Best Workforce Preparation Job Readiness Grants

The Community Foundation of Elkhart County offers Community Investment Grants under $25,000 with no application deadlines, providing weekly reviews. These grants support initiatives focused on early childhood development, career skills, vibrant downtowns, and parks. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and public charities serving Elkhart County residents, along with certain governmental and educational institutions. This funding aims to enhance quality of life and foster generosity within the community.

The Dane G. Hansen Foundation, in collaboration with the Greater Salina Community Foundation, offers community grants aimed at enhancing life quality in North Central Kansas. These grants prioritize projects in education, health care, social services, conservation, arts, and community beautification. Notably, preference is given to initiatives fostering community involvement and volunteerism, while excluding funding for tax-supported programs or general operational expenses.

The Buck Family Fund, part of the Marin Community Foundation, supports community-led initiatives for marginalized residents in Marin County. Funding is available for nonprofits and organizations that align with the fund's goals, focusing on housing, resilience, and community empowerment. The fund addresses critical issues like affordable housing shortages and the impacts of climate change while fostering local nonprofit efforts that uplift and transform the community. Grants are intended for both local and external organizations providing high-quality services.

The CFGDM Leadership Grants aim to enhance quality of life in Greater Des Moines by supporting projects that align with community needs and promote equity. These grants focus on critical areas such as housing, health, economic development, and community engagement. By fostering collaborative efforts and addressing systemic barriers, the program seeks to create lasting positive change and empower local organizations to make a significant impact on community issues.

The Furchak-Ferko Annual Grant Program, established by Margaret Furchak Ferko, aims to address critical community gaps affecting women and families in Erie County. With an annual grant budget of approximately $30,000, it supports projects in areas such as transportation, healthcare, workforce training, housing, childcare, and food insecurity. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, while for-profit and certain other projects are excluded. This initiative is a vital resource for community development.

The George W. Mergens Foundation Grant supports educational and experiential opportunities for youth, continuing a legacy of over $12 million in funding. Established in 1994 to honor George Mergens, the foundation focuses on enriching the lives of children and adolescents through health, education, and leadership programs. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits based in Vermont, primarily serving youth. The foundation aims to partner with groups addressing significant community needs.

The Neighborhood Builders Program, supported by Bank of America, empowers 501(c)(3) nonprofits through a two-year leadership development initiative. Participants receive funding, training, and networking opportunities to enhance their impact in communities. Since its inception, the program has invested over $346 million, training more than 4,000 leaders. The initiative focuses on advancing social mobility and economic opportunities, ensuring affordable housing, and fostering resilient communities. This program is vital for nonprofits aiming to strengthen their leadership and community engagement.

The SMUD's Shine Award Program aims to foster inclusive community partnerships by providing equitable support to enhance neighborhoods. It focuses on social well-being, healthy environments, and economic prosperity while prioritizing funding for projects that promote clean energy solutions, energy efficiency, and community education. Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations within SMUD’s service territory. The program offers various awards to support impactful initiatives that can be quickly implemented or require longer-term investments.

The Communityworks Grant Competition, run by the Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley, aims to enhance community welfare through targeted funding. Focus areas include Early Childhood Education, Land Use & Protection, and Workforce Development. Grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations in Kankakee and Iroquois Counties, emphasizing initiatives that address unmet community needs. By fostering collaboration and innovative solutions, the Foundation seeks to ensure sustainable improvements in quality of life for local residents.

The Season for Sharing Grant supports non-profit organizations in Arizona, focusing on children, families, arts, education, and older adults. With funding ranging from $7,500 to $50,000, this initiative aims to address critical needs such as child protection, food access, emergency shelter, and educational support. Eligible applicants must be based in Maricopa or Pinal counties, ensuring that assistance directly benefits local communities. This collaborative effort highlights the importance of charitable contributions during the holiday season.

The BGCF365 Grants, initiated by the Blue Grass Community Foundation, empower emerging philanthropists to collectively fund nonprofit projects that dismantle barriers to employment, transportation, and housing for families in Fayette County. In 2024, grants will focus on enhancing resilience among youth aged 0-22. Members contribute $365 annually, pooling resources to award $30,000 to selected organizations. This initiative fosters community engagement and aims to improve living conditions for all in Lexington.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The Ocean Reef Community Foundation's Community Grants Program supports local charities addressing community issues and fostering self-sufficiency. Grants focus on innovative projects that improve community welfare, with preference given to those involving partnerships and additional funding sources. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities and demonstrate a clear impact on the defined areas. The program prioritizes initiatives that enhance services, empower individuals, and address root causes of challenges faced by the community.

Asheville Merchants Fund

The Asheville Merchants Fund (AMF) seeks to improve the quality of life in Buncombe County by supporting innovative projects that strengthen the community through economic efforts in one or more of its Funding Priorities.

The Fund provides grants of up to $50,000 over two years. Approximately five to eight grants are awarded during each two-year funding cycle. Grants are paid in two installments, with the second year of funding contingent upon reasonable progress toward expected results.  

