State Arts Grants

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is launching the Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). This program is designed to foster the development and growth of clean energy contractor businesses, directly aligning with the broader goals of the Energy Transition Act, also known as the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). The program's mission is rooted in strengthening Illinois's clean energy sector by empowering small and emerging businesses to participate more fully in the clean energy economy, which is a key strategic priority for the state in transitioning towards a more sustainable and equitable energy future. The target beneficiaries of the program are clean energy contractor businesses, particularly focusing on those who can benefit from enhanced capacity building. The program aims to help these businesses grow their operations and secure opportunities within the clean energy market. Key impact goals include increasing the number of certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and other relevant certified vendors, improving their ability to bid on state and private business opportunities, and connecting them with vital financial and programmatic support. The theory of change suggests that by providing targeted support to these contractors, the state can accelerate the adoption of clean energy and create a more inclusive and robust clean energy workforce. The program prioritizes several key areas to achieve its objectives. These include providing one-on-one business coaching tailored to participant needs, offering operational support grants for upfront project and pre-development costs (not exceeding $1,000,000 annually per grant), and delivering technical assistance and training. A significant focus is also placed on assisting businesses in developing comprehensive 5-year business strategies, facilitating connections to financial development assistance like zero-interest and low-interest loans from the Climate Bank, and integrating them into established programs such as the Illinois Power Agency’s Illinois Shines Program and Solar for All Programs. Expected outcomes and measurable results include participant contractors successfully applying for State and private business opportunities, achieving various certifications, and preparing competitive bids for Requests for Proposals. The program anticipates participants becoming listed in relevant directories and databases, actively connecting with and participating in state-sponsored clean energy initiatives, and accessing financial development assistance. Performance will be measured through metrics reviewed monthly during business coaching sessions, aimed at achieving specific growth goals. Ultimately, the program seeks to build the overall capacity of clean energy contractor businesses, contributing to job creation and economic development within the clean energy sector across Northern, Central, and Southern Illinois.

This program provides $200 million in competitive funding to improve broadband access in underserved areas lacking reliable internet service of at least 25/3 Mbps.

Arts Integration Training projects should be designed to pave a pathway for increased equitable student learning in, through, and about the arts. This may be realized in a specific classroom, in all classrooms across a school site, or as a central strategy for a district or countywide arts plan. The project must be planned and implemented with collaboration between a nonprofit arts organization, teaching artists, and the educational entity, with fullcommitment from all participants.

This grant provides $20,000 awards to exceptional folk and traditional artists in New Jersey who have made significant contributions to the state's cultural heritage.

This grant provides financial support to small and emerging arts organizations in Washington State, particularly those serving historically underrepresented communities, to help cover operational costs and enhance their programming.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to small advanced manufacturing companies in Oregon to help them meet federal compliance standards and improve their competitiveness for federal contracts.

This program provides financial assistance ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to small businesses in Pennsylvania that have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This program provides funding to nonprofits, tribal organizations, disadvantaged farmers, and academic institutions to enhance the competitiveness of Nevada's specialty crops through marketing, research, and education initiatives.

