Grants for Nonprofits - Business and Commerce

The Small Business Equity Fund (SBEF) grant program, launched by the Colorado Green Business Network (CGBN), provides funding to small businesses in disproportionately impacted communities, specifically Aurora and Commerce City, for energy efficiency upgrades. The program aims to support local small businesses, promote equity and resource efficiency, and enhance operational sustainability. Eligible projects can receive up to $10,000 per business for installations of LED lighting and other small energy upgrades, as well as upfront coverage of up to 70% of the cost for commercial refrigeration equipment replacements. Projects must be approved by the Colorado Green Business Network and are subject to a site visit for eligibility confirmation. Applications can be submitted online until August 1st, 2024, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Businesses must meet certain criteria such as being located in Aurora or Commerce City, operating for at least 2 years, paying utility bills, employing 50 or fewer employees, and being registered with the CO Secretary of State and IRS. To be eligible for additional energy-saving devices, businesses must sign up with Green Biz Tracker and become a Colorado Green Business Network support level member. Pictures of installed equipment must be provided. For further assistance or inquiries, applicants can contact the Colorado Green Business Network Specialists via email at cdphe.greenbusiness@state.co.us or phone at 720-968-0366.

The Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA), part of the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity, offers a range of financial programs to support the growth and expansion of businesses, not-for-profits, and economic development authorities within Virginia. These programs include direct loans to businesses and non-profits, credit enhancements for banks lending to these entities, bond financing for businesses and non-profits, and an equity incentive grant program to attract investments in small businesses. Over its 30+ year history, VSBFA has helped many Virginia businesses access the capital needed for expansion and job creation in the Commonwealth.

Grant Opportunity: BMO Cash Bonus for Opening Checking and Money Market Accounts BMO is offering a limited-time grant opportunity for organizations of all types across the USA. This grant provides cash bonuses for opening new checking and money market accounts. The grant is open from September 18, 2023, to December 8, 2023. For the checking account grant opportunity, there are three options available: Smart Advantage Checking, Smart Money Checking, and Relationship Checking. Each account offers a $400 cash bonus when you have a total of at least $4,000 in qualifying direct deposits within the first 120 days. The Relationship Checking account offers a higher cash bonus of $600 when you have a total of at least $7,500 in qualifying direct deposits within the first 120 days. Additionally, by opening a Relationship Plus Money Market account and maintaining a certain balance, you can earn up to an additional $3,500 cash bonus. To qualify for this bonus, you must deposit $25,000 or more of new money into the account within 30 days of opening. The cash bonus amount depends on the balance maintained between Day 31 and Day 120. Please note that eligibility requirements apply and accounts must be opened between September 18, 2023, and December 8, 2023. Offers can be changed or canceled without notice at any time.

The Baraga County Chamber is offering the Dynamo Young Business Grants, a program designed to attract new businesses and support young ventures within Baraga County, Michigan. This initiative aims to foster economic development by providing non-repayable grants to eligible businesses. While the program description does not explicitly detail the "foundation's strategic priorities" or "theory of change," it is clear that the underlying mission aligns with local economic growth and community betterment through business creation and support. The Chamber's role in this program suggests a strategic focus on empowering local entrepreneurship as a key driver for the region's prosperity. The primary beneficiaries of the Dynamo Young Business Grants are start-up businesses or those operating for less than twelve months, as well as businesses not yet opened but preparing to do so. The program targets both for-profit and non-profit entities. The impact goals are to create jobs, have a positive influence on the community, and provide in-demand products and services. By supporting these young businesses, the program seeks to invigorate the local economy and address community needs. The grant program prioritizes businesses that demonstrate the potential to generate employment and contribute positively to Baraga County. Key focuses for selection include the viability and sustainability of the business model, as assessed through a review of the business and marketing plan. Factors such as the demand for products/services, funding, the experience of owners, the number of potential employees, and the business location are all considered. Applicants are also encouraged to seek business planning assistance, indicating a focus on long-term success and strategic development. The expected outcomes of the Dynamo Young Business Grants include the successful launch and growth of new businesses in Baraga County, leading to job creation and an increase in available products and services that meet community demand. While specific measurable results are not explicitly stated as KPIs, the program implies success through the number of businesses supported, the jobs created, and the positive community impact. The funding cap of up to $5,000 per business further suggests a focus on providing initial crucial support to help these young enterprises establish a strong foundation, thereby contributing to the Chamber's broader objective of a thriving local economy.