Projects must target economic benefit for Buncombe County residents. Priority will be given to projects comprehensively addressing one or more of the following Funding Priorities: 

Innovative Economic Approaches 

• Community asset development: investing in emerging local economies, especially those related to home-grown businesses 
• Entrepreneurship: resources for entrepreneurs, including access to training, service providers and capital to accelerate business success 

Quality Jobs & Workforce

• Living wage work: recruitment, retention and expansion of businesses providing high-quality, well-paying jobs 
• Appropriate skills: training for jobs that are in demand and critical to community viability 
• Non-traditional training and employment services: flexible schedules, short-term certificate programs and community-based (versus academic institutional) settings 

Social Infrastructure 

• Programs contributing to family economic success, including financial education and asset development
• Affordable housing: developing effective strategies and supporting implementation
• Services that increase employees’ ability to participate fully in the workforce, including health and wellness or dependent care 

Youth Success in School 

• Middle and high school students: targeted academic (particularly in math, science and technology) and non-academic activities related to job skill development 
• Family support: improving the home environment for learning

AMF supports organizations that have the capacity and vision to develop multi-faceted programs to help Buncombe County and its citizens thrive in the emerging economic environment. Factors considered in evaluating applications include: 

• Focus on a critical need
• Defined, measurable results that can be achieved within the grant period and make a long-term difference in the beneficiaries' lives
• Skilled leadership with the potential to carry out innovative, integrated efforts effectively in one or more of the focus areas

The Impact Polk Grants, administered by the GiveWell Community Foundation, aim to address diverse community needs in Polk County, Florida. This annual competitive grant program supports initiatives in six key areas: economic opportunities, education, food security, housing, quality of life, and transportation. By focusing on enhancing residents' quality of life, the program targets systemic barriers and fosters equitable access to essential services, thereby promoting community resilience and growth.

The SCF Community Grants support initiatives that enhance the quality of life in Shenandoah County, Virginia. Focusing on arts, civic affairs, environment, education, health, and social welfare, the Shenandoah Community Foundation welcomes proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations. These grants aim to strengthen community engagement and address local needs, fostering collaboration and innovative solutions for diverse challenges faced by residents.

The McKeesport Community Fund, established in 2017 by Trulieve under the Pittsburgh Foundation, aims to enhance community welfare by supporting local 501(c)(3) nonprofits. It focuses on education, job training, youth initiatives, and economic development, providing around $50,000 annually for projects that benefit McKeesport residents. Eligible organizations can apply for grants between $1,000 to $50,000, depending on the project scope, ensuring vital resources for community revitalization.

The MetroWest Human Services Grant Program, managed by the Foundation for MetroWest, aims to build strong families and communities by providing general operating grants to organizations serving underrepresented individuals. In 2023, priority will be given to those assisting low-income households, homeless individuals, and vulnerable populations such as immigrants and the disabled. This initiative strives to eliminate barriers to essential resources, fostering an inclusive environment for all residents in the MetroWest region.

The Jewelers Mutual Impact Fund Grant aims to empower youth, advance technology, and foster community progression within the jewelry industry. Established in 1913 by jewelers, the fund supports nonprofit organizations that inspire the next generation through arts education, enhance the industry with technological innovations, and drive positive community development. Focused primarily on areas where employees reside, it also considers broader giving opportunities, ensuring a lasting impact on lives and communities.

The Community Foundation of Central Missouri (CFCM) offers the Impact Grant, a $5,000 funding opportunity designed to significantly address critical issues in mid-Missouri. This grant focuses on human capacity development for disadvantaged individuals or arts initiatives. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations based in central Missouri and operational for at least five years. Projects may target equal opportunity, education, and senior services, among others, adapting to community needs over time.

The ECF Shaping Tomorrow Grants aim to empower nonprofits in Erie County by funding projects that promote inclusivity and equitable impact. Grants range from $50,000 to $250,000 for initiatives lasting 12-18 months, focusing on measurable community change in health, education, and economic growth. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt, demonstrate community engagement, and align with ECF priorities. This program seeks to enhance organizational capacity and support collaborations that drive sustainable development.

Webster Bank Corporate Giving focuses on supporting underserved communities through essential programs in workforce development, community development, financial empowerment, and basic human services. The bank prioritizes registered nonprofit organizations that align with its strategic goals, encouraging initiatives that promote economic inclusion and address racial equity. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating within Webster's footprint, demonstrating a history of success and a commitment to community enhancement.

The Iredell County Community Foundation Grant Cycle aims to enhance the community by supporting local initiatives in areas such as education, human services, and workforce development. The foundation prioritizes one-time funding for projects that demonstrate collaboration and sustainability. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and institutions serving Iredell County residents. Ineligible projects include capital campaigns and direct support for individuals. This grant fosters community growth and engagement through philanthropy.

The Charitable Trust Stabilization Fund Grant aims to support small nonprofits in Illinois by providing funding for programs in food, housing, and workforce development. Established in 2007, this initiative utilizes filing fees from nonprofits to sustain its efforts. The Spring 2024 Grant Cycle will focus on food and housing, while the Fall 2024 cycle will address food and economic development. Eligible organizations must meet specific criteria to ensure effective use of funds.

The Philip L. Graham Fund Grant focuses on enhancing the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area through substantial annual grants to 501(c)(3) public charities. It supports diverse initiatives in health, education, arts, and community development, prioritizing innovative, one-time projects. Eligible organizations must serve local residents and align with the Fund's giving priorities. Notably, the Fund awarded $4.1 million in 2017 to 138 organizations, with a strong emphasis on health and education, reflecting its commitment to community enrichment.

The Men & Boys' Fund Grant, established in 2016, aims to enhance the lives of men and boys in Connecticut's Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington, and Wolcott areas. Grants support nonprofit organizations focused on education, health, leadership, and workforce readiness. Eligible applicants must serve males of any age and provide strong documentation of community impact. The Fund prioritizes self-sufficiency and requires follow-up reports from previous grantees to ensure continued support and accountability.

The Hancock Whitney Opportunity Grant, in collaboration with the Greater New Orleans Foundation, invites applications from eligible nonprofits starting October 7, 2025. This grant aims to enhance capacity building and sustainability for organizations focused on food insecurity, workforce development, and youth programs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations serving low to moderate-income communities within Hancock Whitney's service areas, fostering impactful changes with AmeriCorps support.