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

The Phoenix Fund

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THE NEW WORLD FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

The Phoenix Fund Funder: New World Foundation Focus Area: Worker and community power, economic opportunity, labor rights Established: 1996 Program Description The Phoenix Fund is a philanthropic…

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The PNC Foundation supports a variety of nonprofit organizations with a special emphasis on those that work to achieve sustainability and touch a diverse population, in particular, those that support early childhood education and/or economic development.

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PNC Foundation · Rolling / Open State

The PNC Foundation supports a variety of nonprofit organizations with a special emphasis on those that work to achieve sustainability and touch a diverse population, in particular, those that support…

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The purpose of this program for local governments (population 100,000+) is to slow traffic and improve safety on city streets by providing technical assistance and funding to support the planning and implementation of demonstration projects that will employ proven safety countermeasures, tactical urbanism, and community engagement. This program will bring together ten-person teams from three cities across the country for a learning academy involving a series of three in-person workshops and six

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Smart Growth America · Rolling / Open State

The purpose of this program for local governments (population 100,000+) is to slow traffic and improve safety on city streets by providing technical assistance and funding to support the planning and…

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The purpose of this program is to ensure that there is a high-quality park within a ten-minute walk of every person, in every neighborhood, in every city across the country. To achieve this goal, this program will provide monetary awards and technical assistance to support the planning efforts of cities and mayors. Applicants must demonstrate a clear interest and commitment to the 10-Minute Walk Campaign, strong project management, and leadership support. Details regarding the 10-Minute Walk Cam

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National Recreation and Park Association · Rolling / Open State

The purpose of this program is to ensure that there is a high-quality park within a ten-minute walk of every person, in every neighborhood, in every city across the country. To achieve this goal,…

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The purpose of this program is to help develop and maintain vibrant and sustainable communities by meeting critical needs, revitalizing communities, or developing the future workforce. Projects must align with the strategic parameters of the program. The funding agency’s core areas include: The militaryEducationWorkforce developmentCommunity revitalizationHealth and human service-related issues and causesFunding may be provided in the form of an event sponsorship or fun

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Bell Helicopter · Rolling / Open State

The purpose of this program is to help develop and maintain vibrant and sustainable communities by meeting critical needs, revitalizing communities, or developing the future workforce. Projects must…

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The purpose of this program is to overhaul the country's outdated and crumbling infrastructure with a new approach that will foster healthier, sustainable, and just communities. Focusing on urban areas and their surrounding suburbs, this program seeks to support solutions that connect and improve infrastructure systems in ways that maximize positive impacts and minimize negative environmental, economic, and social consequences. Funding will support both project and general support awards.

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Surdna Foundation · Rolling / Open State

The purpose of this program is to overhaul the country's outdated and crumbling infrastructure with a new approach that will foster healthier, sustainable, and just communities. Focusing on urban…

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The purpose of this program is to provide access to sustainable credit and affordable housing with a focus on expanding affordable housing that is healthy and sustainable in support of underserved communities. The funding agency intends to illuminate affordable housing problems and attract creative solutions in order to generate new business and opportunities to increase access to healthy, affordable housing by conducting research to assess new opportunities; and by developing pilots and initiat

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Fannie Mae · Rolling / Open State

The purpose of this program is to provide access to sustainable credit and affordable housing with a focus on expanding affordable housing that is healthy and sustainable in support of underserved…

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The purpose of this program is to provide financial and technical assistance to improve the quality, safety, and accessibility of local football fields, and to redress the shortage of clean, safe, and accessible fields in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. Not only is the program intended to respond to the immediate shortage of play fields, but also to build the infrastructure, through partnerships and resident involvement, to help sustain open spaces for community use.

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Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and National Football League Foundation (NFL Foundation) · Rolling / Open State

The purpose of this program is to provide financial and technical assistance to improve the quality, safety, and accessibility of local football fields, and to redress the shortage of clean, safe,…

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The purpose of this program is to support organizations that create economic development initiatives that significantly include the voice of the poor and marginalized in creating community assets. This includes developing new businesses that offer good jobs with living wages, and/or developing assets such as affordable housing that may be owned and enjoyed by local communities.

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United States Conference of Catholic Bishops · Rolling / Open State

The purpose of this program is to support organizations that create economic development initiatives that significantly include the voice of the poor and marginalized in creating community assets.…

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The Racial Equity and Community Partnership Grant Program

US $25,000 - US $75,000
Northwestern University · Rolling / Open Foundation

The Racial Equity and Community Partnership Grant Program Status: ACTIVE Funder: Northwestern University Amount: US $25,000 - US $75,000 Last Updated: February 10, 2026 Summary The Racial Equity and…

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The Remain Fund Grant

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COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR NANTUCKET · Rolling / Open Foundation

The Remain Fund Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Community Foundation for Nantucket Last Updated: April 03, 2026 Summary The ReMain Nantucket Fund, established by the Community Foundation for Nantucket,…

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The RISE HIGH Growth Grant

US $15,000
NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIES INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

The RISE HIGH Growth Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Neighborhood Allies Amount: US $15,000 Last Updated: January 22, 2026 Summary The RISE HIGH Growth Grant, offered by Neighborhood Allies, supports…

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The San Juan Community Fund (SCCF) Grant

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WESTERN COLORADO COMMUNITY · Rolling / Open Foundation

The San Juan Community Fund (SCCF) Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Western Colorado Community Foundation Last Updated: August 02, 2025 Summary The San Juan Community Fund (SCCF) is a charitable…

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The Shelby Foundation Grant

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SHELBY OHIO COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF · Rolling / Open Foundation

The Shelby Foundation Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Shelby Ohio Community Foundation of Richland County Last Updated: February 05, 2026 Summary The Shelby Foundation Grant aims to enhance community…

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The Small Community Initiative Grant

Up to US $15,000
THE RESER FAMILY FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

The Small Community Initiative Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Reser Family Foundation Amount: Up to US $15,000 Last Updated: February 13, 2026 Summary The Small Community Initiative Grant provides…

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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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