September 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
September Deadlines
The Foundation for Rural Service Community Grant Program offers between $250 and $5,000 to local entities that build and sustain a high quality of life in rural communities. Focus areas include business development, community development, education, and telecommunications. Eligible entities are communities served by The Rural Broadband Association.
Deadline: September 9
The Future Clinicians Scholarship Program offers an estimated 50 scholarships of $5,000 each to underrepresented students in health professions who are engaged in community service and research addressing health disparities in underserved communities. Eligible applicants include students pursuing careers as physicians, social workers, dentists, pharmacists, graduate-level nurses, and physician assistants.
Deadline: September 9
The Prevent Cancer Foundation Community Grants program offers $100,000 over two years to community-based organizations to develop new projects or implement existing ones focused on cancer prevention or early detection via patient navigation. Proposed projects should utilize best practices and community partnerships to promote health equity within their communities, particularly for individuals disproportionately impacted by cancer. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, government and public agencies, and tribal organizations based in the United States.
Deadline: September 10
The National Rural Health Association’s Rural Health Fellows Leadership Program offers a year-long, intensive fellowship designed to help leaders articulate a clear and compelling vision for rural America. Eligible applicants must have been members of the National Rural Health Association for at least one year before applying. The program selects 10 to 15 individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to improving the health of rural Americans through their education or professional experience.
Deadline: September 12
The Simply Organic Giving Fund is offering grants ranging from $30,000 to $100,000 to nonprofits that provide access to nutrient-dense organic food for populations in need. Eligible applicants include nonprofits in the United States and Canada that align with one or more of the following priorities: providing direct access to organic, nutrient-dense, culturally relevant food options to populations experiencing low to very low food security, or utilizing and distributing nutrient-dense organic food or meals.
Deadline: September 12
The Department of Labor’s YouthBuild Grant allocated $99 million for skills training and employment services for at-risk youth, ages 16 to 24. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, public housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations, various governmental bodies, school districts, and institutions of higher education. The program estimates 75 awards ranging from $700,000 to $1.5 million each.
Deadline: September 16
The Department of Agriculture’s Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs have allocated $15.5 million to small businesses researching important scientific problems and opportunities in agriculture that could lead to significant public benefits. Eligible entities include small businesses and small proprietorships. Grant awards range from $125,000 to $181,500.
Deadline: September 17
The AmeriCorps Senior Corps Retired and Senior Volunteer Program provides funding to develop and support projects that engage adults aged 55 and older. Applications from rural communities are encouraged. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, tribal organizations, government entities, and institutions of higher education. Applicants may request up to $75,000 in funding, plus an additional $350 per unduplicated volunteer.
Deadline: September 18
AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP engages people ages 55 and older in a diverse range of volunteer activities. For example, AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers tutor children, help prepare simple taxes, assist victims of natural disasters, provide nutrition/food support, facilitate opioid and substance abuse education workshops, and serve in their communities in many other ways. Current priorities include:
- Supporting older adults and their caregivers: Caregiver respite, support groups, system navigation, care coordination, and resources for custodial grandparents.
- Helping older adults reenter the workforce: Job readiness support, mentoring, training, and removing barriers to employment.
- Preventing and mitigating fraud and scams: Digital navigators and other methods to prevent and mitigate financial fraud, abuse, and exploitation.
- Reducing the number of people who are unhoused: Providing affordable housing, supporting the unhoused, and addressing housing needs.
- Supporting local climate change initiatives: Energy efficiency, waste management, and ecosystem restoration.
- Supporting behavioral health initiatives: Reducing isolation, improving mental health, offering peer support, and implementing harm-reduction methods.
Nonprofits are eligible for funding and may request up to $75,000 plus up to $350 per volunteer.
Deadline: September 18
The ACM Lifting Lives program provides nonprofits grants between $5,000 and $10,000 to organizations supporting the mental and emotional health of members of the country music industry as well as organizations that provide music therapy for mental and physical health-related causes. Support can go to organizations using music therapy to provide direct memory care support to benefit the mental and emotional health of individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and cognitive decline; organizations supporting the mental and emotional health of members of the country music industry by providing direct services; and organizations providing music therapy programs for mental or physical health related causes,.
