As we look ahead to 2025, the Community Foundation is excited to share updates to our grantmaking programs, process and schedule. This year brings new opportunities, including refined grant programs, updated schedules, and tools designed to enhance equity, efficiency, and impact across our community.
Rising Together Grant Cycles
Mark your calendars for the 2025 Rising Together Grant Cycles:
- Connected Community: Application opens February 1; deadline is March 1.
- Everyone’s Economy: Application opens April 1; deadline is May 1.
- Lifelong Learning: Application opens June 1; deadline is July 1.
- Inspiring Places: Application opens August 1; deadline is September 1.
- Healthy Mind & Body: Application opens October 1; deadline is November 1.
Additionally, our Agile and Engage Grant Applications will reopen in March 2025.
What’s New with Agile and Engage Grants?
We’ve made important updates to better define these programs:
Agile Grants
- Provide up to $20,000 for innovative program-related expenses (not operational costs).
- Organizations receiving a Rising Together grant in 2025 may apply for an Agile Grant only if it’s for a new program.
- Organizations not receiving a Rising Together grant may apply for funding for either a new or existing program.
- Applications are accepted from March through October.
Engage Grants
- Provide up to $3,000 for first-time applicants only.
- Exclusively for organizations that have never received a grant from us before, for operational support or specific programs.
- Applications are accepted from March through October.
These grants are made possible by donors who have established funds to support specific interest areas in our community.
New Funding Decision Tool
Starting in 2025, we’re introducing a new matrix to guide how our funding is allocated. This tool is designed to:
- Ensure decisions are free from bias.
- Improve efficiency in resource allocation.
- Maximize the impact of grant funding across our community.
Important Note: This update will not affect the application process; it will only affect how funding allocation decisions are made.
Grants Q&A Workshops
To help you navigate these updates, we’re hosting three workshops in 2025:
- Wednesday, February 19: 10:00–10:45 AM (Virtual; for current grantees only).
Focus: New funding decision matrix and related updates. - Thursday, March 13: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM (Location to be announced).
Focus: Overview of all grant programs and application guidance. - Wednesday, August 13: 9:00–11:00 AM (Location to be announced).
Focus: Overview of all grant programs and application guidance.
Stay tuned for more details on how to join these sessions.
Looking Ahead to 2025
We’re confident these updates will make our grantmaking process more effective and impactful for the organizations and individuals we serve. Thank you for your partnership as we embark on another year of supporting our community together!