Best Grants for BIPOC

South Carolina Arts Commission

The mission of the South Carolina Arts Commission is to expand access to the arts and foster creativity for all South Carolinians.

For more than 50 years, the agency has worked to build a thriving arts environment that benefits all South Carolinians, regardless of their circumstances or where they live.

We help artists and arts providers offer unique arts experiences to residents and visitors. From free poetry readings and gallery crawls to sweetgrass basketry workshops and ticketed dance, music, or theatre performances, they create an environment that contributes to quality of life from three “corner” counties of Oconee, Horry, and Beaufort to the 43 arranged inside.

Since 1967, the SCAC has awarded more than $132 million in grants to artists, arts organizations, school districts, schools, and teachers!

Cultural Districts Grants

Purpose

This grant supports a broad range of creative placemaking endeavors led by S.C. Cultural Districts, including—but not limited to—festivals, performances, workshops, and public art projects. All programming must be located within a Cultural District’s approved boundaries and align with its strategic plan.

Projects should:

• Integrate arts, culture, or design activities.
• Include non-arts partnership(s).
• Engage the public.
• Involve artists, designers, or culture bearers.

Each S.C. Cultural District may submit only one (1) application per cycle.

Grant funds must be used for actual project costs, defined as consumable and non-consumable items needed to complete the proposed project.

Funding type: Expense reimbursement.

Matching Requirements

1:2 (grantee:SCAC)

• A 1:2 match means that for each SCAC dollar granted, the grantee must match with $0.50 of their own funds. For example, if the total project cost is $15,000, the applicant may request $10,000 and must provide the remaining $5,000 from other sources.

• At least 50% of the applicant’s match must be cash.
• Funds may not be matched with another SCAC grant.

If you are hiring artists or teaching artists

For all grant-funded activities (including group lectures, demonstrations, performances, residencies, and short-term arts teaching experiences), the use of S.C. Arts Directory members is required for school and school district grantees and encouraged for grantees that are organizations.

Artists identified as Verified Teaching Artists on the S.C. Arts Directory have been additionally vetted by SCAC through the submission of sample lesson plans, recorded teaching samples, and letters of recommendation. For any grantee whose grant-funded activities are for K-12 student services, SCAC encourages the use of Verified Teaching Artists. Many school districts require the use of SCAC Verified Teaching Artists for classroom residencies. If working in a school environment, always check with both the individual school and the school district about policies related to hiring artists, arts organizations, and teaching artists. Learn more about the S.C. Arts Directory.

Indirect Cost Limitation

No more than 10% of the total grant funds may be used for indirect costs (general overhead expenses not directly tied to the project). The remaining 90% must go toward direct costs, which are necessary to carry out the funded project.

• Examples of direct costs: Artist fees, program supplies, travel for project activities, and venue rental.
• Examples of indirect costs: Administrative salaries not directly working on the project, office rent, utilities, and general office supplies.

This ensures that most of the funding directly benefits the project while allowing some flexibility for necessary overhead costs.

Compliance with State and Federal Laws

All grant applicants must ensure their applications, proposed projects, and any related materials comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. This includes SC Code § 16-15-305 (2024), which prohibits the dissemination of obscene materials.

Obscene content is strictly prohibited in grant applications and any proposed project activities. Applications that include materials or activities determined to be obscene will not be reviewed or considered for funding.

No component of an SCAC-funded project, including those funded with SCAC funds and those funded with matching funds, can fall into this category. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in the termination of funding and other legal consequences.

We strongly encourage all applicants to carefully review the full legal text of SC Code § 16-15-305 (2024), to ensure their proposals are in full compliance.

The Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative supports outdoor enthusiasts and promotes responsible use of off-highway vehicles (OHVs). Its mission includes educating the public on land use and wildlife conservation while protecting access to public lands. Applications are accepted quarterly from nonprofit organizations and community groups focused on land stewardship and access improvements, ensuring a safe and sustainable outdoor experience for all.

The Alternative Water Supply Grant, supported by Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature, allocates $230 million since Fiscal Year 2019-20 to enhance Florida's water systems. This funding emphasizes regional projects addressing critical needs and maximizing benefits, such as reclaimed water, aquifer recharge, and water conservation. Local cooperators must collaborate with their Water Management District to propose projects, which, upon approval, will be submitted to the DEP for funding consideration.

The BIE Internship Funding for STEM Students, offered by the Native Forward Scholars Fund, provides financial assistance to Native students for approved internships related to STEM. This initiative helps cover costs such as travel, living expenses, and daily commuting, facilitating valuable professional experiences. By supporting these students, the program aims to enhance Native representation in STEM fields and empower future leaders within their communities, contributing positively to society's growth and diversity.

The Teton Springs Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Teton Valley, Idaho, by providing financial support to nonprofits. This grant focuses on impactful projects in areas such as arts, education, health, recreation, and environmental conservation. Eligible organizations, including 501(c)(3) entities, can apply for funding to implement projects that yield measurable benefits. The foundation encourages collaboration and values partnerships to maximize community impact, ensuring a brighter future for the Teton Valley.

