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Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program

The Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture provides funding for projects that increases food access for low-income individuals.

There are two types of grants under this program: Planning Projects and Community Food Projects. Applications for both are due through Grants.gov by October 30, 2023 at 5:00 PM ET.

Eligibility

Applicants to this grant program must have experience with:

Community food work, especially working with small to medium sized farms to provide for low-income residents
Job training and business development for food-related activities in low-income communities
Efforts to redue food insecurity

Program Priorities

The Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program is intended to:

Meet food needs of low-income residents through measures such as food distribution, assistance to federally funded nutrition programs, and improving access to food
Increase community self-reliance for meeting food needs of residents
Promote comprehensive responses to local food, food access, farm, and nutrition issues

Meet state, local, or neighborhood food and agricultural needs such as equipment, long-term planning, or creative marketing strategies to benefit both producers and low-income customers

Grant Programs

Planning Projects

Planning Projects provide start-up capital for new projects or funding to perform planning activities in preparation for completing a Community Food Project. Applications and projects should focus on a specific, defined community and must involve low-income individuals.

Applicants may request up to $35,000 over 12-36 months; the average award is $25,000. A 1:1 match of non-federal funding is required.

Potential projects include:

Community food assessments
Collaborative development plans
Global Information Systems analyses
Food sovereignty studies
Farm-to-institution exploration

Community Food Projects

Community Food Projects should create long-term, sustainable solutions to food and nutrition security. They should have a whole community focus, rather than supporting just one food pantry, farmers’ market, or community garden. All projects must involve low-income individuals.

The minimum award is $125,000 over 12 months; the maximum award is $400,000 over 48 months. A 1:1 match of non-federal funding is required.

Potential projects include:

Value chain projects
Farm-to-institution projects
Food hubs
Marketing & consumer cooperatives

Using Music to Teach Primary Mathematics Grant (Pre-K-2)

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics has been advocating for high quality math education since 1920. They offer multiple grants including the Using Music to Teach Primary Mathematics Grant (Pre-K-2).

Applications for up to $3,000 are due by November 1, 2023.

Eligibility

This grant is open to teachers in the United States who:

Teach math or collaborate with math teachers in Pre-K through 2nd grade.
Have not received this grant before
Are members of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

Allowable Expenses

Grant funds may be used to purchase equipment if supported by the project plan, but it should not be the primary focus of the application.

Application Components and Evaluation

All applications will be scored based on:

Application Element	Maximum Points
Proposal
Describes clearly the applicant’s plans for linking mathematics and music	5
Provides a clear timeline for how the proposed plan will be carried out	3
Details anticipated impact on students’ appreciation of music and mathematics	5
Details the anticipated impact on students’ mathematics learning	5
Describes a plan for assessment to measure students’ growth in mathematics	5
Budget
Included an itemized and realistic budget in line-item table format (without overemphasis on equipment). Items must be described in the narrative	3
Background and Experience
Education, teaching experience, and professional activities show potential for success of proposal	5
Letter of Support
Principal’s letter confirms teaching status and demonstrates strong support for theproposal and the applicant’s ability to accomplish it	5
	Total = 36

National PTA Healthy Minds Grant

The National PTA offers several educational programs to increase engagement and make learning more fun. These programs are free to use but may require additional costs, so they also offers grants to help with funding.

The Healthy Minds grant is co-sponsored by the New York Life Foundation and The Allstate Foundation. Applications for one of one hundred $1,250 awards are due by October 4, 2023 at 5:00 PM ET. Grantees will also receive additional communication and resources throughout the program year.

Eligibility

This grant is open to any Parent Teacher Association in good standing who:

Hosts a National PTA Healthy Minds program, which is suitable for all grades and ages.
Uses and shares Healthy Minds resources with parents and caregivers
Partners with their school to improve mental health and social-emotional learning (SEL) supports and services.

