Author Archives: grantcentraldepot

Ben & Jerry’s Foundation National Grassroots Organizing Program

The Ben & Jerry’s Foundation National Grassroots Organizing Program supports small, constituent-led nonprofit organizations working for systemic change.

Applications are due by October 31, 2024. Two year general operating support grants are available for up $30,000 per year.

Eligibility

This grant is open to organizations:

  • With a 501(c)3 nonprofit status or a fiscal agent
  • Located in the United States and its territories, except Vermont (separate programs are available for organizations in Vermont)
  • With an annual operating budget of less than $350,000
  • That use grassroots campaigns as their primary strategy

Priority consideration will be given to organizations led by members of the BIPOC community addressing systemic oppression and the legacy of white supremacy.

Funding Limitations

This grant is intended to be used for general operating support.

Explicitly prohibited expenses include:

  • Capital or endowment campaigns
  • Research
  • Fellowships or scholarships
  • Political activities
  • Religious activities
  • Regranting
  • Arts or media campaigns not a part of a grassroots campaign

Grassroots Organizing Strategies

The Foundation defines grassroots organizing as movements established from the bottom up, using the power of the people to take on the status quo. Activities may include:

  • Constituent empowerment & decision-making
  • Leadership development of constituents
  • Community & ally outreach
  • Mobilizing constituents & allies
  • Coalition building
  • Popular education
  • Campaign development
  • Non-violent direct action

SeedMoney Garden Grant Challenge

SeedMoney helps public food garden projects raise funds through their combination grant and crowdfunding Garden Grant Challenge. Applicants have 30 days to reach their fundraising target and receive one of 432 grants ranging from $100 to $1000. The amount of grant funding received depends on how much money is raised in comparison to other applicants.

Applications, which also serve as the fundraising page, are due by November 12, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET. The fundraising period starts on November 15th and ends on December 15th. Participants keep all money raised regardless of whether they reach their goal or qualify for a grant.

Eligibility

This grant is open to public food garden projects anywhere in the world.

Allowable Expenses

Photo by Soo Ann Woon: https://www.pexels.com/photo/selective-focus-photography-of-green-vegetables-3265437/

Use of grant funds is quite open with the only stipulation being that money go toward a public garden project. Possible expenses include:

  • Seeds
  • Compost
  • Tools
  • Irrigation
  • A greenhouse

Grant Types

It is possible to win more than one grant type.

Challenge Grants

Challenge Grants will be awarded to 288 organizations based on where they rank in amount of funds raised.

RankGrant AmountAwards
1st$1,0001
2nd$9001
3rd$8001
4th – 9th$6006
10th – 18th$5009
19th – 36th$40018
37th – 72nd$30036
73rd – 144th$20072
145th – 288th$100144

Strong Start Grants

Fifty awards of $100 each will be given to the organizations who raise the most money in the first week. An additional $400 will go to the project that raises the most in the first 24 hours.

Geographic Interest Grants

Seventy grants of $150 – $300 will be awarded to organization in either Maine, where SeedMoney is headquartered, or in a developing country. There is no crowdfunding requirement for a GIG award.

Strong Finish Grants

Twenty-three grants of $100 – $500 will be awarded to the organizations that raise the most money in the last 7 days of the campaign.

RankGrant Amount
1st$500
2nd$300
3rd$200
4th – 23rd$100

National Science Foundation: Advancing Informal STEM Learning

The Advancing Informal STEM Learning program from the National Science Foundation supports projects that investigate how people learn about STEM topics outside formal education. Projects should broaden STEM participation, especially among underserved communities and populations.

Applications will be accepted in five project types: Synthesis, Conference, Partnership Development and Planning, Integrating Research and Practice, and Research in Support of Wide-reaching Public Engagement with STEM. Funding and grant period vary by project type. Applications are due by January 8, 2025 at 5:00 PM, applicant’s time.