The Aquatic Weed Control Program in North Carolina aims to assist local governments and residents in managing noxious aquatic weed infestations. By promoting education and partnerships, the program seeks to mitigate economic and environmental impacts from these invasive species. It offers resources for both public and private lands, including technical assistance and financial support for effective management strategies. Through these efforts, the program strives to enhance the health of North Carolina's waterways.

The Water Recycling Funding Program (WRFP) by the California State Water Board supports projects that enhance water supply through the recycling of treated municipal wastewater. The program emphasizes the construction of facilities for treatment, storage, and distribution, with grants covering up to 35% of estimated construction costs. A local cost share of at least 50% is required, which may be reduced for disadvantaged communities. Applications are accepted year-round, with priority scores determined annually.

The Oklahoma Arts and the Military Grants aim to empower organizations to serve military-connected individuals through arts programs. Grants of up to $5,000 support learning-based and audience-based initiatives that engage active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. This initiative, part of the Oklahoma Arts and the Military Initiative, fosters greater accessibility to the arts for the military community, enhancing their well-being and connection through creative expression.

The Catalyze Challenge Grant, managed by Catalyze, is an opportunity for organizations to receive funding for innovative solutions that enhance career-connected learning for youth aged 11-22. With over $4 million available in Round 5, finalists can secure up to $300,000 to implement their ideas. The grant seeks proposals that empower underserved learners through hands-on experiences and meaningful employer partnerships, ultimately impacting over 65,000 young people across the U.S.

The Research Foundation is launching community grants to enhance health access and equity in Kansas City, particularly for Jackson County residents. Eligible nonprofit organizations can receive support for programs that align with the foundation's priorities, including a 10% allowance for indirect costs. The focus is on health-centric missions, ensuring the funding promotes care access and workforce retention in the healthcare sector, while adhering to the foundation's guidelines.

Green Partners Grant

Engage, educate, act and collaborate for the environment

Hennepin County provides funding and support to organizations to actively educate, engage and motivate residents to become environmental stewards and make positive behavior changes.

Through the Green Partners program, Hennepin County contracts with organizations to implement projects that engage youth and adults in becoming environmental stewards. Projects engage youth in learning about environmental topics and taking leadership on environmental issues as they get older. Green Partners also supports projects to engage our adult residents in helping the county reach it’s zero waste and climate goals by preventing waste, composting organic waste, reducing, reusing, recycling, and repairing and caring for our natural resources by improving water quality, caring for trees, and creating habitat to protect birds, bats, and pollinators.

Types of Grants

Hennepin County has three Green Partners programs.

• Environmental Action Program
• Youth Environmental Leadership Program
• Youth Environmental Education Program

Youth Environmental Education Grants

Youth environmental education projects engage youth in elementary and middle school in environmental education and outdoor nature experiences. Project activities engage youth in learning about the environment to develop their awareness and increase their knowledge of environmental issues and solutions. Strong projects are inquiry driven, incorporate hands-on and experiential environmental learning, provide outdoor nature experiences, and promote environmental stewardship. Preferred projects incorporate county identified project ideas.

Levels of Funding

• If you have received a Green Partners award before, you can apply for up to $25,000 for a one-year project or, if you meet the criteria, up to $50,000 for a two-year project.
• If you have never received a Green Partners award before, you can apply for up to $12,000 for a one-year project. 

The Community Action Grants - Environment program by the Silicon Valley Community Foundation aims to support organizations addressing environmental disparities in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. It prioritizes funding for groups focused on racial justice and community engagement, especially those with budgets under $3 million. The initiative encourages innovative solutions to climate challenges while fostering community involvement in shaping environmental policies. This grant opportunity underscores the importance of creating equitable, sustainable environments for underserved populations.

J. C. & L. A. Duke Employees' Assistance Fund

Grants from the Duke Fund are designed to:

• Help recipients achieve self-sufficiency and/or return to the workplace.
• Provide transitional assistance.
• Improve the quality of life for the employee and their family.

Selection Criteria

The applicant must have experienced a combination of the following factors:

• Financial hardship as a result of a catastrophic illness or accident.
• Lack or depletion of benefits available through the 3M Benefit Plan, personal benefit plans and/or other resources.
• In addition, the applicant must be able to demonstrate that a grant will substantially assist them in overcoming all or a portion of the adversity. Awards will be made without regard to race, creed, color, gender, individual marital status, religion or national origin.

The Sanitary & Storm Sewer Funding program supports projects aimed at improving wastewater treatment and storm water management in South Dakota. Grants and low-interest loans are available, with eligibility contingent on inclusion in the State Water Facilities Plan. Additional subsidies may be granted based on established water rates and economic development needs. Applications are accepted quarterly, and projects must meet specific requirements to qualify for funding.

