Funding Opportunities

Federal and State Grants:

Innovative Arts Projects Supported
National Endowment for the Arts
Art Works supports the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence, public engagement with diverse and excellent art, lifelong learning in the arts, and the strengthening of communities through the arts. Deadlines: August 8, 2013.

Direct Service Grants
NJ Department of State
The Office of Faith-Based Initiatives announces the release of the 2014 Direct Service (DS) grants. The DS grant program is geared towards building the capacity of New Jersey faith and community-based organizations and enhancing their ability to implement effective community programming. The DS grant program is a competitive program and will provide funds to faith-based and community-based organizations that afford social services to low and moderate income NJ residents. Grant awards are dependent upon available funding. Deadline: June 20, 2013.

Social Entrepreneur and Enterprise Development (SE2D) Project
NJ Department of State
The Office of Faith-Based Initiatives announces the release of the 2014 Social Entrepreneur and Enterprise Development (SE2D) Project. The mission of the SE2D Project is to nurture an environment that allows for the development of Social Entrepreneur Ventures (SEVs) to create innovative approaches to address social issues. These innovative approaches will drive the complete capital market to eventually scale promising and potentially transformative community based approaches that solve intractable social issues. Deadline: June 20, 2013.

Program Addresses Youth Violence
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The Youth Violence Training and Technical Assistance program offers support to develop and provide training and technical assistance to local health departments and their partners in high-risk communities to address high rates of youth violence. Deadline: June 24, 2013.

Program Helps Street Youth
Department of Health and Human Services
The Street Outreach Program offers support to provide street-based services to runaway, homeless, and street youth who have been subjected to, or are at risk of being subjected to, sexual abuse, prostitution, or sexual exploitation. Deadline: June 28, 2013.

Funding Available for Food Programs in Low-Income Communities
Administration for Children and Families
The Community Economic Development Healthy Food Financing Initiative Projects program provides support to implement strategies to address food deserts, increase healthy food access in low-income communities, foster self-sufficiency for low-income families, and create sustained employment opportunities in low-income communities. Deadline: July 2, 2013. 

Program Supports Economic Development
Administration for Children and Families
The Community Economic Development Projects program provides support to address the economic needs of low-income individuals and families through the creation of employment and business opportunities. Deadline: July 2, 2013.

Program Assists Low-Income Taxpayers
Internal Revenue Service
The Low Income Taxpayer Clinic program provides support to assist low-income individuals who have a tax dispute with the IRS, or to provide education and outreach to individuals who speak English as a second language. Deadline: July 12, 2013.

Head Start Projects Funded
Administration for Children and Families
The Head Start University Partnerships: Dual-Generation Approaches program supports projects that will examine the role that Head Start can play in promoting family well-being, including health, safety, financial security, and school readiness. Letters of intent are due July 12, 2013. The application deadline is July 26, 2013.

Program Supports Homeownership
Department of Housing and Urban Development
The Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program (SHOP) provides support to facilitate and encourage innovative homeownership opportunities. Deadline: July 15, 2013.

Program Helps Runaway and Homeless Youth
Administration for Children and Families
The Basic Center Program offers support to provide an alternative for runaway and homeless youth who might otherwise end up with law enforcement or in the child welfare, mental health, or juvenile justice systems. Deadline: July 22, 2013.

“Main Street” Housing Supported
Department of Housing and Urban Development
The HOPE VI Main Street Grant Program provides support to small communities to assist in the renovation of a historic or traditional central business district or “Main Street” area by replacing unused commercial space in buildings with affordable housing units. Deadline: July 22, 2013.

Foundation Grants:

Support for Family Learning Programs
National Center for Family Literacy: Toyota Family Learning
Toyota Family Learning, a new initiative of the National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL), is a modern-day movement for all families to learn together. One key element of Toyota Family Learning is to provide grants to fund family mentor programs and service learning programs targeting vulnerable families. In the current funding round, NCFL will award five organizations a three-year grant, as well as a wide range of NCFL training and communications support, to implement services that encourage families to learn together. The focus is on applications that will adapt existing family engagement in education programs to include the implementation of family mentoring and service learning components. Each winning applicant will receive a $175,000 grant divided over three years. Deadline: June 24, 2013.