Allowable Expenses

Grant funding is flexible and may be used to cover costs associated with running the program or making it accessible for all students. This may include:

Food
Transportation
Translators
Custodial services

Scoring Rubric

Photo by Yan Krukau: https://www.pexels.com/photo/active-children-doing-balancing-exercises-8613312/

All applications will be assessed based on:

Barriers and Equity (0-4 points) – How will funding help eliminate any barriers that prevented effective and equitable programming in the past?
Community Needs (0-4 points) – How will you assess the program’s ability to address what your community needs?
Family and Community Engagement (0-4 points) – How will you make the entire family-school community a part of the program?
Grant Specific (0, 2, or 4 points) – How well does the applicant understand the program for which they are applying?

USDA Forest Service Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program

The USDA Forest Service Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program provides funding to establish community forests. This protects forest land and provides economic, environmental, and educational benefits.

Interested applicants should contact their Community Forest Program Regional Contact. Grant awards are available for up to $600,000 over two years with a required 1:1 match of non-federal funds. Applications must be submitted to State Foresters or Tribal Governments by January 12, 2024.

Eligibility

Applicant

This grant is open to entities in the United States, including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, such as:

Federally Recognized Native American Tribes (including Alaska Native Corporations)
Local governments
Qualified nonprofit organizations

Land

To be eligible for conversion to community forest under this program, property must be:

At least 5 acres
At least 75% forested
Able to sustain natural vegetation
Threatened by conversion to non-forest uses
For sale by a willing seller
Not held in trust by the United States on behalf of any Native Tribe and not Tribal allotment lands
Accessible to the public

Allowable Costs

Grant funding is intended to be used for full fee title acquisition of a piece of forested property. Also allowable are related costs, such as:

Title examination
Appraisals and appraisal reviews
Land surveys
Legal and closing costs
Development of the Community Forest Plan

Funds may not be used for:

Long-term operations, maintenance, and management of the land
Construction of buildings or recreational facilities
Existing liens or taxes owed
Research
Costs associated with preparing this application

Review Criteria

All applications will be evaluated based on:

Community benefits (economic, environmental, educational, recreational) – 20 points
Community engagement – 10 points
Strategic contribution and connection to broader landscape initiatives – 5 points
Threat or likelihood of property being converted to non-forest use – 5 points

Other considerations include:

Costs to the federal government
Other funds leveraged
Due diligence completed

Toshiba America Foundation Grants for Grades 6-12

The Toshiba America Foundation supports classroom teachers who make STEM learning fun. Their grantmaking is based on their corporate values:

Do the Right Thing
Look for a Better Way
Always Consider the Impact
Create Together

Applications for Grants for Grades 6-12 are accepted at multiple points throughout the year. Requests for up to $5,000 are due by March 1st, June 1st, September 1st, and December 1st. Requests for more than $5,000 are due by May 1st and November 1st.

Eligibility

This grant is open to public and nonprofit private schools in the United States and its territories.

Allowable Expenses

Grant funding must be spent on materials for project-based learning activities.

Ineligible expenses include:

Computers, laptops or tablets
Textbooks
Video production
Audio-visual equipment
Summer projects, clubs, or after school programs
Education research
Salaries
Facilities maintenance
General operating expenses
Capital projects

Project Categories

Applicants may choose to apply for funding for the following types of project-based learning.

3D Printing
Anatomy/Physiology
Astronomy/Space/NASA
Botany/Hydroponics/Agriculture
Coding (other than robotics)/Computer Science
Data
Energy
Engineering/Design (other than 3D printing)
Environment
Genetics/DNA
Geology
Health/Medicine/Biology
Mathematics
Meteorology
Oceanography
Robotics
Other

Application Requirements

All applications must include:

Proof of organization’s eligibility
Signed Principal Signature Form

Giving Joy Grant

Throughout her travels, International Development worker Joy Kolin realized the fundamental truth that women, no matter where in the world, can create positive change when given the means to do so. In 2018, she founded Giving Joy to empower those women and help them build a better life for themselves and their communities through entrepreneurship.

The Giving Joy Grant is a $250 – $500 microgrant to give women a leg up as they build or expand their business or organization. The current grant cycle will close on September 30th.

Eligibility

Applicant

Women aged 18 or older from anywhere in the world are eligible to apply.

