Local Grants

This program provides financial assistance to small businesses in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, that have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, helping them recover and sustain operations.

The Community Development Corporation Grant Program, offered by the City of Akron, Ohio, is designed to partner with Community Development Corporations (CDCs) to invest in projects that foster population and tax revenue growth. This is achieved through the revitalization and repurposing of vacant, underutilized, blighted, or historic buildings, increased investment in place-based infrastructure, housing rehabilitation, and public services. The program's core mission aligns with promoting urban renewal and economic development within Akron's neighborhoods. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are Community Development Corporations (501(c)(3) nonprofits located within Akron, Ohio city limits) and, by extension, the residents and neighborhoods of Akron. The impact goals include creating new housing options, enabling business creation and attraction, and providing essential resources for Akron residents. The program prioritizes projects that utilize federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds to support investments, aiming to foster an environment conducive to sustainable growth and community well-being. The program focuses on several key areas. These include revitalizing and repurposing distressed properties, investing in infrastructure, improving housing, and delivering public services. Eligible organizations must demonstrate an appropriate use of funding in accordance with the CDBG purpose, hold a certificate of good standing with the State of Ohio, and be registered on SAM.gov with an active Unique Entity Identification Number. A crucial requirement is also the ability to provide documentation of at least three previous projects undertaken by the CDC within its footprint area, ensuring a track record of effective community development. Expected outcomes and measurable results include increased population and tax revenue growth, a reduction in vacant or blighted properties, an increase in new housing options, and the creation and attraction of businesses. While a specific "theory of change" or "foundation's strategic priorities" is not explicitly detailed as a separate entity, the City of Akron's strategic priority is clearly to utilize CDBG funds to stimulate local investment, enhance community infrastructure, and improve the quality of life for its residents. The overall goal is to foster an environment that attracts development and provides resources, thereby strengthening Akron's neighborhoods. The City of Akron has allocated a total of $500,000 for this grant program, with individual awards available up to $125,000 per applicant. The grant duration is one year, indicating a focus on projects with a relatively swift implementation and impact. This funding structure and duration suggest a strategy aimed at initiating and supporting tangible, short-to-medium-term development projects that contribute to the broader, long-term revitalization goals of the city.

The George B. Henderson Foundation offers grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 for projects enhancing and preserving the outdoor elements of Boston, including parks, city streets, buildings, monuments, and architectural works, with a special interest in permanent public art projects and outdoor spaces, available to 501(c)(3) organizations and not individuals.

The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County offers Mini Grants to support independent/individual artists, unincorporated collectives, and cultural professionals within Cumberland County, North Carolina. This grant program aims to build capacity for local artists by funding one-time cultural arts events. The council's mission, as reflected in this program, is to foster the local arts economy, encourage new or innovative programming, and provide support to diverse artistic mediums within the county. The primary beneficiaries of these Mini Grants are artists and cultural/historical professionals residing in Cumberland County, NC. The impact goals are centered on growing the local arts economy, engaging the community through novel artistic expressions, and supporting a variety of artistic disciplines. The program prioritizes projects that take place in Cumberland County, are led by participating artists or cultural professionals, and can be completed within six months of the award. It also supports the creation of new works with a public display within the same timeframe. Funding requests can range from $500 to $10,000, with specific guidelines for allowable expenses. For requests between $500 and $2,000, allowable expenses include contract artist fees, other contracted services, project supplies/materials, space/equipment rental, marketing/outreach expenses (up to 25% of the budget), and applicant artist fees (up to 25% of the budget). For awards exceeding $2,000, restrictions apply, prohibiting expenses for food and drink, capital expenses, subgranting or awards/scholarships, and educational/curriculum requirements. Expected outcomes include an increase in cultural arts events, the development of new artistic works, and enhanced engagement within the local arts community. Measurable results would likely include the number of projects funded, the reach of public displays, and the economic impact on local artists and the arts economy. The Arts Council's strategic priorities are clearly aligned with empowering local artists and enriching the cultural landscape of Cumberland County through accessible and impactful grants. Their theory of change appears to be that by providing financial support and guidance to local artists, they can stimulate artistic production, community involvement, and economic growth within the arts sector.