This grant provides $40,000 to small businesses in Springfield, Illinois, that have suffered revenue losses due to construction disruptions near the Capitol Complex.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Connecticut municipalities and regional entities for projects that improve waste management infrastructure and promote recycling and waste reduction initiatives.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations focused on arts and culture in Michigan, as well as municipalities and educational institutions that incorporate arts into their broader missions.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Transit Connectivity Grant Program provides up to $10 million in grants to Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs). This program, authorized by Section 1596-2406 of the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Act, aims to foster connectivity between existing public transportation routes, encompassing both RTA and MBTA routes. The core mission of this grant program is to enhance the overall accessibility and efficiency of public transit throughout Massachusetts, aligning with broader goals of promoting sustainable transportation and community development. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) in Massachusetts. Through the creation or alteration of routes, the program ultimately seeks to benefit the general public, particularly low-income individuals, by providing increased access to public transportation. The impact goals are centered on improving the public transit experience by increasing ridership, extending the total mileage covered in single trips (thereby increasing coverage), and ensuring that these improvements reach underserved communities. The program prioritizes operating projects that directly address three key criteria: opportunities for increased ridership, opportunities for increased total mileage covered in a single trip (coverage), and opportunities to reach low-income individuals. Awards are made on a competitive basis, indicating a strategic focus on projects that demonstrate the most potential for achieving these objectives and providing a clear return on investment in terms of public benefit. The expected outcomes include a more interconnected and efficient public transportation system across the state. Measurable results will likely involve tracking increases in ridership numbers, the expansion of transit coverage as measured by total mileage, and the demonstrable impact on low-income communities. While not explicitly detailed as a "theory of change" in the provided text, the underlying strategy is that by investing in improved transit connectivity, MassDOT will create a more equitable and effective public transportation network, thereby enhancing the quality of life for residents and contributing to economic vitality.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Ohio-based artists at various career stages for professional development and community-focused artistic projects.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection administers the Community Based Deer Management Grant Program to assist local communities and nonprofits in addressing overabundant deer in urban landscapes. Funding supports planning, implementation, and support activities that facilitate safe and effective deer management. Eligible initiatives include signage for community based hunting programs, deer population density estimates or surveys, forest health surveys, and support for venison donation programs. For signage, the department contracts for production and delivery rather than providing direct financial awards. Deer must be processed at health inspected facilities and donated to New Jersey food banks in the venison donation initiative. Eligible applicants include county and local government units within New Jersey, including municipal park systems, and local nonprofit organizations recognized under Section 501(c)(3) that are authorized to operate in the state. Applicants may seek support for one or more initiatives, and awards are subject to department discretion and available funds. Applications are due May 3, 2024. Grant duration is not stated. Additional information is available from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and local governments in New York to develop infrastructure projects that improve food access and resilience in underserved communities.

The Florida Department of Health's Sickle Cell Disease Research and Treatment Grant Program aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare services for individuals living with sickle cell disease (SCD) in Florida. This initiative also seeks to advance data collection and analysis to support SCD research. The program's mission is directly aligned with the department's public health goals, focusing on improving health outcomes for a vulnerable population through both direct care and scientific inquiry. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are persons living with sickle cell disease in Florida, along with community-based sickle cell disease medical treatment and research centers operating within the state. The impact goals are to improve healthcare services and foster research that can lead to better treatments and understanding of SCD. This involves supporting existing centers of excellence and developing new ones, ultimately creating a more robust and accessible healthcare infrastructure for SCD patients. The program has two key priority areas: sickle cell disease workforce development and education, and sickle cell disease treatment centers of excellence. These priorities are designed to address both the human capital and infrastructure needs within the SCD care landscape. The grant funds, totaling up to $10 million, can be utilized for a variety of expenses, including personnel, facility upgrades, technology acquisition, and contractual services, all aimed at bolstering these priority areas. Expected outcomes include improved health service utilization, better patient outcomes, and a stronger network of SCD treatment centers across Florida. Projects are required to include impact evaluation plans to measure these changes. The program emphasizes the importance of proposals demonstrating how an applicant's strategic priorities integrate facility enhancement or the creation of new centers, as well as showcasing the organization's experience in securing and managing funding. This ensures that projects are not only well-conceived but also sustainable and capable of delivering measurable results in line with the department's objectives.

This program provides competitive funding to municipalities, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations in Connecticut to combat and educate the public about the impacts of harmful aquatic invasive species in local waterways.