This program provides funding to organizations that support innovative initiatives aimed at empowering under-served entrepreneurs in North Carolina, particularly those in rural areas, women, and minorities.

This grant provides funding for researchers and organizations to enhance understanding of solar radiation modification through integrated observations and modeling, addressing climate change challenges.

Description: The Illinois Grocery Initiative aims to establish new grocery stores in food deserts to increase access to fresh food in underserved areas. This grant, under the funding opportunity number FY24-2 and CSFA number 420-35-3295, anticipates awarding 8 grants with a total program funding of $14,000,000. Eligible projects must involve capital expenditures, as operational costs are not covered. Grants will range from $160,000 to $2,400,000, and applicants are required to meet cost-sharing requirements. The application window opens on 04/09/2024 and closes on 05/24/2024. Indirect costs are allowed but restricted to capital-only expenditures. There are mandatory and optional technical assistance sessions provided to assist applicants, with registration required through provided links.

This program provides funding to support projects that promote business retention, expansion, and attraction by marketing the state as an investment destination and highlighting regional assets.

This program provides financial support to small-scale, sustainable farms in metro Atlanta to improve their operations and enhance their contributions to the local food system.

This funding opportunity provides $54,000 to organizations that will create and manage educational programs promoting American English, business practices, and technology skills for youth and professionals in Mozambique.

The DeMayo Bright Futures Innovation Award, presented by The Fund for Williamstown, seeks to identify and honor innovative approaches that address community challenges and enhance life within Williamstown. This award is specifically designed to recognize organizations, institutions, businesses, or individuals who introduce new programs or methods that are not currently present in the community. The core mission of the Fund for Williamstown, as evidenced by this award, is to foster creativity and new solutions for local issues, aligning with a strategic priority to support community-driven progress and enhance local well-being through inventive means. The primary beneficiaries of this award are those who are actively passionate about solving community challenges in Williamstown, Massachusetts, through innovative practices. This includes a broad spectrum of entities such as organizations, institutions, businesses, and individuals. The overarching impact goal is to stimulate the creation and implementation of programs that demonstrate an exceptional degree of innovation and creativity, ultimately resulting in significant positive community impact. The award implicitly supports the development of non-traditional solutions that bring about tangible improvements in the quality of life within Williamstown. The award prioritizes and focuses on innovation and creativity in addressing community needs. It seeks out initiatives that represent new approaches to existing problems or introduce entirely new ways of enriching community life. The emphasis is on programs that currently do not exist in Williamstown, promoting the introduction of novel concepts rather than the continuation of established ones. The Fund for Williamstown's theory of change appears to be rooted in the belief that by recognizing and financially supporting innovative endeavors, they can catalyze positive change, empower local innovators, and foster a more vibrant and responsive community. The expected outcomes of the DeMayo Bright Futures Innovation Award include the identification and recognition of groundbreaking work within Williamstown, the provision of financial support ($1,000) to further these innovative initiatives, and ultimately, a measurable enhancement in community life and problem-solving capabilities. While specific metrics for "significant community impact" are not detailed, the award's focus on programs that address challenges and enhance life implies outcomes such as improved social cohesion, increased access to services, or the development of more sustainable community practices, all driven by the innovative work of the recipients.