The Joe DeMott Port Allegany Community Development Fund, administered by the McKean County Community Foundation, is currently accepting applications. This grant program aims to support a wide array of projects, aligning with the Foundation's broader mission of fostering community well-being and development. The fund's focus areas, including arts, community development, education, environment, and health and social services, reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing the diverse needs within the Port Allegany School District. The primary beneficiaries of this fund are organizations operating within the Port Allegany School District, specifically 501c3 organizations, schools, municipalities, or religious organizations that serve the public. The impact goal is to enhance the quality of life and promote growth in these key areas. By supporting local initiatives, the fund seeks to empower community groups to implement projects that create positive, tangible changes for residents. The program prioritizes projects that fall under the aforementioned categories: arts, community development, education, environment, or health and social services. This broad scope allows for a variety of innovative and impactful projects to be considered. The strategic priority of the McKean County Community Foundation, as evidenced by this fund, is to invest in local communities to cultivate sustainable development and address critical needs across multiple sectors. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the nature of the supported areas implies a desire for improved community infrastructure, enhanced educational opportunities, increased access to arts and cultural experiences, a healthier environment, and more robust social support systems. The theory of change behind this fund is likely that by providing financial resources to local organizations, they can effectively implement projects that lead to a stronger, more vibrant, and more resilient Port Allegany community. The maximum grant amount of $1400 suggests an emphasis on supporting numerous smaller-scale, impactful initiatives.

The Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program is an initiative designed to propel small businesses towards both success and long-term sustainability. The core of the program is a structured, 12-week series of comprehensive workshops that guide participating entrepreneurs through the essential process of crafting new business and marketing plans. Upon the successful completion of this training component, businesses become eligible to apply for substantial $10,000 grants. This integrated approach of education and capital infusion aims to empower participants to expand their operational capacity and enhance overall business resilience. This program targets small businesses, aiming for significant positive impact within the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. The initiative is structured to fully support 25 businesses, who will participate in the workshops and automatically receive grant awards upon completion. An additional 10 businesses will be selected to participate in the workshop series only, with a potential for grant awards should extra funding become available. The primary impact goals, as stated by the program, are to provide access to essential support resources and ultimately drive the expansion of business capacity and the enhancement of resilience among the selected enterprises. Program selection and the distribution of grant awards are determined by a selection committee based on specific criteria that reflect the program’s community-focused priorities. The initiative places a strong focus on ensuring representation of businesses across all parts of the city, with specific priority given to enterprises located in low-to-moderate income areas. Furthermore, the selection process is designed to ensure a balanced representation of businesses across multiple economic sectors. Finally, key focuses include assessing the business's current readiness level and the potential positive impact that participation in the program is expected to generate. The program's implied theory of change is that by connecting small businesses with essential support resources and mandatory, comprehensive training, they will be positioned for accelerated growth. The expected outcomes are measurable: all participants will complete new, detailed business and marketing plans as a result of the 12-week workshops. For the grant recipients, the direct measurable result is the successful application of the $10,000 capital, which is intended to facilitate the expansion of business capacity and increase long-term operational resilience, ultimately leading to more successful and sustainable enterprises across the city.