Eligibility

This grant is open to:

  • Institutions of Higher Education, accredited and with a campus in the U.S.
  • Nonprofit organizations, such independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, and professional societies in the U.S.
  • For-profit organizations: U.S.-based commercial organizations, including small businesses, with strong capabilities in scientific or engineering research or education and a passion for innovation. 
  • State and local governments 
  • Federally recognized Native American tribes
  • Foreign organizations (Cooperative projects involving U.S. and foreign organizations, are permitted, however, support will only be provided for the U.S. portion.) 
  • Other Federal agencies and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers

Program Goals

Proposals should include some or all of the following goals:

  • Learning STEM in Informal Experiences and Environments (required)
  • Advancing the Knowledge Base of Informal STEM Learning (required)
  • Broadening Participation in STEM (required)
  • Intentionally Community/Practitioner Driven (optional)
  • Professional Capacity Building & Informal STEM Infrastructure (optional)

Informal STEM Learning Examples

Informal STEM learning may include, but is not limited to:

Photo by Camilo Ospina: https://www.pexels.com/photo/dinosaurs-in-the-parque-explora-in-medellin-colombia-19252044/
  • Exhibitions and programs in museums, zoos, aquaria, botanic gardens/arboreta, planetariums, nature centers, parks, libraries, homes, community centers, and other environments
  • Science communications 
  • Traditional or intergenerational knowledge sharing 
  • Community and participatory science, such as, radio, television, or podcasts 
  • Do-It-Yourself (DIY) or maker initiatives
  • Public research engagement, including crowd-sourcing and Public Participation in Scientific Research
  • Online and other digital experiences, such as, games, simulations, and social media

Project Types

Synthesis

NSF expects to award 6-8 Synthesis grants per year. Each will be $100,000 – $500,000 for 2-3 years and should focus on understanding questions and issues related to informal STEM learning. This may include systematic literature reviews, meta-syntheses, and meta-analyses.

Conferences

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NSF expects to award 10-15 Conference grants per year. Each will be $75,000 – $250,000 for 1-2 years and may be submitted at any time. Although there is no deadline for this topic, applicants are encouraged to submit at least one year before the scheduled event.

Conferences under this program should bring researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and/or learners together to share research, experiences, and best practices in informal STEM education.

Partnership Development and Planning 

NSF expects to award 10-15 Partnership Development and Planning grants per year. Each will be $50,000 – $150,000 for 1-1.5 years and should be used to design a collaborative research and development project. Potential activities include multidisciplinary workshops, stakeholder meetings, and project planning.

Integrating Research and Practice 

NSF expects to award 12-16 Integrating Research and Practice grants per year. Each will be $250,000 – $2 million for 2-5 years and should involve reciprocal parternerships between researchers and practitioners. Together, they should study new issues and innovative approaches to informal STEM learning.

Research in Support of Wide-reaching Public Engagement with STEM

NSF expects to award 5-8 Research in Support of Wide-reaching Public Engagement with STEM grants per year. Each will be $1-2 million for 2-5 years and focus on large-scale efforts to reach hundreds of thousands of informal STEM learners.

Cisco Global Impact Cash Grant Program

The Cisco Global Impact Cash Grant Program supports innovative approaches to critial social challenges in four areas: Crisis Response, Education, Economic Empowerment, and Climate Impact and Regeneration.

Letters of Inquiry from eligible applicants are accepted on a continual basis. First time applicants may request up to $75,000.

Eligibility

This grant is open to organizations that:

  • Have a 501(c)3 nonprofit designation or their country’s equivalent
  • Serve an audience made up of 65% or more economically served people relative to the average standards of the target geography
  • Has overhead expenses of 25% or less. Exceptions will be made in exceptional and justified cases.

Public and private universities and for-profit entities may be considered for Climate Impact and Regeneration ONLY.