Deadline: September 20
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Foundation’s Access to Care Grants offers $30,000 in funding to support community-based initiatives that provide dental care and serve as primary dental providers for underserved children. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, local health jurisdictions, county health departments, hospitals and clinics, state government agencies, colleges of dentistry, colleges of medicine, dental societies, hygienist-based programs, and resident-based programs.
Deadline: September 23
The Department of Commerce’s Good Jobs Challenge program has allocated $25 million to support regional workforce training systems that train and place workers in good jobs. Eligible applicants include district organizations of an economic development district, Indian tribes, states, counties, cities or other political subdivisions of a state, institutions of higher education, and nonprofits. The grant will award between five and eight grantees with awards ranging from $1 million to $8 million.
Deadline: September 27
The Chef Ann Foundation’s Get Schools Cooking program provides strategic planning and intensive support to school districts who want to transition their food service operations from heat-and-serve processed foods to whole foods that are cooked from scratch. Food service directors and their teams are guided through an intensive three-year program that includes an assessment of their meal program, strategic planning, and grant funds to assist the district in making recommended changes.
Deadline: September 30
Sony’s CREATE ACTION grant will award ten grantees with $50,000 in cash, $50,000 in Sony products, and a Sony-produced short promotional film to local social justice organizations in the United States. Eligible applicants are nonprofits that have a social justice and community focus and annual donations up to $500,000.
Deadline: September 30
October Deadlines (and Beyond)
The Karma for Cara Foundation’s Microgrant Program provides funds ranging from $250 to $1,000 to students 18 years of age or younger to complete service projects in their communities. Youth are eligible for grants to complete community service projects such as developing a community garden, rebuilding a school playground, or helping community elders with needs.
Deadline: October 1
The Pilcrow Foundation’s Children’s Book Project Grant provides a two-to-one match to rural public libraries that contribute between $200 and $400 via a local sponsor for the purchase of up to $1,200 worth of new, quality, hardcover children’s books. Eligible entities include libraries located in a rural area within the United States that have a limited operating budget and an active children’s department.
Deadline: October 1
The Family Caregiver Alliance’s Innovations in Alzheimer’s Caregiving Awards program is offering three awards of $20,000 to organizations that support family caregivers of adults with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Eligible entities include nonprofit and tribal organizations, state, and local governments, and universities.
Deadline: October 5
The Reeve Foundation Quality of Life Grants Program is awarding up to $50,000 to nonprofits that impact and empower people living with paralysis, their families, and caregivers. The Direct Effect Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000 and are intended to fund projects and activities that have an immediate and direct impact on individuals with paralysis and their families. The Priority Impact Grants range from $30,000 to $50,000 and focus on addressing the foundation’s high-priority issues for the paralysis community. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, municipal and state governments, school districts, recognized tribal entities, and institutions such as community or veterans’ hospitals.
Deadline: October 8
PeopleForBikes’ Industry Community Grant Program offers grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 to nonprofits and local governments for projects that improve bicycling in communities. Eligible entities include nonprofits, local or state government agencies, federal agencies working locally, and small businesses such as bicycle retailers and community-oriented businesses serving disadvantaged communities.
Deadline: October 11
The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s FY24 Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing has allocated over $100 million to empower communities that are taking steps to remove barriers to affordable housing. Eligible applicants include state governments, city or township governments, county governments, multijurisdictional entities, and metropolitan planning organizations. Grants range from $1 million to $7 million.
Deadline: October 15
YoungArts’s National Arts Competition offers cash awards between $250 and $10,000, mentorship, access to a network, national recognition, and ongoing professional support to visual, literary, and performing artists between 15 and 18 years old. Applicants must be permanent residents or citizens of the United States who are in grades 10 to 12 or are 15 to 18 years of age.
