Grants for Nonprofits - Business and Commerce

This initiative provides financial support to small businesses and community organizations impacted by the January 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles County, focusing on recovery and resilience for underserved enterprises.

The City of Salisbury in North Carolina is inviting eligible non-profit organizations to apply for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Service, offering $1,000 to $10,000 to support work benefiting low-moderate income individuals and families in Salisbury, with applications due by October 14, 2024.

The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority’s Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF) aims to provide financial assistance for major tourism capital projects. Its core mission is to increase patronage of lodging properties and further economic development within Buncombe County. The fund aligns with the broader goal of fostering sustainable growth and enhancing the region as a desirable destination. The target beneficiaries of the TPDF are non-profit organizations and government entities that develop major tourism capital projects. The impact goals are to create jobs, foster entrepreneurial opportunities, provide amenities for both residents and visitors, and ultimately increase overnight lodging stays in Buncombe County. Projects that directly increase lodging stays or support larger initiatives to do so are evaluated equally. The TPDF prioritizes capital investments, focusing on "brick and mortar" projects. Operational expenses are not considered for funding, though design fees already expended can count towards the required 1-to-1 funding match. Projects must be principally located in Buncombe County, demonstrate the ability to increase lodging patronage, and not solely benefit a single lodging owner or property. Applicants must also have legal control of the property and show how they will achieve a minimum 1-to-1 funding match. Expected outcomes include enhanced financial stability for requesting organizations, successful and sustainable project operations, and effective sales and marketing plans that draw visitation. The TPDF also seeks projects that differentiate the destination through brand alignment, uniqueness, and innovation, and those that promote the local creative sector. Measurable results are assessed by the ratio of overnight lodging generated to funding requested, and the project's ability to create new and incremental room nights, not just pull from existing visitors. Furthermore, the TPDF aligns with BCTDA’s strategic imperatives to deliver balanced recovery and sustainable growth by distributing visitors geographically and seasonally. Projects that encourage safe and responsible travel, and those that support engagement with and appeal to more diverse audiences, receive greater consideration. The overarching theory of change is that strategic capital investments in tourism infrastructure will lead to increased visitor numbers, economic benefits, and a more vibrant community, all while ensuring sustainable and equitable development.

The goal of the Façade Improvement Grant Program (FIGP) is to be a catalyst for improving the exterior of business-use properties that result in quality improvements and enhancements that benefit the business and the City. The improvements must enhance the appearance of the property and the environment in which the property is located. The FIGP has been established as a one-time program to provide grant funding for business owners and/or property owners of retail, commercial, industrial and office properties in the focus area to complete exterior improvements to business-use properties. The grant is not intended for new “ground up construction” but for improvement of existing large scale commercial buildings and the property around them. Funding Information The City anticipates awarding funds to 4-6 projects. Any awarded funding $100,000 and over will require a 10% match in private investment and a public hearing before the City Council. For example, if an applicant is awarded a grant for $150,000 in eligible improvements, the applicant is required to match $15,000 (10% of $150,000). In this example, a business or property owner can realize a total of $165,000 in improvements with a $15,000 investment. Private investment may exceed the matching grant portion of the project if, for example, interior improvements are included in the scope of work even though they are not eligible for the grant.  Purchase of the materials and services shall be funded in whole or in part by a grant from the U.S. Treasury and as such the recipient shall be required to abide by certain Federal provisions and requirements. The procurement regulations and guidelines require that all agreements with sub-recipients for projects using these funds adhere to all applicable requirements relating but not limited to non-discrimination, equal employment opportunity, training and business opportunity, and non-segregated facilities. Eligible Activities  The purpose of the FIGP is for significant and impactful façade improvements and renovations that includes improvements or renovations of existing buildings. For example, a cumulative number of eligible activities that may include a combination of several of the following: structural façade improvements, paint, awnings, signs, addition of architectural detail to façade, façade tile or stone accents, decorative entry walkway area, outside dining with decorative features, irrigated landscape/flower planters or pots, outside decorative lighting, and/or new windows. Eligible Applicants  Small Business – has no more than 500 employees or, if applicable, the size standard in number of employees established by the Administrator of the Small Business Administration for the industry in which the business concern or organization operates; and (2) Is a small business concern as defined in section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632). Non-profit – a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.  Impacted Industry – an industry or businesses within an “impacted” industry that experienced a negative economic impact during the pandemic including tourism, travel, and hospitality. If the industry is outside of travel, tourism or hospitality sectors, the industry is impacted if: 1) The industry experienced at least 8 percent employment loss from pre-pandemic levels, or 2) The industry is experiencing comparable or worse economic impacts as the tourism, travel and hospitality industries as of the date the ARPA Final Rule (published 12/6/2022).