Funding Limitations

Grant funding may not be used for:

  • General operating expenses
  • Research
  • Events
  • Healthcare
  • Schools and scholarships

Evaluation Criteria

All applications will be reviewed based on:

  • Addresses a critical social challenge with unmet need
  • Incorporates metrics to measure program impact
  • Serves the underserved 
  • Makes innovative use of technology
  • Employs an innovative approach with potential for broad impact
  • Is designed to be replicable, scalable, and sustainable
  • Possesses outstanding leadership

Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards

The Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards provides funding to Latinx high school seniors for either post-secondary education or a community service project. Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards are granted in nine categories.

Applications for up to $4,000 are due by November 3, 2024 at 11:59 PM PT. Winners will be honored during 10 virtual ceremonies and become part of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation network of 200,000 professionals. All applicants will also automatically be entered into the Haz La U program.

Eligibility

This award is open to individuals in the United States and its territories who:

  • Are currently enrolled in high school or an accredited homeschool program and will graduate in Spring 2025 OR
  • Are under 21 and working towards a GED
  • Have a minimum unweighted 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale or 7.5 on a 10.0 scale (If your school does not use either of these scales, you can calculate your GPA with an online calculator)
  • Will be enrolled at an accredited institution of higher education for the 2025-26 school year
  • Has at least one parent (including adoptive parents) who can trace their ancestry to Latin America, Spain, Portugal, Brazil, the Spanish speaking Caribbean, or the Philippines

Categories

Applicants may apply in multiple categories.

  • Community Service
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Entrepreneurship & Business
  • Green Sustainability
  • Healthcare & Science
  • Media & Entertainment
  • Public Service & Social Justice
  • Technology

Required Documents

All applications must include:

Special Olympics Youth Innovation Grants

Special Olympics Youth Innovation Grants support Youth Leaders from across the globe who are promoting inclusion in their schools and communities. Applications for $500, $1,000, $1,500, or $2,000 are due by November 1, 2024.

Eligibility

This grant is open to Youth Leaders with or without intellectual disabilities who are:

  • 14-25 years old
  • Supported by an accredited Special Olympics Program. Long-standing involvement with the Special Olympics is not required, but applicants must contact their local program before applying.

Project Types

Regional Projects

Regional Projects are unique local programs, which may include:

  • Engaging with other young people to become leaders for inclusion
  • Creating or improving inclusive programming in the community
  • Bringing people with and without intellectual disabilities together to participate in activies such as sports, art, and cooking
  • Creating Unified Schools or University programs

Scaling for Impact

Scaling for Impact projects have been enacted in other communities and may be replicated by new applicants. The seven projects are:

Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants

Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants support projects that benefit disadvantaged communities by building climate resilience and the capacity to address environmental and climate justice issues.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will award grants in two tracks – Community-Driven Investments for Change and Meaningful Engagement for Equitable Governance. There is no cost share requirement for either track. Applications are due by November 21, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET.

Eligibility

This grant is open to partnership between two community-based non-profit organizations (CBOs) or between a CBO and a:

  • Federally-Recognized Tribe
  • Local government
  • Institution of higher education 

Program Objectives

Photo by Matheus Bertelli: https://www.pexels.com/photo/group-of-multiethnic-people-gathering-around-female-speaker-in-studio-3856027/
  • Providing resources for community-driven projects to address environmental and climate challenges in disadvantaged communities
  • Investing in strong cross-sectoral collaborations working with and for communities with environmental and climate justice concerns. 
  • Unlocking access to additional federal and non-federal resources to advance environmental and climate justice goals
  • Empowering communities and strengthening their capacity to drive meaningful positive change
  • Strengthening community participation in government decision-making processes

Grant Tracks

Track I: Community-Driven Investments for Change

The EPA expects to award approximately 150 Track I grants of $10-20 million each to address specific, community-driven environmental justice issues.

