community well-being by prioritizing nonprofits dedicated to youth, education, healthcare, alcohol and substance abuse rehabilitation, and arts and culture. The fund aims to provide grants that either increase the scope (number of people or services) or improve the efficiency and effectiveness of organizations, as well as support new or expanded projects that address community needs in these focus areas. The target beneficiaries of the Welch Charitable Fund are individuals residing in the Greater Portland area, with a particular focus on youth. The fund seeks to impact these beneficiaries by supporting projects that promote their development, health, and access to educational and cultural opportunities. Through strategic funding, the foundation aims to contribute to a healthier, more educated, and culturally enriched community, ultimately addressing critical social issues such as substance abuse. The priorities and focuses of the Welch Charitable Fund are clearly defined: education, health care, youth development, recovery from substance use disorder, and arts and culture. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its commitment to funding initiatives that directly address these areas, recognizing their interconnectedness in fostering a vibrant and resilient community. The theory of change behind this grant program is that by investing in these key sectors, the foundation can empower local organizations to deliver vital services and programs, leading to positive and lasting changes for individuals and the community as a whole. The expected outcomes of the grants include an expanded reach of services, improved organizational efficiency, and the successful implementation of new projects. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the scope and effectiveness improvements, the focus on increased numbers of people served and enhanced organizational performance suggests a commitment to tangible impact. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, municipalities, public schools, public agencies, and Indian tribal governments, with a grant size ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, underscoring the foundation's dedication to supporting a diverse array of community-serving entities.

The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) is offering $325 million in grants for clean and drinking water projects. These grants are specifically for selected municipalities with infrastructure projects aimed at protecting public health and/or water quality. The EFC's mission aligns with the critical need to safeguard the state's water resources and ensure the well-being of its residents, directly supporting environmental protection and public health initiatives through strategic infrastructure development. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are municipalities across all counties in New York State. The program prioritizes projects that protect public health and water quality, with additional considerations for median household income, population served, governmental and community support, environmental justice, and project readiness. A key focus is on small, rural, and disadvantaged communities with populations of 3,500 or less, as these areas may qualify for enhanced awards, demonstrating an equitable approach to grant distribution. The program has clear priorities and focuses, specifically addressing clean water projects, drinking water projects, and intermunicipal (IMG) clean and drinking water projects. For clean water projects, awards can be up to $25 million or 25% of net eligible costs, with an enhanced 50% funding for small, rural, and disadvantaged communities. Drinking water projects tackling emerging contaminants (EC) above the State's Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) can receive 70% of net eligible costs with no cap, while other drinking water projects are capped at $5 million or 60% of net eligible costs. IMG projects for cooperating municipalities can receive up to $30 million or 40% of net eligible costs. These differentiated funding structures reflect a strategic prioritization of the most pressing water quality challenges. Expected outcomes include the construction, replacement, or repair of water infrastructure, upgrades to comply with environmental and public health laws, system upgrades to combat emerging contaminants like PFOA, PFOS, and 1,4 dioxane, and improvements to address combined and/or sanitary sewer overflow impacts. Measurable results will be seen in the successful completion of these construction-focused projects, improved water quality, enhanced public health protection, and increased compliance with environmental regulations. The EFC's strategic priority is to invest in tangible infrastructure improvements that yield long-term benefits for New York's communities and environment, operating under the theory of change that targeted financial support for critical water infrastructure will directly lead to a healthier and more sustainable future for the state.

Grants are available through the Metro East Park and Recreation District for events that promote the use of public parks, trails, and outdoor recreation facilities in Madison and St. Clair Counties in Illinois. The Event Sponsorship Grant Program offers funding of up to $2,500 for public organizations and up to $1,000 for 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations. Eligible events include walking, running, hiking, biking, biathlons, and triathlons that take place within MEPRD's jurisdiction and contribute at least ten percent of event proceeds towards funding improvements or developments to public parks or trails in the designated counties. Eligible applicants must be public organizations or 501(c)3 organizations headquartered within MEPRD's jurisdiction or within 15 miles of it. Only one event sponsorship grant award is allowed per MEPRD fiscal year. For more information, visit MEPRD's website.