Support for Homeownership Initiatives
Wells Fargo Housing Foundation: Homeownership Grant Program
The Wells Fargo Housing Foundation is committed to increasing homeownership through the development of affordable housing in the United States. The Foundation’s Homeownership Grant Program supports local nonprofit housing organizations nationwide that help create sustainable homeownership opportunities for low- to moderate-income families. The program focuses on construction/rehab, homebuyer education and counseling, foreclosure counseling and prevention, subsidies, and home repairs. Funded programs must serve owner-occupied low- to moderate-income homebuyers only. Requests are reviewed three times per year. Deadline: July 31, 2013.

Financial Literacy Efforts Worldwide Funded
United Methodist Women: Call to Prayer and Self-Denial Offering
The mission of United Methodist Women is to foster spiritual growth, develop leaders, and advocate for justice. The United Methodist Women’s 2013 Call to Prayer and Self-Denial Offering, "Living Stewardship: Creating Financial Literacy," will support financial literacy programs throughout the world. Grants of up to $25,000 will be provided to nonprofit groups and organizations that work to empower and educate their constituents through knowledge and development of financial literacy skills. Priority will be given to projects that build the capacity of persons to change their own situations and prioritize the involvement of women in project initiation, implementation, and evaluation. Funds can be requested to start a new project or to strengthen an ongoing program. Deadline: June 30, 2013.

Youth Technology Skills Programs Funded
Best Buy Community Grants Program
The Best Buy Community Grants Program provides support to nonprofit organizations that are located within 50 miles of a Best Buy store or distribution center. Grants promote programs that provide teens with places and opportunities to develop 21st century technology skills that will inspire future education and career choices. Eligible programs must build technology skills in teens ages 13-18, deliver community-based youth programs during out of school time, and serve a diverse population. Grants average $5,000, and will not exceed $10,000. Online proposals must be submitted between June 1 and July 1, 2013.

Grants Promote Programs for Children and Youth
American Legion Child Welfare Foundation
The mission of the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation is to provide nonprofit organizations with a means to educate the public about the needs of children across the United States. The Foundation supports organizations that contribute to the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual welfare of children through the dissemination of information about new and innovative programs designed to benefit youth, or through the dissemination of information already possessed by well-established organizations. Grant requests should have the potential of helping American children in a broad geographic area (more than one state). Deadline: July 15, 2013.

Initiatives Addressing Hunger Funded
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Domestic Hunger Program
The goal of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Domestic Hunger Program is to provide relief and development assistance for those who suffer from hunger and injustices related to hunger in the United States. Priority is given to nonprofit organizations that help people with the least resources for meeting their basic needs as well as programs to assist women and children living in poverty. Grants are provided in the following categories: Relief, Sustainable Development, Community Organizing, Education, and Advocacy. Funded projects should have, whenever possible, some formal or informal connection with the ELCA, its synods, congregations, affiliates, or ministries. Deadline: July 17, 2013.

Support for Volunteer Projects That Serve Vets
Home Depot Community Impact Grants Program
The Home Depot Community Impact Grants Program provides support to nonprofit organizations, public schools, and public service agencies in the U.S. that are using the power of volunteers to improve the physical health of their communities. Proposals for the following community improvement activities will be considered: repairs, refurbishments, and modifications to low-income and/or transitional veteran’s housing or community facilities (schools, community centers, senior centers, etc.); weatherizing or increasing energy efficiency of low-income and/or transitional veteran’s housing or community facilities; and planting trees or community gardens and/or landscaping community facilities that serve veterans. Priority is given to projects for veterans that include housing repairs, modifications, and weatherization work. Grants of up to $5,000 are made in the form of The Home Depot gift cards for the purchase of tools, materials, or services. Deadline: August 13, 2013.

Programs for Children with Disabilities Funded in Company Communities
CVS Caremark Community Grant Program
CVS Caremark is committed to giving back to company communities throughout the U.S. where CVS Caremark stores are located. The CVS Caremark Community Grant Program awards funds to nonprofit organizations that support children with disabilities, including programs focusing on health and rehabilitation services and initiatives that encourage physical movement and play. Grants are also provided to public schools that offer children with disabilities a greater level of inclusion in student activities and extracurricular programs. In addition, programs are supported that create greater access to healthcare services and health education for the underserved. Grants of up to $5,000 are available. Applications may be submitted from January 1 to October 31 of each year.