The Small Community Planning Grant Program offers financial assistance to small communities for water and wastewater infrastructure management. Eligible entities can receive up to $10,000 for engineering studies, covering 80% of costs. The program aims to help communities develop necessary engineering reports for their projects. To qualify, communities must serve populations of 2,500 or fewer and meet specific eligibility criteria. This proactive approach ensures that essential infrastructure needs are addressed effectively.

The Primary Instruction by Volunteers Grant aims to enhance adult basic education services for eligible adults unable to enroll in traditional classes. With a funding pool of approximately $500,000, the program targets around 1,000 adult learners annually, focusing on effective one-on-one tutoring by trained volunteers. Priorities include curriculum alignment with educational standards, building college and career readiness skills, and ensuring compliance with funding regulations. This initiative is designed to provide vital educational opportunities and support for adult learners across the Commonwealth.

The McKinney-Vento Competitive Grant Program in New York supports educational initiatives for homeless children and youth, ensuring they have equal access to quality education. Funded by the New York State Education Department, the program allocates substantial financial resources to local educational agencies based on the number of identified homeless students. This grant is pivotal in providing essential services like tutoring, health care, and transportation, ultimately promoting academic success and stability for vulnerable populations.

District of Columbia Watershed Stewardship Project

DOEE seeks an eligible entity to provide a comprehensive watershed stewardship educational project to District residents. The proposed project will educate participants about the basics of watershed stewardship and provide hands-on experiences relating to the sources of pollution and different types of policies and practices. The amount available for the two-year project to a single grantee is $70,000.

Purpose of the Grant

The purpose of this grant is to design and implement a comprehensive watershed stewardship educational project for District residents, and to equip District residents with the knowledge, tools, and resources necessary to address sources of water pollution and work toward improving the overall health of local waterways while fostering education and continuous community involvement.

The Transition Readiness Grants program, established under 2017 Act 59 with $1.5 million in funding, aims to help Wisconsin students with disabilities transition to competitive work and post-secondary education. Since its inception in FY 2019, it has received over 130 applications totaling more than $9 million. Eligible school districts can apply for FY 24 funding to support evidence-based transition practices, including transportation options, competitive employment training programs, and post-secondary supports.

The NJ Women and Minority Veterans in Construction Trades Grant Program aims to eliminate economic barriers for women and minority veterans by providing essential training and support for employment in construction trades. This initiative connects military members with quality career opportunities, ensuring they receive the skills necessary for success in registered apprenticeship programs and other industry occupations, ultimately enhancing New Jersey's workforce and economy.

The American Heart Association is seeking proposals to study the prevalence and treatment of cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic diseases among cancer patients and survivors. Given the over 16.7 million cancer survivors in the U.S., this research aims to highlight critical health disparities, identify treatment modalities, and explore shared risk factors. Applications focusing on underrepresented populations and utilizing real-world data sources are especially encouraged, aiming to improve health outcomes in this vulnerable group.

The Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Grant, established under the Clean Water Act, aims to reduce nonpoint source pollution through funding innovative best management practices (BMPs), educational programs, and the development and implementation of Watershed Based Plans. The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet administers this grant, providing up to 60% of project costs, with a required 40% nonfederal match, fostering sustainable environmental practices across the state.

The Ocean Acidification, Hypoxia, and Harmful Algal Bloom Solicitation aims to enhance scientific understanding of critical water quality issues affecting California's coastal ecosystems. It provides funding for two tracks: understanding the biological impacts of ocean acidification and hypoxia, and researching harmful algal blooms for early warning and ecosystem resilience. This initiative is part of California Climate Investments, addressing growing environmental threats to coastal communities.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) is inviting proposals for projects aimed at controlling nonpoint source (NPS) pollution, which significantly impacts water quality in Illinois. Funded by federal resources through Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act, the program seeks to address the over 60% of water pollution traced to NPS. Projects should prioritize the restoration of affected water bodies as outlined in the Integrated Water Quality Report and Section 303d List.

The Facility Planning Grants are designed to assist eligible wastewater and drinking water systems in Idaho by providing financial support for developing facility plans. These grants cover up to 50% of eligible planning costs, with maximum amounts historically set at $45,000 for drinking water and $65,000 for wastewater projects. Interested systems must submit a letter of interest annually between October and January to be considered for funding.

The Global Raptor Research & Conservation Grant, offered by HawkWatch International, supports crucial projects focused on raptor conservation in high-priority regions such as Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia. With funding available up to $2,500, the grant encourages applications from local citizens associated with NGOs or universities. Preference is given to projects that address knowledge gaps and have a significant impact on conservation efforts, particularly those led by early-career researchers in low-income countries.

The Strengthening Families and Communities Grant by Telligen Community Initiative focuses on enhancing the resilience of youth and families through community-based funding. This initiative is transitioning to two-year funding periods, with applications due in March and October for different states. The grant aims to address social determinants of health, providing targeted support based on extensive applicant feedback. The program emphasizes a narrowed applicant pool to ensure more consistent funding for impactful projects.