The Onion Foundation aims to connect Maine residents with arts experiences, both as audience members and creators, fostering opportunities for expression, learning, and inspiration. This aligns directly with the foundation's mission, which recognizes the arts' crucial role in creativity, cultural exchange, intellectual development, joy, compassion, and human connection. The foundation seeks to support a vibrant arts sector in Maine, ensuring that the arts are accessible and beneficial to the state's population. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are Maine residents, with a focus on increasing access to arts education, supporting public engagement in arts programs, and building the capacity of Maine's arts sector. The impact goals are to enhance intellectual development, foster joy and compassion, and strengthen feelings of connection among individuals through artistic engagement. The foundation prioritizes organizations that are 501(c)3 public charities, fiscally sponsored projects, public education institutions, or Maine governmental units, with work based in Maine and benefiting its people. The program offers two types of grants: general operating and project support. General operating grants provide unrestricted funds for organizations whose activities align with the foundation's strategies, offering multi-year support of up to $20,000 per year for organizations with annual budgets over $50,000, and up to $7,500 per year for those under $50,000. Project support grants fund specific activities or programs, also with multi-year options and similar funding tiers based on project budgets. The expected outcomes include a more engaged public in Maine arts, a stronger arts education infrastructure, and a more robust overall arts sector in the state. The Onion Foundation's strategic priorities are clearly outlined in its three guiding strategies for the arts program: Strategy I: Increase Access to Arts Education in Maine, Strategy II: Support Public Engagement in Maine Arts Programs, and Strategy III: Build The Capacity of Maine’s Arts Sector. The theory of change implicitly suggests that by funding these areas, the foundation will achieve its broader mission of connecting Maine residents to arts experiences, leading to expression, learning, and inspiration, and ultimately fostering a more creative, compassionate, and connected society. Measurable results would likely include increased participation rates in arts programs, growth in arts education initiatives, and the sustained health and development of arts organizations in Maine.

The City of Savannah is offering 2025 Violence Reduction Program Grants, an initiative aimed at safeguarding young people by keeping them out of jail and ensuring their safety at home, school, or the workplace. This grant program is a direct reflection of the City of Savannah's commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of its youth, recognizing them as one of the community's most valuable assets. The Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE) is the driving force behind this funding, making resources available to community programs, services, and initiatives that specifically focus on reducing gun violence among the city's youth and young adults. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are Savannah’s youth and young adults, with a specific focus on individuals aged 12 to 25. This demographic is targeted because they have been, or are identified as being, at risk of involvement in gun and other forms of violence. The overarching impact goal is to significantly reduce gun violence and negative behaviors within this vulnerable population and the broader community. The program seeks to empower organizations to create a safer environment for these young individuals, fostering their development and steering them away from violent tendencies. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined. Funding will support projects that are realistic, well-planned, and implemented within Savannah, Georgia, directly benefiting its residents. Projects must also have measurable performance goals that can be reported to both the City and the community, ensuring accountability and transparency. Furthermore, successful initiatives are expected to result in tangible outcomes that reduce gun and other violence, as well as negative behaviors among participants or within a clearly defined community or geographic area. Projects must address one or more of the following service continuum needs: Prevention, Intervention, Redirection, and Progression. This comprehensive approach ensures that various stages of engagement with at-risk youth are covered. Eligibility criteria stipulate that entities submitting proposals must be legally formed not-for-profit organizations registered in the state of Georgia, able to provide proof of their legal formation. They must also be located within Savannah's corporate city limits and provide services directly benefiting Savannah, Georgia residents. The maximum award for proposals is up to $50,000 for allowable expenses, demonstrating a significant investment in community-led violence reduction efforts.

