Best Economic Services Grants

MN Residential Redevelopment Grants

Residential Redevelopment grants assist with demolishing residential structures or full deconstruction of homes for reuse of materials. Projects must eliminate blight, improve property maintenance, promote health and safety, reduce waste or encourage economic development. 

Funding Availability

• Funded at $225,000 for Fiscal Year 2026 from the Taconite Environmental Protection Fund.
• The number of grants awarded is variable and dependent upon the amounts awarded to successful applicants.
• A maximum of $4 per building square foot, or 75% of demolition costs including basements, whichever is less.
• A maximum of up to $5,000 for deconstruction.
• Multi-organization collaboration is welcomed.

MN Public Works Grant

Public Works grants support local and Tribal governments with infrastructure funding that provides essential services and promotes economic development. 

FundingAvailability

• Funded at $9,000,000 for Fiscal Year 2026 from the Taconite Environmental Protection Fund.
• The number of grants awarded is variable and dependent upon the amounts awarded to successful applicants.
• 1:1 match per project required.
  • Match requirements may be reduced for publicly-owned projects located in a city or within five miles of a city with an active mine pit or one idled within two years of the application date. Reductions will be considered if financial need is demonstrated and formal preapproval is obtained prior to submitting a full application.
• In-kind materials and/or labor are not eligible towards the project match.
• Architectural and engineering fees in excess of 10% of the total project costs are ineligible for reimbursement.
• No applicant is eligible for more than $1.5 Million for this program per fiscal year. Once that amount is reached additional grant applications for this program will not be eligible.
• Maximum grant amount of $145,000 for grants supporting privately owned buildings or infrastructure.
• Applications should be submitted within nine months of the project construction start date

Expanding Access to Middle-Wage Occupations

Request for Proposals

The New York City Workforce Funders Collaborative invites proposals for system and pathway models and policy and advocacy efforts that expand access to middle-wage occupations and upskilling opportunities for low-income New Yorkers. Proposals may be submitted by a single organization or a coalition of organizations working together with one organization as the lead.

 The New York City Workforce Funders Collaborative will award grants of up to $500,000 for projects that build the capacity of a New York City workforce development system to connect low-income New Yorkers to a middle-wage occupation or a group of occupations. The City’s workforce development systems include its public workforce agencies; the field of nonprofit organizations; the City University of New York (CUNY) system; the field of labor unions; industry partnership hubs; and New York City Public Schools.

Competitive submissions will:

• Strengthen or expand training pathways to middle-wage occupations;
• Strengthen or expand advancement models that help workers secure middle-wage positions; and/or
•  Address structural barriers to effective middle-wage pathways for low-income New Yorkers.

About Us

We come to work every day because we believe in the power of possibility.

We believe the Sioux Falls area is a great place to live, work, and play. We also believe we have a responsibility to help preserve and sustain what’s good here, and to champion ideas and movements that have the potential to make our community even better.

We believe that meaningful and important social impact comes from thinking outside the box and having the courage to dream big dreams.

We believe strongly in the power and purpose of philanthropy. To us, philanthropy is more than just gifts and grants — philanthropy is thinking about how we can leverage financial, intellectual and human capital to help create a stronger, more vibrant community.

Finally, we believe philanthropy challenges us all to consider two important questions about our future – questions that drive and inspire our work every day: If we don't join together to build a better tomorrow, who will? And if not now, when?

Jim & Caroline Deinema Canton Community Foundation

Founded in 1997, the Jim and Caroline Deinema Canton Community Foundation was created to improve the quality of life right here in our community. Gifts to the Foundation grow over time thanks to the benefit of a pooled investment that generates long-term asset growth.

Through the power of endowment, more than $100,000 has been granted to nonprofits and causes throughout the Canton area since our founding, touching the lives of people right here at home.

History

When Benjamin Franklin left 1,000 pounds in his will to the city of Boston for the “encouragement of worthy apprentice boys,” he did not know that as the needs and interests of our nation continued to change, the intent of his gift would no longer be applicable. It took more than 200 years for the courts to intervene and change his will so that his gift could again be relevant to our society (in fact, the Lancaster County Community Foundation is proud to manage a portion of this original trust).