Objectives

  • Increasing community resilience through climate action activities
  • Reducing local pollution to improve public health
  • Centering meaningful community engagement
  • Building community strength
  • Reaching priority populations
  • Maximizing integration across projects

Requirements

Climate Action Strategy

At least one project must focus on at least one of these strategies:

Image by Admiral_Lebioda
  • Green Infrastructure and Nature-Based Solutions
  • Mobility and Transportation Options for Preventing Air Pollution and Improving Public Health and Climate Resilience
  • Energy-Efficient, Healthy, and Resilient Housing and Buildings
  • Microgrid Installation for Community Energy Resilience
  • Community Resilience Hubs
  • Brownfield Redevelopment for Emissions Reduction and Climate Resilience
  • Waste Reduction and Management to Support a Circular Economy
  • Workforce Development Programs for Occupations that Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Air Pollutants
Pollution Reduction Strategies

At least one project must focus on at least one of these strategies:

  • Indoor Air Quality and Community Health Improvements
  • Outdoor Air Quality and Community Health Improvements
  • Clean Water Infrastructure to Reduce Pollution Exposure and Increase Overall System Resilience
  • Safe Management and Disposal of Solid and Hazardous Waste
Community Engagement and Collaborative Governance Plan

This plan should address:

  • Past Community Outreach and Engagement Conducted
  • Community Engagement Plan Implementation
  • Collaborative Governance Structure
Community Strength Plan

This plan should address:

  • Maximizing Economic Benefits of Projects
  • Displacement Avoidance

Track II: Meaningful Engagement for Equitable Governance

The EPA expects to award approximately 100 Track II grants of $1-3 million each. Projects should facilitate the participation of disadvantaged communities in the development and implementation of environmental justice policies and programs.

Project Examples

Photo by Christina Morillo: https://www.pexels.com/photo/group-of-people-talking-to-each-other-in-front-of-brown-wooden-table-1181360/
  • Educational and Training Programs 
  • Environmental Advisory Boards (EABs)
  • Collaborative Governance Activities 
  • Participation in Governmental Funding and Budgeting Processes 

The Shubert Foundation

The Shubert Foundation has provided funding for professional, nonprofit theater and dance companies since 1977. Their mission is to support and advance live performing arts in the United States.

The Foundation’s primary focus is on Theater with a secondary focus on Dance and a small portion of funding going to Arts Related Organizations. Applications for Theater are due by December 4, 2024 at 6 PM ET. Applications for Dance and Arts Related Organizations are due by October 16, 2024 at 6 PM ET. Grants start at $15,000.

Eligibility

This grant is open to organizations that are:

  • 501(c)3 nonprofits
  • Professional theater/dance companies
  • Established, with a successful track record and history of fiscal responsibility

Theater applicants must have an annual budget of $150,000 or higher, not including in-kind support.

Dance applicants must have:

  • Annual operating expenses of $500,000 or higher, not including in-kind support
  • At least 8 dancers employed for a minimum of 10 weeks of rehearsals and performance
  • At least 10 professional performances annually

Allowable Expenses

Shubert Foundation grants are for unrestricted, general operating support. Funds should not be used for:

  • Project support
  • Capital campaigns
  • Endowments

Review Criteria

Image by David Mark

All applications, regardless of category, will be reviewed based on:

  • Record of artistic activity
  • Impact of the organization’s programs
  • Record of developing and producing new work
  • Demonstrated commitment to underserved audiences and/or underrepresented voices
  • Fiscal responsibility
  • Ability to generate both earned and contributed income
  • Other significant contributions to the field

Hurtigruten Foundation

The Hurtigruten Foundation supports projects in the areas of the world where the Hurtigruten Group leads adventure travel expeditions. Awards are typically €5,000 – €10,000 and usually only cover part of a project’s costs. In rare cases, they will consider covering the entire project.

