State Community Development Grants

The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) is offering the Reemployment Training Grant (RTG) Program to provide occupational skills training to unemployed and underemployed individuals. The goal is to help these individuals qualify for full-time or part-time employment or achieve a higher level of employment. Additional points will be given to programs that train priority populations such as veterans, individuals with disabilities, and formerly incarcerated individuals. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until August 2, 2024. The maximum award amount per applicant is $250,000.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions for projects that protect coastal habitats, improve public access, and enhance community resilience along the Illinois Lake Michigan shoreline.

The Agricultural Fair Operational & Premium Reimbursement Program is designed to support Pennsylvania's certified agricultural county and community fairs by offering partial reimbursements for their annual general operating costs and premium expenses for exhibitors. This initiative is in accordance with the Pennsylvania Agricultural Fair Act of 1986 and State Premium Guidelines. Eligible fairs, which are classified into five classes based on size and scope, can receive a basic operational payment up to specified limits, ranging from $2,500 for Class E fairs to $14,000 for Class A fairs. Additionally, fairs can be reimbursed for 50% of the money paid out for agricultural premiums beyond the basic payment, with a cap of $15,000 for these additional premiums. There's also a provision for county and independent agricultural societies conducting harness horse racing during their annual fairs, with possible reimbursements up to $13,000. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual deadline: November 15th

Grant Opportunity: RISCA Project Grants in Education (PGE) Program Funding Organization: Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) Contact Information: For grant support and assistance, reach out to RISCA staff through one-on-one meetings, grant workshops (in person and online), or drop-in hours. Pre-recorded grant workshops and helpful videos are available on RISCA's YouTube Channel. Contact the program director for the specific grant program you are interested in applying to schedule a meeting. Accommodations for disabilities or language barriers can be requested by contacting the program director at least three weeks prior to the application deadline. Award Details: Up to $10,000 for organizations and up to $3,000 for individuals. Eligibility: Pre-K-12 schools (public, public charter, private, alternative, special education schools, career and technical centers) based in Rhode Island; non-profit or fiscally sponsored organizations based in Rhode Island; arts educators and teaching artists in partnership with a school based in Rhode Island. Application Process: The application consists of a written application and an interview. Successful applicants will demonstrate experience in artistic disciplines, knowledge of arts instruction and commitment to professional learning, as well as understanding of their intended audience's learning needs and styles. Artists already listed on the Rhode Island Teaching Artist Roster can renew their listings annually by completing a background check and updating their profile on CreativeGround. Additional Information: Grants are decided through a rigorous panel process involving peers and cultural leaders from across the country. Panelists evaluate applications based on need, relevance to the community, diversity, equity, access, and inclusion. Funding recommendations are made by panelists after reviewing applications. Partial funding is common, so it is recommended to ask for the needed amount along with an accurate budget. Changes or updates to funded projects should be communicated to RISCA staff via email. Grant notifications are sent out via mail. The grant review process takes approximately six to twelve weeks. RISCA staff can provide support beyond grants and offer learning programs, events, and convenings to connect people in the arts and culture ecosystem in Rhode Island.

Grantees will be asked to focus on prevention and early intervention efforts with the end goal of increasing access to mental health services for veterans and their families.  Proposals funded under CVHI must be inclusive, equitable, and available to all veterans regardless of age, period of service, type of service, discharge status, or disability rating. Applicants must be able to meet the eligibility requirements of California Military and Veterans Code Section 881 to be considered for funding, and proposals must aim to expand the state’s capacity to provide mental health support to veterans and to fill gaps in mental health services. Applicants are required to select the program areas they are proposing and provide a description of the proposed activities and how the proposed activities would increase mental health access for California veterans. This NOFA allows for flexibility in program design to fit the specific needs of veterans and their families across the state, Outreach, Peer Support, Case Management, Outpatient Clinical Treatment, and Innovative Approaches will be eligible for funding and are further defined in the NOFA. The Grantee staff and leadership will be expected to maintain significant engagement with CalVet for monthly check-ins, operations assistance, reporting, and evaluation. Applicants are encouraged to ensure they are budgeting for appropriate levels of staff, time for data collection and reporting, time spent in CVHI meetings and trainings, and appropriate facility requirements (office space, group space, hardware and software equipment, supplies, overhead). Through an Application process responsive to the NOFA, awarded Grantees will provide clear and convincing evidence of adequate personnel, facility, and organizational capacity to effectively carry out their proposed project. The successful Applicant will describe how they meet minimum qualifications, including their breadth of experience working with Veterans, with special emphasis on treating veterans with mental health concerns. 

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has introduced the Home Illinois Workforce Pilot as part of the Job Training Economic Development Program, with a $5 million budget to address homelessness and workforce development. This grant targets Continuum of Care (COC) areas, aiming to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with employment opportunities, thereby enhancing financial stability and access to permanent housing. The program prioritizes employment navigation, partnerships, support services, work readiness, and training and education. It seeks to create a system where homeless individuals can secure and retain quality jobs, contributing to their long-term economic and housing stability.

This grant provides financial support to organizations in Wyoming that deliver arts programs and services, enhancing community engagement and accessibility to the arts.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to educational organizations in Illinois to improve training and resources for preschool programs serving children with disabilities.

The Aquatic Stewardship Grant Program, formerly known as the Aquatic Education Grant Program, is organized by the ODNR Division of Wildlife. It aims to foster aquatic stewardship through hands-on educational experiences facilitated by partnering organizations. Eligible projects must offer an aquatic education learning experience and include educational components beyond mere fishing skills, aimed at promoting aquatic stewardship. A final report must be submitted to the ODNR Division of Wildlife upon project completion. Suggested activities include the Teen Leadership Fishing Retreat, OSU Stone Lab Program, Water Quality & Fish Monitoring Program, and Aquarium setup for the Trout in the Classroom program. Competitive activities are excluded. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: February 1st to March 15th

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Connecticut-based organizations and businesses for developing infrastructure that strengthens the local food supply chain, focusing on enhancing the processing, storage, and distribution of regionally produced food products.