In 1914, a new “community foundation” movement emerged that would change the way donor interests are met while adapting to changing circumstances. The Cleveland Foundation, a pioneer community trust, worked to ensure that charitable bequests live on in perpetuity, especially when original charitable purposes are no longer applicable. This innovative concept has now spread throughout the country in over 700 Community Foundations.

Lancaster County Weaver Awards

It might feel like everything is coming apart at the seams. That we’re disconnected from each other and can’t make a difference. That tuning out is the only way to get through the day.

But look around, and you’ll find there are more people weaving the social fabric of our community together than people trying to unravel it. In fact, you won’t have to look far to spot weavers. 

Instead of tuning out, weavers turn up. 

What’s a Weaver Award?

The Weaver Awards celebrate and support the people doing good in our community. 

20 local individuals or small organizations throughout Lancaster County will be chosen to receive awards of $2,500 to grow their local impact and spark new connections. 

2026-2027 AmeriCorps State Formula Grant Competition

Overview

The Mayor’s Office on Volunteerism and Partnerships – ServeDC (ServeDC), is the DC Commission on National and Community Service as such ServeDC provides oversight and support to applicants selected as sub-grantees. Oversight includes monitoring and programmatic site visits, fiscal monitoring, and reporting requirements. Support includes AmeriCorps trainings, program director meetings, and one-on-one technical assistance.

ServeDC was established by an Executive Order in 2000 and is housed in the Office of Community Affairs in the Executive Office of the Mayor. ServeDC is the District of Columbia Government agency dedicated to promoting service as an innovative, sustainable solution to the challenges we face as a community and a nation. ServeDC engages District communities by building partnerships and organizational capacity, serving as the local lead for national volunteer and service initiatives, and providing and promoting meaningful service opportunities throughout the year. This application applies to Single State applicants operating only in the District of Columbia.

The U.S.-Africa Strategic Investment Program aims to enhance America's national interests by fostering private sector-led growth in sub-Saharan Africa. Focusing on Critical Minerals Investment and Commercial Diplomacy Acceleration, this initiative encourages market-based solutions that attract foreign investment. Projects must provide measurable benefits to sub-Saharan countries, promoting sustainable economic growth and increasing investment from high-quality U.S. and U.S.-aligned companies, while creating favorable conditions for U.S. commercial participation.

The NEA/AC Regional Annual Program Statement invites organizations to submit innovative foreign assistance proposals that support U.S. commercial diplomacy while benefiting partner countries. This initiative aims to leverage foreign assistance as a strategic tool to enhance U.S. economic and security interests. By focusing on trade rather than aid, the program seeks to stimulate private investment and promote American enterprise through market-driven approaches.

The Community Impact Grants (CIG) by the Community Foundation of Mason County support the development of new services and programs to meet community needs. These grants prioritize projects in various fields, including arts, education, and health, with a focus on expanding existing services and reaching new audiences. Organizations applying must be located in Mason County, WV, and meet specific eligibility criteria. Grants typically do not exceed $10,000, ensuring impactful initiatives for local communities.

R. Kubly Family Foundation

The goal of the R. Kubly Family Foundation is to enhance the quality of life in Monroe, Wisconsin by empowering educated and leadership-focused individuals who live and work in the Monroe area.

Grants

The R. Kubly Family Foundation will consider Grants in the following areas:

• Projects that increase the number of highly educated people to live in Monroe.
• Projects that have a direct correlation of improving the quality of life in Monroe and directly attract those with advanced degrees to move to Monroe and work in Monroe.
• Projects that contact local students who have moved away from Monroe for education or careers, to “bring them back” to Monroe.