The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina is offering the Breaking the Cycle Grant Program, which aligns with its mission to create and sustain pathways to economic mobility and self-sufficiency. This program targets organizations that deliver proven initiatives aimed at disrupting the cycle of poverty and fostering long-term, sustainable economic change. The grants are designed to support individuals, families, and communities in achieving greater economic stability and independence. The program's priorities and focus areas include supporting comprehensive, multi-layered programming that addresses poverty through integrated services and two-generation approaches. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a deep understanding of the complex issues surrounding poverty in their communities, reflecting this understanding in their values, practices, and programming. The foundation emphasizes supporting initiatives that are informed by research, utilizing both internal long-term data and emerging best practice models. Expected outcomes and measurable results for grant recipients include clear short-term and long-term goals, distinct indicators for success, and the ability to demonstrate participants' progression out of poverty. Organizations are expected to carry out effective, ongoing program evaluation and adapt their strategies based on lessons learned and participant feedback. This commitment to continuous improvement ensures that programs remain effective and responsive to the needs of those they serve. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are centered on fostering economic mobility through collaborative and evidence-based approaches. They seek organizations that not only implement effective programs but also demonstrate effective formal and informal partnerships with other organizations. While the grant duration is not explicitly mentioned, the funding information indicates grants typically range from $15,000 to $20,000 within a broader possible range of $10,000 to $100,000, underscoring a commitment to significant, impactful investments in breaking the cycle of poverty across all counties in South Carolina.

This grant provides financial support to non-profit organizations in the Homer area for innovative projects that enhance education, recreation, environmental initiatives, and cultural development.

The Artists 360 Creative Impact Award, offered by the Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA), is designed to uplift and empower artists in Northwest Arkansas. The program provides grants, entrepreneurship skill development, and networking opportunities within a dynamic regional artist community. While the description doesn't explicitly detail the M-AAA's overarching mission or theory of change, the Artists 360 program aligns with a strategy to strengthen the artistic ecosystem of Northwest Arkansas by investing directly in its creative talent. The program's structure suggests a belief that direct financial support combined with professional development and networking will lead to more robust artistic careers and a deeper, more vibrant arts community. The target beneficiaries of this award are mid-career or established artists based in Benton, Carroll, Crawford, Sebastian, or Washington counties in Arkansas. These artists must demonstrate exceptional work, be recognized professionally within Arkansas and nationally, and have contributed significantly to Northwest Arkansas's cultural landscape. A key focus is on artists who lack longstanding institutional support, emphasizing an equitable approach to fostering artistic growth. The program prioritizes artists committed to building and supporting the local arts community, fostering a collaborative and interconnected environment. The primary impact goal is to strengthen the artist’s career and deepen the arts community in Northwest Arkansas. This is achieved through unrestricted funds of $25,000, which provide significant financial support, and professional development opportunities. The program's priorities include identifying artists who exhibit a high level of artistic excellence, have a history of community impact, and possess a vision for leadership and mentorship within the regional artistic community. This holistic approach aims to cultivate not just individual artists but also the broader cultural infrastructure. Expected outcomes include enhanced artistic practices, developed entrepreneurship skills among artists, and a more connected regional artist network. Measurable results are implicitly tied to the artists' participation in structured professional development activities, such as the Artists 360 Retreat, the Artists 360 Alumni Retreat, and the Full Circle Showcase. These events facilitate network building, provide platforms for sharing work and insights, and offer opportunities for leadership. The commitment to participate in these activities for a full grant year (October 2024 through October 2025) underscores the program's dedication to sustained engagement and long-term impact on the artists' careers and the community.

The William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, managed by the Baltimore Community Foundation, is dedicated to fostering a vibrant arts and culture sector in metropolitan Baltimore. The fund's mission is rooted in the belief that arts and culture are vital for the development of healthy individuals and thriving communities. This grant program is designed to promote and sustain this sector by supporting organizational effectiveness, promoting local artists, and providing inclusive cultural experiences. The foundation's strategic priority is to enrich the life of metropolitan Baltimore through a lively creative environment and deepened civic connections. The program targets cultural organizations and their fiscal agents serving the Baltimore area, as well as individual artists using a fiscal sponsor. Beneficiaries also include residents of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, Howard, and Queen Annes counties in Maryland, who will benefit from enhanced cultural experiences and strengthened community cohesion. The impact goals are to strengthen the region’s sense of cohesion and identity, enhance residents' lives, and ensure programs are inclusive and outreach efforts are broad, welcoming people of all backgrounds. The fund's priorities include strengthening organizational and artistic practices, supporting innovative programs, and fostering cultural sector collaboration. Under "Strengthening Organizational and Artistic Practices," capacity programs are supported to improve internal management, board training, strategic planning, fundraising, and professional development for artists. "Innovative Programs" focus on initiatives that deepen audience engagement or attract new audiences, with specific small grants available for organizations with budgets under $75,000 and for professional artists. "Cultural Sector Collaboration" aims to support strategic alliances that enhance cooperation and strengthen organizational abilities within the cultural community. Expected outcomes include improved organizational and management practices for cultural groups, increased professional development opportunities for Baltimore artists, and the presentation of innovative programming that broadens audience engagement. The program also seeks to facilitate strategic alliances, leading to a more cohesive and effective cultural ecosystem. The foundation's theory of change posits that by providing artistic funding, supporting organizational health, and encouraging collaboration, it can foster a vibrant cultural sector that enriches civic life, strengthens community identity, and ensures broad access to cultural experiences for all residents. The maximum grant size is $10,000, with applications accepted year-round, requiring a Letter of Inquiry.

