July 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
July Deadlines
The Consumer Product Safety Commission will award a total of $3 million in two-year grants to state, local, and tribal governments through the Pool Safely Grant Program, which helps prevent child drownings and entrapments in pools and spas. A minimum of 25 percent of the grant must go towards hiring and training personnel to enforce swimming pool and spa safety laws, while the rest can be allocated to educating the public about safety standards and drowning prevention, as well as covering related administrative expenses. Grants will range between $50,000 and $400,000.
Deadline: July 12
The ECMC Foundation’s Rural Impact Initiative is offering grants up to $450,000 over three years to support rural post-secondary institutions and learners in the U.S. The initiative aims to increase completion rates and build the capacity of organizations and systems supporting rural learners. Focus areas include college experiences with intersecting identities, the roles of rural post-secondary institutions, and policies affecting rural education. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, state government agencies, nonprofit two- and four-year institutions, their foundations, and university-affiliated research centers.
Deadline: July 14
The Department of Labor has allocated $12 million to the Critical Sector Job Quality Grants program, which seeks to improve job quality and availability in the care, climate resiliency, and hospitality sectors. This program elevates historically marginalized communities by providing funding for both short-term planning and long-term projects that create more good jobs. Eligible entities include labor unions, labor-management partnerships, worker centers, workforce intermediaries, workforce development boards, tribal governments and training entities, educational and training providers, industry intermediaries, and associations. The grant ceiling is $3 million.
Deadline: July 15
The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation (CWF) welcomes grant proposals from nonprofits for projects that improve the wellbeing of children through research, programs, and supportive activities. Grants must have the potential to help children nationally or at least in a large geographic area; no guidance on grant amount is provided. Nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply.
Deadline: July 15
The Department of Justice is allocating funds through the Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter and Housing Assistance Grant Program for domestic violence victims and their pets. They expect to make up to 10 awards of up to $500,000 each for up to a 36-month period. The program will support various services, including shelter and transitional housing, kennel purchases, pet-friendly amenities, veterinary partnerships for medical care, housing relocation assistance, pet boarding, and shelter modifications. These initiatives will help victims and their companion animals find safety and support together. Eligible applicants include city, state, and tribal governments, as well as nonprofits that work in animal welfare or in helping victims of domestic violence.
Deadline: July 15
The USDA’s Rural Community Development Initiative program is offering grants between $50,000 and $500,000 to organizations that assist with housing, community facilities, and economic development in rural areas. Eligible entities include public, nonprofit, and certain private organizations, which can use these funds for training in homeownership, minority business entrepreneurship, strategic planning, funding acquisition, and operational management. The program prioritizes projects that reduce pollution, promote equitable access, and foster economic recovery in rural communities.
Deadline: July 15
Walmart’s Spark Good Local Grants offer $250 to $5,000 for organizations that operate locally and directly benefit their communities. Nonprofit organizations, state, county, or local governments, schools, and institutes of higher education are eligible to apply.
Deadlines: July 15, October 15, and December 31
The American Fundraising Foundation (AmFund) invites nonprofits to apply for the 2024 Golden Pear Grant Program. The opportunity offers unrestricted funding (no guidance on amounts offered) to support a diverse range of initiatives, from humanitarian efforts and veterans’ services to animal welfare, the arts, youth programs, education, and more. Federally-recognized nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply.
Deadline: July 16
The Teshinsky Family Foundation is offering grants between $25,000 and $100,000 through its Manufacturing Workforce Training Grant to bolster economic freedom and career opportunities. Nonprofits operating manufacturing skills training programs are encouraged to apply. The grants are designed to cover the costs of direct training, program expenses, and equipment upgrades. The foundation prioritizes programs that are free for participants, preferably with a stipend, and that provide essential manufacturing skills and professional workplace competencies. Additionally, programs should offer case management and have connections with local manufacturers for potential job placements.
Deadline: July 26
The USDA is offering $18.5 million in funding through the Housing Preservation Grant program for repairing or rehabilitating housing owned or occupied by low-income rural citizens. Eligible applicants include local governments, public agencies, federally recognized tribes, and nonprofit and faith-based organizations that assist rural communities in these efforts. Funding priorities include promoting economic recovery, ensuring equitable access to rural development programs, and enhancing resilience.
Deadline: July 29
Petco Love is accepting grant applications from animal welfare organizations that provide sheltering and adoption services. Eligible groups include animal control agencies, nonprofit sheltering organizations, SPCAs, humane societies, and foster-based rescues. In previous years, Petco Love has awarded grants ranging from $1,000 to $100,000. Petco Love offers additional grants throughout the year, supporting initiatives such as care access, vaccination services, and disaster relief for animals.
Deadline: July 31
Next50’s Changing Aging program is offering grants to enhance the economic well-being of older adults in the U.S. with projects that address ageism, digital equity, and aging in place. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, government entities, universities, and those applying via a fiscal sponsor, with a focus on aiding marginalized or underserved communities. Grant amounts vary, and those seeking $150,000 or more must consult with Next50 staff before applying. The program funds a variety of efforts, from research and start-ups to direct services and policy development.