Grantmaking Focus Areas

• Community Leadership: Create, educate and support community leaders and doers that are passionate and make things    happen in and for the community and act to create a better, stronger community in the future.
• Talent Recruitment: Bring leaders and doers to and back to the community to become part of the future for Monroe and Green County.
• Economic Development: Foster lasting economic development that creates jobs and brings in incremental benefit to the community (rather than shifting revenue from one current employer to another).
• Education: Support the base of our community through all-ages education initiatives that create leaders, doers, and well-informed citizens who support the community.
• Community Development: Encourage, facilitate and enable citizens to be actively engaged in making Monroe and Green County a better place to work and live; Support the major cornerstones that create a vibrant, dynamic and exciting community that people want to live in and be a part of.

See more details in the grant guidelines.

Community Foundation of Mason County

The Community Foundation of Mason County – MCCF, Inc. is a county wide community foundation serving Mason County, WV. 

With support from our donors, the Foundation is happy to support community projects and programs that create opportunities for Mason County, its citizens and its communities.

Community Impact Grants

Community Impact Grants (CIG) are made in the fields of: Arts and Culture, Education, Health and Human Services, Recreation, Youth and Family Services, and Community and Economic Development. The Foundation focuses on: Capital and Equipment Projects, Program Development, Capacity Building, and Operating Support. 

Community Impact Grants: Capacity Building

Capacity Building Grants support projects that provide an organization with technical assistance and/or training to be able to more effectively meet their mission and/or provide services

Priority is given to projects that:  

• have significant impact on the people and communities served by the applicant organization;
• reach new audiences, expand existing programs or services, or respond to emerging needs;
• strengthen the organization’s capacity to deliver its services and meet community needs;
• are well-planned and can reasonably be achieved; 
• have a matching grant opportunity or seek a matching grant to leverage more funding;  
• have limited access to other sources of support; 
• serve the Mason County community.

Important Information for Grant Seekers

• Organizations may submit only one application per grant cycle. The only exception may be for organizations that have more than one physical site, with each site having its own board or governance structure. Such organizations must contact the Foundation before submitting more than one application to discuss eligibility.

• The total amount of funds requested generally may not exceed $10,000. Requests for more than $10,000 may be considered for projects that are highly collaborative or for projects that will have a significant impact on the community at large. As noted above, applicants must contact the Foundation prior to submitting a request in excess of $10,000.

• Organizations receiving a Community Grant in any grant cycle from the Foundation are not eligible for funding in the immediate next cycle.

• When the Foundation declines to support an application, the applicant may call the Foundation to discuss their proposal and to inquire about reapplying. After an application is declined once, the organization may re-submit the application one more time; if an application has been declined twice, then the organization may not submit another request for funding of the same project. 

Grant requests will be considered based on the applicant’s service area and on grant funds available.

The Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs seeks proposals for projects in Egypt that enhance U.S. commercial diplomacy and prioritize American interests. Projects should leverage assistance as a statecraft tool to achieve U.S. economic, security, and diplomatic goals. Focus areas include energy, trade facilitation, emerging technologies, critical infrastructure, and workforce training. Proposals must engage the American business community and demonstrate potential for securing foreign contracts, with consideration for funding availability and project viability.

StartUP Lab aims to enhance U.S.-Albania economic ties by transforming American Corners into vibrant entrepreneurship hubs. This initiative will support 60-75 young entrepreneurs (ages 18-40) with a comprehensive 12-month curriculum, mentorship from U.S. experts, and a National StartUP Challenge offering seed funding. By fostering connections with American business networks, StartUP Lab will create pathways for sustainable business development, showcasing the U.S. as a reliable partner in facilitating economic growth and innovation in Albania.

Community Impact Grants (CIG) -

Community Impact Grants (CIG) are made in the fields of: Arts and Culture, Education, Health and Human Services, Recreation, Youth and Family Services, and Community and Economic Development.

The Foundation focuses on:

• Capital and Equipment Projects, Program Development, Capacity Building, and Operating Support.

Grant requests will be considered based on the applicant’s service area and on grant funds available. Grants typically range from $1,000 – $10,000.

Capital and Equipment Grants

Support the renovation or construction of facilities, purchase of major equipment, major repairs to facilities.

Powering Economic Opportunity Fund

Converting America's economic transformation into lasting earnings gains for workers — by backing the employer-side job designs and workplace practices that a durable payer will carry forward.

