April 2024 Resources

Each month LOR sends a curated list of funding opportunities and other resources relevant for small rural communities in the Mountain West. To receive a link to our monthly resources guide, drop us a line to connect@lorfoundation.org.

Funding Opportunities

April Deadlines

Creative Capital is inviting artists to submit project proposals in various categories including visual arts, performing arts, film/moving image, technology, literature, multidisciplinary, and socially engaged forms. Grant amounts range from $15,000 to $50,000 per project, with the flexibility for artists to access funds over multiple years.
Deadline: April 4

The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation provides life-saving equipment and education tools to first responders, nonprofits, and public safety organizations across the United States. Grants typically range from $15,000 to $35,000 with a maximum of 600 grant applications accepted. Eligible applicants include fire departments, law enforcement agencies, EMS organizations, municipal and state organizations, public safety organizations, nonprofits, and schools. Applicants should operate within communities served by Firehouse Subs restaurants, but applications from rural and volunteer departments nationwide will be considered.
Deadline: Cycle opens on April 4, 2024, and closes after receiving 600 applications

The Women’s Sports Foundation’s Sports 4 Life program offers grants of $10,000 to support initiatives that enhance the participation and retention of girls of color in sports. Aimed at predominantly Black, African American, Hispanic, and Native American girls aged 11 to 18, funded programs provide structured sports programming led by experienced mentors. Funds can be allocated for various purposes such as coaching, equipment, and facility rental. Eligible applicants include nonprofit schools, parks and recreation departments, nonprofit organizations, or amateur sports leagues.
Deadline: April 5

American Express and Main Street America present the Backing Small Businesses grant program, now in its third year, with funding totaling more than $5.7 million. Small business owners in the U.S. and U.S. territories can apply for 500 grants of $10,000 each. Additionally, 25 recipients of the $10,000 grants will have the opportunity to receive $30,000 Enhancement Grants to enact transformative changes within their businesses and communities.
Deadline: April 7

The Future Manufacturing Grant program seeks to support fundamental research, education, and training initiatives aimed at addressing scientific, technological, educational, economic, and social barriers in manufacturing with a total program funding of $28 million. Grants can range from $500,000 to $3 million. Eligible proposers include U.S.-based, for-profit organizations, nonprofit non-academic organizations, state and local governments, institutions of higher education (including community colleges), and tribal nations.
Deadline: April 11

The Wilhelm Family Foundation welcomes applications from nonprofit arts organizations across the United States to enhance the quality of life for artists and creative communities. Grants support organizations of all sizes that prioritize diversity, inclusiveness, community engagement, and freedom of speech. Preference is given to organizations serving diverse, marginalized, at-risk, or underserved communities, with a focus on projects that use art to engage with issues related to the environment or climate change.
Deadline: April 12

FEMA allocates $36 million through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant, designed to support the critical needs of fire departments and EMS organizations. The grant offers financial aid for essential equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, and training to ensure the safety of both the public and emergency personnel. In 2021, the program distributed approximately $414 million across 2,500 grants, averaging about $166,000 per award.
Deadline: April 12

The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program provides $360 million in available funding to fire departments and volunteer firefighter organizations with the aim of enhancing their capacity. This initiative aims to bolster the number of trained frontline firefighters available in communities by supporting firefighter hiring or volunteer recruitment and retention efforts. Eligible entities include nonprofits, city and county governments, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, and fire departments. Award amounts vary based on community size and requirements.
Deadline: April 12

The Kubota Tractor Corporation will award 10 grants of $10,000 and 10 grants of  $50,000 for a total of 20 Kubota Hometown Proud grants to communities across the country. To be eligible, nonprofit organizations must be within 50 miles of an authorized Kubota dealer and should reflect the unique essence of their communities.
Deadline: April 12

The PEDIGREE Foundation offers several distinct grant opportunities to support dog adoption efforts: the DOGS RULE Grant, providing $50,000 annually for two years to innovative initiatives enhancing adoption rates. These include: Program Development Grants ranging from $10,000 to $15,000 to support foster, behavior, or transport programs aimed at increasing adoptions; and Disaster Relief Grants available year-round for natural disasters, puppy mill seizures, or hoarding situations. Organizations may apply for both the DOGS RULE.™ Grant and a Program Development grant, but only one award will be given per organization, with priority given to the highest grant amount for which they qualify. Receiving disaster relief funding does not affect eligibility for other awards.
Deadline: April 14