Deadline: July 31
August Deadlines and Beyond
The Kids Run the Nation Grant Fund, spearheaded by the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA), will award between $500 and $1,000 to support youth running programs across the U.S. Eligible applicants include running clubs, schools, and community nonprofits that offer structured, regular running activities, ideally those based on the RRCA’s Kids Run the Nation curriculum. The program is open to running clubs, nonprofits, and elementary and middle schools with established after-school running programs.
Deadline: August 1
The Clif Family Foundation supports grassroots nonprofit organizations working to strengthen the food system, enhance community health outcomes, and safeguard the environment. Priority is given to applicants that address two or more of the funding priorities at the same time, demonstrate strong community ties, and operate within viable and clearly defined plans for positive change. Funds may not be used for capital construction, deficit funding, endowments, individuals, government agencies, media projects, religious groups, or event sponsorships. Both general operating and project support are provided, but no guidance on funding amounts is given..
Deadline: August 1
The Access Fund’s Climbing Conservation Grant Program makes grants ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 to organizations interested in improving climbing areas and experiences. Eligible applicants include local climbing organizations, government entities, conservation groups, land trusts, and individuals backing a community initiative. Proposals that show support from the climbing community, cooperative efforts with land authorities, and dedication to sustainable impact will receive preferential consideration for funding. While most grants are smaller, applicants can apply for more than $10,000 by first securing matching funds and reaching out to the Access Fund directly.
Deadline: August 1
The Small Business Administration’s Women’s Business Center Application Readiness and Procurement Assistance program provides grants to establish Women’s Business Centers (WBCs). WBC projects may include training, coaching, and technical assistance for women entrepreneurs in underserved communities or industry-specific training. The SBA will make multiple awards up to $150,000 requiring a 50 percent match of federal funding for the first two years and a one-to-one match thereafter.
Deadline: August 7
The Nasdaq Foundation provides grants averaging $75,000 to nonprofit organizations and associated business consultants to promote financial knowledge and literacy in underrepresented communities. Funding can support improving access to mentoring, capital, and diversifying entrepreneurship.
Deadline: August 9
The National Science Foundation’s Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) program allocates up to $30 million annually to support research and development opportunities for students of all ages. Projects should motivate students to pursue technology-rich careers and leverage strategic partnerships to expand education pathways. ITEST expects to fund between 24 and 33 awards per year, with the average award size and duration depending on the availability of funds. Institutions of higher education and associated community partners are eligible to apply.
Deadline: August 9
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Division of Public Programs offers $3.5 million via its Media Projects program, supporting collaborations between media producers and scholars to create documentary films, television, radio programs, and podcasts grounded in humanities scholarship. The program aims to engage public audiences with humanities ideas in creative and appealing ways with grants up to $1 million. NEH provides awards at two levels: development and production. Eligible applicants include private and public institutions of higher education, special district governments, city or township governments, state governments, nonprofits, county governments, and federally recognized tribal governments.
Deadline: August 14
The WITH Foundation and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation are providing grants between $50,000 and $100,000 to nonprofits for projects that improve healthcare systems for older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Proposals can include implementing new models of care, the creation of educational resources, advocacy efforts, or research and should foster partnerships between organizations, including primary care providers.
Deadline: August 15
The Leary Firefighters Foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 through the Jeremiah Lucey Grant Program to improve the training, equipment or technology of fire departments nationwide. Eligible applicants include both paid and volunteer departments focused on improving one of these key areas.
Deadline: August 15
The Department of Housing and Urban Development has allocated $72 million for the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP), which will select up to 25 communities to help end youth homelessness. Applicants must involve a youth action board, the local or state public child welfare agency, and a variety of other partners. Eligible entities include county governments, special district governments, and city or township governments. Grants will range from $600,000 to $15 million.
Deadline: August 29
The Natural Resources Conservation Service has allocated $7.8 million for its Composting and Food Waste Reduction (CFWR) pilot project. Eligible applicants include municipalities, school districts, counties, local governments, special district governments, and tribal governments. Grants will range from $75,000 to $400,000.
Deadline: September 4
The Game On-Community Places to Play initiative offers grants ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 along with technical assistance to community-based organizations to create or revamp multi-use youth sport spaces in underserved areas nationwide. Projects must secure a one-to-one match and build or renovate courts or athletic fields primarily used for organized youth sports. Priority is given to proposals integrating youth development programming such as life skills workshops, leadership training, workforce development, and academic support. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, schools, and parks and recreation departments collaborating with nonprofits.
Deadline: September 5
The American Arbitration Association’s International Centre for Dispute Resolution Foundation offers grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 to support conflict prevention and resolution. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that use alternative dispute resolution to prevent and reduce violence, particularly in vulnerable and underserved communities, foster police and social service partnerships, bridge community conflicts through civil discourse, and support diversity, equity, and inclusion with a focus on access to justice.
