Grants for Nonprofits - Business and Commerce

The Washington State Department of Commerce (Commerce) is offering grant funding through its Community Reinvestment Project (CRP) to support community healer services. This initiative aims to address violence and its systemic roots, particularly in Black, Latine, and tribal communities, which have been historically impacted by the "war on drugs" and systemic injustices. The program aligns with a mission to foster holistic, trauma-informed, person and community-centered, and culturally responsive services. It emphasizes flexibility and low-barrier innovation to serve those in need of restoration, accountability, and healing, thereby supporting personal and intergenerational healing, burnout prevention, and repairing harm caused by systemic racism, anti-Blackness, and colonialism. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are individuals and communities affected by violence, with a specific focus on Black, Latine, and tribal communities, including urban Indians. The impact goals are centered on violence intervention and prevention, promoting healing, and addressing the long-term consequences of historical injustices. By supporting community healer services, the program seeks to create safer, more resilient communities where individuals can experience restoration and healing from trauma. The program's priorities and focuses include addressing violence that has disproportionately affected Black, Latine, and tribal communities due to the design and enforcement of state and federal criminal laws for drug possession. It prioritizes organizations led by and for these communities, including federally recognized tribal governments, tribal-led 501(c)3s, tribal-led community-based organizations, small businesses, non-profits, faith-based organizations, and grassroots community-led organizations. Geographic priority counties are Clark, King, Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane, and Yakima in Washington State. Expected outcomes include providing culturally responsive services to people of all ages, identities, and abilities, fostering personal and intergenerational healing, and preventing burnout among community healers. Measurable results would likely focus on the reach and effectiveness of the violence intervention and prevention programs, the number of individuals served, and indicators of community restoration and healing. While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided information, the emphasis on accountability and healing suggests an outcomes-based approach. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are rooted in the belief that addressing the historical and ongoing impacts of systemic racism, anti-Blackness, and colonialism through community-led healing initiatives is crucial for violence prevention and community reinvestment. By empowering by-and-for organizations within impacted communities, the program aims to facilitate sustainable change and create environments conducive to healing and well-being. The tiered funding structure, ranging from $50,000 to $500,000, reflects a commitment to supporting organizations of varying sizes, from small-sized with annual budgets under $150,000 to large-sized with budgets over $1 million, ensuring broad access to funding for eligible entities. The project period is set to begin around August 15, 2024, and conclude on June 30, 2025, allowing for a concentrated effort within a one-year grant duration. Eligibility criteria underscore the commitment to community-led initiatives, requiring organizations to be a federally recognized tribal government, tribal-led 501(c)3, tribal-led community-based organization, or licensed to do business in Washington (with an exception for tribes). Additionally, eligible organizations must be registered with the Community Reinvestment Project as a by-and-for organization, ensuring that the healing services are deeply connected to and guided by the communities they serve.

Program Funds awarded under this NOFA shall be used to provide construction loans and/or permanent financing loans at simple interest rates of no higher than three percent per annum, for payment of predevelopment costs, acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation as well as to construct, convert, reconstruct, rehabilitate, and/or repair Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) or Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs). Eligible activitiesPursuant to Guidelines, Section 105, the LHTF funds shall be allocated in compliance with all of the following: 1. To provide construction loans and/or permanent financing loans at simple interest rates of no higher than three percent per annum, for payment of predevelopment costs, acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation associated with Affordable rental housing projects, Emergency Shelters, Transitional Housing, Permanent Supportive Housing, homebuyer/homeowner projects to purchase for-sale housing units or to rehabilitate an owner-occupied dwelling. Funds may also be used for the construction, conversion, repair, and rehabilitation of Accessory Dwelling Units or Junior Accessory Dwelling Units. 2. Administrative expenses may not exceed five percent of program Program Funds and Matching Funds.3. A minimum of 30 percent of program Program Funds and Matching Funds, after deducting administrative expense, shall be expended on assistance to Extremely Low-Income Households. To comply with this requirement, dwelling units or shelter beds must be Affordable to and restricted for Extremely Low-Income Households with household income of no more than 30 percent of Area Median Income (AMI). 4. No more than 20 percent of the program Program Funds and Matching Funds, after deducting administrative expense, shall be expended on assistance to Moderate-Income Households. To comply with this requirement, dwelling units must be Affordable to and restricted for Moderate-Income Households with household income of no more than 120 percent of AMI. 5. The remaining program Program Funds and Matching Funds shall be expended on assistance to Lower-Income Households. To comply with this requirement, dwelling units must be Affordable to and restricted for Lower-Income Households with household income of no more than 80 percent AMI. Funding Activity requirements LimitsPursuant to Guidelines, Section 103, the funding minimums, and maximums apply as detailed below:-The minimum application request by an Applicant that is an existing Existing Local Housing Trust Fund shall be $1 million. -The minimum application request by an Applicant that is a new New Local Housing Trust Fund, but which is not a Regional Housing Trust Fund, shall be $500,000.-The minimum application request by an Applicant that is a new New Local Housing Trust Fund, which is also a Regional Housing Trust Fund, and which is utilizing Permanent Local Housing Allocation Funds as Matching Funds, shall be $750,000. -The maximum application request for all Applicants shall be $5 million.