The Center for Disease Control’s Drug-Free Communities Support Program provides awardees with $125,000 per year to help community leaders identify and respond to drug problems unique to their communities and change local environmental conditions tied to substance use. This funding opportunity is for community-based coalitions that have been in existence at least six months and that have never received this funding before.
Deadline: April 17

The U.S. Department of Justice announces the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) Implementation program, with $9.8 million available this cycle.  Offering grants of up to $200,000 to local, state, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies, these grants aim to bolster access to mental health and wellness services for officers and their families. Projects should focus on implementing or enhancing programs addressing officer mental health, peer mentoring, suicide prevention, stress reduction, and family support services.
Deadline: April 23

The Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program is now open for applications with approximately $60 million available for Fiscal Year 2024. This competitive program provides financial assistance to eligible entities aiming to connect rural communities using advanced telecommunications technology with awards ranging from $50,000 to $1 million. Eligible applicants include state and local governmental organizations, federally recognized tribes, nonprofit organizations, for-profit businesses, and groups of eligible entities collaborating together. Projects should focus on promoting equity, economic opportunity, and resilience in rural America.
Deadline April 29

The U.S. Department of Education’s School-Based Mental Health (SBMH) Services program plans to award 15 to 25 grants ranging from $500,000 to $3 million per 12-month budget period for up to five years to increase youth mental health providers  in schools. Proposals should outline recruitment or retention plans for providers in local education agencies with demonstrated need, offering options such as salary support, student loan payments, relocation assistance, or scholarship programs. Eligible applicants include state education departments, local school districts, or consortia of districts.
Deadline: April 30

The National Endowment for the Arts invites small organizations to apply for the NEA Challenge America 2025 grant program, which offers $10,000 awards. This initiative aims to extend the reach of the arts to underserved groups and communities with vibrant cultural contributions. State and local government entities, including federally recognized tribal governments, institutes of higher education, private and public schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits are eligible to apply.
Deadline: April 30

May Deadlines

The Department of Health and Human Services provides a total of $4.5 million in funding to curb alcohol use among individuals aged 12 to 20 across the U.S. through the Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act. Recipients must implement capacity-building activities, including evidence-based community approaches and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders. Eligible applicants include domestic public and private nonprofit entities with previous or current participation in the Drug Free Communities Support Program.
Deadline: May 3

The Rural Communities Opioid Response Program-Impact, administered by the Department of Health and Human Services, dedicates $12 million  to enhance access to comprehensive treatment and recovery services for substance use disorder (SUD), particularly opioid use disorder (OUD), in rural areas. Eligible applicants include local, state, and tribal governments, as well as nonprofit and for-profit organizations. The program seeks to address the SUD/OUD crisis in rural communities and promote sustainable recovery.
Deadline: May 6

The Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP) program will support partnerships that connect public and private partnerships to plan and develop local or regional food systems. The program focuses on building and strengthening the viability and resilience of local or regional food economies through collaboration and coordination. It offers funding for planning and design projects ($100,000 to $250,000) and implementation projects ($250,000 to $1 million) over 24 or 36 months. Eligible applicants include a wide range of community and agricultural entities, and may include various partners such as state agencies and educational institutions.
Deadline: May 14 

The Agricultural Marketing Service is inviting applications for the Local Food Promotion Program, aimed at fostering the growth of local and regional food businesses that facilitate indirect marketing between producers and consumers. A total of $10.5 million in funding is currently available for projects that enhance access to locally and regionally produced agricultural products. Key areas of focus include processing, distribution, business development, marketing strategies, and technology adaptation for food safety. Eligible applicants range from agricultural businesses to tribal governments.
Deadline: May 14

