Funding Opportunities

Federal Grants:

Support for Community Programs in the U.S. and Canada
State Farm Companies Grants Program
The State Farm Companies Grants Program strives to meet the needs of communities in the U.S. and Canada by supporting nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies that address safety, community development, or education. Safety Grants focus on driving safety, home protection, disaster preparedness and recovery, and personal financial security. The emphasis of Community Development Grants is on affordable housing, first-time homeowners, community revitalization, and economic development. Education grants target public K-12 teacher development, service-learning programs, and systemic educational reform. Deadline: March 1 through May 31, 2012.

Community Health Policy Initiatives Supported
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: Roadmaps to Health: Community Grants
The Roadmaps to Health: Community Grants program, an initiative of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, supports communities that seek to implement policy or system changes in order to address one of the social or economic factors that most strongly influence health outcomes in their community. These factors include education, employment and income, family and social support, and community safety. Up to 20 grants of up to $200,000 each will be provided to nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and/or tribal groups nationwide. Applying organizations should participate in established coalitions or networks that span multiple sectors and perspectives. The deadline for brief proposals is May 2, 2012; full proposals are due July 25, 2012.

Community-Based Public Safety Initiatives Funded
Department of Justice
The Community Policing Development Program provides support for the development of community oriented policing strategies that significantly advance the field of community policing, and demonstrate an understanding of community policing as it pertains to the following topic areas: community policing enhancement, ethics and integrity, policing in a new economy, child and youth safety, police operations, officer safety and wellness, veterans support, and an open topic area focused on community policing-related topics. Proposed activities that represent partnerships between law enforcement agencies and university and nonprofit institutions are encouraged. Deadline: May 21, 2012.

Workforce Education and Training Grants Available
Department of Labor
The Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training Grants Program provides support for education and career training programs designed to be completed in two years or less and for workers who are eligible for training under the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers Program (TAA-eligible workers), as well as other adults. The primary intent of support is to meet the educational or career training needs of workers who have lost their jobs or are threatened with job loss as a result of foreign trade. Proposed programs will assist TAA-eligible workers and other adults in acquiring the skills, degrees, and credentials needed for high-wage, high-skill employment while also meeting the needs of employers for skilled workers. Deadline: May 24, 2012.

VA Grant and Per Diem Program Notice of Fund Availability
Department of Housing and Community Development
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is announcing the availability of funds for applications for assistance under the Per Diem Only component of VA's Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program. This Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) includes funding priorities for those applicants who will serve specific homeless veteran populations that are identified in this NOFA, or implement a new ``transition in place'' housing model to facilitate housing stabilization. The NOFA published in the Federal Register contains information concerning the program, funding priorities, application process, and amount of funding available. Deadline: Applications must be received in accordance with the NOFA no later than 4 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, May 30, 2012.

Community Economic Development (CED) Program
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The Community Economic Development (CED) program, a federal program that awards grants for well-planned projects that create business development opportunities and employment for low-income individuals, seeks applicants for its 2012 Funding Opportunity Announcement. Eligible Applicants include private, non-profit Community Development Corporations and the maximum grant amount is $800,000. Deadline: June 5, 2012.

Grants Support Solutions Advancing Promise Neighborhoods
Department of Education
The Promise Neighborhoods Program provides support for the implementation of Promise Neighborhood plans in targeted geographic areas with a demonstrated need, including rural and tribal communities. Proposed activities should include a sound strategy for creating a continuum of solutions and demonstrate the capacity to implement the plan. Special consideration may be given to implementation activities that address the following priorities: comprehensive local early learning networks, quality internet connectivity, arts and humanities, and quality affordable housing. Proposed implementation activities focused on family engagement in learning through adult education are also reviewed. The letter of intent deadline is June 8, 2012. The application deadline is July 27, 2012.

Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiatives Supported
Department of Justice
The Violent Gang and Gun Crime Reduction Program provides support for coordinated efforts to reduce gun and gang-related violent crime. Collaborative task forces will implement gang and gun crime enforcement, intervention, and prevention initiatives within each district adhering to the following core elements: strategic planning, training, outreach, and accountability. Priority will be given to high-performing initiatives utilizing effective, intelligence- and data-driven strategies in areas of greatest need. Deadline: June 14, 2012.

Foundation Grants:

Funds for Community Organizing Work in the Northeast
Community Training and Assistance Center: Intermediary Support for Organizing Communities
The Intermediary Support for Organizing Communities Program, administered by the Community Training and Assistance Center (CTAC), provides small grants and technical assistance to build the capacity, sustainability, and impact of grassroots organizations that are engaged in important community organizing work in low-income communities in the Northeast. Six to eight grants of up to $20,000 will be awarded to groups in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, or Vermont. Applying groups must have been engaged in community organizing in low-income, highly disenfranchised communities for a number of years. Funded groups should be constituent-led and multi-issue in orientation, rather than single-issue groups. Deadline: May 24, 2012.