Deadline: October 17
The Herb Block Foundation’s Defending Basic Freedoms offers grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 to nonprofits to help safeguard the basic freedoms guaranteed in our Bill of Rights, to help eliminate all forms of prejudice and discrimination, and to assist government agencies to be more accountable to the public. Eligible entities include nonprofits in the United States.
Deadline: October 23
The Western SARE Farmer/Rancher Research & Education Grant Program will offer $25,000 to $29,900 in grants to farmers and ranchers advancing on-farm sustainability solutions by funding innovative producer-driven research and outreach. This grant program requires engagement from agricultural producers and technical advisors to support project implementation to address needs in sustainable agriculture. Grant awards can be up to $25,000 for projects with one to two producers and up to $29,900 for projects with three or more producers.
Deadline: October 23
The Sparkplug Foundation provides grants ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 to startup nonprofits and new projects of established nonprofits in the areas of education, community organizing, and music. Projects the foundation supports include helping musicians share their work, engaging students in new ways, and encouraging community collaborative efforts. Eligible entities are nonprofits or those fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3).
Deadline: November 1
The VIA Art Fund’s Artistic Production provides grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 that support the production and exhibition of new artistic commissions in public venues. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based and international artists, curators, nonprofits, cultural institutions, art production platforms, biennials and/or festivals.
Deadline: November 4
The Mockingbird Foundation offers grants ranging from $100 to $10,000 for schools and nonprofits enhancing music education for children. Eligible entities include nonprofits, sponsored institutions, and government entities such as public schools.
Deadline: January 15
The Wish You Well Foundation is offering grants from $200 to $10,000 to develop or expand adult literacy and education programs. Nonprofits in the United States with new or existing adult literacy programs are eligible to apply.
Deadline: Rolling
Healthy Food Financing Initiative’s Food Access and Retail Expansion Fund will provide $60 million in loans, grants, and technical assistance to food retail and food supply chain projects. Funding will be available for rural and urban communities and entities that serve underserved areas.
Deadline: TBA
State-Specific Funding Opportunities
Colorado: The Nathan Yip Foundation’s Colorado Rural Teacher Grant Program offers grants ranging from $100 to $2,000 for rural teachers in the state with innovative ideas for student learning. Eligible teachers must be in districts designated by the Colorado Department of Education as rural or small rural.
Deadline: September 13
Colorado: The Colorado Tourism Office is offering grants ranging from $2,500 to $50,000 to support tourism marketing campaigns and initiatives. The grant has a tiered match requirement based on the funding request. Eligible applicants include nonprofit Colorado destination organizations, nonprofit tourism leadership organizations, nonprofit tourism industry associations, and government entities.
Deadline: September 10
Colorado: The Colorado Housing Finance Authority’s Direct Effect Awards offers $5,000 to $30,000 to nonprofits whose missions align with Colorado Housing Finance Authority’s work to strengthen Colorado by investing in affordable housing. Eligible organizations include public housing authorities, cities, counties, and local municipalities.
Deadline: September 13
Colorado: The Colorado Educator Recruitment and Retention financial assistance program offers up to $10,000 to qualified educators to help finance educator preparation program expenses in return for teaching in a shortage area for at least three years. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in an educator preparation program or an institution of higher education for those pursuing a Career and Technical Education credential and meet one of the following criteria: hold a bachelor’s degree or higher and have secured employment as an alternative teacher or temporary educator in a shortage area, be currently employed as a paraprofessional in a school district, charter school, or BOCES, or have secured a position as a career and technical education teacher in a rural or small rural district
Deadline: September 30
Colorado: Startup Colorado is currently inviting grant applications of up to $2,500 for two funding initiatives aimed at boosting entrepreneurial endeavors and community engagement. The Entrepreneur Grant Program supports startup founders and small business owners seeking education, technical support, and networking opportunities. Meanwhile, the Community Funding Program supports a range of events statewide, from meetups to workshops, designed to cultivate a vibrant startup ecosystem across Colorado.
