Best Economic Services Grants

The RALI Grant, offered by the Vermont Community Foundation, is an invitation-only program aimed at fostering regional and local impact through community-driven projects. Grants typically range from $15,000 to $25,000 annually, supporting initiatives that address economic equity, education, climate, health, and community leadership. Successful proposals will demonstrate collaboration, readiness, and measurable impact, ensuring they effectively tackle barriers to opportunity for Vermonters. Interested organizations must complete the Nonprofit Connection Form to be considered.

The VA AmeriCorps State Formula Grant supports programs that engage members in evidence-based interventions to strengthen communities. Managed by Serve Virginia, these grants can provide up to $27,000 per full-time AmeriCorps Member Service Year, with no cap on the number of members. AmeriCorps focuses on enhancing educational outcomes, promoting economic opportunity, and addressing community health needs, thereby fostering a culture of service and volunteerism across Virginia.

The VA AmeriCorps State Formula Planning Grant supports developing frameworks for AmeriCorps programs aimed at addressing community needs. With awards ranging from $75,000 to $240,000, these grants provide essential resources and technical assistance to organizations looking to enhance their service delivery. AmeriCorps programs focus on various areas, including disaster services, education, economic opportunity, health, environmental stewardship, and support for veterans. This initiative fosters collaboration among nonprofits and government bodies to strengthen community impact.

The WA New & Recompete AmeriCorps Operational Grant supports organizations ready to launch or renew AmeriCorps programs, enhancing national service and community engagement in Washington. This funding is ideal for new applicants or those completing a three-year grant cycle. It focuses on impactful service areas such as disaster relief, education, and economic opportunity, aiming to strengthen community resilience and address local needs effectively.

The WA AmeriCorps Continuation Grants support organizations entering the second or third year of a three-year operational grant cycle. This funding opportunity is geared towards organizations already funded by Serve Washington, allowing them to recompete for continued support. It is not intended for new applicants or those seeking funding for programs not previously supported. Focus areas include disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, and support for veterans.

The Arizona SFY25 AmeriCorps State Formula Grant, managed by the Governor's Office of Youth, Faith and Family, offers between $100,000 and $500,000 to support programs engaging AmeriCorps members in impactful community services. Eligible applicants include local governments, non-profits, and educational institutions. This program addresses critical needs in areas such as disaster services and education, with approximately $4 million available in total funding. Note that the next grant request is expected in Winter 2027.

The Idaho Workforce Development Council offers an Employer Grant to support local businesses in expanding their workforce or retraining existing employees for economic growth. Grants can provide up to $500,000 per project, aimed at enhancing skills for better job opportunities. The program emphasizes innovation, best practices in talent development, and improving economic mobility. Eligible employers must meet wage standards and provide health benefits, while temporary positions are not eligible for funding.

The Idaho Workforce Development Council's Innovation Grant supports projects that enhance the workforce pipeline in Idaho. By utilizing diverse funding sources, the grant aims to improve economic mobility through targeted training initiatives. Eligible applicants must be community-based teams in Idaho, focused on addressing local skill gaps and fostering job creation. This strategic investment promotes innovation and best practices in talent development, ultimately contributing to the state's economic growth and workforce retention.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The AmeriCorps Funding Opportunity Planning Grant, provided by ServeNebraska, supports organizations in developing effective service programs to address community needs. This grant enables applicants to build operational capacity, develop program components, and receive essential training. With a focus on evidence-based interventions and quality management, recipients are better equipped to manage AmeriCorps grants and enhance their community impact, ensuring that resources are utilized effectively without duplicating existing services.

The Sachs Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for economically and educationally disadvantaged individuals and families. The Foundation supports self-sustaining charitable organizations focusing on economic and educational opportunities, particularly in low-income communities in the U.S. and developing countries. Grants are available for various initiatives, including education, housing, and job training, with a keen interest in programs that demonstrate clear potential for sustainability.

Serve Alaska offers FY 2025 Formula Funded AmeriCorps State and National Grants to support community service and volunteering. These grants empower eligible organizations to engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based initiatives, enhancing civic engagement and addressing pressing community challenges. Participants may receive a living allowance and benefits, leading to the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award for educational expenses. The program underscores the importance of service in fostering stronger communities across Alaska.

The Golden LEAF Grant Programs, particularly the SITE Program, support rural and economically distressed communities in North Carolina by providing funding for the identification and development of industrial sites. The program focuses on due diligence activities, ensuring sites are ready for economic growth. Priority is given to counties with persistent economic distress, aiming to attract new businesses and foster expansion. For more details, refer to the SITE Program Resources page.

The Golden LEAF Grant Programs aim to support rural and economically distressed communities by providing funding for site identification, due diligence, and development. The SITE Program specifically helps communities without quality industrial sites to market, ensuring they attract new business opportunities and enhance local economies. Through a structured process involving consultants, the program identifies potential sites and evaluates their development potential, ultimately fostering economic growth in targeted areas.

The Initiative Foundation offers Economic Development, Workforce Grants to support projects that drive economic growth in Central Minnesota. These grants focus on early-stage initiatives that enhance workforce development, create partnerships for apprenticeships, and encourage affordable housing. Eligible applicants include local governments and 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving specific counties and tribal nations. The Foundation prioritizes innovative strategies that attract and retain workers, fostering a thriving economy and vibrant communities.