Across the United States, the modernization of energy systems, physical infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing is creating sustained demand for skilled workers — electricians, welders, energy technicians, construction managers, and industrial specialists — even as the broader labor market has slowed. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that energy-related occupations will be among the fastest-growing through 2034, and critical trades face significant shortages as experienced workers retire. 

Geopolitical uncertainty and conflicts only accelerate these trends and the need to focus on energy security. At the same time, AI-driven disruption continues to displace entry-level knowledge roles, creating a strong and underserved candidate pool for durable trade pathways.

Investments are expanding access to skilled trades training, but a critical gap remains between funding workforce programs and achieving lasting employment outcomes. Too many workers complete training without staying in quality jobs, and too few investments address the employer practices that improve retention, advancement and long-term earnings.

As part of our multiyear partnership with Families and Workers Fund, GitLab Foundation is pleased to announce a $4M open call for the Powering Economic Opportunity Fund — flexible grants of up to $500,000 supporting organizations that partner directly with employers, unions and industry to strengthen work-based learning, improve job quality and connect workers to durable, living-wage careers. Round 2 invests in employer-side practice change — the job designs and workplace practices that help workers stay, advance, and build careers — and in the durable financing that sustains those practices after the grant ends.

About the Reparations Action Fund For Tomorrow

The Reparations Action Fund For Tomorrow’s (RAFFT) mission is to drive transformative restorative justice initiatives in Lancaster that address historical inequities in the African American/Black community. Through targeted financial investments, community education, and collaborative partnerships, RAFFT aims to uplift voices, restore dignity, and create pathways to economic and social well-being. 

Decisions regarding RAFFT funds are made by a disbursement team of African American/Black community members with lived experience. 

Grants of $500 – $10,000, totaling up to $50,000

Reparations Action Fund For Tomorrow (RAFFT)

Fund Establishment

In 2023, Community Mennonite Church of Lancaster (CMCL) established this fund to address inequities experienced by descendants of enslaved Africans. Understanding generations of racial injustice have resulted from (chattel slavery and Jim Crow segregation), other congregations of all faith traditions along with individuals are invited to contribute to the Reparations Action Fund for Tomorrow (RAFFT). Decisions regarding RAFFT funds are made by a disbursement team of African American/Black community members in Lancaster with lived experience.  

Mission Statement

Our mission is to drive transformational restorative justice initiatives in Lancaster, PA that address historical inequities and support the empowerment of African American/Black communities. Through targeted financial investments, community education, and collaborative partnerships, we aim to uplift voices, restore dignity, and create pathways to economic and social well-being. We are dedicated to fostering a community where the legacy of our ancestors inspires action, accountability, and lasting change.

Below are the 5 funding areas with examples of potential grant projects. 

• BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Small business startup or expansion, equipment, marketing, training. Personal credit recovery assessments. 
• CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY PRESERVATION: Projects that preserve Black history, culture, and language.
• EDUCATION: Tuition assistance (college/university, certification programs, vocational training), school supplies (technology, books). Must bring an acceptance letter and/or book requirement list for courses. School supplies estimate of funds as well a receipt after purchase.
• HEALTH AND WELLNESS: For services not covered by insurance such as – Physical Fitness/Nutritionist (up to one year membership fees), mental health services/therapy.
• HOUSING: Home ownership assistance (closing or inspection costs), property repair.

Our Review Process

All applications will be reviewed by the RAFFT Disbursement Team, which may include representatives from impacted communities, policy experts. Decisions will be based on:

• Alignment with reparations goals and categories
• Demonstrated need
• Completeness and clarity of application

Timeline for Review: Applicants will receive notification of funding decisions by September 28, 2026. Additional documentation or interviews may be requested as needed.

Nonprofit Sustainability Initiative San Diego

Investing in Nonprofit Impact

The Nonprofit Sustainability Initiative (NSI) San Diego is a pooled fund fiscally sponsored by Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties inviting applications from September 1, 2026 onward to support non-profit organizations pursuing formal sustained collaboration partnerships that increase mission impact, organizational effectiveness, and long-term sustainability.