The 24 Squared Grant Program, funded by Square Financial Services and the Community Foundation of Utah, offers grants between $1,000 to $10,000 to Utah-based non-profit organizations engaged in community development activities such as affordable housing, small business development, reentry support, and financial wellness, with special awards for the highest scored organization, those with great potential, and those supporting local small businesses.

This program provides financial assistance to Maryland-based businesses, non-profits, and farms to enhance their energy efficiency beyond existing standards.

The City of Philomath's Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) Grant Program is designed to reinvest collected transient lodging taxes and other tourism-related funds into amenities and services that cater to tourists and support economic development within the City. The annual grant program provides support to organizations that align with the City’s established tourism objectives. While the program's explicit "foundation mission alignment" and "theory of change" are not detailed as separate entities, the grant program itself serves as a mechanism to achieve the city's strategic goals for tourism, acting as the operational arm of its economic development and tourism promotion strategy. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are verifiable non-profit organizations, service organizations, or businesses that contribute to the development and improvement of Philomath’s economy through the enhancement, expansion, and promotion of the tourism industry. Individuals are explicitly not eligible to receive funding. The overarching impact goal is to foster economic growth and improve tourism-related services and infrastructure within Philomath, ultimately benefiting both tourists and residents by enhancing the city's appeal and economic vitality. Current funding priorities dictate that 100% of the funds received through the City’s TLT and the County’s allocation to the City will be used to fund tourism promotion or tourism-related facilities. Out of these funds, 50% will be reallocated to the Tourism Grant Program, to be awarded to eligible organizations through an annual application process. The remaining 50% will be used for tourism-related projects identified in the Philomath Strategic Plan. Recipients of funding are also expected to incorporate practices of equity, inclusion, and diversity, as well as responsible stewardship of Philomath’s land, air, and waters, indicating a focus on sustainable and equitable tourism development. Expected outcomes and measurable results, while not quantified with specific metrics in the provided text, include the enhancement and expansion of the tourism industry, the promotion of Philomath as a tourist destination, and the development of tourism-related facilities. The program also aims to leverage private investment from hotels, motels, restaurants, retailers, private transport, and other tourism-related amenities and services, suggesting that a successful program will demonstrate an increase in private sector engagement and investment in tourism infrastructure. The periodic review of needs and update of priorities by the City Council indicates an adaptive strategic approach to achieve these outcomes.

The HOME-ARP Housing Plus Support Program provides funding for service providers to provide short term financial assistance and critical services to qualifying populations who are exiting homelessness as well as to prevent vulnerable qualifying populations from losing housing.; The HOME-ARP Program is a one time allocation awarded to states, units of local government, insular areas, and consortia of units of general local government that qualified for an allocation of HOME funds in Fiscal Year 2021. Funding is intented to address the need for homelessness assistance and supportive services specifically for qualifying populations defined as homeless, at risk of homelessness, fleeing, or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking and other vulnerable populations at risk of housing instability. HOME-ARP funding for this NOFA will provide grants to nonprofit and Native American Entities. The Department will award HOME-ARP funds to provide critical services to those experiencing homelessness, exiting homelessness and to prevent vulnerable populations from losing housing.

The Arts in Bloom Educator Grant, funded by the Union County Community Arts Council in North Carolina, offers less than $1000 to public and charter school teachers in Union County for the development of new, innovative arts education projects for students, with applications evaluated on creativity, artistic need, student engagement, cultural appreciation, and budget clarity.

This grant provides financial support to organizations in Jefferson County for new educational, agricultural, and community service projects that promote local initiatives.

