GrantStation Insider: December 14, 2023

Application deadline: Applications will be accepted from January 2 to February 14, 2024.
Geographic scope: United States, including U.S. territories
Grant amount: Varies by category up to $150,000
Description: The Teiger Foundation provides grants for U.S.-based, curator-led initiatives in contemporary visual art. Supported initiatives may include group exhibitions, single-artist surveys, participatory and community-engaged art projects, digital exhibitions, live and virtual performance in the context of the visual arts, and as-yet-unknown curatorial forms involving contemporary visual art and artists. Grant categories include grants of up to $150,000 for single projects led by curators at organizations of all sizes; grants of up to $150,000 for three years of programming at organizations with annual budgets less than $3.5 million, including independent art spaces, contemporary art centers, nonprofit art institutions, kunsthalles, university galleries, and small contemporary art museums; grants of up to $75,000 for hosting exhibitions that originated elsewhere; and grants of up to $50,000 for curatorial research and development in the earliest stages of a project. 501(c)(3) institutions in the U.S. are eligible to apply.

Application deadline: January 18, 2024, for letters of inquiry
Grant amount: Generally $15,000 to $25,000
Description: The Longview Foundation supports K-12 education projects in the U.S. that build global perspectives in teachers and students. The Foundation provides one-year grants focused on increasing global dimensions within K-12 education in the U.S. in the following strategy areas: Internationalizing Teacher Preparation grants support efforts to expand preservice teachers’ global knowledge and skills. Preference is given to teacher preparation institutions that are connected to state or urban systemic efforts in order to have a greater impact and to those using online courses for pre-service education or professional development. Innovations in International Education grants support strategic, field-building activities that help address gaps in global knowledge or capacity, with a particular interest in promoting integration of international content into the Common Core implementation process, bringing international knowledge and skills to out-of-school time programming and to career and technical education, internationalizing U.S. history resources, and including international children’s literature in literacy building initiatives. Funded proposals should advance the field of global education or impact significant numbers of students.

Application deadline: March 1, 2024, for brief proposals
Geographic scope: United States, including U.S. territories
Grant amount: A total of up to $4 million will be awarded, with individual awards expected to range from $100,000 to $750,000.
Description: The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Evidence for Action: Indigenous-Led Solutions to Advance Health Equity and Wellbeing call for proposals aims to support research driven by Indigenous communities focused on advancing solutions to promote health equity and well-being for Indigenous Peoples. Funding will be provided for community-prioritized investigation, elevating and integrating Indigenous cultures and knowledge-building practices. Awards will be made through two tracks: the Initiating and Developing Research Capacity and Infrastructure track, with grants in the approximate range of $100,000 to $400,000, and the Supporting Later-Stage, Sustained Research Efforts track, with grants ranging from approximately $500,000 to $750,000. Preference will be given to applicant organizations that are tribal entities or Indigenous-serving organizations, including urban Indian organizations.

Application deadline: January 21, 2024
Grant amount: $250 or $500
Description: Youth Service America, with the support of the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation, is offering the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation Youth Grants to youth changemakers in the United States, aged five to 25, to lead awareness, direct service, advocacy, and philanthropic projects that focus on ending childhood hunger in their communities. Youth may apply for $250 grants for projects engaging at least 25 other youth as volunteers, or $500 grants for projects engaging at least 50 youth volunteers. Proposed projects must be youth-led and focus on addressing childhood hunger; take place during the Sodexo Servathon (April 1-May 31, 2024), with some activity on Global Youth Service Day (April 26-28, 2024) strongly encouraged; engage youth not typically asked to serve as volunteers; and benefit children and families in the United States. Projects may take place in schools, colleges and universities, after-school programs, youth organizations, nonprofit organizations, or faith-based organizations.