Strengthening Nonprofits Through Collaboration

Collaboration is one of the most powerful paths towards sustained impact, and yet it is often one of the most under-resourced. Many nonprofits lack access to the flexible, discretionary funding required to navigate complex transitions while continuing to deliver on their missions.

NSI San Diego helps close that gap by supporting a range of collaboration models, including:

• Jointly managed programs
• Back-office consolidations
• Shared ventures
• Full-scale mergers.

With the right support in place, organizations can reduce duplicative work, strengthen internal operations, and focus more of their time and energy where it matters most: serving their communities.

Responding to a Changing Nonprofit Landscape

Nonprofits today are facing increasingly destabilizing conditions that threaten their long-term viability. Federal funding cuts, heightened scrutiny, and shifting policy environments have changed what risk looks like and how quickly it can compound. The pace of these challenges means organizations are losing capacity faster than it can be rebuilt.

NSI San Diego responds to these challenges by investing in the kinds of structural supports that help nonprofits adapt, stabilize, and continue serving communities.

Implementation Grants support two or more organizations that have reached an agreement to pursue a formal collaboration following an exploratory process.

Examples of eligible costs include:

• Financial and accounting services
• Technology and systems integration
• Human resources integration
• Communications and branding
• Board development and governance transition
• Asset consolidation
• Lease termination costs
• Staff transition and severance expenses
• Legal fees (when pro bono resources are unavailable)

Implementation Grants typically range from $20,000–$50,000.

Grant funds are intended to support one-time implementation and transition costs. While implementation funding is primarily intended for external costs, organizations may request support for limited staff-related expenses if they can demonstrate a unique, time-bound role that is essential to successful implementation.

Nonprofit Sustainability Initiative San Diego

Investing in Nonprofit Impact

The Nonprofit Sustainability Initiative (NSI) San Diego is a pooled fund fiscally sponsored by Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties inviting applications from September 1, 2026 onward to support non-profit organizations pursuing formal sustained collaboration partnerships that increase mission impact, organizational effectiveness, and long-term sustainability.

Strengthening Nonprofits Through Collaboration

Collaboration is one of the most powerful paths towards sustained impact, and yet it is often one of the most under-resourced. Many nonprofits lack access to the flexible, discretionary funding required to navigate complex transitions while continuing to deliver on their missions.

NSI San Diego helps close that gap by supporting a range of collaboration models, including:

• Jointly managed programs
• Back-office consolidations
• Shared ventures
• Full-scale mergers.

With the right support in place, organizations can reduce duplicative work, strengthen internal operations, and focus more of their time and energy where it matters most: serving their communities.

Responding to a Changing Nonprofit Landscape

Nonprofits today are facing increasingly destabilizing conditions that threaten their long-term viability. Federal funding cuts, heightened scrutiny, and shifting policy environments have changed what risk looks like and how quickly it can compound. The pace of these challenges means organizations are losing capacity faster than it can be rebuilt.

NSI San Diego responds to these challenges by investing in the kinds of structural supports that help nonprofits adapt, stabilize, and continue serving communities.

Exploratory Grants support two or more organizations that are ready to engage in structured discussions regarding a potential strategic partnership.

Organizations receiving Exploratory Grant funding are not committing to a specific outcome. Rather, they are committing to participate in a good-faith process of exploration, due diligence, and negotiation to determine whether a partnership would advance their missions and better serve their communities.

• Potential activities may include:
• Strategic assessment and readiness discussions
• Facilitation and negotiation support
• Organizational due diligence
• Governance and leadership conversations
• Financial and operational analysis
• Exploration of partnership models

Exploratory Grants typically range from $20,000–$40,000.

Funds are intended primarily for third-party consultants and technical assistance providers supporting the exploratory process.

Our Story

As a public charity dedicated to serving the needs of our region, everything we do here is about the community.

The notion of a community caring for its own is written in our organizational DNA. Our foundation was created in 1995 with proceeds from the sale of The Venice Hospital, a community hospital that had been founded by local citizens more than four decades earlier. We are a collection of charitable funds created by individuals, families, organizations, and corporations to support their favorite causes in our region and around the world. Over 850 generous philanthropists call Gulf Coast home. Together with our donors, we have invested over $650 million in grants and impact in the areas of health and human services, civic and economic development, education, arts and culture, and the environment.

GCCF: Catalytic Grants

Supporting bold, collaborative projects that create lasting regional impact. These grants typically exceed $25,000. 

Funding areas include: Arts & Culture, Civic & Economic Development, Education, Environment, and Health & Human Services

Governor’s Office of Community Service aka ServeMontana

Established in 1993, Montana’s Commission on Community Service administers grants under the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993, amended by the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act of 2009 and the Montana Community Service Act of 1994 (MCA 90-14-103). In partnership with the Montana Commission on Community Service, a primary function of the Governor’s Office of Community Service (GOCS) is administering funds to AmeriCorps State programs. 

AmeriCorps Montana

AmeriCorps State grants aid programs in addressing critical community needs, including Education, Disaster Services, Health, Environmental Stewardship, Economic Opportunity, and service to Veterans and Military Families. Grants must align with priorities in the Montana State Service Plan.

Eligible organizations may apply for the following AmeriCorps grants to address pressing needs in Montana: Competitive Program Grants; and Formula Program Grants.

Formula Program Grants

Implement or continue a Formula AmeriCorps State program.

This Notice is the first step an applicant must complete to apply for and receive AmeriCorps State Formula funding. ServeMontana’s role is to solicit, screen, and rank applications. All applications cleared through screening will be ranked and submitted to AmeriCorps for funding determination.

Organizations proposing a new AmeriCorps State program or continuing a currently formula funded program that places AmeriCorps members and operates only in Montana must apply to this competition.

Expectations of All Applicants

• Address rural, Tribal, underserved, or areas of poverty not currently served by AmeriCorps programs;
• Clearly connect proposed activities to the needs and priorities in the Montana State Service Plan;
• Take a collaborative approach to program planning, design, and delivery;
• Recruit Montanans to serve in their local community; and
• Design and deliver an inclusive program that is accessible to individuals with disabilities

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs invites organizations to submit statements of interest (SOIs) for innovative foreign assistance programs. These programs should support U.S. commercial diplomacy while addressing various sectors, including energy, technology, and economic recovery in conflict-affected areas. SOIs must demonstrate how projects leverage foreign assistance to promote trade and American interests, with potential awards based on funding availability and proposal viability.

The CAFE Group 

We resource leaders, invest in their genius, and bring people together to reimagine what philanthropy can do.

Founded by Liz and Don Thompson, The CAFE Group is a national nonprofit transforming how change is resourced. 

With a focus on education equity, social capital, and philanthropic transformation, we pair catalytic funding, community-rooted leadership development, and cross-sector collaboration to strengthen the people and institutions shaping a more just future. Everything we do is grounded in relationship, because we believe the way resources move matters just as much as where they land.

The 1954 Project Luminary Award

The 1954 Project Luminary Award celebrates transformational education nonprofit leaders dedicated to serving Black students and communities through powerful investments in their organizations' ability to create lasting change.

The Luminary Experience

Each Luminary organization gets more than funding. Through The 1954 Project, leaders gain a community, a platform, and space to grow with tailored support over the course of the three year journey.​

• $1 Million, Unrestricted: Catalytic funding to expand what’s working.
• Leadership Coaching + Capacity Support: Guidance from peers and experts who are committed to helping you build a lasting, impactful organization.
• National Network: Luminaries join a powerful community of innovators, change-makers, and visionaries driving systemic progress to support students and communities across the U.S.

The 1954 Project’s Impact Areas

We focus on three interconnected areas critical to advancing equity:

• Innovation in Teaching and Learning: Create education models that center Black students through culturally affirming approaches that challenge traditional structures and transform how learning happens, ultimately serving all students. 
• Diversity in Education: Build pathways that increase and sustain Black educators and education leaders who transform where and how students learn.
• Pathways to Economic Mobility: Build pathways to wealth, ownership, and economic power for Black students, families, and communities through innovative educational programming.