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) is offering the Micro-Grant for Food Security Program (MGFSP) for its fourth consecutive year. This program, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the 2018 Farm Bill, has a total of $3,576,470 available. The grant aims to support small-scale gardening, herding, and livestock operations, aligning with a mission to enhance the quantity and quality of locally grown food, particularly in food-insecure communities. This initiative directly supports food security and local agricultural development within Hawaii. The MGFSP targets individuals, including backyard farmers, with a grant amount of $5,000 per applicant, and organizations registered to do business in Hawaii, such as Native Hawaiian groups, nonprofits, and federally funded educational facilities, with a grant amount of $10,000 per applicant. Individual applicants must be Hawaii residents, at least 18 years old, and heads of household, while previous MGFSP awardees are ineligible. Organizations receiving awards are required to provide matching funds of at least 10% of the grant amount, which cannot be derived from other federal sources. The program seeks to empower both individuals and organizations to contribute to local food production and security. The program's priorities and focus areas include small-scale gardening, herding, and livestock operations, and apiary. Funded activities for small-scale gardening can involve purchasing tools, equipment, soil, seeds, plants, canning equipment, refrigeration, composting equipment, and supplies for hydroponic and aeroponic farming. For small-scale herding and livestock operations, funds can be used for purchasing animals or buying, erecting, or repairing fencing. Apiary support includes bees, bee boxes, education, and expanding food markets. These diverse areas reflect a comprehensive approach to fostering local food systems. Expected outcomes of the MGFSP include an increase in the quantity and quality of locally grown food within food-insecure communities across Hawaii. Measurable results will be seen through the implementation of small-scale gardening, herding, and livestock operations, and apiary development. By providing financial support for essential resources and equipment, the program anticipates a direct positive impact on food self-sufficiency and the resilience of local food systems. The grant duration is four years, allowing for sustained development and the achievement of long-term goals.

The Mass Cultural Council's Festivals & Projects Grants program aims to foster a diverse and valued creative and cultural sector within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This grant initiative provides one-year grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, with a fixed amount of $2,500 for eligible activities, to support projects that offer public benefit through the arts, humanities, or sciences. The program's activities are scheduled to take place between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. The Council's broader mission aligns with advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion across the cultural sector, viewing it as essential to the Commonwealth's vitality. The target beneficiaries for this program include a broad spectrum of organizations and the general public of Massachusetts. Eligible applicants encompass Non-Profit Organizations, For-Profit Organizations (specifically Profit Corporations, Multiple-Member LLCs, Limited Partnerships, or Limited Liability Partnerships), Government Entities (federally recognized Tribal, State, or Municipal), and Unincorporated Organizations operating with a fiscal agent. The grants aim to impact communities by supporting festivals, projects, or activities that are free to the public, thus increasing accessibility to cultural experiences. Furthermore, there's a strong focus on empowering organizations led by and serving people of the global majority (BIPOC-centered organizations) and those operating in cities and towns with lower median household incomes and educational attainment, including Gateway Cities. Prioritization for funding is given to festivals, projects, or activities that significantly incorporate or are primarily focused on arts, humanities, or sciences, and those that align with the agency's values of public service and inclusion. Special consideration is given to applicants who have not received Mass Cultural Council funding in the last three fiscal years or are first-time applicants, as well as those participating in the Agency’s Card to Culture program. This approach reflects the Council's strategic priority to broaden its reach and support new and underserved cultural entities. The expected outcomes of the Festivals & Projects Grants program include a more equitable and diverse cultural landscape across Massachusetts, increased public engagement with arts, humanities, and sciences, and enhanced cultural opportunities in economically disadvantaged areas. Measurable results will likely include the number of new organizations funded, the proportion of funding directed to BIPOC-centered organizations and those in priority communities, and the accessibility of cultural events to the public (e.g., free events). The Mass Cultural Council's theory of change posits that by strategically investing in diverse cultural initiatives and organizations that advance equity, they can strengthen the overall creative economy and ensure that cultural experiences are accessible and reflective of all communities in the Commonwealth.

This funding opportunity supports Minnesota-based organizations and individuals conducting applied crop research to improve agricultural practices and outcomes for local farmers and rural communities.

A pioneer for women in business, Olga Loizon persevered through every obstacle to create one of metro Detroit’s most iconic restaurant concepts, Olga’s Kitchen. In honor of Olga Loizon and her legacy, TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants and Olga’s Kitchen have founded the Olga Loizon Memorial Foundation. The foundation focuses on entrepreneurial women who would be unable to attain the resources necessary to start a business or otherwise continue with their business development.

