Best Economic Services Grants

The Iowa West Foundation Grant supports various community projects aimed at improving lives and strengthening communities in southwest Iowa. With an emphasis on creativity, collaboration, and inclusion, the foundation provides funding to 501(c)(3) public charities and government entities. Their open grants program aligns with community priorities identified through public input, ensuring that funding contributes to a vibrant and thriving environment for families and businesses alike.

The McCook Community Foundation Fund in Nebraska has been enhancing community life since 2001, granting nearly $1 million to diverse organizations. Focusing on youth, families, arts, and cultural initiatives, the Fund prioritizes projects that significantly impact residents. Their commitment to leadership, stewardship, and collaboration drives their mission to foster innovation and economic development, ensuring a vibrant future for McCook and Southwest Nebraska.

The Imperial Community Foundation Fund aims to enhance the quality of life in the community through charitable giving and grants. It focuses on supporting local initiatives that foster leadership, education, and inclusivity. The fund prioritizes projects that address emerging needs and empower the community's potential, ensuring a collaborative and trustworthy approach to philanthropy. With a vision for a safe, progressive environment, the fund encourages diverse participation for lasting impact.

The Richland County Foundation offers the RCF Competitive Grant Cycle to partner with nonprofit organizations addressing community needs. Ideal projects include pilot programs, collaborative efforts, and those promoting sustainability and volunteer involvement. Eligible entities are 501c3 organizations, government bodies, and schools. The Foundation typically does not fund sectarian activities, capital improvements on non-owned properties, or individual scholarships. This grant aims to leverage additional financial support and enhance community well-being.

Saint Luke's Foundation offers Staff Discretionary Grants to organizations addressing health disparities in Cuyahoga County. Grants typically range from $15,000 to $25,000, ensuring rapid approval to meet urgent community health needs. Eligible applicants include public charities and governmental agencies. The Foundation prioritizes innovative approaches to health equity, with a commitment to responsive grantmaking that addresses the social determinants of health. This proactive funding strategy aims to support organizations striving to improve community health outcomes.

The Smith Family Foundation offers Small Capital Grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 to support tax-exempt nonprofits in Greater Boston and Gateway Cities. These grants aim to strengthen nonprofits' capacities for one-time capital expenses, addressing critical needs in economically disadvantaged communities. With a mission to promote positive change, the foundation prioritizes organizations with operating budgets under $3 million, focusing on human services and community development.

The Abell Foundation's Community Development Grants support initiatives in Baltimore City that enhance quality of life and address urban poverty. The foundation prioritizes funding for organizations tackling systemic issues in education, workforce development, health services, community development, criminal justice, environment, and the arts. Grants over $10,000 are awarded to nonprofits and government agencies that demonstrate measurable impact and innovation, focusing on underserved populations to foster community engagement and sustainable growth.

Saint Luke's Foundation offers grants over $25,000 to organizations promoting health equity in Cuyahoga County. Through a rigorous review process, funded projects must align with the foundation's mission to address social determinants of health, particularly in targeted neighborhoods. Eligible applicants include public charities and governmental agencies. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that foster long-term collaborations and innovative solutions aimed at reducing health disparities, ensuring community engagement and strategic alignment in its funding decisions.

The Portage Foundation Grants focus on nine vital funding priority areas that address the community's needs in Portage County. These areas include animal welfare, arts and culture, children's programs, economic development, education, environment, health, human services, scholarships, and agency endowments. Grants typically range from $500 to $2,500, supporting nonprofits classified as 501(c)(3) charities. The foundation emphasizes projects that build capacity and address community challenges, ensuring a significant impact on the residents.

The Wilson Foundation's Empower Grant supports transformative projects in North Baton Rouge, particularly in ZIP codes 70802, 70805, 70806, 70807, 70811, and 70812. With a focus on housing, education, community wellness, and economic vitality, the foundation seeks to empower local residents through collaborative efforts. By prioritizing community engagement and sustainable change, the grant aims to address the underlying social and economic challenges faced by over 124,000 residents in the region.

Community Investment Fund

Community Investment Funds (CIFs) have been established in communities near our operations in Colorado, New Mexico and southeastern Arizona. The CIFs engage community leaders in cultivating and assessing community projects that address identified community priorities (developed at Community Partnership Panels), and allow them to allocate Freeport-McMoRan Foundation funds to programs and projects that encourage a strong focus on local capacity-building, community development and sustainability.

Focus Areas

Education and Workforce Development:

The following are examples of the types of programs we seek in support of the Education & Workforce Development priority and goals.