Project

This grant is open to projects from all fields as long as they are legal. Funds may be used to start or expand a business, nonprofit, non-governmental organization, or other entity. The only stipulations are that the project focus on women, girls, and/or families and that it is beneficial for the community.

Grant funds may not spent

To purchase products
To purchase stock
On advertising
On marketing.

Evaluation Criteria

Submissions are scored on four criteria:

Alignment with the mission of Giving Joy
Innovative and clearly articulated project activities
Effectiveness of grant fund use
Clearly defined and quantifiable impact of the project

Application Process

After you submit your application, Giving Joy may request additional information or supporting materials. From these submissions, a shortlist of 5-10 projects will be created. If you are not contacted by Giving Joy, you have unfortunately not made it onto the shortlist.

Applicants who have been shortlisted may again be contacted for more information before the final recipients are chosen. Awards will go out in January 2024.

If you receive a Giving Joy Grant, you may not apply a second time.

Toshiba America Foundation Grants for Grades K-5

The Toshiba America Foundation supports classroom teachers who make STEM learning fun. Their grantmaking is based on their corporate values:

Do the Right Thing
Look for a Better Way
Always Consider the Impact
Create Together

Applications for Grants for Grades K-5 are due annually by October 1st. Applicants may request up to $1,000.

Eligibility

This grant is open to public and nonprofit private schools in the United States and its territories.

Allowable Expenses

Grant funding must be spent on materials for project-based learning activities.

Ineligible expenses include:

Computers, laptops or tablets
Textbooks
Video production
Audio-visual equipment
Summer projects, clubs, or after school programs
Education research
Salaries
Facilities maintenance
General operating expenses
Capital projects

Project Categories

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko: https://www.pexels.com/photo/students-wearing-protective-goggles-5427865/

Applicants may choose to apply for funding for the following types of project-based learning.

Energy
Engineering/Design/3D
Environment
Genetics/DNA
Health/Medicine/Biology
Makerspace
Math
Robotics
Rockets
STEM (Other)
Technology

Application Requirements

All applications must include:

Proof of organization’s eligibility
Signed Principal Signature Form

Early Hearing Detection and Intervention State/Territory Program

The Early Hearing Detection and Intervention State/Territory Program from the Health Resources & Services Administration‘s Maternal & Child Health Bureau supports state/territory-wide programs for disagnosing and serving children who are deaf or hard of hearing. This is a five-year grant for a two phase project.

The HRSA expect to have $13,865,000 annually to fund up to 59 grantees. Applicants may request up to $235,000 per year for five years to complete the program. Applications are due through Grants.gov by November 6, 2023.

Eligibility

This grant is open to:

State governments
U.S. Territory governments
Federally recognized Tribal governments
Community-based, public or private nonprofit organizations
Native American Tribal organizations

Program Goals

This five year process should be undertaken with the goal of implementing the following measures.

Photo by Spencer Selover: https://www.pexels.com/photo/baby-lying-near-dog-plush-toy-428388/

Screen newborns by 1 month old
Diagnose hearing impairment by 3 months old
Enroll in Early Intervention by 6 months old
Provide hearing screenings for children up to age 3
Support and engage with families with deaf or hard of hearing children or adults
Educate and train health professionals in the need for early screenings and interventions

Project Phases

Phase I: Planning

Phase I is a year-long process of assessing the state or territory’s existing infrastructure to support an Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) program and achieve the above goals. At the end of Phase I, grantees will provide their statewide infrastructure plan to the EHDI National Network.

Phase II: Implementation and Building Sustainable Practices

Phase II will take place over four years as the activities in the statewide plan are implemented and made sustainable. Expected benchmarks over these four years include:

Increase by 1 percentage point per year, or achieve at least a 95% screening rate, whichever is lower, the number of infants that completed a newborn hearing screen by 1 month old.
Increase by 10 percentage points, or achieve a minimum rate of 85%, whichever is lower, the number of infants that completed a diagnostic hearing screen by 3 months old.
Increase by 15 percentage points, or achieve a minimum rate of 80%, whichever is lower, the number of infants identified as deaf or hard of hearing that are enrolled in early intervetion services by 6 months old.