This grant provides funding to U.S.-based organizations to facilitate mentorship and training for international music industry professionals, enhancing their collaboration with American counterparts and promoting cultural exchange.

The Grassroots Arts Program, offered by The Arts Council of Wilmington & New Hanover, aims to support quality arts programs and the operation of arts organizations within New Hanover County, North Carolina. This initiative directly aligns with the mission of fostering a vibrant arts community by providing essential funding for both program and operating expenses. The program emphasizes accessibility and community engagement, ensuring that arts are available to a broad audience and contribute to the cultural enrichment of the region. The target beneficiaries of this grant include qualified arts organizations, community, civic, and municipal organizations, as well as educational institutions like colleges, universities, and libraries that conduct community-based arts programs. The impact goals are to strengthen existing arts infrastructure, promote arts learning and arts-in-education, and facilitate broader community involvement in the arts. By supporting these diverse entities, the program seeks to cultivate a thriving artistic landscape and enhance the quality of life for residents. Funding priorities include operating or programming support for arts organizations not already receiving state support, arts learning and arts-in-education programs conducted by qualified artists (such as artist residencies in schools or afterschool camps), and subgrants to community, civic, and municipal organizations for programs led by qualified artists. The program also has specific policies regarding tribal organizations, colleges, universities, and religious organizations, ensuring funds are used for community-based arts programs rather than internal or religious content. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number and quality of arts programs available to the community, enhanced arts education opportunities for various age groups, and strengthened operational capacity for local arts organizations. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of programs supported, the reach of those programs within the community, and the stability of recipient organizations. The grant awards, typically ranging from $500-$5000, are expected to support projects taking place between July 1, 2024, and June 15, 2025, further indicating a focus on immediate and tangible impact. The Arts Council of Wilmington & New Hanover's strategic priority is to invest in local arts and cultural initiatives that demonstrate community benefit and artistic merit. Their theory of change suggests that by providing direct financial support to qualified organizations and programs, they can stimulate artistic activity, encourage public participation, and ultimately contribute to the economic and social well-being of New Hanover County. The requirement for a dollar-for-dollar match also indicates a strategic approach to leverage community investment and ensure the sustainability of funded projects.

This funding opportunity supports developers in California who are creating affordable housing projects, providing guidance and financial assistance to promote sustainable and innovative solutions.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and tribal entities in Idaho to help businesses, particularly small and disadvantaged ones, navigate and succeed in government contracting with the Department of Defense and other agencies.

This grant provides funding to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations and academic institutions to promote American film and media through international cultural exchanges and professional development programs.

This grant provides financial support to small businesses and non-profits in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, to enhance their operations through professional development, paid internships, business improvements, and technology upgrades.

This program provides financial and technical support to community investment vehicles and worker cooperatives in Chicago, enabling them to develop commercial real estate projects that empower local residents and promote equitable economic growth.

The City of Oakland's 2025 Neighborhood Voices for Festivals Grant Program aims to amplify cultural expressions, stories, and heritage within Oakland's neighborhoods, particularly those that have historically lacked equitable investments and recognition. This grant supports in-person Oakland arts and cultural activities that are free and open to the public, focusing on one- or multi-day festivals rather than ongoing programming. The program seeks to foster community engagement and celebrate the unique identities within the city. The grant prioritizes festivals that uplift the cultural identity of a people or the historical significance of a neighborhood, specifically encouraging applications from racial/ethnic-specific communities or other under-recognized groups in Oakland. It also supports festivals in neighborhoods with limited formal cultural resources and seeks partnerships with organizations deeply embedded in their local communities. The program aims to increase visibility and support for these communities and their cultural practices. Target beneficiaries include Oakland-based nonprofit organizations with 501c3 status and their fiscal sponsors, who are in good standing with state agencies and comply with federal regulations. The festivals themselves benefit the broader Oakland public by offering free arts and cultural experiences. The impact goals are to provide equitable resources, recognize underrepresented cultures, and enhance community vibrancy through cultural celebrations. Expected outcomes include increased cultural expression, enhanced community pride, and greater access to arts and cultural events for all Oakland residents, especially in underserved areas. Measurable results could include the number of festivals supported, the diversity of communities reached, attendance figures for the festivals, and qualitative feedback on the cultural impact. The program's theory of change posits that by investing in neighborhood-led cultural festivals, the city can empower communities, promote cultural understanding, and foster a more inclusive and vibrant Oakland.