The Ellensburg Community Grant Program offers a water quality-focused grant to support community-based projects aimed at improving or protecting surface water quality. Funded by the Stormwater Utility, this grant aligns with the broader mission of fostering a healthy environment where water quality sustains diverse organisms and safeguards public health. The program provides funding for community groups to engage in outreach, education, assessments, planning, implementation, prevention, and control initiatives specifically targeting the city's surface water. The grant targets eligible volunteer groups, including youth, seniors, non-profit organizations, and educational organizations. While business and governmental partners are encouraged to participate, they cannot be the primary applicants. The overarching impact goal is to improve stormwater quality within Ellensburg city limits. Projects are expected to demonstrate tangible improvements in surface water quality, educate a significant and diverse portion of Ellensburg's population about water quality and protective actions, and promote best practices to reduce or eliminate adverse impacts on water quality. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrably improve surface water quality, educate residents on water quality and actions to protect it, and teach best practices to minimize water quality impacts. Examples of eligible projects include public outreach and education, yard care initiatives, and litter pickup, all aimed at benefiting stormwater quality within the city. Projects must be situated within city limits, and if on publicly owned property, an agreement addressing various terms, including the use of minors as volunteers and hold harmless clauses, will be required. A total of $10,000 is available for this grant cycle. Expected outcomes include a more informed community regarding water quality issues, a reduction in pollutants impacting surface waters, and a greater adoption of environmentally sound practices. The program’s theory of change is that by empowering and funding community groups to engage in direct action and education, Ellensburg can achieve measurable improvements in its surface water quality, thereby enhancing ecological health and public well-being. Grant funds explicitly prohibit projects that involve or promote the use of alcohol.

This initiative provides financial support to women-owned small businesses in San Francisco to help them grow through various improvement projects, such as marketing and equipment upgrades.

The Whidbey Community Foundation (WCF) Capacity-Building Grant program is designed to strengthen the organizational effectiveness of nonprofits operating on Whidbey Island. This aligns directly with WCF's mission to support the foundational strength of these organizations, believing that robust internal capacity directly translates to more effective programs and services for the community. The grants are specifically for one-time projects that address an organization's strategic plan to improve management, governance, and administration, rather than funding direct programmatic improvements. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are nonprofits with charitable status or purpose on Whidbey Island. The overarching impact goal is to enhance the overall effectiveness and sustainability of these organizations. By investing in internal capacity, WCF aims to create a ripple effect, where stronger organizations are better equipped to serve their own beneficiaries and achieve their missions more effectively. The program prioritizes projects that contribute to an organization's long-term health and efficiency. Specific areas of focus include evaluation of core programs, staff or board training, assessment and implementation of technology upgrades, various types of planning (HR, succession, fundraising, financial sustainability), merger planning, and the development and implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. Projects that are not eligible include operating costs (other than those related to the capacity-building project), expansion of existing programs, creation of new programs, brick-and-mortar projects, endowment campaigns, pass-through grants, or grants to cover lost funding or budget deficits. Expected outcomes include improved organizational management, enhanced governance structures, and more efficient administrative processes. Measurable results could include, for example, a successfully implemented new technology system, a completed strategic HR plan, or a more diverse and inclusive board following training and policy development. The foundation's strategic priority is rooted in a theory of change that posits by strengthening the internal capacity of its grantees, WCF indirectly but powerfully strengthens the vital programs and services these nonprofits provide to the Whidbey Island community. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, with most falling between $1,000 and $5,000, and the deadline for applications is August 31, 2024.

The Elk County Community Foundation's Women Who Care Grant Program is designed to foster philanthropy among women, ultimately strengthening the community by providing financial support and assistance for issues impacting families. This program directly aligns with the foundation's broader mission to enhance community well-being through strategic funding. By engaging women in philanthropic efforts, the program aims to create a more robust and supportive environment for families in the region. The target beneficiaries of the Women Who Care grants are families within the communities served by the Elk County Community Foundation. The program's impact goal is to fund projects that have the most significant positive effect on these families. This involves addressing various needs and challenges that directly influence family stability, health, and overall quality of life. The program prioritizes projects based on several key criteria. Applications are recommended to the membership based on the quality of the project or services offered, the number of individuals served, and the effectiveness of project management. These focuses ensure that funded initiatives are well-conceived, reach a substantial number of people, and are executed efficiently to maximize their impact. The maximum annual award for any single project is $5,000, ensuring that funds are distributed across multiple impactful initiatives. Expected outcomes include improved conditions and enhanced opportunities for families in Elk County. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on "most impact for the families" suggests a focus on tangible improvements in areas relevant to family well-being, which would be evaluated based on the quality of services and number of individuals served. The foundation's strategic priority through this program is to empower and mobilize women as philanthropic leaders, thereby generating sustainable support for community-based solutions. This approach reflects a theory of change where increased female engagement in philanthropy leads to more effective and responsive community support for family-oriented needs.

