What are collaborative grant opportunities?
Navigating the complex landscape of grant funding can be a significant challenge for government agencies and non-profit organizations alike. Understanding how to secure funds, access the right opportunities, and utilize resources effectively can often feel like an overwhelming task. FORWARD, a trusted program administration partner, partners with government and nonprofit leaders to secure new funding opportunities, increase administrative capacity, and deliver more resources to individuals and families.
At FORWARD, we’re your Grant Success Partner dedicated to extending your reach, expanding your influence, and securing the funding you need to build a brighter future for your community.
Our collaborative model consists of four main pillars:
- Thought Partnership: We partner with you to strategically develop customized solutions to secure and implement grant funding.
- Regional Partnerships: We provide strategic grant writing capacity to help you win. Our team of expert grant writers have collectively won over $100M in government funding.
- Grant Writing: Once you acquire new funding, our team provides end-to-end program administration services to deliver resources and meet funding requirements equitably.
- Program Administration: We foster partnerships between local and state government and community-based organizations to amplify the impact.
Collaborative Grant Opportunities
Our team is here to help you secure new funding opportunities and accelerate service delivery for your community.
Scroll down to explore this quarter’s collaborative grant opportunities:
Economic Development Funding
Deadline: There are no submission deadlines. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the publication of a new PWEAA NOFO.
Funding Amount: $100,000 – $30 million
Funding Source: U.S. Economic Development Administration
Summary: The Economic Development Administration (EDA) is offering funding opportunities to support innovative and competitive economic development in distressed communities across the United States. EDA’s mission is to foster regional economic ecosystems that enhance economic growth and global competitiveness. Through strategic investments and partnerships, EDA aims to create pathways for prosperity. These funding opportunities are aimed at leveraging existing regional assets and contributing to the economic revitalization of distressed areas, including those affected by shifts in the coal industry and nuclear power plant closures. This presents a chance to be part of transformative economic development and make a meaningful impact on communities in need.
Eligibility: Public or private non-profit organization or association acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a State.
Urban Greening Program
Deadline: November 20th, 2023
Funding Amount: No maximum or minimum grant amounts.
Funding Source: State of California
Summary: Eligible urban greening projects aim to reduce GHG emissions, combat extreme heat, and yield various additional advantages, such as lowered air and water pollution and decreased resource and energy consumption. These projects involve transforming existing built environments into green spaces using natural and green infrastructure approaches to foster sustainable, thriving communities. This is a chance to be part of environmentally impactful initiatives that enhance community well-being and promote the responsible use of resources.
Eligibility: Grant Funds will be awarded to a city, county, special district, nonprofit organization, or an agency or entity formed pursuant to the Joint Exercise of Powers Act [Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 6500) of Division 7 of Title 1] if at least one of the parties to the joint powers agreement qualifies as an eligible applicant, notwithstanding the Joint Exercise of Powers Act. Nonprofit organization means any nonprofit corporation qualified to do business in California and qualified under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. California Native American tribal governments are eligible to apply if they have a nonprofit corporation as defined.
Disaster Supplemental Funding
Deadline: No submission deadlines
Funding Amount: $0 – $30,000,000
Funding Source: U.S. Economic Development Administration
Summary: Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) funds offer a versatile solution for a range of disaster recovery activities. This includes economic recovery initiatives, strategic planning grants, and public works construction assistance. EAA adapts to the dynamic needs of regions recovering from natural disasters, making it an invaluable resource for addressing pressing economic challenges. EDA’s support extends to a variety of projects aimed at fostering resilience and growth within affected communities. These funds can provide a unique opportunity to collaborate on projects that contribute to disaster recovery, economic stability, and community growth.
Eligibility: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification), City or township governments, County governments and Public and State controlled institutions of higher education.
Career Skills Training Program
Deadline: November 27, 2023
Funding Amount: 8 awards ranging from $800k to $1.071 million
Funding Source: Office of State and Community Energy Programs
Summary: DOE is currently accepting applications for the Career Skills Training program (CST). This initiative aims to provide grants to eligible entities, covering the Federal share of Career Skills Training Programs. These programs offer students a unique opportunity to simultaneously engage in classroom instruction and on-the-job training, all geared toward acquiring industry-related certifications for installing energy-efficient building technologies. Established under Section 40513 of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this program fosters collaboration between labor organizations and industry to attract, train, and employ workers. It also works to enhance existing programs for replication, contributing to the creation of a diverse, skilled, and credentialed workforce capable of effectively installing energy technologies in buildings. Interested partners can play a crucial role in advancing these objectives and driving workforce development in the energy sector.
Eligibility: Industry; public or private employer: employers in the service area who are committed to enhancing job quality, recruiting diverse and underserved populations for training and potential hiring, and actively engaging throughout the grant project. An industry/trade association, also known as an industry trade group, business association, sector association, or industry body, is an organization founded and funded by businesses that operate in a specific industry.
Labor Unions and Organizations, Labor-Management Partnerships, and Worker Centers and Organizations: Required partners include worker organizations, labor unions, labor-management organizations representing workers, or worker centers that target populations of workers in the energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies field. Outside of a union, this could include worker associations, coalitions, alliances, guilds, or another similar worker advocacy group that is not considered a formal union.
Outdoor Equity Grant Program
Deadline: December 14th, 2023
Funding Amount: Max $700,000
Funding Source: California Department of Parks and Recreation
Summary: The Outdoor Equity Grants Program (OEP) is a critical initiative designed to enhance the accessibility of outdoor experiences for residents in low-income urban and rural communities at California state parks and other public lands. OEP grants play a pivotal role in promoting the health and well-being of Californians by establishing connections between underserved communities and the state’s natural areas. This opportunity is especially well-suited for those interested in supporting at-risk youth and families, providing them with valuable multi-generational education, recreation, and leadership skill-building opportunities. By partnering in this endeavor, you contribute to fostering a more inclusive and equitable outdoor environment for all.
Eligibility: All Public Agencies (local, state, and federal government, school districts and educational agencies, joint powers authorities, open-space authorities, regional open-space districts, and other relevant public agencies), Non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status.
Unlocking Collaborative Grants
Are you interested in the collaborative grant opportunities listed in this blog, or do you have other funding opportunities that you would like support with?
FORWARD’s Collaborative Grants services offer a comprehensive approach to secure, manage, and deliver resources to communities efficiently. We prioritize thought partnership, regional collaborations, grant writing, and program administration, providing a customized solution that benefits both our government and nonprofit partners and the communities they serve.
With 80% of our team having worked in the public sector, we leverage our expertise to drive innovation and efficiency. Our team serves as your dedicated thought partner, crafting custom solutions that utilize human-centered technology to accelerate equity and access for your community.
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