MetLife Foundation Awards for Excellence in Affordable Housing
MetLife Foundation
In partnership with the MetLife Foundation, Enterprise Community Partners is accepting applications for the MetLife Foundation Awards for Excellence in Affordable Housing.
The awards will recognize four properties and their sponsor organizations for excellence in development and operation of green senior independent living properties in the United States. Winners receive a $50,000 unrestricted grant and support to host an event for residents, partners, and community at the property. Deadline: May 23, 2012.

Nature's Path Organic Foods Invites Communities to Apply for Gardens for Good Grant Program
Nature's Path Organic Foods
Nature's Path Organic Foods, an organic cereal manufacturer, has announced the launch of the third annual Gardens for Good grant contest, a program designed to help urban communities increase the amount of acreage dedicated to organic food production as well as access to healthy, organic food. Three nonprofit organizations from the United States and Canada will be selected to receive a grant and technical assistance for their community-based organic garden project. Community members and organizations are invited to visit Nature's Path's Facebook page to apply between May 1 and 31, 2012, and to vote between June 1 and June 30, 2012. From the nine organizations (six U.S. and three Canadian) that receive the most votes, Nature's Path will choose three winners (two in the U.S. and one in Canada) to receive a $15,000 cash grant, technical design assistance, production mentorship courtesy of Organic Gardening magazine, a free organic breakfast community celebration, and a donation of Nature's Path products for the local food bank.

Grants Enhance Company Communities in the Eastern U.S.
BJ's Charitable Foundation
BJ's Charitable Foundation is dedicated to enhancing community programs that benefit children and families in the communities served by BJ's Clubs throughout the eastern U.S. The Foundation’s grant categories include the following: The Hunger category supports organizations that aim to alleviate hunger and feed those in need. The Self Sufficiency category targets organizations that work to prevent clients from becoming homeless, stabilizing them while they are homeless, and helping support them coming out of homelessness, such as shelter programs and family safety programs. The Health category focuses on organizations that provide healthcare to those who would not normally have access. The Education category promotes organizations that provide academic and vocational opportunities for the disadvantaged. The upcoming application deadlines are April 6 and July 6, 2012.

Center for Social Inclusion Invites Applications for the Alston Bannerman Sabbatical Fellowship for Activists of Color
The Center for Social Inclusion is seeking applications for the Alston Bannerman Sabbatical Fellowship for longtime activists of color.  The program honors and supports individuals who have devoted their lives to helping their communities organize for racial, social, economic, and environmental justice by providing resources for them to take time out for reflection and renewal.  Deadline: June 15, 2012.

Funds for Active Lifestyle Youth Programs in Company Communities
Finish Line Youth Foundation
The Finish Line Youth Foundation strives to make a difference in the lives of youth in the communities where company employees and customers live by supporting programs that focus on youth development and an active lifestyle. The Foundation primarily offers grants to nonprofit organizations that provide community-based access to athletics and other active lifestyle activities for youth under the age of 18. An additional focus is on camps that give kids the chance to be active, with emphasis on those that provide services to disadvantaged or special needs children. Requests are reviewed quarterly; the remaining deadlines for 2012 are June 30, September 30, and December 31.

Sustainable Jersey Grant Program for Municipal Sustainability Projects
PSEG Foundation
Funded by the PSEG Foundation, the Sustainable Jersey Small Grants Program will support thirty-two projects that leverage resources to make communities more livable, environmentally friendly, and prosperous. The 2012 Sustainable Jersey Small Grants Program will award four $20,000 grants, eight $10,000 grants, and twenty $2,000 grants to local governments for projects like an electric vehicle charging station, school food composting centers, and community gardens. Applicants must be a New Jersey municipality registered with the Sustainable Jersey program and have an active "Green Team." Deadline: July 15, 2012.

Gift Cards Support Housing and Community Programs
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 that help veterans stay in their homes comfortably. 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, 2012.

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.

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.

Support for the Development of Public Green Spaces
TKF Foundation: Open Spaces Sacred Places National Awards Initiative
The TKF Foundation supports the creation of public green spaces that offer temporary sanctuary, encourage reflection, provide solace, and engender peace and well being. The Foundation's Open Spaces Sacred Places National Awards Initiative funds the development of significant new public green spaces in urban settings that demonstrate a combination of high quality design-build and rigorous research about user impacts. The initiative’s final Request for Proposals (RFP) will support cross-disciplinary teams that are able to 1) conceptualize, plan, design, and implement an open and sacred green space, 2) conduct an associated research study(ies), and 3) communicate scientific findings. Funded projects should serve as potential models for urban areas across the United States. A total of $4 million is available through this RFP.

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.