This funding opportunity is designed to assist electric vehicle component manufacturers in McLean County, Illinois, with capital improvements and equipment purchases to expand their operations and create jobs.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is currently accepting applications for its Metro Grant Cycle, focusing on the enhancement, restoration, or protection of natural resources. This grant program aligns with the broader mission of preserving Minnesota's diverse ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, prairies, and critical habitats for fish, game, and wildlife. By funding projects that directly address habitat benefits, the DNR aims to promote ecological health and biodiversity within the state. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are the ecosystems and wildlife within the seven-county metro area (Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, Washington) and the cities of Duluth, Rochester, or St. Cloud. Projects funded through this cycle are expected to result in measurable improvements in specific species populations, ecosystem functions, and the overall quality of various habitat types. The impact goals are centered on tangible, on-the-ground conservation efforts that lead to healthier and more resilient natural environments. The grant prioritizes projects that contribute to the direct habitat benefits, emphasizing the identification of specific species, ecosystems, habitat types, and natural heritage features. Restoration and enhancement activities are specifically restricted to lands that are permanently protected by a conservation easement, in public ownership (including tribal, federal, state, county, city, school district, special district), or in public waters as defined by Minnesota Statutes. This focus ensures that the funded efforts contribute to long-term conservation and are implemented on lands with secure protection. Expected outcomes include the successful restoration and enhancement of natural habitats, leading to improved conditions for various wildlife and plant species. Measurable results will likely involve metrics related to habitat acreage restored, species diversity increases, or improvements in water quality, all of which must be explicitly identified in the application. The DNR's strategic priority, as reflected in this grant, is to invest in projects that demonstrate clear ecological benefits and contribute to the state's natural heritage. The underlying theory of change is that by supporting localized, well-defined conservation projects, the state can achieve broader, cumulative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem health. Funding requests can range from $5,000 to $500,000, with a typical grant period lasting 3 to 3.5 years once the contract is executed. Eligible expenses are those directly incurred and necessary for the project, such as contracts, supplies, materials, and salaries. This ensures that the grant funds are utilized efficiently and effectively to achieve the stated conservation objectives. Eligible applicants include registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities, with partnerships highly encouraged. This broad eligibility criterion allows for a diverse range of organizations, from land trusts and lakes associations to cities and tribal governments, to contribute to the conservation efforts. Private individuals and for-profit organizations are not eligible to apply, ensuring that the grants are directed towards public good and conservation initiatives.

The Harbor Facility Grant Program, administered by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, offers 50/50 matching financial assistance to municipally or regional housing authority owned small boat harbor facilities in Alaska. This program, funded annually by the Alaska Legislature, aims to support critical infrastructure within the state. While the specific foundation mission or strategic priorities are not detailed, the program's alignment with state-level infrastructure development and maintenance is clear. Port or barge facilities are explicitly ineligible, focusing the program on small boat harbor needs. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are municipal and regional housing authorities that own small boat harbor facilities. The impact goals include ensuring the continued functionality and improvement of these facilities, which are vital for local communities and maritime activities in Alaska. The program's structure, with its focus on "Major Maintenance and Repair," "New Construction," and "Expansion," suggests a commitment to both preserving existing infrastructure and fostering growth where needed. The program prioritizes projects through a two-tiered system. Tier I focuses on "Major Maintenance and Repair" of facilities previously owned by the state and now under municipal or regional housing authority ownership, with these projects receiving priority. A facility can only receive one Tier I grant, after which it becomes eligible for Tier II. Tier II encompasses all other eligible facilities, including new construction, expansion, or further major maintenance and repair, and facilities can receive multiple Tier II grants. This tiered approach indicates a strategic focus on addressing the most pressing maintenance needs first, then supporting broader development. Expected outcomes include improved safety, functionality, and longevity of small boat harbor facilities across Alaska. Measurable results could be tracked by the number of facilities repaired or constructed, the value of the grants awarded, and the types of improvements made (e.g., new pilings, upgraded utility systems). The grant duration is 2 years, with a grant period of 18 months for projects, allowing for substantial work to be completed. Award amounts range from a minimum of $50,000 to a maximum of $5,000,000, ensuring significant financial support for eligible projects. The focus on essential items like approach structures, float systems, and utility systems further reinforces the program's goal of ensuring robust and operational harbor facilities.