Resources, Funding and Grants 

The Funding Update       To subscribe to The Funding Update, or review archived issues, select the FUNDING tab on the Intergovernmental Relations webpage.   FEDERAL FUNDING Be sure to begin your application at www[dot]grants[dot]gov to check for updates that affect deadlines, contacts, submission requirements, and other important information.     Department of Education Assistance for Arts Education, 3/16/2021 Grants will support professional development, instructional materials, educational programming, and outreach activities that strengthen and expand partnerships. ED expects to award 25 grants from total funding of $16.5M.   Department of Commerce Market Development Cooperator Program, 5/25/2021 Grants help underwrite the start-up costs of new foreign market development projects that industry organizations are often reluctant to undertake without federal government support. Commerce expects to make 7 awards in the range of $50,000 to $300,000.       Housing & Urban Development Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 is a federal law designed to promote economic opportunities for low-income public housing and area residents.  Businesses that are owned by, or employ public housing residents and low-income individuals, are also invited to participate in Section 3 opportunities.  Locally, the Boston Housing Authority defines a “Section 3 resident” as either a resident of BHA housing or a low-income Boston area resident.  Those seeking work can fill out the application at this link in order to be listed in a database that will be shared with employers.   Eligible businesses can register their firm at the HUD Section 3 link. Learn more   Health & Human Services CDC Grants to Address Local Drug Crises, 4/1/2021 Funding goal: to prevent opioid, methamphetamine, and/or prescription drug use/misuse among youth ages 12-18 in communities throughout the United States. CDC expects to award 60 grants of $50,000 each.   Justice OJJDP Second Chance Act: Addressing the Needs of Incarcerated Parents and Their Minor Children, 3/5/2021 This program will promote and expand services in detention and correctional facilities to incarcerated individuals and their minor children, and provide services to children of incarcerated parents. OJJDP estimates there will be 10 awards; max: $750,000. Check this webpage for a schedule of FY21 grant announcements from DOJ.   Writing a Federal Grant Budget Download the “RFA Guidelines” pdf on this page for a detailed description of how to categorize and calculate allowable costs.   STATE GRANTS Massachusetts Technology Collaborative Opportunities include cybersecurity mentorship for college students, internet connectivity for unemployed Massachusetts residents, accelerator program and pitch competition to promote economic recovery, Learn More   CITY OF BOSTON GRANTS + COVID-19 RESOURCES Health & Human Services resources for Boston Residents. Boston Rental Relief Fund is still accepting applications. Boston Local Development Corporation provides a wide variety of loan and technical assistance services to small businesses and nonprofits. Office of Financial Empowerment Financial Navigators can assist Boston residents with: – Prioritizing daily living expenses, like housing, food, and insurance – Maximizing income, by sharing referrals that offer benefit eligibility services, emergency cash assistance, and emergency loans – Managing debt, from credit cards to student loans to child support – Avoiding predatory scams – Accessing other social services – Budgeting for future loss of income Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement Seeking an Administrator for the Dreamers School Year Fellowship Program. Applicants must have a proven record of serving immigrant populations in the City of Boston, and demonstrate connections to an existing network of immigrant-serving organizations that already administer programs and services for Dreamers. A single award of $210,600 will cover Fellowships for 100 youth, plus administrative and overhead costs for the Administrator and host organizations. Deadline: 2/15/2021 FOUNDATION GRANTS   Arts Creative Capital, 3/1/2021 Annual awards provide up to $50,000 in funding for bold new projects.  Social Justice + Public Interest   Social Venture Partners, 2/19/2021 The Equity Track supports early-stage nonprofit organizations led by a person of color, elevating them within the Boston funder networks. Grantees receive one year of pro-bono consulting, $10,000 in general operating support, and a community of nonprofit organizations and Greater Boston professionals. Swett Foundation, 2/28/2021 This small, family foundation offers grants of up to $50,000 for efforts that have a pivotal impact on people’s lives. Populations of interest include disadvantaged youth, orphans or foster children, and people experiencing homelessness. Unitarian Universalist Funding Program, 3/15/2021 Fund for a Just Society grants (up to $15,000) support non-Unitarian Universalist groups engaged in community organizing to bring about systemic change. AARP Purpose Prize, 3/31/2021 Eligible applicants should be the founder of a nonprofit organization. Five winners will receive $50,000 each + a year of technical support; ten Purpose Prize Fellows will receive $10,000 for their nonprofit organizations in addition to technical support.   Economic Mobility LISC Boston, Open The Massachusetts Equitable PPP Access Initiative is a coalition formed to provide timely and equitable access to forgivable federal loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration under the Paycheck Protect Program for underbanked businesses and historically disadvantaged and underserved demographic groups. Register for an info session.  New Voice Foundation, 2/28/2021 Grants of $10,000 will be awarded to five entrepreneurs to support and celebrate their unique journeys as Black-women owned businesses. Grantee companies will also receive complimentary business coaching and mentoring. Bank of America Charitable Foundation, Multiple Deadlines Funding categories: Economic Mobility/Individuals and Families (1/25 to 2/19/2021); Economic Mobility/Communities (5/31 to 6/25/2021)   Health + Youth Seed Money, 2/28/2021 Arnold/Brownberry/Oroweat Organic Spring Planting Grants ($5,000) for public food gardens. Autism Speaks, 3/5/2021 Norma and Malcolm Baker Recreation Program grants support summer camp programs, adult service programs, employment programs, physical fitness and sports programs, and swimming and water safety programs. Awards to be announced by 3/31/2021. Thrasher Research Fund, 3/16/2021 Early career grants of up to $25,000 support clinical, hypothesis-driven research that offers substantial promise for meaningful advances in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of children’s diseases. Whole Kids Foundation, 3/31/2021 Grants ($3,000) for edible gardens at K-12 schools. Disabled Veterans National Foundation, 3/31/2021 Capacity Building grants are awarded to organizations around the country that address the mental and physical recovery of veterans through supports such as service dogs, equine therapy, yoga, art therapy, and recreational therapy. Max award: $25,000.  The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation, 5/10/2021 Grants of up to $20,000 support programs for children & youth.  The Lenny Zakim Fund, Open General operating and program grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 The Resource Table Asking the Right Person for the Right Amount Courtesy of the Nonprofit Quarterly Worst Days to Hold a Fundraiser Courtesy of American Fundraising Foundation How to Host a Virtual Fundraising Event: A Step-by-Step Guide for Nonprofits Webinar: February 9, 2021 at 1pm Eastern Presented by MobileCause Federal Resources for Creative Community Development Webinar: February 9 at 4pm Eastern Courtesy of the Mel King Institute Building Resiliency in Digital Growth and Engagement Beginning 3/1/2021 at 2pm Eastern Free virtual 12-month program for nonprofits to amplify how using technology and social media to reach a wider audience. The BRIDGE program will show you how to future-proof your digital strategy and develop your fundraising skills. Courtesy of Candid and Lightful Additional Resources Can Be Found Here: blogs, research, reports, and more.