Community Development & Employment Grants

Community Development & Employment Grants provide funding for organizations and programs in this focus area. Sources include federal agencies, state programs, and private foundations. Use the listings below to find current opportunities, eligibility requirements, and deadlines — and apply directly to the funder when you find a fit.

3,314 grants
State/ Foundation
Updated daily
  Seed Grants: $500 to $1,000. Grow Grants: $1,000 to $4,000.
 Grassroots Fund · Rolling / Open State

OTHER – Seed Grants/Grow Grants   Seed Grants:  Provides seed money to grassroots organizers to launch new projects or start to significantly change the direction of an existing…

  Vermont Natural Resources Council · Rolling / Open State

OTHER – Small Grants for Smart Growth   Provides seed money for catalyzing community-based initiatives related to smart growth. Project might address activities such as advocacy for better land…

  Level 1 up to $3,000; Level 2 up to $7,500; and Level 3 up to $15,000
  National Association of Realtors · Rolling / Open State

OTHER – Smart Growth Grant   Supports advancement of programs, policies and initiatives aligned with one or more of the  10 Smart Growth Principles . Level 1 supports efforts to educate…

Sturgis Area Community Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Other Charitable Interest Funds Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Sturgis Area Community Foundation Last Updated: October 06, 2024 Summary The Sturgis Area Community Foundation (SACF) offers the Other…

Otter Tail Corporation Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Otter Tail Corporation Foundation Grant Program Status: ACTIVE Funder: Otter Tail Corporation Foundation Last Updated: July 24, 2025 Summary The Otter Tail Corporation Foundation Grant Program…

GREATER MILWAUKEE FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview West Central Initiative Mission Serving to improve west central Minnesota through funding, programs, and technical assistance. Vision A vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable world starts here…

OTTO BREMER TRUST · Rolling / Open Foundation

Otto Bremer Trust Strategic Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Otto Bremer Trust Last Updated: December 26, 2025 Summary The Otto Bremer Trust Strategic Grants focus on enhancing the quality of life in…

Up to US $10,000
McKean County Community Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Our Legacy Fund Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: McKean County Community Foundation Amount: Up to US $10,000 Last Updated: March 11, 2026 Summary The Our Legacy Fund Grants, offered by the McKean County…

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF NCW · Rolling / Open Foundation

Our Valley, Our Future Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Community Foundation of North Central Washington Amount: Up to US $3,000 Last Updated: November 26, 2024 Summary The Our Valley, Our Future Grant,…

WESTERN COLORADO COMMUNITY · Rolling / Open Foundation

Ouray County Community Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Western Colorado Community Foundation Last Updated: July 17, 2025 Summary The Ouray County Community Fund (OCCF) supports local nonprofits and…

OUTCALT FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview _NOTE: Please note that grant applications that were not requested by the Outcalt Foundation in response to a Letter of Inquiry will not be considered. Letters of Inquiry may be submitted at…

$10,000 per year ($30,000 over three years)
MAINE INITIATIVESINC · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Outdoor Equity Fund Program Type: Participatory grantmaking program (co-developed and administered by Maine Initiatives and Nature Based Education Consortium) Geographic Scope: Maine Focus Areas: -…

Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office · Rolling / Open Foundation

Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (WA) Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office Amount: US $300,000 - US $15,000,000 Last Updated: February 18, 2026…

GA DNR Grants · Rolling / Open State

Nationwide competitive grant program authorized under LWCF Act. Provides new or significantly improved recreation opportunities in disadvantaged urban communities (population 30,000+). Requires 1:1…

Division of Outdoor Recreation · May 15, 2026 State

Technical assistance service to help communities define outdoor recreation goals. Builds local capacity through planning assistance, stakeholder and community engagement, and plan of action…

CHESAPEAKE BAY TRUST · Rolling / Open Foundation

Outreach and Restoration Grant Program Status: ACTIVE Funder: Chesapeake Bay Trust Amount: Up to US $125,000 Last Updated: May 28, 2025 Summary The Outreach and Restoration Grant Program, a…

$60,000 per member community annually; $100,000 for regional projects
Norton Sound Economic · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Outside Entity Funding (OEF) Overview: NSEDC's Outside Entity Funding program provides grants to organizations and entities to improve quality of life and encourage economic development in member…

Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) · Rolling / Open Foundation

OWEB Operating Capacity Grants - Council Capacity Status: ACTIVE Funder: Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) Last Updated: January 26, 2026 Summary The OWEB Operating Capacity Grants support…

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of community development & employment grants are available?
Community Development & Employment Grants come from a mix of sources. Federal grants typically have the largest awards but more competition. State programs often pass through federal funding with state-specific priorities. Foundation grants tend to be smaller but more flexible, with funders looking for organizations whose mission aligns with their giving priorities.
Who is eligible for community development & employment grants?
Eligibility varies by funder. Most grants require 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, though some are open to schools, government agencies, businesses, or individuals. Each listing on this page links to the source application where you can find specific eligibility criteria, required documents, and how to apply.
How do I apply for community development & employment grants?
Start by reviewing the listings below for grants that match your organization's mission and stage. Click through to each grant's source page for full application details. Most funders require an organizational profile, project narrative, budget, and supporting documents. Apply early — competitive grants often close before their deadline.

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