Support for Social Change Initiatives
Ben & Jerry's Foundation: National Grassroots Grant Program
Through the National Grassroots Grant Program, Ben & Jerry's Foundation provides support to nonprofit community organizations throughout the United States that bring about progressive social change by addressing the underlying conditions of societal and environmental problems. The broad goals of the program are to further social justice, protect the environment, and support sustainable food systems. Grants of up to $15,000 are provided to grassroots, constituent-led organizations that are using community organizing strategies to accomplish their goals as well as organizations that provide technical support and/or resources to such groups. The Foundation does not make grants to support social service programs. Letters of interest may be submitted at any time. Visit the Foundation’s website to review the funding priorities and submit an online letter of interest.

Support for Social Justice Efforts
Norman Foundation
The Norman Foundation supports efforts throughout the United States that strengthen the ability of communities to determine their own economic, environmental, and social well-being, and that help people control those forces that affect their lives. These efforts may promote economic justice and development through community organizing, coalition building, and policy reform efforts; work to prevent the disposal of toxics in communities and to link environmental issues with economic and social justice; or connect community-based economic and environmental justice organizing to national and international reform efforts. Programs that promote systemic change and can serve as a model for other organizations and communities are encouraged. In addition, priority is given to organizations with annual budgets of under $1 million. Letters of inquiry are accepted throughout the year.

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.

Community Programs in U.S. and Canada Funded
Costco Wholesale Corporate Contributions Program
The Costco Wholesale Corporate Contributions Program supports nonprofit organizations in company operating communities throughout the U.S. and Canada as well as international locations. Grants and product donations are provided to nonprofit organizations and educational institutions that address the areas of children's issues, education, and health and human services. Local organizations should submit requests to the Warehouse Manager at the nearest Costco. Grant or donation requests which impact a broader region should go through the appropriate regional office. Requests may be submitted throughout the year. Visit the company’s website to review the donation and grant eligibility guidelines.

Abelard Foundation:
This family foundation supports grassroots social change organizations in predominantly low-income communities and communities of color that seek to expand community control over economic, social and environmental decisions affecting their communities' well-being. Grants generally range from $6,000-$12,000. The foundation has offices on the East and West coasts, which have different application procedures. Check the websites for Abelard Foundation East and Abelard Foundation West for details.
Link for Abelard Foundation East

Annie E. Casey Foundation
Supports initiatives in the United States that have significant potential to demonstrate innovative policy, service delivery, and community supports for disadvantaged children and families. Most grantees have been invited by the Foundation to participate in these projects. The Casey Foundation does not seek, nor often fund, unsolicited grant applications. However, the foundation will consider supporting a specific promising program, practice, or policy that helps children and families succeed; interested applicants should send a brief description of the project.

Blue Moon Fund:
Makes grants to nonprofit organizations that have developed innovative, holistic approaches to improving human quality of life in harmony with the natural world. Their three initiatives are: Reenergizing Urban Communities, Rethinking Consumption and Energy, Balancing Human and Natural Ecosystem.

Charles Stewart Mott Foundation:
Makes grants to projects in a variety of areas, including the "civil society" program's three themes (strengthening the nonprofit sector, promoting people's rights and participation and improving race and ethnic relations) and a program called "Pathways out of Poverty", which focuses on projects for improving community education, economic opportunity and organization. The foundation requests a Letter of Inquiry from grant seekers.

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.

Enterprise Green Communities:
Offers grant opportunities to help cover the costs of planning and implementing green components of affordable housing developments, as well as tracking their costs and benefits. They offer up to $75,000 in planning and construction grants, up to $5,000 to coordinate green design charrettes, and up to $5,000 for post-construction sustainability training.

Gifts In Kind International:
Distributes corporate product donations to qualified nonprofit organizations. Donated products include books, toys, personal care products, clothing, computers, home improvement materials, and more. Each month, their Gifts In Kind 101 Webinar provides an overview of the services it provides for charitable organizations.

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.

Pepsi Refresh Project:
Will award up to 32 grants each month, ranging from $5,000 to $250,000 each, throughout 2010. The project funds people, businesses, and non-profits with ideas that will have a positive impact on their community. Categories include Neighborhoods and Food & Shelter. One thousand ideas are accepted for consideration each month. The public decides the month's winners through online voting.

PepsiCo Foundation
The PepsiCo Foundation seeks to foster healthy, vibrant, and self-sufficient communities worldwide through global partnerships that improve the quality of life in the areas of health, environment, and education. In the Health category, the focus is on food security and improved nutrition. The Environment category supports programs that address water security, sustainable agriculture, and adaptive approaches to climate change. In the Education category, the emphasis is on access to education and training for the underserved as well as women’s empowerment. Letters of interest may be submitted at any time. Visit the Foundation’s website to learn more about the specific focus areas and to review grant guidelines.

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.