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Special Funding Opportunities
Opportunities related to specific current issues
Current funding opportunities for COVID-19 and Ukraine are available to the public on our website.
National Funding
Opportunities throughout the U.S.
Collaborations Promoting Adolescent Development Supported
Wallace Foundation: Funding Opportunity to Advance Cross-Sector Partnerships for Adolescents
The Wallace Foundation's mission is to foster equity and improvements in learning and enrichment for young people, and in the arts for everyone. The Foundation is currently seeking expressions of interest from groups of organizations that are working together in formal or informal partnerships to support adolescent youth development at the local level in the United States, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. The Foundation seeks partnerships working at the systems level, i.e. working across sites or programs in a cross-sector partnership that includes public or private entities, business organizations or coalitions, nonprofit organizations, neighborhood development corporations, higher education institutions, community organizers, and school districts. In addition, partnerships should already be in place; have an existing or emergent strategy focused on adolescents (defined roughly as youth aged 11 to 19), especially those who face systemic or structural challenges such as poverty, homelessness, and physical, mental, or behavioral disabilities; and focus on learning and development opportunities for youth beyond the traditional classroom. Each group of organizations selected will receive grants averaging $200,000 for a year of work, as well as access to other supports such as peer learning and technical assistance. The deadline to submit expressions of interest is November 4, 2022. Details on the funding opportunity are available on the Foundation's website.
Grants Bolster Nonprofit Theatres Nationwide
Actors' Equity Foundation: Theatre Grants
The Actors' Equity Foundation seeks to support the professional theatre community in the United States, from emerging artists to seasoned vets, while promoting and investing in the theatre and the performing arts. The Foundation's Theatre Grants provide support to nonprofit theatres nationwide that have current 501(c)(3) tax exempt status, an established artistic and administrative track record, a history of fiscal responsibility, and have worked to improve the state of the theatre. The application deadline is November 30, annually. The online application is available on the Actors' Equity Foundation website.
Efforts to Transform the Justice System Funded
Public Welfare Foundation
The Public Welfare Foundation supports efforts to advance justice and opportunity for people in need. The Foundation's grants support nonprofits in the United States that are advancing a new, transformative system of justice with the core values of racial equity, economic well-being, and fundamental fairness for all. Current focus areas include 1) developing innovative, transformative approaches to youth and adult criminal justice reform in the states of Oklahoma, Michigan, Georgia, Colorado, and Louisiana, the cities of Jackson, MS, and Milwaukee, WI, and the district of Washington, DC; 2) community-based solutions that reduce the over-reliance on mass incarceration; and 3) reframing the narrative and fostering greater transparency and urgency around the U.S. criminal justice system through storytelling, journalism, and other targeted efforts. For Fiscal Year 2023, the Foundation is also exploring investments focused on dismantling the incarceration of women and women-aligned people, reducing harm and violence using community-centered interventions, and supporting the development of formerly incarcerated and justice-impacted leaders in the field. Letters of inquiry are accepted on a rolling basis from nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. Guidelines for submitting the online letter of inquiry are available on the Foundation's website.
Support Available for Youth Programs Preserving Native Culture
First Nations Development Institute: Native Youth and Culture Fund
First Nations Development Institute (First Nations) works to strengthen American Indian economies to support healthy Native communities. First Nations' Native Youth and Culture Fund is accepting proposals from Native-led nonprofits and organizations that are focused on providing youth opportunities that support the perpetuation of traditional knowledge and spirituality, and the intergenerational transfer of knowledge systems. Funded programs should focus on one or more of the following priority areas: preserving, strengthening, or renewing cultural and spiritual practices, beliefs, and values; engaging both youth and elders in activities that demonstrate methods for documenting traditional knowledge systems, practices, and beliefs; increasing youth leadership and their capacity to lead through integrated educational or mentoring programs; and increasing access to and sharing of cultural customs and beliefs through the use of appropriate technologies, as a means of reviving or preserving tribal language, arts, history, or other culturally relevant topics. Approximately 15 to 18 general operating grants of between $5,000 and $20,000 will be awarded to Native-controlled nonprofit organizations or Native-controlled community organizations located in the U.S. and U.S. territories. The application deadline is November 10, 2022. Visit the First Nations website for details on the Native Youth and Culture Fund grant opportunity.