The U.S. Department of Education’s Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program is accepting proposals for programs that foster innovative partnerships and train school-based mental health service providers in high-need schools and local educational agencies (LEAs). The department estimates making 23 to 33 awards, with each grant ranging from $400,000 to $1 million per 12-month budget period for up to five years.
Deadline: May 15

Grant recipients are expected to establish partnerships between institutes of higher education and schools to facilitate training for students pursuing careers in mental health services. Funding can be allocated for tuition, intern salaries, transportation, and childcare. Eligible applicants include state education departments, local school districts/LEAs, consortia, and institutes of higher education.
Deadline: May 15

The National Institutes of Health is offering grants through the Strategies to Improve Health Outcomes and Advance Health Equity in Rural Populations program with a funding ceiling of $500,000 per award. This initiative aims to support research that addresses health disparities in rural areas, where rates of morbidity, disability, and premature death are high. Eligible applicants include various governmental and nonprofit entities. Projects should focus on developing, adapting, or implementing intervention strategies to address social determinants of health and promote health equity in rural communities, with an emphasis on community-engaged research methods that leverage rural strengths.
Deadline: May 17

The 2024 Lots of Compassion Grant, presented by Mrs. Meyers Clean Day and KidsGardening, will be open for applications from April 1, 2024, to May 24, 2024. This grant program aims to empower local leaders in their efforts to convert vacant lots into gardens. Up to 10 grantees will be selected to receive $20,000 each to facilitate the transformation of a vacant lot into a vibrant garden space. A total of $200,000 will be awarded annually to support these initiatives.
Deadline: May 24

The Department of Energy (DOE) is currently accepting applications for the Communities Sparking Investments in Transformative Energy (C-SITE) funding opportunity. Under C-SITE, approximately $18 million will be awarded to support high-impact clean energy initiatives led by municipalities or tribes. Eligible projects include those targeting disadvantaged communities, energy communities, small- to medium-sized cities and towns, as well as tribal communities. DOE anticipates making up to 20 awards under this FOA with amounts ranging from $900,000 to $3.6 million.
Deadline: May 31

June and Beyond Deadlines

RedRover Safe Housing Grants offer up to $60,000 to nonprofit domestic violence and animal organizations in the U.S., prioritizing funding for domestic violence shelters initiating new pet programs. Eligible projects include renovating spaces for housing survivors’ pets, foster programs, temporary boarding, or a combination of services. Applicants must be established nonprofits in either field and form partnerships accordingly.
Deadline: June 1 and Sept. 1

The Culture of Health Prize by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation will award $250,000 to communities that collaboratively work toward achieving health equity. The prize will recognize group efforts rather than individual achievements, with a broad view of what constitutes a community. Applicant communities must involve several organizations with an established partnership and appoint a local entity to receive the prize. This year, 10 communities will each receive the prize.
Deadline: June 3

The Rural Healthcare Provider Transition Project (RHPTP) offers a unique opportunity for five healthcare organizations annually to receive focused, virtual technical assistance aimed at enhancing understanding and implementation of value-based care principles. Key areas of focus include quality, efficiency, patient experience, and safety. Ideal applicants can demonstrate readiness for comprehensive technical assistance, financial stability, strong leadership, and lack prior access to similar resources for value-based care transition.
Deadline: Aug. 15

The Department of Transportation has allocated more than $1 billion for its Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program, which supports planning, demonstration activities, and projects that prevent fatalities and serious injuries on roads and streets for all users. Eligible applicants include special district governments, city or township governments, independent school districts, county governments, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, and federally recognized Native American tribal governments. Grants awarded may range from $100,000 to $25 million.
Deadline: Aug. 28

The Can’d Aid Crush it Crusade offers grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 to support efforts to strengthen recycling nationwide and reduce single-use plastics. Can’d Aid, a national nonprofit, provides recycling bins, training, and seed funding to help launch and manage recycling programs in communities across the United States. Grants are available for organizations at all stages of their recycling programs’ development, offering support for products, training, hauling expenses, and other supplies. The program operates on a rolling deadline basis.
Deadline: Rolling