Our Selection Criteria

We seek out extraordinary applicants who embody our values and vision across three categories:

Leader: We look for leaders whose influence and vision contribute to the collective well-being and advancement of the Black community. These leaders:

• Are Visionary: They demonstrate a strategic and pragmatic mindset, articulating a transformative vision for significant, positive change.
• Show Demonstrated Commitment: They embody steadfast dedication to your cause, inspiring and influencing others, and galvanizing community involvement.
• Are Adaptive: They assertively tackle challenges, turning setbacks into opportunities for innovation, while maintaining humility and thoughtfulness in problem-solving.

Organization: We look for organizations that drive significant change, anchored by a deep love for people and driven by the genius within communities of color. These organizations: 

• Have a Defined Problem: They clearly identify the issue they are addressing and explain in detail how your organization tackles root causes. 
• Take a Strategic Approach: They have clear, measurable, and achievable organizational goals with a well-defined strategy informed by thorough analysis. 
• Show Demonstrated Impact: They have a tested model that has produced positive results, incorporating continuous learning and iteration. 
• Have a Transformation Plan: They present a clear plan for using the $1M award to advance your organization's mission, vision, and long-term goals. 
• Embrace Collaboration: They use collaborate to build partnerships based on trust, love, and common goals. 

Radical Imagination: We seek leaders who challenge and redesign societal norms to build a just and equitable future. They demonstrate:

• Community-Rooted Leadership: They maintain and cultivate genuine community ties, integrating professional expertise and personal commitment to drive visionary, impactful strategies. 
• Long-Term Commitment: They are in it for the long haul, committing to sustained impact across generations and prioritizing long-lasting solutions over short-term gains. 
• Collectivism: They embody the philosophy of "I am because we are," actively engaging in collaborative networks and fostering community-reflective solutions. 

Grantmaking

Funding Rooted in Relationships

Our grantmaking supports the work that helps people, families, and neighborhoods build healthy, equitable communities, across generations. It is strategic, relationship-centered, grounded in trust, and shaped by ongoing learning with our community partners.

We focus on work that addresses root causes, strengthens community-led solutions, and builds long-term capacity in Kalamazoo County.

Strategic Pillars

Our strategic pillars are based on what we’ve learned from community, nonprofit and elected leaders. We all share the vision for a Kalamazoo County that includes:

The Supporting Implementation of the Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF) in the Great Lakes Region of Africa aims to promote private sector growth in Critical Minerals Investment across Burundi, DRC, Rwanda, and Uganda. This initiative seeks to enhance governance and regulatory frameworks to attract U.S. businesses while combating corruption and unfair practices that hinder economic development. By offering targeted technical and advisory support, the project will empower local institutions involved in mining, fostering a fairer competitive landscape.

Lawson Family Foundation

The Lawson Family Foundation was established by Phil Lawson in 2020 to serve as a catalyst for the development of a more healthy, prosperous, and inclusive Knoxville community. As a private grantmaking foundation, the Lawson Family Foundation focuses support on organizations involved in the areas of Justice & Economic Mobility, Education & Youth Development, Prevention of Exploitation & Violence, and Community Health & Food Security. 

Driven by the belief that every life has equal value, the Lawson Family Foundation exists to support efforts that promote justice and opportunity in all aspects of society, primarily in Knoxville, Tennessee. In doing so, it seeks to achieve a positive impact in marginalized communities that will last for generations.

Lawson Family Foundation Justice & Economic Mobility Grant

Persistent poverty in Knoxville, especially in East Knoxville, reflects the lasting impact of historic injustices such as redlining and Urban Renewal. These forces have contributed to declining homeownership, loss of generational wealth, and increased risk of displacement—disproportionately affecting historically underserved communities and communities of color. Individuals with prior incarceration often face additional barriers to stable employment and economic advancement.

The Foundation supports initiatives that expand access to financial literacy, capital, and quality employment. 