Regional Funding
Opportunities for specific geographic areas
Funding Benefits Texas Communities
The Meadows Foundation
The Meadows Foundation seeks to improve the quality and circumstances of life for the people of Texas now and in the future. The Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and public institutions throughout Texas in the program areas of arts and culture, civic and public affairs, education, environment, health, and human services, as well as through initiatives focused on postsecondary completion, educator preparation, water conservation, depression, and homelessness. While grants are provided throughout Texas, up to 50% of giving is focused on the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Support is primarily provided for specific programs or projects. Proposals are accepted throughout the year, and are reviewed five times a year. Visit the Foundation's website for instructions on how to apply.
Grants Strengthen Education Initiatives in Alabama
The Malone Family Foundation
The mission of The Malone Family Foundation is to promote positive changes in the lives of people, who in turn can build and enhance the communities in which they live. The Foundation supports initiatives primarily in Alabama that expand the horizons of and opportunities for children and young adults. The focus is on efforts to improve the quality of education and the motivation and self-esteem of students from pre-kindergarten through higher education. Support is provided for projects designed to prevent or solve problems and create opportunities, rather than meet basic needs. Letters of inquiry are due November 15, 2022; the deadline for invited applications is December 15, 2022. Application guidelines are available on the Foundation's website.
Support Targets Coastal Areas of Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island
Island Foundation
The Island Foundation primarily provides support to nonprofit organizations for projects in coastal areas of Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Grantmaking priorities fall within the following categories: environment, with a focus on promoting the conservation of marine and coastal resources in Southeastern Massachusetts, Maine, and Rhode Island; New Bedford, with a focus on organizations that promote progressive social change and combat discrimination in all its forms in New Bedford, MA; alternative education, including support for a limited number of experiential education programs, after-school programs, and alternative education schools, with a particular interest in maritime trades, hands-on marine education, and programs that increase access and opportunity for at-risk youth; and womxn and girls, with a focus on organizations addressing root causes of inequality for womxn and girls. Both general operating and project-focused grant requests are accepted. The first step in the application process is to make initial contact with the Foundation by calling or writing. Invited letters of inquiry and full proposals are reviewed quarterly; the upcoming deadline is December 1, 2022. Application guidelines and details on the grantmaking priorities are available on the Foundation's website.
Colorado Youth Music Instruction Programs Funded
Take Note Colorado
The goal of Take Note Colorado is to provide all Colorado youth in grades K-12 access to musical instruments and instruction. Take Note Colorado's Grant Program provides support of up to $10,000 to individuals and organizations to offer innovative and equitable music instruction for youth in Colorado who lack access. Funds cover access to instruments and instruction to students, including music-making technology and fees for providing instruction. Teaching artists, nonprofits, library districts, municipalities or quasi-governmental entities, creative districts, and music businesses are eligible to apply. (Schools and school districts are not eligible.) Support is provided throughout the state, especially in rural and otherwise underserved communities, with the exception of Denver City and County. (Applicants serving Denver City and County should apply for support through the Denver Music Advancement Fund.) Applications for the Take Note Colorado Grant Program will be accepted from October 17 to November 15, 2022. Guidelines and FAQs are available on the Take Note Colorado website.
Federal Funding
Opportunities from the U.S. government
Program Helps Address Community Problems
AmeriCorps
The AmeriCorps State and National American Rescue Plan Planning Grants provide support to develop an AmeriCorps program that will engage AmeriCorps members in implementing evidence-based interventions to solve community problems. Priority is given to organizations leading service in rural communities, tribal communities, and communities with concentrated poverty, and those organizations serving historically underrepresented and underserved individuals, including, but not limited to, communities of color, immigrants and refugees, people with disabilities, people who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, people with arrest or conviction records, and religious minorities. The application deadline is November 14, 2022.
Small Museums Supported
Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Inspire! Grants for Small Museums initiative supports small museums of all disciplines in project-based efforts to serve the public through exhibitions, educational/interpretive programs, digital learning resources, policy development and institutional planning, technology enhancements, professional development, community outreach, audience development, or collections management, curation, care, and conservation. Project categories include lifelong learning, institutional capacity, and collections stewardship and access. The application deadline is November 15, 2022.
Partner Depot
Considering getting your Grant Credential?
October 19, 2022 – 6:00 pm CT
Are you an experienced grant professional and thinking about getting your GPC credential?
The Grant Professionals Certification Institute (GPCI) is planning an informal "Fireside Chat" for anyone interested in becoming Grant Professional Certified (GPC). You can listen in on the discussion or come with your own list of questions!