The HALO Award is a capacity-building program designed to strengthen and sustain nonprofit organizations by supporting volunteer programs and recognizing volunteers for their exemplary work in Los Angeles County. The Carl & Roberta Deutsch Foundation is inspired by volunteers who go above and beyond to better their communities and the nonprofits that support them. The foundation’s desire is for the HALO Award to inspire nonprofits and philanthropy to invest in volunteer management, aligning with their mission to uplift community angels through dedicated support. The primary beneficiaries of the HALO Award are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations (or those sponsored by a 501(c)(3)) working with and serving Los Angeles County, as well as active and unpaid volunteers within those organizations who are not currently serving as board members. The program aims to strengthen and sustain nonprofit volunteer programs while honoring individual volunteers. The impact goals include enhancing the capacity of nonprofits to manage and leverage volunteer efforts and celebrating the significant contributions of volunteers to their communities. The program prioritizes investment in volunteer management and aims to foster a culture where volunteerism is recognized and supported. The core focus is on both organizational capacity building related to volunteer programs and individual recognition for outstanding volunteer service. The funding structure directly reflects these priorities: a $20,000 grant is provided to the nonprofit to strengthen, implement, and sustain its volunteer program, and a $5,000 award is given to the volunteer, distributed by the nominating nonprofit organization. Expected outcomes include more robust and effective volunteer programs within participating nonprofits, leading to greater community impact. Measurable results could involve an increase in volunteer retention, enhanced program efficiency due to improved volunteer management, and a demonstrable positive impact of recognized volunteers' efforts. The Carl & Roberta Deutsch Foundation's strategic priority is to empower both the organizations that harness volunteer power and the volunteers themselves, operating on a theory of change that by investing in and celebrating volunteerism, they can foster stronger, more vibrant communities.

The Ellensburg City Council, through its Community Grants Program, aims to bolster community initiatives that address local needs and enhance the City of Ellensburg's capabilities. This program seeks to align with the city's broader mission of fostering a healthy, resilient, and engaged community by supporting projects that contribute to its overall well-being and development. The target beneficiaries for this grant program include non-profit organizations, civic groups, neighborhood groups, and partnerships among individuals and/or groups within the City of Ellensburg. The impact goals are to strengthen community health, environmental stewardship, and social networks, while also promoting civic engagement. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly outlined as fostering civic engagement and involvement, developing solutions that steward the community's health, environment, and social network/resiliency, and creating programs that build community assets and provide outreach through education and information. Expected outcomes include enhanced civic participation, tangible improvements in community health and environmental quality, and a more robust social fabric within Ellensburg. Measurable results would stem from the successful completion of projects within the two-year grant period, demonstrating progress in the identified goal areas. The program implicitly operates under a theory of change that by supporting grassroots efforts and local organizations, the city can achieve sustainable improvements in key community indicators. The foundation's strategic priorities are to empower local groups to address challenges directly and to build the capacity of the city to meet its evolving needs. This is achieved by funding projects that are locally driven and contribute to long-term community benefits. The program's design, which emphasizes broad eligibility and a focus on essential community pillars, reflects a belief that collective action and local innovation are crucial for enduring positive change within the City of Ellensburg.