Funds for Programs Enhancing Company Communities
Office Depot Foundation
The Office Depot Foundation supports nonprofit organizations, government agencies, libraries, and schools that bring systemic change to the communities they serve. The Foundation provides grants averaging $1,000 in three distinct categories. The focus of the “Giving Children Tools for Success” category is on activities that give young people tools to succeed in school and in life through education and inspiration. The “Building Capacity to Serve Communities” category targets programs that help nonprofit organizations to serve the needs of their communities efficiently. The purpose of the “Disaster Preparedness, Relief, Recovery, and Rebuilding” category is to support efforts that help people and communities prepare for disasters and rebuild and recover when disasters occur. Applications will be accepted from May 1 through October 31, 2013.

Funds for Health and Wellness Programs in Company Communities
The Rite Aid Foundation
The Rite Aid Foundation is dedicated to helping people in the communities the company serves lead happier, healthier lives. Support is provided to nonprofit organizations focused on the health and wellness of individuals, children and youth, and families in Rite Aid communities in 31 states. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 are provided for specific programs and projects. Requests are reviewed quarterly. The remaining deadlines for 2013 are July 15 and October 15.

Support for Sustainable Urban Infrastructure Systems
Surdna Foundation: Sustainable Environments Program
The Surdna Foundation seeks to foster just and sustainable communities throughout the United States. The Foundation’s Sustainable Environments Program works to overhaul our country’s outdated and crumbling infrastructure with an approach that will foster healthier communities. By focusing on urban areas and their surrounding suburbs, the Foundation seeks solutions that connect and improve these infrastructure systems in ways that maximize positive impacts and minimize negative environmental, economic, and social consequences. The four main categories of work in this program area include the following: Sustainable Transportation Networks and Equitable Development Patterns, Energy Efficiency in the Built Environment, Urban Water Management, and Regional Food Supply. Nonprofit organizations may submit online letters of inquiry at any time.

Grants Enhance Bank Communities Throughout the U.S.
Wells Fargo Charitable Contributions Program
Wells Fargo is committed to improving the bank’s local communities across the country through grants and volunteer activities. The funding priorities of the Wells Fargo Charitable Contributions Program vary from state to state; however, the bank generally supports the following areas of interest: community development, including affordable housing, workforce development, financial literacy, and economic development; education, including K-12 and higher education; human services, including healthcare and basic needs; and arts, culture, and civic projects.

Organizations in Company Communities Funded
Exelon Corporate Contribution Program
The Exelon Corporate Contribution Program strives to improve the quality of life for the people who live and work in the company's service territories in California, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas. The company provides grants to nonprofit organizations that demonstrate a proven track record in addressing key community needs. Funding priorities include education, the environment, arts and culture, and neighborhood development. Program, event, and sponsorship support are provided. Online applications may be submitted throughout the year.

Grants Promote Sustainable Economic Development Programs
Surdna Foundation: Strong Local Economies
The Surdna Foundation seeks to foster just and sustainable communities throughout the United States. The Foundation's Strong Local Economies work helps America's communities invest in their people and their places, acknowledging both as invaluable assets that are critical to long-term economic prosperity. Through this category, grants are provided to nonprofit organizations in two key related areas: Connecting People to Opportunities is focused on building communities that connect residents to economic opportunity. Creating Economic Opportunities is focused on supporting and creating robust economies and good jobs for all residents. Online letters of inquiry that address these areas are accepted throughout the year.

Initiatives for the Underserved Funded
Cisco Global Impact Cash Grants
Cisco Global Impact Cash Grants support nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and worldwide that provide assistance to underserved populations. In the Education category, Cisco supports technology-based solutions and education delivery models that enable children to master knowledge in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). The Economic Empowerment category focuses on programs that provide technology-based solutions to underserved populations transitioning from education to workforce, or re-entry to workforce. Through the Critical Human Needs category, Cisco grants help overcome the cycle of poverty and dependence by supporting organizations that address the basic needs of underserved communities, with a focus on clean water, food, and shelter. Organizations can begin the application process at any time.

Grants Equip Computer Centers for Youth in Inner-City Locations
GTECH After School Advantage Program
The GTECH After School Advantage Program equips nonprofit community organizations and public schools with state-of-the-art, Internet-ready computer centers. These computer centers are designed to provide inner-city at risk children aged 5 to 15 with a meaningful, fun, learning experience during the critical after school hours in a safe environment. GTECH will donate up to $15,000 in computers, online technology, computer software, and volunteer hours to each after school program in inner-city communities where the company’s offices are located, including cities in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Requests may be submitted at any time.