Our panel of GPCs will cover:
- the "why" behind pursuing the GPC credential;
- how to determine if you are eligible;
- an overview of the registration process; and,
- cost, scholarships, study groups, and more!
We talk about it all!
This fireside chat is on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at 4 pm PT/7 pm ET. Register to attend the GPC Fireside Chat and see if earning your GPC is the next step in your career!
GPA Annual Conference
Attend the GPA Annual Conference from the comfort of your own home or office. No travel required when you attend virtually! Register today!
PathFinder: Featured Resource
A library of quality resources designed to help you develop your career path as a grants professional
Artificial Intelligence and Fundraising: An Overview
Artificial intelligence (A.I.) is becoming ever more popular among nonprofits as a tool to facilitate fundraising. If you are considering utilizing A.I. in this way, but want to understand what features it offers and what to look for when implementing it, you might want to read The Chronicle of Philanthropy's report, Artificial Intelligence and Fundraising: An Overview. Presented as a collection of articles, this report discusses the potential benefits of using A.I. in fundraising, pitfalls to avoid, and questions to ask before selecting an A.I. provider.
Upcoming Online Education Trainings
Live Webinars
Unless otherwise noted, all Online Education Trainings are webinars,
are 90 minutes in duration, and are scheduled to begin at 2 PM Eastern Time.
Power Writing for Grants and More
Clear, compelling writing is vital to all your on-the-job writing projects—not just grant proposals. During this hands-on webinar, writing coach and grant professional Maryn Boess will fill your toolkit with a host of simple, powerful techniques that can help you write more clearly, quickly, and confidently, right away. You'll focus on shaping your message in a way that makes it as easy as possible for your reader to understand so you get the results you want! Everyone is told to "write more clearly." This session will show you step-by-step how to do exactly that. You’ll also get BONUS advice from top writing pros on editing, proofreading, and revising for professional polish. The webinar will be held on Tuesday, October 18, 2022.
LIVE Workshop: Tracking Restricted Grants in QuickBooks (DESKTOP and ONLINE versions of QuickBooks)
Do you receive grants that are restricted in some way? Do you struggle to complete grant spending reports at the end of a grant period? Do you spend hours going through transactions and payroll reports trying to figure out which expenses were paid for from a grant? And what about grants with a budget by account that must be adhered to? By simply setting up a few things, you can easily get a P&L for each of your restricted grants (compared to budget if you’d like). You can also see reports for your grants all on one screen and in real time. All of this and more can be easily tracked right in your QuickBooks software. We are very excited to have Gregg Bossen, a CPA specializing in nonprofits and president of QuickBooks Made Easy for Nonprofits, deliver one of his most popular webinars exclusively for us! The webinar for the DESKTOP version of QuickBooks will be held on Wednesday, October 19, 2022. The webinar for the ONLINE version will be held on Thursday, October 20, 2022.
Advance Your Mission Through Fiscal Sponsorship
Do you want to focus on your cause instead of administration and regulatory tasks? You may be ready to look for funding for your projects, but if you don't have the financial capacity to manage the grant, the 501(c)(3) status to be eligible, or the audit requirements set forth by the funder, then you can quickly hit a dead end. Fortunately, you can overcome these challenges through fiscal sponsorship. Many organizations have discovered that this structure is a perfect fit for the administrative needs of their programs. In fact, many projects that start with a fiscal sponsor do not end up establishing their own 501(c)(3) organization. But finding a fiscal sponsor is not a quick or easy task. You have to select the right model for your organization. And you must do your due diligence to find the right sponsor. During this TargetED, Alice Ruhnke will help you understand the guidelines and best practices for using or being a fiscal sponsor. The webinar will be held on Monday, October 24, 2022.
GrantStation Announcements
The latest updates from GrantStation
Funding Alerts
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Editor: Ashlyn Simmons
Copy Editor: Diana Holder
Contributing Writer: Kevin Peters
National Funding Opportunities
Collaborations Promoting Adolescent Development Supported
Grants Bolster Nonprofit Theatres Nationwide
Efforts to Transform the Justice System Funded
Support Available for Youth Programs Preserving Native Culture
Regional Funding Opportunities
Funding Benefits Texas Communities
Grants Strengthen Education Initiatives in Alabama
Support Targets Coastal Areas of Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island
Colorado Youth Music Instruction Programs Funded
Federal Funding Opportunities
Program Helps Address Community Problems
Small Museums Supported