• PK-12:
  • Professional development programs for teachers and/or school administrators
  • Student preparation, incentive or other programs that drive achievement /performance and matriculation (including early childhood)
  • Classroom equipment or supplies that are proven to drive achievement /performance and are tied to a program or training/professional development
  • Programs that remove barriers or address problems related to lack of performance
  • Programs that engage parents in supporting their student’s achievement in reading, math or the pursuit of graduation and/or enrollment in higher education
  • Research studies, surveys or other activities to identify gaps and needs
• Higher Education:
  • Student counseling or advising services that help students navigate the process of enrollment in a higher ed program
  • Programs that increase access / remove barriers to enrollment or the pursuit of higher ed
  • Teacher/school administrator or counselor training needed to fully understand the higher education landscape, what is available to students and how to access it
  • Student preparation, awareness, incentive or other campaigns or efforts that drive enrollment and attainment
  • Research studies, surveys or other activities to identify gaps and needs

Economic Opportunity:

The following are examples of the types of programs we seek in support of the Economic Opportunity priority and goals.

• Small Business Development:
  • Programs that provide training or skill-building to entrepreneurs on start-up or growth
  • Access to capital programs
  • Other support services that drive start-up, expansion or retention
  • Research studies, surveys or other activities to identify gaps and needs among small business owners
• Affordable Housing:
  • Loan funds or other resource programs that help families access housing options or make housing more affordable for them
  • Housing improvement programs that allow families to stay in safe, quality housing
  • Research studies, surveys or other activities to identify gaps, needs or viable models
• Other Economic Opportunity:
  • Programs that provide transportation to health, education, recreation or other critical activities
  • Programs that increase the availability of and access to quality healthcare facilities and services
  • Projects that create or improve parks or other recreational activities
  • Projects that improve or eliminate blight or beautify high traffic areas in the community
  • Restoration of lands for habitat or public use
  • Projects that improve river or waterway health
• Capacity and Leadership:

The following are examples of the types of programs we seek in support of the Resiliency, Capacity and Leadership priority and goals.

• Programs that provide leadership or other skills for staff, board, volunteers or other community constituents to improve organizational or community performance.
• Organizational self-assessment or diagnoses activities to determine gaps and needs.
• Efforts to develop leadership succession plans that protect and prolong organizational effectiveness.
• Planning initiatives to evaluate, identify and/or consider supports needed to weather future economic disruptions (commodities market or global economy downturns, health pandemics, technological disruptors to the future of jobs/economies, etc.)
• Programs, training or other efforts that aid organizations in understanding the broader social context of which they are part and how they can collectively mobilize to address community needs and create resiliency.
• The development of leadership networks as a tool for transformative social change and amplifying impact across social systems or issues.
• Projects to increase citizen engagement in solving or addressing community challenges or opportunities.

This philosophy includes securing and maintaining our social license to operate and delivering transformation through robust stakeholder engagement and consultation, social investment, and impact evaluation. 

The Community Investment Fund by Freeport-McMoRan aims to enhance community resilience and well-being in various regions, including Climax (CO), Globe-Miami (AZ), and Henderson (CO). Prioritizing education, economic opportunity, and leadership capacity, this fund supports projects over $10,000 that directly benefit local communities. Eligible organizations must have 501c-3 status or equivalent. The initiative fosters transformative change through collaborative partnerships and strategic investments, addressing essential community needs and promoting sustainability.

The West Yellowstone Foundation provides community grants aimed at enhancing the economic vitality and sense of community in the West Yellowstone and Hebgen Lake Basin areas. With a quarterly budget of $5,000, the Foundation supports non-profit organizations that address local needs, foster partnerships, and demonstrate community involvement. Eligible projects can span arts, education, conservation, and more, ensuring effective use of funds to create significant community impact.

The Valley County Community Foundation (VCCF) is dedicated to enhancing community life through grant funding for projects that address various needs. By supporting nonprofit organizations in areas like arts, education, and economic development, VCCF ensures that donor contributions effectively tackle contemporary challenges. The foundation’s commitment to integrity and responsiveness fosters innovative solutions, making it a vital resource for community growth and sustainability in Valley County.

The Seeley Lake Community Foundation (SLCF) offers the SLCF Community Grant Programs to support local initiatives that enhance the quality of life in Seeley Lake, MT. The foundation prioritizes projects in education, arts, community development, natural resources, and basic human needs. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and serve the community directly. The SLCF values proposals with broad community impact and strong partnerships, making it an ideal opportunity for collaborative projects.