Grant Opportunity: Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia, Inc. (TMMWV) Funding Organization: Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia, Inc. Contact Information: - Email: T4GCommunity@toyota.com Award Details: Toyota partners with nonprofit organizations in the U.S. to support programs in various areas, including education, inclusive mobility, community resilience, health and human services, arts and culture, and civic and community. The organization prefers to support program-based requests but may also consider fundraising activities where most of the proceeds go directly to the organization. Funding requests should benefit a large number of people, offer participation in local educational programs, have clear and measurable goals, establish means for evaluation and reporting, provide leadership and development programs, target youth, and include financial commitments from other funding organizations. Toyota does not fund organizations that discriminate or requests from individuals, political organizations, fraternal organizations, churches, labor organizations, non-charitable organizations, athletic organizations or sports teams, individual and/or private schools, or requests covering institutional expenses or deficits. The geographic scope includes specific counties in West Virginia, with limited consideration for statewide programs and additional counties where Toyota team members live. Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations that meet the geographic and funding missions of Toyota, as well as the general limitations mentioned above, are eligible to apply. Application Deadlines: - May 1st (Notification in July) - October 1st (Notification in February) Application Process: Interested organizations can apply for funding using Toyota's online tool. For resuming an application that was started earlier, applicants can email T4GCommunity@toyota.com. Apply for a Grant: [Link to Application] (https://www.cybergrants.com/pls/cybergrants/quiz.display_question?x_gm_id=7170&x_quiz_id=8520&x_order_by=1) Resume Application: [Link to Resume Application] (https://www.cybergrants.com/pls/cybergrants/ao_login.login?x_gm_id=7170&x_proposal_type_id=52178)

The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) is offering the Fiscal Year 2025 Public Art Building Communities (PABC) Grant Program. This program aims to support individual artists and organizations in the creation and installation of new permanent or temporary public art works. The core mission of the PABC grant is to connect artists and their artwork with communities, fostering cultural enrichment and engagement within the District of Columbia. CAH's strategic priorities for this grant align with encouraging high-quality public art, developing meaningful artist-community connections, and promoting diverse artistic expressions that resonate with DC residents. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are experienced individual artists, arts-related professionals (such as presenters, producers, and educators) residing in the District of Columbia, and eligible nonprofit organizations or Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) operating within DC. The impact goals are multifaceted, seeking to provide exposure and participation to the community in the public art-making process, further learning or discovery opportunities through public art installations, and ultimately contribute to the District of Columbia’s public art collection. The PABC grant program prioritizes the creation of original, high-quality public art works within the District of Columbia. A key focus is on supporting the creation of public art by DC resident artists, ensuring that local talent is nurtured and showcased. The program also emphasizes the promotion of robust and diverse artistic expressions that genuinely connect with and reflect the experiences of DC residents. For organizations, demonstrating a partnership with a visual artist to design, fabricate, and install the proposed artwork in a public space is a crucial requirement. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number of high-quality public art installations throughout the District of Columbia, stronger connections between artists and the communities they serve, and enhanced community participation in and appreciation for public art. Measurable results could involve tracking the number of grants awarded, the types and locations of art installations, the number of community members engaged, and the overall contribution to DC's public art collection. CAH's theory of change is that by investing in public art, they can enrich the cultural landscape, foster community engagement, and provide platforms for artistic expression and learning within the District.

This program provides financial and technical assistance to property and business owners in Downtown Orangeburg for improving the exteriors of their buildings, including signage and historic details.

Online Resources for Starting Businesses. Economic inclusion describes the efforts made to bring DBEs into the economic mainstream. For the purposes of BERO, DBE refers to businesses owned by women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities; as well as those in areas of chronic high unemployment and low income. BERO was legislatively established within the Department of Economic and Community Development in 1977 by Title 4, Chapter 26 as the office of business enterprise. Serves as a voice for and advocate of economic inclusion; Analyzes, disseminates, and promotes best practices and access to capital to service providers; and Reports on the status of DBEs statewide (disadvantaged businesses).

SF Shines Design Services Grant Program, offered by the Invest In Neighborhoods division of the Office of Economic and Workforce Department in California, provides grants, design services, and project management for property improvements to help small businesses thrive and create vibrant and safe neighborhood commercial corridors. The program aims to assist businesses in obtaining permit drawings for storefront improvements to ensure compliance, safety, and efficient business operations. Grantees will have access to a licensed architect to ensure that their projects comply with local, state, and federal laws and codes.