This grant provides funding to Arizona-based nonprofit organizations, local governments, and cultural institutions to support high-quality arts and culture festivals that engage communities and promote artistic traditions.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Illinois-based nonprofit organizations focused on job training for underserved populations in the clean energy sector, promoting equitable workforce development and partnerships with industry employers.

This program provides funding to organizations in Maryland that promote equitable access to outdoor recreation for underserved communities, addressing barriers like transportation and cost.

This funding opportunity supports academic enrichment and youth development programs for students in high-poverty, low-performing schools during non-school hours, while also providing family literacy and educational support.

This funding opportunity provides over $800 million to support the construction and rehabilitation of facilities that expand mental health services for vulnerable populations in California, including unhoused individuals, veterans, and children.

The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service State and Private Forestry, offers the Community Challenge Grant program to fund projects that promote tree planting, care of trees, and education on tree issues, with the aim of enhancing the quality of Arizona’s urban and community forests, and requires applicants to contribute at least 10% of the total project cost.

The City Parks and Open Space Grant, funded by REAP (Resource Enhancement And Protection), is a competitive grant program supporting cities across Iowa in developing parks and open spaces. This initiative is a core component of the Iowa Legislature's commitment to enhancing the state's natural resources and recreational opportunities, aligning with a broader mission of environmental stewardship and community well-being. The funding originates from gaming revenues, demonstrating a strategic allocation of state resources towards public amenities and green infrastructure. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are the cities within Iowa, which receive the financial support to undertake park and open space development projects. Ultimately, the residents of these cities, as well as visitors, benefit from improved access to recreational areas, enhanced natural environments, and greater opportunities for outdoor activities. The impact goals center on fostering healthier communities, preserving biodiversity through open spaces, and boosting the quality of life for Iowans by creating accessible and engaging public spaces. The grant prioritizes the development of parks and open spaces, explicitly excluding certain types of facilities. Projects that do not qualify for funding include athletic fields, organized sports facilities, swimming pools, and playground equipment. This focus indicates an emphasis on broader, more naturalistic or passive recreational areas rather than specialized sports or play infrastructure. The grant also highlights its commitment to equitable distribution by allocating funds across cities of various sizes, ensuring that both large and small communities have opportunities to benefit. The expected outcomes include the successful development and enhancement of numerous city parks and open spaces across Iowa. Measurable results would involve the number of new or improved park acres, the types of new amenities created (excluding the proscribed items), and potentially an increase in public engagement with these spaces. The program's design, which requires no local matching funds, removes a significant barrier for many communities, increasing accessibility and the likelihood of successful project implementation. The strategic priority is to leverage state gaming revenues to directly improve local community infrastructure related to environmental and recreational assets, embodying a theory of change where targeted state investment leads to widespread local environmental and social benefits. Applications for this program are due by August 15, 2024.

Under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) and funded by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Simplified Equipment-Only Grants are designed to support Pennsylvania's food system transformation. These grants, focusing on equipment purchases for small to mid-size producers and processors, aim to diversify, distribute, and localize food systems to enhance consumer access, producer options, and rural community markets. Grant amounts range from $10,000 to $100,000, requiring no cost sharing. Eligible equipment expenses include purchase costs, delivery, and installation if included in the official bid. Applications are accepted electronically, with project completion required by June 30, 2026.

The Opioid Abatement Fund Council (OAFC) seeks to combat opioid overdoses in Texas by awarding funds to implement a statewide program that will distribute the opioid overdose reversal medication naloxone where it is needed most, and provide related training, including airway clearance techniques. The Texas Legislature created the OAFC in 2021 to ensure funds collected through lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies are used fairly and efficiently to combat the opioid crisis in Texas. The OAFC is made up of 13 appointed experts and the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA) as the non-voting presiding officer. Grant Amount: Up to $25 million Up to $25 million is available for this grant opportunity: approximately $18.75 million for the purchase of naloxone and providing related training, with nearly $3.13 million for administrative costs and another $3.13 million for interventions in targeted counties. The expected term of the grant agreement is an initial two years, with three possible two-year renewal periods for a total project length of eight years. The grant recipient will receive funds on a reimbursement basis. Eligibility Texas governmental entities, nonprofit organizations and any entity registered with the Texas Secretary of State and eligible to conduct business in Texas are eligible to apply. Funding will be awarded to one applicant to implement the program statewide, but applicants may use qualified subcontractors or subgrantees. Companies that paid funds or currently are involved in opioid abatement lawsuits are disqualified from applying. Applicants and subcontractors must also not be subject to the general disqualifications, such as being included on the CPA debarred vendor’s list or having a conflict of interest with the OAFC. Grant applicants may submit a written request for CPA’s preliminary review of any potential conflict of interest by March 18, 2024, to OAFC.nofa@cpa.texas.gov. Application and Award Process Applicants must complete an application form, including fully developed and detailed proposals and budgets, through the OAFC’s grant management system by May 7, 2024. The internet browser that works best with the grant management system is Google Chrome. A mobile app is also available. Applications will go through a multi-stage selection process, including a risk review and evaluation by an independent peer review panel. After the review process is complete, the OAFC will vote on the final grant award. The grant recipient will be required to submit timely detailed status reports that cover the grant recipient’s and any subgrantee’s performance, expenditures and any additional information requested by the OAFC. CPA may also conduct site visits during the project and after project completion to monitor progress and assess the effectiveness of the program.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and local governments in Michigan for improving emergency shelters and expanding transitional housing programs to better assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness.