State Grants

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 Pitt County Arts Council at Emerge is offering Artist Support Grants of $500-$1000 to individual artists and small groups in select North Carolina counties for projects that enhance their skills, create new work, or improve their business operations, with applications due by October 5, 2024.

The District of Columbia Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) is offering a grant for its Home Visitation and Parent Education & Supports Program. This initiative aims to bolster family wellbeing and build protective factors within families. The program's core mission aligns with CFSA's goal to prevent child abuse and neglect by strengthening parent-child bonds, promoting healthy child development, and enhancing overall family functioning. The agency seeks to achieve this through innovative, community-based prevention programs. The primary beneficiaries of this program are parents and caregivers within the District of Columbia, particularly those who would benefit from home visitation, parent education, and prevention services. The impact goals are to provide families with service navigation, connecting them with governmental and community resources, offer wrap-around services such as food and clothing, and deliver high-fidelity, nationally recognized, evidence-based programs. Ultimately, the program strives to improve the mental and emotional health of children during their early years, increase protective factors, and significantly reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect. The program prioritizes innovative approaches, including video technology, motivational interviewing, tailored curricula, and engaging activities based on evidence-based or evidence-informed models. CFSA is specifically looking to fund programs that creatively strengthen the attachment between parents and their children. The expected outcomes include a stronger parent-child bond, enhanced healthy child development, improved family functioning, and a reduction in child abuse and neglect incidents. Measurable results will likely stem from the implementation of these evidence-based programs and the demonstrated improvements in family wellbeing and protective factors. CFSA's strategic priority is to fund innovative and community-based child abuse and neglect prevention programs. Their theory of change is that by equipping parents and caregivers with essential tools and resources, and by fostering strong parent-child attachments through evidence-based interventions, they can significantly improve children's mental and emotional health in early life. This approach, by increasing protective factors, directly addresses and aims to mitigate the root causes of child abuse and neglect, thereby enhancing overall community well-being.

The Regional Site Readiness Program’s Planning Grant, funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, offers $100,000 to $500,000 to local governments, economic development organizations, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, and private landowners for planning and due diligence activities aimed at preparing industrial and manufacturing sites for future development across all counties in Illinois.

This funding opportunity provides financial and technical support to volunteer fire departments in rural communities with populations under 10,000, helping them acquire equipment, training, and organizational resources.

The Virginia Department of Energy invites proposals for energy innovation within the Commonwealth of Virginia, with grants awarded at its discretion through the Virginia Power Innovation Fund and Program. This initiative is designed to support research and development of innovative energy technologies, including nuclear, hydrogen, carbon capture and utilization, and energy storage. The program aligns with the department's mission to foster energy advancement and secure Virginia's energy future through competitive grants. The program aims to establish a Virginia nuclear innovation hub and award grants to support energy innovation across the Commonwealth. Target beneficiaries include higher education institutions conducting research on advanced nuclear and advanced reactor technologies, and programs focused on nuclear energy workforce development. The initiative also supports site selection for future small modular reactor projects in Virginia. The overarching impact goals are to enhance energy affordability, reliability, and clean energy objectives within the Commonwealth. Key priorities for grant awards include projects demonstrating a strong return on investment, significant impact on energy affordability and reliability, and alignment with clean energy goals. The department also prioritizes capital investment and the utilization of research-based technologies. The program's focus areas are critical for advancing a diverse energy portfolio and ensuring long-term energy security for Virginia. Expected outcomes include advancements in innovative energy technologies, a more robust nuclear energy sector in Virginia, and a skilled workforce capable of supporting these developments. Measurable results will be assessed based on the return on investment, the positive impact on energy metrics within the Commonwealth, and the successful implementation of research-based technologies. The Virginia Department of Energy, in collaboration with the Virginia Nuclear Energy Consortium and the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, will oversee the grants and ensure thorough reporting on each project. Funding for individual grants can range from $10,000 to $1,000,000, with an overall program funding cap of up to $3 million, pending available funds.

The Regional Site Readiness Program’s Capital Ready Grant Program, funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, offers between $250,000 to $3,000,000 to local governments, economic development organizations, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, and private landowners for infrastructure and capital improvements to prepare sites for future industrial and manufacturing development across all counties in Illinois.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to eligible contractors for developing renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that benefit low-income communities and promote workforce training in Illinois.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is offering the Manufacturing Retention Grant Program. This program is designed to help manufacturing companies maintain their operational presence within Illinois. Its core mission is to encourage businesses to invest in their workforce, facilities, equipment, technologies, and infrastructure, thereby securing existing jobs and fostering economic stability in the state. The program is supported through the Enterprise Fund, administered by DCEO, which typically funds a broad range of economic development projects. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are private for-profit business entities that operate a major manufacturing complex in Bushnell, Illinois, specifically within McDonough County. These companies must have less than 1,000 employees and extensive experience in tool manufacturing. A key eligibility criterion is the requirement to have acquired a tool manufacturing firm in McDonough County with a minimum of 100 full-time equivalent employees. The grant's impact goal is to retain these companies' manufacturing campuses at operating production levels that support at least 100 employees at the Bushnell site. The program prioritizes job retention in Illinois through various investments. Eligible expenses encompass employee payroll for existing employees (including backpay incurred from May 14, 2024), invoices for services, training expenses for existing employees, and significant capital improvements. These improvements include refurbishment or replacement of machinery, equipment, and tooling (e.g., forging hammers, Swiss lathes), facility repairs (e.g., roof repair, electrical upgrades), productivity and innovation initiatives (e.g., robotics reprogramming, induction heat furnaces), and the replenishment of inventory to maintain standard stocking levels for daily production. The expected outcome of the Manufacturing Retention Grant Program is the successful retention of manufacturing operations and a minimum employment level of 100 employees at the Bushnell site. Measurable results will be directly tied to the utilization of the $5,000,000 total funding, with a performance period spanning from September 1, 2024, through August 31, 2026. The DCEO's strategic priority, as evidenced by this program, is to safeguard manufacturing jobs and foster a robust economic environment within Illinois, aligning with a theory of change that posits direct investment in established manufacturing entities will lead to sustained employment and economic growth.

The Maryland Department of Commerce is offering the Build the Future Grant Pilot Program, providing up to $2 million per fiscal year for innovation infrastructure projects in various technology sectors, with grantees required to provide matching funds and use the grant for costs related to project development, such as construction, installation, and equipment.

This grant provides federal funding to local agencies, tribes, and nonprofits in Washington to rehabilitate and maintain recreational trails for various outdoor activities, ensuring a sustainable backcountry experience.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to municipalities, schools, nonprofits, and volunteer groups in Michigan for projects that improve urban forestry, such as tree planting, management plans, and educational initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Tribal Nations and nonprofit organizations to deliver essential health services to American Indians living off reservations in Minnesota.

The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) is offering a new funding opportunity for local organizations to support water safety programming, utilizing Title V funds. This grant aims to expand efforts in protecting Hoosier families around water by developing or expanding drowning prevention activities, with a specific focus on increasing water safety among infants, children, and adolescents. The program encourages creative initiatives to address identified barriers that put children at higher risk of drowning, directly working to reduce fatalities among families in Indiana. While the exact foundation mission alignment isn't explicitly stated, the grant's focus on public health and safety aligns with a broad public health mandate. The target beneficiaries for this grant are infants, children, and adolescents in Indiana, particularly those in at-risk or vulnerable populations. The impact goals are to increase water safety and reduce drowning fatalities among these groups. Programming may include education for families, resource development and dissemination, connecting families with swim lessons, and increasing safety in various water environments such such as bathtubs, pools, retention ponds, and open water. Local organizations applying for the grant must have identified the specific barriers families encounter that contribute to higher drowning risks, and their proposed programs must directly address these barriers. The priorities and focuses of this grant include partnering with local health departments (though health departments themselves are not eligible to apply), adhering to guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and IDOH, and addressing water safety barriers in at-risk or vulnerable populations. Proposed activities must be evidence-based, data-informed, or utilize promising practices to ensure effective programming. Collaboration with local community action teams and child fatality review teams is also encouraged for maximum impact. The grant specifically serves Indiana residents, and grantees must comply with financial requirements. The expected outcomes and measurable results of this grant are not explicitly detailed with specific metrics, but the overarching goal is to reduce fatalities among families by increasing water safety. By focusing on evidence-based practices and addressing identified barriers, the grant aims for tangible improvements in water safety outcomes for children and adolescents. The implicit strategic priority is public health improvement through targeted prevention efforts, and the theory of change suggests that by empowering local organizations to implement tailored drowning prevention initiatives, the IDOH can effectively mitigate risk factors and improve safety for vulnerable populations across Indiana. The project period for the budget is Jan. 1 – Dec. 31, 2025, indicating a short-term, impactful project cycle.

The Mayor’s Office of Community Development is offering grants of up to $10,000 for MLK Day of Service Community Projects. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. The program's core objective is to promote community service, advance social justice, and address essential community needs, reflecting a commitment to the principles Dr. King championed. The target beneficiaries for these grants include non-profit organizations, educational institutions, faith-based organizations, and businesses located in Louisiana. Projects must be situated in low to moderate-income areas, as defined by Housing Urban Development (HUD), ensuring that the grants directly benefit communities with the greatest needs. The overarching impact goal is to foster positive change and equitable development within these communities. The program prioritizes projects that embody Dr. King’s legacy, focusing on activities that promote community engagement and social justice. This includes initiatives that address critical community needs, indicating a preference for projects with tangible and immediate benefits for residents. The selection criteria emphasize the applicant's good standing with the City of Baton Rouge and the Secretary of State, ensuring accountability and effective project implementation. Expected outcomes include an increase in community service activities, enhanced social justice initiatives, and a measurable improvement in essential community needs within the targeted low to moderate-income areas. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the "up to $10,000" grant size, the focus on addressing "essential community needs" suggests that successful projects will demonstrate clear, positive impacts on their communities. The foundation's strategic priority is to invest in community-led solutions that align with a theory of change centered on empowering local organizations to drive social progress and honor Dr. King's enduring message.

This program provides financial support for specialized training in law enforcement and investigative techniques to eligible Maryland law enforcement agencies and offices.

This grant provides funding to various organizations in Washington State to create outdoor education and recreation opportunities for underserved and historically excluded youth.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations in the Eastern District of Virginia to implement innovative strategies aimed at reducing violent crime, particularly gun violence and gang activity.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is offering the 2025 Clinical Dental Education Innovations Grant Program. This program aims to address the limited opportunities for clinical training, which is a requirement for dental professionals to become licensed. Under the authority of Minnesota Statutes, the Commissioner of Health is authorized to award grants to sponsoring institutions and clinical dental training sites. The core mission alignment is to increase dental access for underserved populations and to promote innovative clinical dental education or clinical training programs. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are underserved populations in Minnesota, who will benefit from increased dental access. The grant also benefits teaching institutions and clinical training sites that train dental professionals, enabling them to enhance their programs. The impact goals are to improve the availability of clinical training for dental professionals and, consequently, to expand access to dental care for those who need it most. The program prioritizes projects that increase dental access for underserved populations and foster innovative clinical dental education or training. Eligible applicants include teaching institutions and clinical training sites that provide accredited clinical training, with an exception for organizations actively seeking accreditation with a reasonable assumption of success. Grant funds are not transferable. The expected outcomes include an increase in the number of trained dental professionals, leading to improved dental access for underserved communities. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of grants awarded, the number of individuals receiving clinical training through these programs, and ultimately, the impact on dental care access for the target populations. The grant agreements are estimated to begin on January 1, 2025, and end on December 31, 2025. The estimated total amount to grant is $1,122,000, with individual awards ranging from approximately $30,000 to $150,000.

The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) is offering grants aimed at minimizing stormwater pollution through the ongoing maintenance of green infrastructure (GI). The core mission of this grant program aligns with environmental protection and sustainable urban development by actively preserving existing GI practices. The grant seeks to ensure the long-term effectiveness of these installations in managing stormwater, directly contributing to a healthier environment in the District of Columbia. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are the residents of the District of Columbia, who will benefit from reduced stormwater pollution and an improved local environment. Additionally, local District residents, including Returning Citizens, are targeted beneficiaries through the creation of sustainable employment opportunities in GI maintenance. The overarching impact goal is to achieve cleaner waterways and a more resilient urban ecosystem by consistently maintaining approximately 400 GI practices installed by District government agencies. The grant prioritizes providing excellent routine maintenance for 400 GI practices installed by District agencies. A secondary, but equally important, focus is on fostering sustainable employment for local District residents, including Returning Citizens, within the GI maintenance sector. This includes providing training to a local workforce. Furthermore, the program aims to cultivate stewardship and maintenance support opportunities within communities, encouraging local engagement and responsibility for environmental assets. Expected outcomes include a significant reduction in stormwater pollution, evidenced by the effective operation of maintained GI practices. Measurable results will include the annual maintenance of approximately 400 GI practices and the successful training and employment of local District residents in GI maintenance roles. The program's theory of change posits that by investing in both the physical maintenance of green infrastructure and the human capital required to sustain it, the District can achieve lasting environmental benefits and create valuable socio-economic opportunities.