The 500 Global Flagship Accelerator Program offers startups and small businesses a four-month accelerator program based in San Francisco. 500 Startups’ standard accelerator provides a $150,000 investment in return for a six percent stake in the business. Additionally, they charge $37,500 to participate, but the fees can be deducted from the investment. Although the program is hosted in Palo Alto, California, businesses from all over the world can participate.
Deadline: Rolling

State-Specific Opportunities

Colorado The Auto Club Group Foundation supports traffic safety, driver education, and financial literacy programming across 14 states, including Colorado. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, first responders, or local municipalities serving communities within these states. Applications are accepted year-round and are evaluated based on alignment with the Auto Club Group Foundation’s priorities, project description, project outcomes and available budget.
Deadline: Rolling

Colorado The Buell Foundation is offering a funding opportunity for local and regional initiatives aimed at increasing public financing to address early childhood needs in Colorado. This initiative will accept applications on a rolling basis over multiple years and most grants will range in size from $5,000 to $50,000. Grants will support various activities such as convening and learning, needs assessments, cost modeling, public opinion polling, education campaigns, and implementation efforts. Communities seeking future public financing or those requiring additional support to determine the allocation of available funds are encouraged to apply.
Deadline: Rolling

Colorado Colorado educators are eligible to apply for student loan forgiveness through the Colorado Educator Loan Forgiveness Program. Those who qualify are eligible to receive up to $5,000 in loan forgiveness for a given year. The program is currently funded for five years and eligible educators may apply every year of the program.  This program has limited availability, and not all applicants may be awarded forgiveness. Preference will be given to applicants from approved rural districts, followed by those in content-shortage areas in nonrural school districts.
Deadline: Rolling

Colorado and New Mexico The Kerr Foundation provides funding to nonprofit organizations in designated states, such as Colorado and New Mexico, to bolster organizations and institutions that create new or improved opportunities, especially for youth in the specified areas. Historically, health and human services initiatives have received an average grant amount of $9,500. Prior to submitting a formal grant application, a letter of inquiry is mandatory.
Deadline: April 30

Idaho The Cambia Health Foundation, operating in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Utah, is focused on promoting whole-person health. Their Health Care Workforce request for proposals supports career pathway programs for behavioral health professionals, emphasizing whole-person health models, with grants ranging from $40,000 to $60,000 each, totaling $500,000. The foundation aims to expand and diversify the behavioral healthcare workforce, particularly in shortage areas, prioritizing training in collaborative and integrated care models, and addressing workforce shortages through various career pathways. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, accredited schools and universities, government agencies, and federally recognized tribal entities.
Deadline: April 18

Montana The Montana Justice Foundation (MJF) is offering funding for projects focused on enhancing the availability, accessibility, and quality of legal services, particularly for vulnerable and underserved populations. Program grants are available to well-established programs with a track record of success in meeting MJF’s objectives, as well as to new initiatives demonstrating potential impact. Special Project grants fund innovative projects addressing specific community needs, with priority given to proposals showing long-term sustainability and impact in underserved areas.
Deadline: April 15

New Mexico The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program offers a shopper card with a one-time annual benefit of up to $100 to eligible Native American elders (aged 55 and older) and non-Native Americans (aged 60 and older) residing in New Mexico. This card enables them to purchase locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey at participating farmers markets and roadside stands across the state. Benefits will be given out on a first-come, first-serve basis between Feb. 15 and Sept. 15, 2024, or until benefits are gone.
Deadline: Sept. 15

Resources

Wyoming towns and counties strongly encouraged to attend the 2024 Wyoming Funding Summit April 8 to 12, 2024.  The summit provides free professional training for identifying, applying for, securing and managing grant funding. Attendees will be able to interact with and hear directly from state and federal funding agencies. 

The USDA offers many programs that can be “stacked” or sequenced to support local and regional farms and food businesses and their communities. The Local and Regional Food Systems Resource Guide is intended to help stakeholders navigate resources to strengthen local and regional food systems.

In the first Rural Impact Podcast – Arriving at Thriving series of the new year, Keep it Rural discussed what it really means for rural communities to thrive. They worked to connect the dots between state-level policy and how it makes local change possible, and they talked with one of the foremost experts on reimagining rural, who takes the conversation about rural thriving to the federal level.