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
FRANKLIN SOUTHAMPTON ECONOMIC · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

Commercial Rehabilitation Loan Program Overview: Revolving loan fund for restoration, renovation, rehabilitation, and preservation of commercial buildings within the City of Franklin. Administrator:…

PEOPLE'S SOLAR ENERGY FUND · May 15, 2026 · Semi-annual Foundation

Communities Building Solar Capacity (CBSC) Program Overview: An initiative that aims to advance environmental, economic, and community resilience while mobilizing communities of color toward solar…

AIA ARIZONA The American Institute of Architects · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

Communities by Design (CxD) Overview: Communities by Design is a community-led design assistance program that provides pro-bono architectural support and expertise to communities addressing critical…

AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS COLLEGE · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

Communities by Design (CxD) Overview: A longstanding AIA program that joined the Architects Foundation in 2023. CxD provides design assistance and support to communities facing challenges and seeking…

Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Communities Caring for Canopy Grants Status: ACTIVE Funder: Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation Amount: US $5,000 - US $10,000 Last Updated: November 18, 2025 Summary The Communities…

Iowa Health and Human Services · Rolling / Open Foundation

Communities of Care Technical Assistance Provider Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: Iowa Health and Human Services Amount: Up to US $6,000,000 Last Updated: December 22, 2025 Summary The Communities of…

$100,000 (total allocation per community over two years)
NORTHWEST MINNESOTA FOUNDATION · Rolling / Open Foundation

Communities Thrive Program Geographic Scope: Northwest Minnesota region, with initial focus on selected communities (Warroad and Halstad selected in December 2018) Program Description: A "deep dive"…

JAMES GRAHAM BROWN FOUNDATION INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Overview _NOTE: If you have an idea for a grant request that you would like the foundation to consider, the first step is to submit a concept paper through our online portal. The concept paper should…

DOT Economic Dev Grants · July 15, 2026 State

State funds for towns with population less than 5,000 for the construction or reconstruction of major streets (such as Main Street, roads to elevators, schools, hospitals, etc.). Provides 80% of…

BLACK HILLS AREA COMMUNITY · Rolling / Open Foundation

Community Action Grant (Type 1) Status: ACTIVE Funder: Black Hills Area Community Foundation Amount: Up to US $50,000 Last Updated: April 01, 2026 Summary Overview Note: There are two categories of…

BLACK HILLS AREA COMMUNITY · Rolling / Open Foundation

Community Action Grant (Type 2) Status: ACTIVE Funder: Black Hills Area Community Foundation Amount: US $20,000 Last Updated: April 01, 2026 Summary The Community Action Grant by the Black Hills Area…

Silicon Valley Community Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Community Action Grants - Environment Status: ACTIVE Funder: Silicon Valley Community Foundation Last Updated: February 05, 2026 Summary The Community Action Grants - Environment program by the…

Silicon Valley Community Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Community Action Grants - Local Journalism Status: ACTIVE Funder: Silicon Valley Community Foundation Last Updated: February 05, 2026 Summary The Community Action Grants - Local Journalism program by…

Silicon Valley Community Foundation · Rolling / Open Foundation

Community Action Grants - Movement- and Power-Building Status: ACTIVE Funder: Silicon Valley Community Foundation Last Updated: February 05, 2026 Summary The Community Action Grants - Movement- and…

DOWNTOWN OKLAHOMA CITY INITIATIVES INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Community Action Micro-Grants Funder: Downtown Oklahoma City Initiatives (DOKC) in partnership with Urban Land Institute (ULI) Oklahoma Overview: Micro-grants program to fund individuals or…

National Education Association Staff Organization · Rolling / Open Foundation

Community Advocacy & Partnership Engagement (CAPE) Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: National Education Association Staff Organization Last Updated: November 20, 2025 Summary The NEA Community Advocacy &…

KEEP LOUISIANA BEAUTIFUL INC · Rolling / Open Foundation

Community Affiliate Grant Funder: Keep Louisiana Beautiful Inc. Geographic Scope: Louisiana - KLB affiliate organizations Program Description: A grant program specifically designed for Keep Louisiana…

Dependant on number of submissions received, application process, etc.
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy · Rolling / Open State

Community and Economic Enhancement Grant Program – Proposition 68 This non-competitive grant program focuses on increasing public access to the Delta through recreation and tourism opportunities,…

Alaska State Council on the Arts · June 1, 2026 State

Assist small nonprofit Alaskan organizations in developing art programs in underserved areas of the state and/or underserved disciplines. Multiple annual deadlines.

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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