Application deadline: Cycle 1 applications will be accepted from January 15 to March 15, 2024. (A second cycle will be open from April 15 to June 14, 2024.)
Geographic scope: Texas
Description: The Moody Foundation’s Education M-Pact Fund, a key component of the Foundation’s commitment of $1 billion for Texas education over 20 years, supports educational institutions and nonprofit organizations providing services in the areas of early learning and post-secondary success within the state of Texas. In the area of early learning, the focus is on high quality early childhood education and early literacy serving children from birth through grade three. In the area of post-secondary success, the focus is on activities that improve access, persistence, and completion within value-added credentialing programs, particularly for first-generation college students. Eligible initiatives include college and university degree programs, dual and advanced credit offerings, vocational training, career exploration and development during K-12 schooling, broader workforce development initiatives, and related activities. Priority will be given to grants that serve low-income or at-risk populations, support research or evidence-based programs, are collaborative in nature, and address one or more of the supporting focus areas of educator workforce, mental health, special education, and wraparound services.

Application deadline: The next quarterly deadlines are March 1 and June 1, 2024. (There is no deadline for Community Crisis and Disaster Response Grants.)
Geographic scope: Louisiana
Description: The mission of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation is to promote the wellness and well-being of Louisianians. Applications are accepted through the following programs: New Horizons Grants of up to $25,000 support innovative approaches that either solve or more effectively address existing issues related to health or well-being. Special Project Grants of up to $100,000 support scaling up of successful projects that have either been funded by the Foundation before or demonstrate clear evidence of need. Collective Impact Grants of up to $1,000,000 over three years support community-wide efforts addressing complex issues in health or well-being, for example heart disease, diabetes, mental health, obesity, or disparities in access, quality, or cost. Community Crisis and Disaster Response Grants of up to $50,000 in unrestricted funds help nonprofits address community needs after a disaster or crisis. Nonprofit organizations domiciled in Louisiana are eligible to apply. Applicants are encouraged to speak with Foundation staff before submitting a letter of intent.

Application deadline: January 29, 2024
Geographic scope: Minnesota
Grant amount: Grants range up to $15,000, with an average grant award of $10,000. 
Description: The Sheltering Arms Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations in Minnesota that benefit children and families who have the least access to resources. The Foundation supports high quality, direct-service programs for children ages zero to 12 in the areas of early childhood and youth development, including early care and education, home visiting and parent education, early childhood mental health programs, and out-of-school time and mentoring programs in school-based and community settings. In addition, support is provided for advocacy efforts that increase access to high quality, culturally appropriate early childhood care and education and youth development opportunities. Nonprofit organizations located and providing services in Minnesota are eligible to apply. (Prior to applying, organizations are required to contact Foundation staff to talk about how a project fits with the Foundation’s guidelines.)

Application deadline: Applications will be accepted from January 2 to January 19, 2024.
Geographic scope: Washington, DC, area
Grant amount: One $100,000 Impact Grant and three Partner Grants, the value of which depends on annual fundraising, are provided.
Description: Many Hands leverages the power of collective giving to support nonprofit organizations serving and empowering Washington, DC, area women, children, and families in socioeconomic need. Funds must be used to serve residents of one or more of the following areas: the District of Columbia; Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, MD; Arlington and Fairfax counties, VA; and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, and Falls Church, VA. Four grants are made each year, including one in each of four focus areas: economic empowerment, education, health, and housing. Many Hands provides unrestricted funding which may be used for operating, program, or capital expenses.

Application deadline: February 1, 2024
Description: The YouthBuild program awards grants through a competitive process to organizations providing pre-apprenticeship services that support education, occupational skills training, and employment services to opportunity youth, ages 16 to 24, who are performing meaningful work and service to their communities. The YouthBuild program model prepares participants for quality jobs in a variety of careers in diverse industry sectors, particularly in infrastructure sectors, and includes wraparound services such as mentoring, trauma-informed care, personal counseling, transportation supports, and employment preparation. YouthBuild applicants must include construction skills training and may include occupational skills training in other in-demand industries.

Application deadline: February 1, 2024
Description: The AmeriCorps Seniors Senior Companion Program engages adults aged 55 and over to provide companionship and support to other adults in need of extra assistance to remain at home or in the community for as long as possible. The Program focuses grantmaking in the healthy futures focus area. Under this focus area, grants must establish programming that engages adults to serve as volunteers who help seniors live independently. Activities may include providing support or facilitating access to services and resources that contribute to independent living.

Are you a nonprofit professional or board member looking for a helpful management book? If so, you may want to read How to Save the World in Six (Not So Easy) Steps: Bringing Out the Best in Nonprofits. Written by Columbia Law School scholar and nonprofit leader David M. Schizer, this book is a definitive guide to advancing the missions of nonprofit organizations effectively and mobilizing support.