The Small Grant Initiative (SGI) by the Alachua County Commission aims to foster the development and growth of non-governmental, grassroots organizations and emerging small businesses within Alachua County. This program aligns with the commission's mission to support its residents, particularly those living at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. The initiative is designed to strengthen the capacity and infrastructure of these organizations, thereby enhancing their ability to serve the community effectively. The primary beneficiaries of the SGI are Alachua County residents who are economically disadvantaged. The program seeks to achieve significant impact by addressing critical community needs in areas such as safe, affordable housing, adequate food, quality healthcare, and quality childcare and education. By supporting organizations focused on these areas, the initiative intends to improve the overall quality of life and well-being for vulnerable populations within the county. The SGI prioritizes one-time capacity building or infrastructure improvements. This focus ensures that the funded projects create lasting changes that enhance the organizational effectiveness and service delivery of the grant recipients. The program is specifically interested in proposals that demonstrate a clear strategy for addressing one or more of the identified priority areas, with a maximum award limit of $15,000 for individual proposals. Expected outcomes include strengthened local organizations, improved access to essential services for low-income residents, and tangible advancements in housing, food security, healthcare, and education within Alachua County. Measurable results could include an increase in the number of individuals served by recipient organizations, improved quality or accessibility of services, and the successful completion of capacity-building projects or infrastructure upgrades. The grant period, running from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025, provides a clear timeframe for the implementation and evaluation of these projects.

This grant provides financial support to Vermont-based nonprofits focused on youth development, economic independence for working adults, senior care, and community enhancement initiatives.

The Northeast SARE Professional Development Grant program aims to advance sustainable agriculture practices by enhancing the knowledge, awareness, skills, and attitudes of agricultural and other service providers. This directly aligns with the foundation's mission to support sustainable agriculture through education and professional development. The grant focuses on empowering professionals who work with farmers, enabling them to teach, advise, or assist in the adoption of sustainable methods. The program seeks to create a ripple effect, where trained service providers then apply their learned expertise to help farmers improve their agricultural practices, fostering a more sustainable food system within the Northeast region. The primary beneficiaries of this program are agricultural service providers, including those in non-profit organizations, colleges, universities, Cooperative Extension, and other entities that serve the farming community. Additionally, the program extends its reach to other service providers such as real estate agents, bankers, and attorneys, who can indirectly influence farmers. The overarching impact goal is to cultivate a more resilient and sustainable agricultural landscape in the Northeast by equipping these professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge. Expected outcomes include increased adoption of sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices by farmers, improved ecological and economic resilience to climate change, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The program prioritizes a wide array of topics, encompassing marketing and business, crop production, raising livestock, aquaculture, social sustainability, urban and Indigenous agriculture, and traditional ecological knowledge. A significant focus is placed on climate-smart agriculture practices, which are intended to improve ecological, social, and economic resilience to climate change. This includes practices such as reduced and no-till farming, cover cropping, prescribed grazing, ruminant feed management, manure management, fertilizer management, and on-farm energy efficiency. The program's strategic priorities are clearly aligned with addressing contemporary agricultural challenges through education and practical application. Northeast SARE actively encourages projects from, or in collaboration with, women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Furthermore, it encourages proposals from Minority Serving Institutions and other organizations in the Northeast that work with historically underserved communities, demonstrating a commitment to equity and inclusivity in agricultural development. The theory of change behind these priorities is that by supporting a diverse range of voices and institutions, the program can foster more innovative and equitable solutions for sustainable agriculture, leading to broader and more effective adoption of sustainable practices across the region. The expected measurable results include an increase in the number of service providers trained in sustainable agriculture, a documented increase in farmers adopting climate-smart practices, and the successful implementation of projects that demonstrate improved ecological, social, and economic resilience. Awards typically range from $30,000 to $150,000, with project lengths usually spanning 2 to 3 years, and a maximum allowed duration of 3.5 years. The program's geographical focus is exclusively on the Northeast region, which includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C., ensuring targeted and localized impact within this specific area.

The "FY25 Ocean Acidification Coastal Research: Uniting Investigations and Shipboard Experiments (OA CRUISE)" grant aims to fund projects that enhance coastal research on ocean acidification, particularly in relation to the upcoming East Coast Ocean Acidification Cruise (ECOA-4) in summer 2026, focusing on the impacts of ocean chemistry changes on marine ecosystems and coastal communities.