Applications are due each year on May 1st and November 1st for projects focused on:

  • Endangered species
  • Eliminating plastic waste and ocean litter
  • Supporting local communities

Eligibility

This grant is open to any organization interested in doing work within Hurtigruten’s areas of interest in:

Image by Chris Stenger
  • Alaska
  • Antarctica
  • Arctic Canada and the Northwest Passage
  • Argentina
  • The British Isles
  • The Caribbean
  • Chile
  • Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
  • The Falkland Islands
  • Greenland
  • Iceland
  • Norway and Svalbard
  • Cape Verde
  • Senegal
  • Gambia
  • Guinea-Bissau

Organizations interested in collaborating with Hurtigruten Expeditions on a scientific research project or whose project requires the use of a Hurtigruten vessel are asked to email a brief outline to hurtigruten.foundation@hurtigruten before submitting an application.

Project Types

Photo by the author

Grant funds may be used to conduct:

  • Grassroots projects
  • Environmental projects
  • Community based projects
  • Science research projects
  • Educational projects 

Residential Curbside Recycling Cart Grant

The Recycling Partnership has been working since 2014 to expand and improve recycling in the United States. Through their Residential Curbside Recycling Cart Grant, they provide financial and technical assistance for the creation of publicly sponsored, cart-based recycling programs.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and applicants should receive a decision within 90 days. Award amounts vary by program strategy. There isn’t a mandatory cash match, but applicants will be responsible for any program costs above the grant amount.

Eligibility

This grant is open to:

  • Local governments
  • Solid waste authorities
  • Federally recognized Native American tribes

Under certain conditions, for-profit businesses or non-profit organizations may be eligible. Contact Vincent Leray at vleray@recyclingpartnership.org to see if you meet those conditions.

Allowable Expenses

Grant funds may be used for:

  • Purchasing recycling carts
  • Educational outreach

Program Requirements

Image by Shirley Hirst

Approved programs must:

  • Provide recycling carts to the public without any costs added to solid waste or recycling fees.
  • Provide carts of 60 or more gallons for weekly pick up programs.
  • Provide carts of 90 or more gallons for pick up every other week.
  • Use The Recycling Partnership’s outreach materials to educate the public about the program.
  • Commit to implementing a data tracking system. Grantees will be required to report tonnage of trash and recyclables on a monthly and annual basis.

Program Strategies

Funding is available at five levels for five different program strategies. Funding for education and outreach is available at a rate of $1 per household served.

Universal

All households eligible for municipal garbage services automatically receive a recycling cart.

Funding Per Cart: $15

Cart Funding Cap: $750,000

Education Funding Cap: $75,000

Phased In

All households eligible for municipal garbage services automatically receive a recycling cart, but they are distributed gradually. Distribution must be completed within four years.

Funding Per Cart: $12

Cart Funding Cap: $600,000

Education Funding Cap: $50,000

Opt Out

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All households eligible for municipal garbage services automatically receive a recycling cart except those that have explicitly chosen not to.

Funding Per Cart: $10

Cart Funding Cap: $500,000

Education Funding Cap: $50,000

Partial

All households within a designated sector of the community receive a recycling cart. Applicants must demonstrate the method by which this sector was chosen and show that this method does not disenfranchise or discriminate against any minority populations.

If partial implementation of the recycling program is successful, applicants may seek an additional grant of up to $200,000 to expand it.

Funding Per Cart: $8

Cart Funding Cap: $400,000

Education Funding Cap: $50,000

Opt In

Only those households which specifically request a recycling cart will receive one. The program must be widely advertised and the households that opt in recorded.

Funding Per Cart: $5

Cart Funding Cap: $250,000

Education Funding Cap: $50,000

Selection Criteria

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  • Ability to carry out all required parts of the program
  • The amount of additional recyclable materials expected to be collected
  • The number of households that will receive new or expanded recycling services
  • Ability to leverage financial support from other sources to support the program

Priority will be given to projects that can be rolled out in their entirety within 18 months of signing the grant agreement.

Application Requirements

  1. All applicants must create an account with the Municipal Measurement Program before submitting their application.
  2. Applications must include letters of support from (A) The highest elected or appointed official in the community, (B) the Materials Recovery Facility responsible for handling recyclables, (C) the state recycling office.