Deadline: September 9
The Foundation for Rural Services is offering grants ranging from $250 to $5,000 through their Community Grant Program. These grants support business and community development, education, and telecommunications to enhance the quality of life in rural America. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, schools, community groups, and municipalities.
Deadline: September 9
The Calvin K. Kazanjian Economics Foundation supports projects that promote economics, entrepreneurship, and financial education by providing grants between $10,000 and $25,000 to nonprofit organizations. A variety of strategies to support increased access to economics education in K-12 school settings and beyond could qualify for funding.
Deadline: September 10
The National Youth Leadership Council’s Youth as Solutions program helps leadership teams of sixth through 12th graders, along with an adult mentor, participate in a leadership and action planning process with funding up to $1,000. Projects range from addressing education, driver safety, the impacts of COVID-19, or other youth-identified initiatives. Teams participate in training, and then prepare a service project or campaign. Nonprofits, school districts, and public K-12 schools can sponsor teams.
Deadline: September 13
The National Endowment for the Humanities has allocated $1 million for its Dialogues on the Experience of War program. The initiative encourages U.S. military veterans and others to engage deeply with war-related issues. Dialogue discussion groups may involve veterans exclusively, non-veteran students or the general public, military-affiliated individuals, or a combination of these groups. Eligible entities include city or township governments, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, county governments, special district governments, private institutions of higher education, nonprofits, tribal governments, and state governments. Grants will be awarded up to $100,000.
Deadline: September 17
The Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative supports nonprofit and tax-exempt groups promoting safe, responsible off-highway vehicle use, public education on recreational land use, and wildlife conservation. Eligible groups include clubs, public riding areas, outdoor enthusiast associations, land conservation organizations, and communities focused on maintaining access for motorized off-road vehicles. Funded projects may involve trail development and maintenance, trail signage, staging area renovations, protecting sensitive areas, safety and education programs, wildlife and land management, and expanding recreational access. Grant amounts vary based on application quality, project benefits, need, and competition.
Deadlines: September 30, and December 15
State-Specific Funding Opportunities
Colorado Early Milestones Colorado is inviting proposals for their Impact on Equity Initiative. Between 2024 and 2026, the initiative will support local collaborations to reduce inequities for families with children prenatal to three years old. Milestones seeks to partner with organizations that have an active collaboration ready to move beyond an idea into action. The initiative plans to award as many as 10 grants of up to $100,000 for 18 months.
Deadline: July 19
- Community Connections grants fund projects like constructing buildings with multi-use community space or strategic investments to enhance proven initiatives. Grants range from $20,000 to $75,000.
- Rural Catalyst Grants strengthen organizational capacity through funding for strategic planning, operating costs, and more, with grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. Priority areas include affordable housing, childcare, rural workforce development, leadership diversity, mental health, and regional collaboration.
Deadlines: August 30
Colorado: The Gates Family Foundation’s Capital Grants program supports nonprofits with funding for building purchases, construction, expansion, renovation, or land acquisition. Grants are prioritized across five areas: arts & culture, community development, education, parks & recreation, and the wellbeing of children and families. Recent grants have ranged from $500 to $150,000, and organizations must have secured at least 30 percent of their project budget before applying.
Deadline: September 1
New Mexico: The New Mexico Match Fund, initially funded with $75 million, supplements federal infrastructure, research, economic development, and energy transition funding to benefit community health and well-being. The fund offers three distinct grant opportunities:
- Matching Grant: Available to entities needing additional funds to meet federal grant match requirements.
- Project Implementation Grant: Designed for recipients of matching grants requiring capacity funding to fully execute federally funded projects.
- Federal Compliance Offset Grant: For entities facing higher project costs due to compliance with federal funding mandates.
State agencies, tribal governments, counties, municipalities, and public schools are encouraged to apply. Deadline: Rolling (first come, first serve)
Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming: The Denver Foundation is inviting nonprofits to apply for funding from the Greenwood Fund. Supporting conservation and collections-care projects within the museum community of Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming, grants typically range from $1,000 – $5,000. The focus of this funding opportunity is on small museums with collections and conservation budgets of less than $1 million.
Deadline: August 15
Resources
Radically Rural is seeking 10 to 12 innovative approaches to solving local problems, all to be presented at this year’s summit on September 22. They are recruiting ideas from the sectors that the summit presents: community journalism, arts and culture, land and community, entrepreneurship, main street, health, clean energy, and more.
Deadline: September 15
The US Department of Health and Human Services has created a number of Community Economic Development Project Resources that may be useful to communities tackling planning or program implementation strategies related to economic development: CED Program and CED Planning.
The University of California, Berkeley is offering 25 fully paid scholarships for people who live and work in rural communities to obtain their Master of Public Health through a new virtual curriculum under its Rural Health Innovation Program. The curriculum is designed to focus on unique rural issues of access, payment, workforce, quality and sustainability.
Deadline: August 8