The Lower Flathead Valley Community Foundation Grant supports projects aimed at preserving cultural, natural, and human resources in the Lower Flathead Valley. With a mission to unite Tribal and non-Tribal members, this foundation emphasizes children's needs while offering nearly $150,000 annually in grants. Since its inception, it has grown from a $3 million endowment, providing nearly $2 million in funding for community projects. Collaboration and partnerships are encouraged to enhance community development.

The Greater Glendive Community Foundation Grant aims to support projects that enhance the revitalization of downtown Glendive. Eligible proposals may focus on arts and culture, basic human needs, economic development, education, or natural resources and conservation. Funded by the Montana Community Foundation, this grant encourages innovative ideas that benefit the community and promote sustainable growth.

The Community Foundation of Northern Rosebud County Grant supports nonprofit projects enhancing community welfare in Forsyth, Angela, Ingomar, and Rosebud. It prioritizes areas like youth education, healthcare, and emergency services. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations or government entities. Projects must demonstrate local support and sustainability, while the foundation does not fund conferences, planning, or routine operational costs. This competitive grant aims to improve quality of life and foster community development.

The Butte-Silver Bow Community Foundation Grant offers annual funding of approximately $5,000 to support 501(c)(3) organizations in five key areas: arts and culture, basic human needs, economic development, education, and natural resources conservation. Committed to enhancing community welfare, the foundation values equality, dignity, and active participation in community life, striving to uphold the cultural and environmental resources of Butte-Silver Bow for current and future generations.

The PCC Foundation offers community grants aimed at enhancing the quality of life in Parke County. These grants, available to both new and existing charitable organizations, support various initiatives including education, health services, and community development. Applications are accepted year-round, with quick decisions for smaller requests. This funding opportunity encourages projects that address community needs and build capacity, fostering a stronger, more resilient community.

The Community Foundation for Muskegon County (CFMC) empowers local initiatives through strategic grants aimed at fostering educational attainment, enhancing economic development, and promoting community trust. By supporting diverse projects, CFMC envisions a vibrant, inclusive future for Muskegon County, where every resident can thrive. The foundation prioritizes collaboration and opportunities for youth, ensuring that community voices are heard and valued, ultimately leading to a better quality of life for all.

The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham offers competitive grants in various priority areas, focusing on equity, economic opportunity, and regional cooperation. Grants are available for strategic purposes, general operating support for emerging organizations, and established organizations. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profits and government entities serving specific Alabama counties. The foundation aims to foster inclusive, thriving communities through collaborative efforts, addressing persistent poverty and promoting holistic growth and well-being.

The Nixa Affiliate Grantmaking Program, managed by the Nixa Community Foundation, seeks to enhance community well-being through strategic funding. It supports innovative projects that address pressing local needs, encourages collaboration among organizations, and prioritizes areas such as culture, economic development, education, environment, family, and health. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and other IRS-approved entities serving the Nixa area, with grants available up to $10,000.

The Livingston Community Trust Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Park County, Montana, through self-sustaining projects that focus on economic development, education, human services, and the arts. Applications are welcome from non-profit organizations, local governments, and civic bodies. The Trust encourages innovative ideas and requires a minimum 10% matching contribution from grantees. Grant decisions are made quarterly, with responses provided within 90 days of application submission.

The Coastal Zone Management Grant Program, managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, supports projects that protect coastal resources in Pennsylvania's Delaware Estuary and Lake Erie. Open for applications from September 9, 2024, to October 21, 2024, the program promotes initiatives focused on coastal hazards, public access, and ecological preservation. Eligible applicants include local governments, educational institutions, and nonprofits. Grants help fund planning, construction, and research projects essential for sustaining coastal ecosystems and enhancing public access.

The Wish Book Grants program by the Pittsburgh Foundation supports nonprofits in specific Pennsylvania counties. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) certified, allow only one wish submission, and focus on general operating support. The grants, capped at $5,000, aim to enhance community services. In 2023, $670,000 was raised for 100 organizations. The program thrives on donor contributions and seeks to align with the Foundation's areas of interest, including arts, economic mobility, and social justice.

The Innovia Foundation's Community Grant Program offers funding to organizations in a 20-county region, with awards ranging from $2,500 to $15,000. This program prioritizes impactful community initiatives in education, arts, economic opportunity, health, and quality of life. Eligible applicants include public charities and federally recognized tribes. The foundation emphasizes collaboration and inclusivity, aiming to address basic human needs and reduce inequity, while fostering vibrant and sustainable communities.