This program supports climate technology innovators in New York State by providing mentorship and resources to help scale hardware solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote decarbonization.

The Richard A. Shaw Fund, administered by the Omaha Community Foundation, aims to support nonprofit organizations through grants. While the overarching mission alignment with the Omaha Community Foundation's broader goals isn't explicitly detailed, the fund's specific focus on history, natural sciences, outdoor education, and animal welfare suggests a commitment to enriching community life and supporting vulnerable populations. This aligns with a general philanthropic mission of fostering education and protecting animal well-being within the designated service area. The grant program targets two primary beneficiary groups: public school programs serving students aged 5-18, and nonprofit organizations benefiting animals. For public schools, the focus is on programs emphasizing history, natural sciences, and outdoor education. For animal-benefiting nonprofits, there is a strong preference for those involved in equine therapy. Organizations must be located in the Omaha metropolitan area, including Douglas, Sarpy, and Pottawattamie Counties. The priorities and focuses of the Richard A. Shaw Fund are clear: enhancing educational opportunities in specific subjects for public school students and supporting animal welfare, particularly through equine therapy. The program's design suggests an emphasis on direct service and community impact within these two distinct areas. While not explicitly stated as "strategic priorities," these focus areas demonstrate the fund's intent to channel resources toward specific, impactful initiatives. The expected outcomes and measurable results, while not detailed with specific metrics, can be inferred. For public school programs, the desired outcome is an enhancement of education in history, natural sciences, and outdoor education. For animal-benefiting organizations, the goal is to improve animal welfare, with a specific interest in the therapeutic benefits of equine programs. The grant size, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, and the total awarded amount of $3,500 across a maximum of two grants, indicates a focus on smaller-scale projects or programs that can demonstrate tangible benefits within their respective fields. The foundation's underlying theory of change appears to be that by strategically investing in public school education and animal welfare programs, particularly those with a therapeutic component, they can contribute to a more educated populace and a healthier, more compassionate community. The limited number and size of grants suggest a targeted approach, aiming for significant impact within specific, well-defined areas rather than a broad, diffuse reach. The preference for equine therapy further underscores a belief in its unique benefits for both animals and, indirectly, human well-being.

Heritage Fund offers Organizational Excellence grants for Indiana-based organizations to fund activities such as strategic planning, board development, communications and fundraising planning, network and IT planning, succession planning, leadership development, organizational assessment, and productivity improvements. The grants can cover expenses like assessments, consulting fees, training, and executive coaching.

The Woodruff Foundation provides funding to tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations located in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, aiming to enhance behavioral health. This initiative supports programs across several focus areas, including treatment, education and prevention, coordination of resources in the community, research, and advocacy. Past funded programs have covered a wide range of services, such as bereavement support, integrated care, guardianship services, and recovery support from addiction and substance abuse. To qualify for funding, organizations must comply with specific eligibility criteria, including being tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code, serving in one of the foundation's focus areas, operating in Cuyahoga County, and having submitted reports on any previous grants. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Winter opening/closing deadline: November 15th to December 15th

The Northland Community Foundation is offering grants ranging from $10,000 to $31,800 to nonprofit organizations, public sector agencies, and other entities in Clay and Platte counties, focusing on sustaining programs that improve the well-being of children, excluding individual needs, scholarships, capital campaigns, and several other categories.

The Vibrant City Arts Grants, offered by the City of Tempe, are designed to invigorate Tempe's artistic landscape by supporting inclusive arts and culture programming. This initiative aligns with the city's mission to foster a supportive environment for artists and cultivate community creativity in all its diverse expressions. The program emphasizes accessibility and local engagement, aiming to make arts and culture a central component of Tempe's community identity. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are artist collectives, cultural groups, and arts organizations that provide programming within Tempe. The program targets projects that will occur between September 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. The impact goals are centered on activating Tempe as a hub for artistic expression and community participation, ensuring that a wide array of residents can experience and engage with cultural activities. The grant prioritizes projects that enhance community creativity and artistic opportunities within Tempe. While applicants are not required to be Tempe-based, their projects must take place within the city. Funding can cover various expenses, including artist services, professional fees, stipends, supplies, production costs, space rentals, food, marketing, and printing. Eligible project types include performances, residencies/workshops, and general arts events. The program encourages a broad interpretation of arts programming, seeking to support diverse forms of creative expression. Expected outcomes include a more vibrant and active arts scene in Tempe, increased community engagement in cultural activities, and greater support for local artists and arts organizations. Measurable results could include the number of projects funded, the number of participants reached, and the variety of artistic disciplines represented. The maximum funding available is $2,500, with no match required, making the grants accessible to smaller organizations and emerging artists. The duration of the grant is one year, supporting sustained artistic endeavors within the community. The program's strategic priorities are to cultivate a thriving arts ecosystem in Tempe and ensure that arts and culture are accessible to all residents. The underlying theory of change is that by directly funding local arts initiatives, the City of Tempe can stimulate economic activity, enhance quality of life, and strengthen community bonds through shared cultural experiences. This direct investment in arts programming is intended to create a ripple effect, fostering a more creative, engaged, and culturally rich city. There are several restrictions to ensure the grants align with the program's goals. Activities occurring outside Tempe, organizations with budgets exceeding $100,000, entirely virtual programming, permanent infrastructure enhancements, construction, debt reduction, and projects in schools (unless through a specific Arts in Schools Grant) are ineligible. Additionally, projects associated with universities or colleges, religious organizations, fundraising, scholarship programs, and applicants who failed to submit a Final Report from a previously funded grant are not eligible.

