Laura Jane Musser Fund

Grant for Rural Community Nonprofits and Local Governments

$25k

Amount

Cash

Oct 1, 2026

Deadline

3 weeks left

5 regions

Geography

Regional

Grant

Type

Foundation

Community Development & Housing
Rural Development
Arts, Culture & Humanities
Civic Engagement
Economic Empowerment

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About this grant

Supports collaborative, participatory projects in rural communities focused on civic improvement areas such as economic development, arts and humanities, public space improvements, and education. Grants are available for both planning and implementation phases of new community-based projects. Projects must demonstrate broad community involvement, matching support, and measurable outcomes within 18 months.

What you get

Planning grant up to $5,000 for consultant/staff time, meeting costs, mailings, and related expenses
Implementation grant up to $25,000 for community-based rural projects
Funding decisions announced by February 2027

How to apply

Online application (available September 1 – October 1, 2026)
Project summary, background, rural identity, and need descriptions
Goals, activities, and timeline narrative
Letters of support from at least two (but not more than four) community members/institutions
Letter of support from the most closely involved local government entity
Organizational budgets for previous and current year
Complete project budget with expense and revenue detail
Balance sheet, most recent 990, staff list, board of directors list, and IRS 501(c)(3) letter or local government endorsement letter

Eligibility

Must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (fiscal sponsors not eligible) or a local unit of government
Applicant community must have a population of 10,000 or less
Community must demonstrate rural characteristics
Programs must be located in Colorado, Hawaii, Minnesota, Wyoming, or eligible counties in North Carolina
Project must be a new program or project within its first three years
Must demonstrate matching financial and/or in-kind support from the local community
Must demonstrate significant volunteer participation
Project must be completable within 18 months or less

See the rest of this grant

Grant for Rural Community Nonprofits and Local Governments

About this grant

What you get

How to apply

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