Review Criteria

All applications will be reviewed based on:

Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/baby-blur-boy-child-301977/

Need (10 points)
Response (40 points) – the degree to which the proposed project, including goals, objectives, and work plan, respond to the goals of the EHDI Program
Evaluative measures (20 points) – the strength and effectiveness of the proposed performance measurement and evaluation plan
Impact (15 points) – the extent to which the proposed project has a public health impact and the project will be effective
Resources/Capabilites (5 points) – the extent to which the project personnel are qualified to implement and carry out the project
Support requested (10 points) – the reasonableness of the proposed budget for each year of the period of performance

JustFilms from The Ford Foundation

The JustFilms grant program from the Ford Foundation funds documentaries and other innovative storytelling projects. Past grantees have been awarded as little as $1,786 to as much as $10 million.

Applications are accepted year-round for projects that delve into relevant social issues, particularly reducing inequality.

Eligibility

Both individual filmmakers and artists as well as the organizations who support them may apply. Applicants from anywhere in the world are welcome.

Application Process

The initial application is an online form with options for attaching supplemental materials. After a 60-90 day review of your application, Ford may invite you to submit additional information. If you have not received an invitation after 90 days, your project has not been accepted.

Evaluation Criteria

All entries will be evaluated based on:

Artistic relevance
Creativity and innovation
Relevance
Alignment with the Ford Foundation’s mission and values
Potential impact
Potential to change stereotypes and prejudice
Potential to give a voice to marginalized groups

To Consider

JustFilms encourages all potential applicants to consider the application questions to ensure that their film project fits with the goals of this grant. Aspects to reflect on include:

What makes the topic of your film important or relevant? This may include cultural, social, historical, or political significance.
What is the anticipated or potential impact of your film?
Why are you or your team the right people to tell this story?

Global Innovation Fund

The Global Innovation Fund invests in evidence-based concepts with the potential to change the lives of millions of the worlds poorest people. Through their grants they give entrepreneurs the opportunity to develop and improve their ideas.

Applications are accepted on a continual basis for three stages of funding – Pilot, Test & Transition, and Scale. Available funding varies by stage.

Eligibility

Applicant

Any type of organization working in developing countries may apply for this grant. This includes:

Nonprofit organizations
Social enterprises
Government agencies
International organizations
Research institutions
For-profit businesses

Idea

GIF will fund innovative concepts that:

Focus on the poor
Are novel approaches
Are evidence-based
Can be widely applied in many different settings
Have the potential to expand to reach millions of people
Are led by strong, dynamic teams
Are ready for investment
Will produce new insight
Have a clear role for GIF
Take gender impacts into account
Factor in climate risk and opportunity

Funding Stages

Pilot

Ideas in the Pilot Stage may apply for up to $230,000. Although these concepts are in the beginning stages, they must have a well thought out plan for developing and testing the idea. Funds at this stage may be spent on:

Research and development
Determining user demand
Assessing outcomes and costs
Conducting test studies

Test & Transition

Ideas in the Test & Transition Stage may apply for up to $2.3 million. These ideas have been tried at a smaller scale and shown promise for greater impact. Funds at this stage may be used for further growth and to produce additional evidence of the concept’s social impact.

Scale

Ideas in the Scale Stage may apply for up to $15 million. At this stage, concepts should have been rigorously tested and have a feasible plan to grow to impact millions of people. Evidence should support the financial, political, and logistical viability of the plan.

Funds may be used to adapt the idea to different locations and conditions, assess the most cost-effective methods for scaling up, and meet with partners.

Application Process

Every application must go through a multi-step process before being approved for funding.

Initial application – Submit the online application.
Follow- up call – A GIF team member will schedule a phone call to gather more information.
Full application and due diligence – Applicants will be invited to submit a full application with more detailed information. Team members will also contact stakeholders, references, and experts in the field.
Decision panel – A panel of senior GIF leadership and subject experts will convene to assess the full proposal and evidence gathered during due diligence.
Funding agreement – If approved by the panel, GIF and the applicant will enter a funding agreement.