Support for Groups Addressing Poverty Issues
Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People  
The Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People (SDOP) participates in the empowerment of economically poor, oppressed, and disadvantaged people who are seeking to change the structures that perpetuate poverty, oppression, and injustice. SDOP currently supports groups in the United States who are oppressed by poverty and social systems, want to take charge of their own lives, are organizing to do something about their own conditions, and have decided that what they are going to do will produce long-term changes in their lives or communities. Supported projects must be presented, owned, and controlled by the groups of people who will directly benefit from them and must address long-term corrections of the conditions that keep people bound by poverty and oppression. Grants of up to $20,000 are provided. Applications may be submitted throughout the year.

Grants Address Community Needs in the Northeast
Citizens Bank Foundation
The Citizens Bank Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations in the communities where the company does business in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The focus of the Foundation’s grantmaking is on organizations that encourage the development of innovative responses to basic human needs, enhance affordable housing, provide community-based services targeted to low- and moderate-income families, support community development initiatives that are catalysts for economically distressed areas, and promote new ways to address issues of economic self-sufficiency. Grant applications may be submitted throughout the year. Visit the bank’s website to review the funding guidelines and submit an online application.

Grants Promote Vibrant Company Communities
Archer Daniels Midland Company: ADM Cares  
The Archer Daniels Midland Company’s ADM Cares program supports nonprofit organizations in company communities around the world that drive meaningful social, economic, and environmental progress. The program provides grant support in the following focus areas: promoting agricultural development, sound environmental practices, education for children and young adults, and maintaining a vibrant community. Preference is given to groups in ADM communities that can demonstrate clear, measurable results toward stated objectives and a solid track record of success. Online applications may be submitted at any time. Visit the ADM Cares website to learn more about the program.

Bank of America Charitable Foundation: Local Grants
The Bank of America Charitable Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that address pressing social, economic, and cultural needs in the communities the bank serves throughout the United States. While the priorities of specific company communities drive how funding is used, Local Grants typically fall into the following four generic categories: Community Development/Neighborhood Preservation, Education and Youth Development, Health and Human Services, and Arts and Culture. Requests may be submitted throughout the year. Visit the bank’s website to access the online application information.

Non-Profit Training Resource Funds
TD Charitable Foundation
The TD Charitable Foundation is pleased to announce the availability of $200,000 in funding in 2012 to be used by non-profit organizations for educational, training, and learning opportunities for their employees.  The TD Charitable Foundation recognizes that community-based organizations rely on funding from a variety of sources that are often impacted at the federal, state, and local level by budget constraints. Grants from this fund will be awarded to eligible organizations for employees to attend qualified classes/courses that will enhance their job performance.

Sustainable Society Initiatives Funded
Charles Stewart Mott Foundation
The mission of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation is to support efforts that promote a just, equitable, and sustainable society. The Foundation provides grants through the following four programs: The Pathways Out of Poverty program supports national initiatives that strive to move low-income people along the road to self-sufficiency through access to education and economic empowerment. The Civil Society program supports efforts to assist in democratic institution-building and ensure respect of rights and diversity both in the U.S. and internationally. The Environment program promotes models of development that protect the diversity of selected ecosystems in North America and around the world. The Flint Area program provides support to local community organizations in the Foundation's hometown of Flint, MI. Each of these four programs has clearly stated guidelines, and grantseekers are strongly encouraged to visit the Foundation’s website to review this information before submitting an online letter of inquiry.

Health Programs in Company Communities Supported
Walgreens Corporate Contribution Program
The Walgreens Corporate Contribution Program supports nonprofit organizations in local Walgreens communities throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Walgreens provides grants to organizations that focus on access to health and wellness in their communities, pharmacy education programs and mentoring initiatives, civic and community outreach, and emergency and disaster relief. Health is the company's major area of focus, with priority given to programs that address the health needs of community residents. The company also accepts sponsorship or promotional marketing requests. Online applications may be submitted throughout the year. Visit the company’s website for application procedure information.

Funds for Local Programs in Bank Communities
Wells Fargo Charitable Contributions Program
Wells Fargo is committed to improving the bank’s local communities across the country through grants and volunteer activities. The funding priorities of the Wells Fargo Charitable Contributions Program vary from state to state; however, the bank generally supports the following areas of interest: community development, including housing, job training, economic development, and programs for small businesses and farms; education, including K-12 education with an emphasis on math/science and financial literacy programs; human services, including healthcare and basic needs; and arts, culture, and civic projects. Visit the website listed above and click on a state in order to review the local funding guidelines and application procedures.