Deadline: Rolling
Colorado and Wyoming: The Laura Jane Musser Fund is offering two grant programs—the Rural Initiative and the Intercultural Harmony Initiative—with awards of up to $5,000 for planning grants and up to $25,000 for implementation grants. The Rural Initiative provides support for citizen efforts in rural communities that will help to strengthen their towns and regions in a number of civic areas. The Intercultural Harmony Initiative supports projects that promote mutual understanding and cooperation between groups of community members of different cultural backgrounds. Nonprofits and local governments are eligible to apply and must represent rural communities with a population of 10,000 or less.
Deadlines: Rural Initiative, October 3; Intercultural Harmony, October 16
Idaho: The America250 in Idaho Grant Program, an initiative of the Idaho State Historical Society, funds projects that preserve and pass down historical, cultural, and natural heritage. Idaho nonprofits and local governments are eligible for grants between $5,000 and $25,000 and must provide a 10 percent match. Funded projects will contribute to a statewide effort to inspire and educate the public and include capital investments that support increased access and sustainability of historical, cultural, or natural sites; historic interpretation and signet including kiosks and exhibitions; publications, documentaries, and other materials such as print and e-books or site guides; cultural and historical preservation of sites; and preservation of historical records, artifacts, and archival projects.
Deadline: September 30
Idaho: The Idaho Career Ready Students program offers funds to increase the capacity of Career Technical Education in Idaho middle and high schools by incentivizing districts to create programs that prepare students to meet local and regional industry and workforce needs. Districts can propose a variety of activities that increase access to career-readiness opportunities including capital expenditures, instructional and program materials, supplies, and CTE programs. Eligible entities include any Idaho local education agency, public school district, or public charter school.
Deadline: Rolling
Idaho and Montana: M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust’s Strategic Project Grants are capacity-building awards for mission-focused projects and infrastructure investment. Eligible entities include nonprofits, federally recognized tribal entities, and government entities with projects that contribute to human flourishing, enhancing nonprofit organizational capacity, and furthering mission-focused impact to the Pacific Northwest. The organization primarily offers grants for projects with budgets over $100,000, and requests below $50,000 are generally discouraged.
Deadline: Rolling
New Mexico: The Pursuing Federal Funds Funder Group aims to increase federal grant awards for New Mexico’s nonprofits and government agencies, especially those often excluded from public funding. It provides capacity builders, intermediaries, grant writers, researchers, and other consultants a platform to support and enhance the state’s funding capacity, focusing on integrating federal, state, philanthropic, and tribal funds.
Deadline: September 13
New Mexico: New Mexico Arts and the Military Mini-Grants Program provides $2,500 grants to assist organizations in creating and expanding arts programming for military-connected participants. Grants can also be used to build organizational capacity to create and expand opportunities for veterans and active-duty service members to engage with the arts. Eligible entities include New Mexico nonprofits, units of government, schools, colleges, universities, and Indian tribal government entities.
Deadline: September 23
New Mexico: The NM Edge Microgrant is offering $2,500 grants for premium data-driven consulting services. Eligible entities include manufacturing operations with an active Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) and an approved NAICS/SIC applicable to manufacturing.
Deadline: Application process is open until funds are exhausted.
Resources
The Recovery Center of Excellence provides evidence-based resources and programs to help rural communities address substance use disorder (SUD). It focuses on reducing stigma, expanding access to treatment, and implementing best practices for prevention and recovery. The resource features perspectives of people in recovery from SUD as well as providers.
The Rural Centers of Excellence on Substance Use Disorder provide evidence-based programs, best practices, and technical assistance tailored to the unique needs of rural areas. Their focus is on prevention, treatment, and recovery, making them invaluable for improving health outcomes in these communities.
Rural Community Health Worker Programs: Proving Value and Finding Sustainability. The latest feature article in The Rural Monitor features four rural health care organizations and the impact of their community health worker programs.
The Build Healthy Places Network Rural Playbook is a resource for addressing social determinants of health in rural communities. The latest version reconnects with organizations featured in the original playbook to gain a deeper understanding of the partnership landscape.