The South Dakota Housing Opportunity Fund (HOF) is a grant program designed to foster economic development in South Dakota by increasing the availability of decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for families and individuals. This aligns with a foundational mission to support community well-being and economic stability through essential housing solutions. The HOF is administered by South Dakota Housing and the SD Housing Board of Commissioners, ensuring a strategic approach to addressing housing needs across the state. The target beneficiaries of the HOF include low to moderate-income households, with a maximum income at or below 115% of the county or state area median income (AMI), whichever is higher, as determined by HUD criteria. The impact goals are broad, aiming to expand housing options, prevent homelessness, and improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities. This comprehensive approach seeks to create a more equitable and supportive housing landscape for vulnerable populations. The HOF prioritizes various activities to achieve its goals. These include new construction or the purchase and rehabilitation of rental or homeownership housing, housing preservation (such as home repair grants and grants for accessibility modifications), homelessness prevention activities, and support for community land trusts. For development projects, there are application limits of $350,000 for rural development and $150,000 for urban development, ensuring a focused allocation of funds. Eligible projects encompass new construction, acquisition, and rehabilitation of rental housing, as well as the purchase and rehabilitation of homeownership housing, substantial or moderate rehabilitation, housing preservation, and rehabilitating homes for individuals with disabilities. The expected outcomes include an increased supply of affordable housing units, improved housing conditions, and reduced instances of homelessness. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of housing units created or preserved, the number of households served, and the number of homes made accessible. The underlying theory of change is that by investing in diverse housing solutions and supporting eligible entities, the HOF can directly address the housing crisis, stimulate economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for South Dakota residents.

The Jazz & Heritage Presenting Grant, offered by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, is designed to create job opportunities for Louisiana performing artists. This is achieved by providing financial support to local nonprofit organizations. The core purpose of the grant aligns directly with the Foundation's broader mission: to promote, preserve, perpetuate, and encourage the music, culture, and heritage of Louisiana communities. By funding events that employ local musicians, dancers, actors, and other onstage performers, the grant contributes to the Foundation's strategic objective of supporting cultural, educational, civic, and economic activities within the state. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are Louisiana-based arts nonprofit organizations and, by extension, Louisiana-based musicians and performing artists. The impact goal is to facilitate increased employment opportunities for these artists through festivals, concerts, and other public cultural events. The grant specifically focuses on live public performance fees, ensuring that the funds directly support artists' livelihoods. This strategic focus ensures that the grant's resources are channeled into direct artistic engagement and economic support for the performing arts sector. The grant prioritizes activities that occur between September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025, emphasizing a clear timeline for impact. Eligibility is restricted to 501(c)(3) organizations or registered Louisiana nonprofits, with individuals and commercial organizations explicitly excluded. This ensures that the funding reaches established entities committed to public benefit and cultural development. The expectation is that successful applicants will demonstrate a strong alignment between their proposed activities and the Jazz & Heritage Foundation's mission, thereby contributing to the broader cultural fabric of Louisiana. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the number of paid performance opportunities for Louisiana artists and a greater proliferation of cultural events across the state. While specific metrics are not detailed, the emphasis on "job opportunities" and "employment opportunities" suggests a focus on the economic empowerment of artists. The Foundation's theory of change posits that by supporting nonprofit organizations in hiring local talent, it can directly contribute to the sustainability of Louisiana's unique cultural heritage and provide economic stability for its artists. The maximum grant amount of $7,500 ensures that funds can support numerous smaller-scale initiatives, fostering a broad impact across various communities and cultural expressions.

This fully-funded program empowers Georgia-based entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders from underserved communities by enhancing their leadership skills and providing resources to scale their ventures and create local economic impact.