The City of West Hollywood's Art on the Outside (AOTO) program is a public art initiative designed to fund the temporary display of rotating art exhibitions in publicly accessible locations such as parks, traffic medians, and communal areas of City-owned facilities. The program's mission aligns with enhancing public spaces and enriching the cultural landscape of West Hollywood by making art accessible to its residents and visitors. It supports a variety of art forms, including sculpture, murals, digital screen-based artwork and projections, and performance art, contributing to the City's vibrant artistic identity. The primary beneficiaries of the AOTO program are individual artists, curators, and non-profit arts organizations based in the United States, particularly those representing emerging, mid-career, and established artists. The program aims to provide opportunities for these artists and organizations to showcase their work, gain exposure, and engage with a broader public. The impact goals include fostering artistic expression, promoting cultural diversity, and creating engaging public environments that stimulate dialogue and appreciation for the arts. The program prioritizes proposals for temporary public art projects that can be displayed for durations typically ranging from 6 months to 3 years. While new artworks are eligible, the AOTO program is particularly well-suited for exhibitions of prefabricated artworks that require minimal modification for installation, largely due to funding limitations. This focus ensures efficient use of resources while still supporting a diverse range of artistic endeavors. Evaluation criteria emphasize artist qualifications, aesthetic appeal, diversity, proposed budget, public safety, material integrity, and suitable location. Expected outcomes of the AOTO program include an increased presence of diverse public art across West Hollywood, greater public engagement with artistic and cultural experiences, and enhanced opportunities for artists to contribute to the public realm. Measurable results could include the number of artworks displayed, the duration of exhibitions, audience engagement metrics, and feedback from both artists and the community. The program's strategic priority is to integrate art into daily life, reflecting the City's commitment to culture and community well-being. The City of West Hollywood's underlying theory of change for the AOTO program is that by funding and facilitating the display of temporary public art, it can cultivate a more aesthetically rich and culturally vibrant urban environment. This, in turn, is expected to enhance civic pride, stimulate local engagement, and support the professional development of artists and arts organizations. The program operates on the belief that accessible art can positively impact quality of life and foster a dynamic community spirit.

The Butler County Communities Grant Cycle, managed by the Central Kansas Community Foundation, is dedicated to enhancing communities within Butler County, Kansas. This grant program is a testament to the foundation's mission of supporting charitable, scientific, and educational purposes through various community-focused initiatives. It aligns with the foundation's strategic priority to foster community service, projects, programs, and events that directly contribute to local betterment. The overall goal is to uplift the quality of life and address specific needs within El Dorado and broader Butler County. The grant targets a diverse set of beneficiaries and aims for significant impact. The El Dorado Prairie Port Festival Fund specifically supports community events designed to improve family relationships by bringing together residents and former residents of El Dorado, KS. The George Trimble Special Needs Charitable Fund focuses on the welfare and safety of El Dorado citizens, providing critical response in disasters, promoting public health and education, and offering general assistance to the needy. The Kansas Health Foundation Funds (both Butler County and El Dorado) are dedicated to underwriting solutions to local health issues, encouraging healthy lifestyles, and promoting well-being across individuals and communities. The expected outcomes include stronger family bonds, enhanced public safety and health, and a more resilient community in the face of challenges. A key priority of this grant cycle, particularly for the El Dorado Prairie Port Festival Fund, is the funding of new community events in El Dorado, KS, alongside supporting existing ones. The George Trimble Special Needs Charitable Fund prioritizes critical response to disasters and the promotion of public health and safety. The Kansas Health Foundation Funds prioritize solutions to local health issues and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by strategically investing in community events, critical support services, and health initiatives, they can foster a more connected, safer, and healthier environment for all residents of Butler County and El Dorado. The measurable results for this grant cycle include the number of new and existing community events supported, the reach and impact of disaster relief and public health programs, and the improvements in health and well-being metrics within the targeted communities. Specific funding limits are in place to ensure a broad distribution of resources: requests should not exceed $1,500 for the El Dorado Prairie Port Festival Fund and Kansas Health Foundation Fund – El Dorado, $1,200 for the Kansas Health Foundation Fund – Butler County, and $3,000 for the George Trimble Special Needs Charitable Fund. Organizations applying must possess 501(c)(3) status or equivalent and be managed by reliable, ethical, and experienced personnel, ensuring accountability and effective use of funds.