The NOPEC Foundation Fund offers grants primarily to nonprofit organizations within NOPEC communities, focusing on health, economic development, community development, environment, and social services. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $40,000, aiming to address diverse community needs that are often overlooked by traditional funding sources. Eligible applicants are those operating significantly within NOPEC areas, ensuring support reaches those most in need.

The PGE Foundation's Career Pathways Grant Program aims to enhance economic mobility for Oregonians by providing support for programs that facilitate access to family-wage jobs and entrepreneurship. This initiative prioritizes nonprofit organizations focused on skill development, mentorship, and wrap-around services. The foundation is particularly interested in proposals that address barriers faced by underrepresented communities, including BIPOC and women-owned businesses, and encourages collaborative efforts among nonprofits to achieve measurable outcomes.

The LANL Grants and Sponsorships program, operated by Triad National Security, aims to support local nonprofits in New Mexico through funding focused on economic diversity, K-12 STEM education, workforce development, and community nonprofit support. Eligible organizations must be registered 501(c)(3) charities and operate within specific counties. This initiative embodies a strong commitment to community engagement and development.

The ScotiaRISE initiative by Scotiabank aims to foster economic resilience among disadvantaged groups over ten years, with a budget of $500 million. By focusing on enhancing educational opportunities, facilitating employment for newcomers, and removing barriers to career advancement, ScotiaRISE seeks to create a more inclusive society. This program highlights the importance of collective efforts in supporting individuals and communities to thrive, ensuring everyone has the chance to rise above challenges and contribute positively to their environments.

The Warren County Community Foundation offers grants over $2,500 for nonprofit organizations, coalitions, and civic groups serving Warren County, Indiana. Applications are reviewed quarterly, and potential applicants should contact the Foundation to confirm eligibility and timeline alignment. Notably, grants are not available for projects outside of Warren County, political activities, or those fully funded by the government. It's crucial for applicants to adhere to these guidelines to ensure consideration.

The Ste. Genevieve County Community Foundation supports economic development initiatives aimed at enhancing community quality of life. Through strategic partnerships and grantmaking, the foundation seeks to foster sustainable projects that address local needs while ensuring transparency and collaboration. Applicants must provide documentation of their nonprofit status to qualify for funding. This initiative aligns with their mission of resource development and public leadership in the region.

The Nordson Corporation Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing the quality of life in communities across the U.S., particularly through education. Since 1989, it has awarded over $60 million, prioritizing grants for tax-exempt organizations in areas where Nordson operates. The foundation emphasizes long-term community needs, supporting initiatives in education, human welfare, civic affairs, and the arts. Its commitment includes funding general operating support for nonprofits, ensuring they can measure program effectiveness and foster self-sufficiency.

The Nordson Corporation Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing the quality of life in Connecticut's New London and Windham Counties through education and community support. Since its inception, the Foundation has invested over $60 million in grants, with a commitment to empowering local non-profits that foster educational opportunities, human welfare, civic engagement, and arts and culture. With a strong emphasis on measurable impact, the Foundation aims to create sustainable, vibrant communities by supporting initiatives that promote long-term self-sufficiency and community enrichment.

The Greenbush Area Community Fund offers grants up to $2,500 to nonprofit and public entities in the Greenbush area, supporting programs that enhance education, economic development, aesthetic improvements, and enrichment for youth and seniors. The fund emphasizes projects that promote diversity and serve a broad audience, particularly those that partner with other organizations or provide matching funds. This initiative aims to foster community growth and improve the quality of life for residents.

Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) ProgramDescription

Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) Program A. Program Description The Restore, Reinvest and Renew (R3) Program was established by the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act to make a significant portion of cannabis revenues available to communities that have been most impacted by the inequities created and perpetuated by harmful policies established during the war on drugs era. 

In SFY23, ICJIA was awarded a state appropriation of $75 million to administer the R3 program. A total of $30 million of this appropriation is available to eligible community organizations providing services in the areas of violence prevention, youth development, economic development, reentry, and civil legal aid.

Purpose

The Restore, Reinvest and Renew (R3) program targets significant portion of cannabis revenues to communities that have been ravaged by violence and have been disproportionately impacted by historical economic disinvestment.

• To address systemic disparities, aggressive approaches and targeted resources to support local design and control of community-based responses to these outcomes are required. To carry out this intent, the Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) Program serves to:
• Directly address the impact of economic disinvestment, violence, and the historical overuse of criminal justice responses to community and individual needs by providing resources to support local design and control of community-based responses to these impacts
• Substantially reduce both the total amount of gun violence and concentrated poverty in this state
• Protect communities from gun violence through targeted investments and intervention programs, including economic growth and improving family violence prevention, community trauma treatment rates, gun injury victim services, and public health prevention activities
• Promote employment infrastructure and capacity building related to the social determinants of health in the eligible community areas

Program funds will be used to reduce gun violence through intervention and prevention, improve re-entry and diversion services for people involved with the criminal justice system, provide access to legal representation and advice, encourage investment and economic growth, enhance youth development, and support programs that improve the social determinants of health

The CDBG Economic Development Program, managed by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, provides grants to local governments to support private businesses that create or retain jobs for low-to-moderate income workers. Grants can be used for public infrastructure improvements and are awarded based on project feasibility and need, with a ceiling of $1,000,000 per award, ensuring economic growth in eligible communities.

The Alabama Research and Development Enhancement Fund (ARDEF) Program, managed by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), aims to stimulate research and development efforts in Alabama. By focusing on innovative projects, this program seeks to enhance employment opportunities and improve the quality of products and services available to residents. Through this initiative, Alabama aims to foster a robust research environment conducive to growth and economic development.