Grants available for local governmentsCurrently open grant opportunities

Smarter Cities Challenge - IBM is seeking applications from local governments to provide technical assistance to analyze challenges facing municipalities. IBM teams work closely with local leaders and deliver recommendations on how to make the city smarter and more effective. Issues that can be addressed include sustainability, energy, transportation, economic development, education, jobs, public safety, health, and social services. The deadline for applications is September 7, 2012. More information: visit https://smartercitieschallenge.org/index.html.

Rural Business Opportunity Grants - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the availability of approximately $2.37 million to promote sustainable economic development in rural communities with exceptional needs. Grant funds can support community economic development, feasibility studies, leadership and entrepreneur training, rural business incubators, and long-term business strategic planning. The deadline for applications is August 6, 2012. More information: visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_RBOG.html.

Ongoing grant opportunities
CVS Caremark - the CVS Caremark Community Grants program awards funds to nonprofit organizations for programs targeting children with disabilities. The grant application process runs from January 1 through October 31. Qualifying organizations are eligible for grants of up to $5,000.  More information: visit www.cvscaremark.com/community/our-impact/community-grants.

Allstate Foundation - Funding programs at the national, regional, and local levels.

More information: visit www.allstate.com/foundation.aspx.


Grant writing resources
American Grant Writers' Association - find information on hiring a Certified Grant Writer.
Grant Writing USA provides grant writing and grant management workshops through the United States.

View a list of previous grant-funded projects within SEMCOG's AgileGov database.