Webinar date: December 18, 2023, 2:00 to 2:45 PM Eastern Time
Description: The sting of not securing a grant, especially after investing time and the collective efforts of your team, can feel disheartening and deeply personal. During this TargetED, Alice Ruhnke will show you what to do when you don’t get funded. You’ll walk away ready to turn rejection into an opportunity for growth so you can continue to help your organization fulfill its mission.

Webinar date: December 19, 2023, 2:00 to 3:30 PM Eastern Time
Description: There are unique differences between capacity building grants and regular, programmatic grants that you must understand if you want to write a successful proposal. During this webinar, Alice Ruhnke will define and discuss the fundamentals of capacity building grant proposals. She will introduce you to a practical approach with examples based on real experiences.

Webinar date: January 8, 2024, 2:00 to 2:45 PM Eastern Time
Description: AI can help your organization increase its productivity. As a writing assistant, it can help streamline your work so you can complete grant proposals in less time. But in order to harness the power of AI, you need to understand its strengths and weaknesses. During this TargetED, Alice Ruhnke will provide you with a broad overview of the AI landscape so you’re more familiar with this emerging technology. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of AI so you can properly consider whether to use these tools within your organization. (This session is part of a full TargetED series: AI for Nonprofits.)

Do you represent a membership organization comprised of many NPOs? GrantStation has four programs designed to add value to the benefits you offer constituent organizations, field offices, or members, no matter your size! 

By joining the Membership Value Program (MVP), your organization can offer deeply discounted access to the GrantStation website and benefit from a new revenue stream. Contact Juliet Vile, Vice President of Operations, to learn more.

Already an MVP? Further increase your revenue stream by joining the Product Referral Program (PRP) and sharing GrantStation’s Online Education offerings with your constituents. Contact Juliet Vile, Vice President of Operations, to learn more.

The Premium Licensing Program (PLP) adds immediate, measurable value to your organization’s membership benefits. Partners can offer their members full access to GrantStation and its numerous benefits via the secure area of their own website. Contact Juliet Vile, Vice President of Operations, to learn more.

The Volume Purchase Program (VPP) allows organizations and grantmakers to add value to the benefits they already offer to their grantees or constituent organizations through a one-time purchase of a volume of GrantStation Memberships at a significant discount. Training components are included in this purchase. Contact Alice Ruhnke, President, to learn more.

Start now to add value for your organizations!

Do you know that great feeling you get when you connect with people and organizations that share your passions? For me, this remarkable feeling has been a constant companion throughout my journey with GrantStation, spanning more than two decades. I've had the privilege of wearing various hats during this time: first as a nonprofit with a GrantStation Membership, then as an Online Education Instructor, and now as a proud member of the leadership team.

Throughout this time, GrantStation’s commitment to leveling the playing field for all nonprofits has resonated with me. This vision acknowledges the diversity among nonprofits, each with its own strengths and challenges. Achieving equity in the nonprofit sector is a complex endeavor. Our commitment to being "affordable on purpose" is a practical approach to realize this vision. By keeping expenses lean and maintaining a budget without unnecessary frills, GrantStation ensures that its high quality services remain accessible to organizations with limited financial resources.

I am deeply grateful that every day I get to experience that incredible feeling of connection with individuals and organizations that share this sense of purpose. From the GrantStation staff and board of directors to our Members and partners, these human connections not only enrich my life but also provide opportunities for collaboration and personal growth. Together, we will continue to work towards a more equitable and inclusive nonprofit sector, where every organization can make a meaningful impact on society. Please reach out to me to talk about ways we can partner, resources we can build, online education we can provide, or anything else about grantseeking and proposal writing. 

Don’t forget to check out the additional Funding Spotlights on our homepage—you don't want to miss them! Current opportunities include Humane America Animal Foundation (U.S. national), Fulton Bank: Fulton Forward Foundation (U.S. local: DE, MD, NJ, PA, and VA), Canadian Race Relations Foundation: National Anti-Racism Fund (Canada), and Tadamon Grants (Burkina Faso, Comoros, Iraq, Jordan, Niger, Pakistan, State of Palestine, Somalia, and Yemen).