The City of Orlando is offering a matching grant program, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, for schools and non-profit organizations to fund youth programs that enhance academic achievement, reduce crime, and promote safe communities, with funds being used for educational, athletic, civic engagement, or mentoring opportunities, excluding certain expenses like computers, office equipment, and in-school programs.

The Mayor’s Matching Grant program, funded by the City of Orlando, offers $500 to $5,000 in matched funding to neighborhood organizations for projects that enhance the neighborhood, such as beautification, crime prevention, and sustainability, with the aim to address community needs and improve quality of life.

The City of Savannah's 2025 Arts & Cultural Enrichment Grant Program aims to provide high-quality, innovative, and creative art and cultural programs that serve as catalysts for achieving the City's broader goals. This program is aligned with the City's mission to increase economic growth, improve built environments, strengthen community, engage and inspire young people, and enhance access to art and culture for residents. The program seeks to integrate the creative sector strategically to address these priorities in a measurable way, contributing to a vibrant and thriving Savannah. The target beneficiaries for this grant program include the residents of Savannah, particularly those who will experience increased access to art and culture in their communities, as well as young people who will be engaged, developed, and inspired through imaginative approaches. The impact goals are to foster economic growth through skill-building, employment, and entrepreneurship within the creative sector; improve the aesthetics of built environments; build and reinforce a strong sense of community; and reestablish, enrich, and/or preserve vibrant neighborhoods and the quality of life in Savannah. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined to address key city objectives. These include increasing economic growth through skill-building, employment, and entrepreneurship; improving the aesthetics of built environments through creative programs; expanding art and cultural experiences to new and diverse audiences and participants; building and reinforcing a strong sense of community throughout Savannah; engaging, developing, and inspiring young people through imaginative and innovative approaches; reestablishing, enriching, and/or preserving vibrant neighborhoods; and increasing access to art and culture in close proximity to where residents live. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in economic growth attributed to arts and cultural initiatives, enhanced visual appeal of public and private spaces, broader participation in arts and cultural activities across diverse demographics, a stronger sense of community cohesion, and positive developmental impacts on youth. Proposals are sought that strategically position the disciplines of the creative sector to address these City priorities in a measurable way, with funding contingent on the annual availability of funds and the strength of the proposals in demonstrating alignment with these outcomes.

The Waccamaw Community Trust Fund, established by the Waccamaw Community Foundation, is currently accepting applications for grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, with individual awards capped at $5,000. This grant program is designed to support a broad spectrum of causes that ultimately aim to enhance the lives of individuals and families residing in Horry and Georgetown counties in South Carolina. The Foundation's mission, as evidenced by this fund, is deeply rooted in local community improvement, focusing on practical support for various non-profit activities. Funding is available for crucial operational aspects such as equipment and supplies, general operating support, and specific special projects or programs. The grant's target beneficiaries are the residents of Horry and Georgetown counties, with an overarching impact goal to improve their quality of life. While the grant duration is not explicitly mentioned, the emphasis is on immediate and sustained community benefit, with a preference for initiatives that can continue after the Foundation's support concludes. The Waccamaw Community Foundation prioritizes proposals that demonstrate sensitivity to emerging needs, offer innovative solutions to existing problems, or initiate promising pilot projects. A key focus is on reducing costs and increasing efficiency for nonprofit organizations, as well as directly impacting those in need. The Foundation also looks for clear plans for continued funding beyond its initial support, indicating a strategic priority on sustainable and long-term positive change. Eligibility for the grant program is strictly defined. Applicants must be IRS-determined 501(c)(3) public charities, government agencies, or recognized houses of worship that are exempt from income tax. Furthermore, organizations must provide programs and services within Horry and/or Georgetown counties and adhere to non-discrimination policies based on age, sex, race, color, sexual orientation, national/ethnic origin, or disability. This commitment to equitable service provision and local impact forms a core part of the Foundation's theory of change, believing that targeted and well-supported local initiatives lead to significant community-wide improvements.