Community Enhancement Programs Funded
Office Depot Foundation
The Office Depot Foundation supports nonprofit organizations, government agencies, libraries, and schools on a local and national scale that bring systemic change to the communities they serve. The Foundation provides grants averaging $1,000 in three distinct categories. The focus of the “Making a Difference in Children’s Lives” category is on activities that serve, teach, and inspire children, youth, and families. The “Building Communities” category targets civic organizations and activities that serve the needs of company communities. The purpose of the “Disaster Relief” category is to support the relief efforts of recognized local, regional, and national agencies. Priority is given to organizations that participate in the Office Depot Foundation Leadership Network. Requests are reviewed monthly.

Citi $200 Million Communities at Work Fund:
Established to create jobs, drive economic recovery, and provide hope and opportunity to Americans living in disadvantaged communities, the fund will make affordable loans available on a timely basis to CDFI loan funds that finance small businesses, not-for-profits, charter schools, and other community service organizations in low-income and low-wealth communities. The fund will primarily offer unsecured, interest-only loans with terms up to five years to CDFI loan funds and CDFI affiliates participating in the New Markets Tax Credit Program.

Support for Community Needs Worldwide
The Coca-Cola Foundation
The Coca-Cola Foundation partners with nonprofit organizations worldwide that address community needs and priorities in a meaningful way. The Foundation supports programs that focus on one of the following four categories: Water Stewardship promotes access to clean water and sanitation, watershed protection in water-stressed regions, utilization of water, and water conservation. Healthy and Active Lifestyles supports physical activity and nutritional education programs, programs that motivate behavior modification, and programs that encourage lifestyle/behavioral changes. Community Recycling addresses litter abatement efforts, recovery and reuse, community recycling awareness, and research and innovation. Education focuses on scholarships, school drop-out prevention, access to education programs, and other education initiatives. Online applications may be submitted throughout the year.

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation:
Committed to investing $70 million over a seven year period to community foundations serving cities and towns where the Knight brothers owned newspapers. The foundation provides funding to help Knight communities introduce technologies to allow citizens to connect to the Internet, work with national and grass roots organizations to help immigrants become naturalized citizens and play an active role in civic life, and invest in social innovators.

JPMorgan Chase Foundation:
Invests in specific neighborhoods in cities where they have major operations. These neighborhoods are typically among the most challenged areas of major urban centers, defined by unacceptably high rates of poverty and historic disinvestment. JPMorgan Chase works to lead a renaissance in the neighborhood, by engaging the most qualified non-profit organizations, neighborhood residents, and other sources of public and private advocacy and funding. Grant applications are considered throughout the year.

Kresge Foundation:
Awards grants to nonprofit organizations in health, the environment, community development, arts and culture, education, and human services. Seeks to improve the life circumstances and opportunities for poor, disadvantaged and marginalized individuals, families, and communities. Kresge Foundation Facilities Capital Challenge Grants help nonprofit organizations build their base of private financial support as they conduct capital campaigns to build or renovate their facilities. Grants are awarded to organizations that cater specifically to the needs of poor, disadvantaged and disenfranchised in the fields of community development, health, the environment, arts and culture, education and human services.

Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation:
Supports community improvement initiatives, particularly in communities where Lowe's employees live. Community improvement projects include: park and neighborhood beautification, repair and enhancement of facilities serving the community, community clean-up initiatives, outdoor learning environments, and community garden, park or playground projects.

Michael & Susan Dell Foundation:
Supports and initiates programs that directly serve the needs of children living in urban poverty. Currently accepting unsolicited proposals, the foundation gives priority to initiatives addressing children's health, education, and microfinance, as well as initiatives in India and Central Texas that specifically address the needs of children. All grant requests should be submitted online.

PNC Foundation:
Forms partnerships with community-based nonprofit organizations within the markets PNC serves in order to enhance educational opportunities for children, particularly underserved pre-K children thorough their PNC Grow Up Great program, and to promote the growth of targeted communities through economic development initiatives.

RGK Foundation Community Grants:
Support a broad range of human services, community improvement, abuse prevention, and youth development programs. Human service programs include children and family services, early childhood development, and parenting education. Community improvement programs include those that enhance non-profit management and promote philanthropy and voluntarism. Youth development programs include after-school educational enrichment programs that supplement and enhance formal education programs.