Warren County Philanthropic Partnership

Warren County Philanthropic Partnership was formed as a community foundation to distribute Iowa’s County Endowment Fund money and support charitable giving in Warren County, Iowa.

For more than a decade, the foundation has responsibly distributed charitable dollars through grants to community nonprofit organizations. Since our inception, we have awarded more than $1 million into the community for beneficial projects.  As we move into the future, our goal is to continue grantmaking, but also to assist citizens in their charitable giving plans, work closely with city leaders and other organizations for organizational collaboration, and improve the quality of life in Warren County.

WCPP is an Affiliate of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines and is governed by a Board of Directors under the direction of Warren County Economic Development Corporation, made up of passionate individuals invested in making decisions to improve Warren County.

WCPP Grants

Program Area of Focus

Applications should fall under one of these focus areas: 

• Arts/Culture/Humanities: Museums, historic preservation, exhibits, art and music
• Education: Schools (all ages) and adult learning programs
• Environment/Animals: Environmental protection, beautification, animal-related issues
• Health: General public health, rehabilitation, mental health
• Human Services: Public protection and safety, recreation, youth development (other than education), food insecurity, general human services
• Community and Economic Development: Community improvement and development, capacity-building, tourism, civil rights

Project Type

Projects should fall under one of two types:

• Capital-Based: request refers to the building of or physical improvement or a project that helps maintain or improve an asset, such as equipment, new construction, renovation or replacement.
• Program-Based: request refers to activities or general programmatic support, such as purchase of educational materials or items needed to support a program or service.

Grant Type

Warren County Philanthropic Partnership currently offers three grant options: Community Grant; Trails Grant; and High Impact Grant.

High Impact Grant

For High Impact Grants, we are looking for applications which:

• Are for larger investment projects that benefit multiple communities and a larger percentage of the citizenship of the entire county.
• Address a significant community issue or need, especially a need effecting the entire county.
• Demonstrates considerable impact on the county, such as a project that could increase the marketability of the county, has an effect on tourism or on economic development for the entire county.
• Presents an innovative or creative way to strengthen the county with vision toward future growth and development.
• Encourages cooperation and partnerships, and reduces duplication of services among organizations.

Warren County Philanthropic Partnership

Warren County Philanthropic Partnership was formed as a community foundation to distribute Iowa’s County Endowment Fund money and support charitable giving in Warren County, Iowa.

For more than a decade, the foundation has responsibly distributed charitable dollars through grants to community nonprofit organizations. Since our inception, we have awarded more than $1 million into the community for beneficial projects.  As we move into the future, our goal is to continue grantmaking, but also to assist citizens in their charitable giving plans, work closely with city leaders and other organizations for organizational collaboration, and improve the quality of life in Warren County.

WCPP is an Affiliate of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines and is governed by a Board of Directors under the direction of Warren County Economic Development Corporation, made up of passionate individuals invested in making decisions to improve Warren County.

WCPP Grants

Program Area of Focus

Applications should fall under one of these focus areas: 

• Arts/Culture/Humanities: Museums, historic preservation, exhibits, art and music
• Education: Schools (all ages) and adult learning programs
• Environment/Animals: Environmental protection, beautification, animal-related issues
• Health: General public health, rehabilitation, mental health
• Human Services: Public protection and safety, recreation, youth development (other than education), food insecurity, general human services
• Community and Economic Development: Community improvement and development, capacity-building, tourism, civil rights

Project Type

Projects should fall under one of two types:

• Capital-Based: request refers to the building of or physical improvement or a project that helps maintain or improve an asset, such as equipment, new construction, renovation or replacement.
• Program-Based: request refers to activities or general programmatic support, such as purchase of educational materials or items needed to support a program or service.

Grant Type

Warren County Philanthropic Partnership currently offers three grant options: Community Grant; Trails Grant; and High Impact Grant.

Community Grant

For Community Grants, we are looking for applications which:

• Are for small to large projects which benefit a single community, smaller percentage of the citizenship or for the entire county.
• Address a community need in a community within Warren County or for the entire county.
• Successfully shows the need and how funds will cover equipment, capital and program items necessary to support the community need.