This funding opportunity provides financial support for research projects that enhance understanding of climate variability in the eastern equatorial Pacific, targeting institutions, non-profits, and governments involved in climate science and modeling.

For community and economic development projects. Awarded to approximately 25 recipients at up to $500,000 each. The Appalachian Regional Commission (www.arc.gov) is a federal-state partnership that works with the people of Appalachia to create opportunities for self-sustaining economic development and improved quality of life. The commission is a unique alliance composed of the governors of the 13 Appalachian states and a presidential appointee representing the federal government. Governor Lee serves on the board; the Governor’s Alternate for Tennessee is Brooxie Carlton, and the Program Manager is Brooxie Carlton. Through ARC, Tennessee is able to award grants each year for economic and community development projects in the 52 counties in middle and east Tennessee served by the ARC.

The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office and Sustainability Commission are offering the Neighborhood Sustainability Grants (NSG) Program. This program aims to provide funding for innovative projects that improve community sustainability and promote healthy lifestyles through collaborative community partnerships. While specific foundation mission alignment, strategic priorities, or theory of change are not explicitly stated as coming from a "foundation," the program's goals directly align with the broader mission of urban sustainability and community well-being as typically pursued by municipal sustainability offices and commissions. The NSG Program targets a broad range of beneficiaries including individuals, groups of individuals, community groups, educational groups, nonprofit organizations, churches, and locally owned businesses. These applicants must be undertaking projects within the Flagstaff city limits. The impact goals are to enhance community sustainability, promote healthy lifestyles, meaningfully involve underserved communities, diverse groups, or vulnerable populations, build community partnerships, and facilitate volunteer engagement or management. The program prioritizes projects that align with at least one of its three core goals: involving underserved communities, building partnerships, or facilitating volunteer engagement. Additionally, projects must fall into one of the following categories: Building Energy, Climate Action, Food, Public Health, Resilience, Transportation, or Waste. These categories represent the key focuses for achieving Flagstaff's sustainability objectives. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of creative community projects that address sustainability challenges. Measurable results would be evidenced by the number of projects funded, the reach of those projects within the community, the level of community engagement and partnerships fostered, and tangible improvements in the designated sustainability categories. The program anticipates awarding a total of $75,000 in 2024, with individual grants capped at $7,500, indicating a focus on supporting multiple, smaller-scale community-led initiatives rather than a few large projects.

This program provides financial assistance to small businesses in San Mateo County that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, helping them cover operating expenses and recover from revenue losses.

The General Operating Support (GOS) Grants, offered by the Illinois Arts Council Agency (IACA), aim to bolster established not-for-profit organizations that deliver arts programming to their communities. This initiative directly aligns with the IACA's mission to support and strengthen the arts in Illinois. The grant provides financial assistance ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for activities occurring between November 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025. Eligible entities include registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations, branches of government, charitable trusts, institutions of higher education, religious organizations, and school affiliate organizations, all of whom must be in good standing with the state and meet specific operational and application criteria. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are not-for-profit arts organizations and, by extension, the diverse communities they serve across all counties in Illinois. The IACA's strategic priorities for this initiative are deeply rooted in equity and outreach. The program specifically focuses on under-resourced communities, including rural areas, high-poverty regions, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) groups, and individuals with disabilities. This targeted approach seeks to ensure that state support reaches a broader and more equitable demographic of Illinois communities. The initiative's core aims include analyzing the demographic distribution of past awards, engaging constituents for feedback on their needs and experiences, identifying areas for improvement in the IACA's funding approach regarding equity, and recommending actionable steps to achieve greater grant-making equity. These objectives are designed to build an evidence base that can be used to advocate for the resources necessary to expand state support to a wider array of Illinois communities. Expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around a more equitable distribution of arts funding and increased access to arts programming for under-resourced communities. The IACA anticipates that by addressing equity strengths and weaknesses and implementing recommended actions, they will successfully reach more diverse communities. Allowable expenses cover a wide range of operational costs, from artist fees and salaries to facilities, supplies, technology, marketing, and general administrative overhead, ensuring that organizations can effectively implement their programs and achieve their community impact goals.

The Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants (OVSJG) is offering crime victim services grant funding for FY 2025 in the District of Columbia. The primary purpose of this grant is to enhance and maintain a comprehensive network of trauma-informed services for victims of crime. This includes addressing issues of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault with a focus on victim safety and offender accountability. The grant also aims to improve the treatment of crime victims by providing necessary assistance and services to aid their restoration after a violent criminal act, and to support them through the criminal and civil justice processes. The funding period for these projects is from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. The target beneficiaries of this grant are victims of crime in the District of Columbia. The impact goals are to create a more comprehensive and coordinated network of services and referral systems, ensuring that victims receive trauma-informed care and support. The grant seeks to aid victims in their recovery and help them navigate the justice system effectively. The priorities and focuses of the grant include strengthening a coordinated network of services and referral systems for crime victims in the District. Specific funding sources supporting these efforts include Locally Appropriated Funds (LOCAL), the Stop Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program (VAWA), the Crime Victim Assistance Grant Program (VOCA), and the Sexual Assault Services Formula Grant Program (SASP). Expected outcomes include a more robust and accessible system of trauma-informed services for crime victims, leading to improved victim safety, increased offender accountability, and better support for victims' restoration and engagement with the justice system. The measurable results would likely involve metrics related to the number of victims served, types of services provided, improvements in victim well-being, and the effectiveness of coordinated referral systems, though specific metrics are not detailed in the provided information. Eligibility for this grant extends to any public or private, community-based non-profit agency, organization, or institution with an active System for Awards Management (SAM) registration and Unique Entity ID, along with a District business license, that provides services or goods within the district. For-profit organizations are eligible for local funding, provided they do not include profit in their grant application, and can also participate as subcontractors.

This funding opportunity provides $25,000 to eligible nonprofit organizations in North Carolina to support small businesses with grants of up to $5,000 for growth investments that enhance community vitality and economic resilience.

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture invites applications for the Underserved Farmers Mini Grant, funded through the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service Specialty Crop Block Grant Program and the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. The program enhances the competitiveness of specialty crops in New Jersey by supporting projects led by underserved farmers, including socially disadvantaged, beginning, and military veteran farmers. Grants of up to 5,000 dollars may support activities such as researching new cultivars, outreach to youth and communities on specialty crops, targeted marketing, personnel, purchase of special purpose equipment, educational workshops, planting specialty crops, and distribution of promotional materials. Projects must conform to USDA AMS guidelines and general terms and conditions. Eligible applicants include qualified businesses and producers, as well as nonprofit and community based organizations developing projects that increase the production, marketing, and research of specialty crops in New Jersey. The grant period runs from June 1, 2024 through September 29, 2025. Applications are due May 3, 2024. Additional information is available from the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.

The APEX Accelerator Program is a Department of Defense initiative designed to provide education, training, and assistance to businesses, particularly Native American-owned, to help them secure contracts with federal, state, and local governments, thereby strengthening the defense industrial base and promoting diversity and resilience in the supply chain.

This grant provides funding to support projects that enhance public spaces and engage the community in transforming Downtown Clearwater into a vibrant and creative destination.

This program provides training, mentorship, and funding for underserved agricultural entrepreneurs in the U.S. to help them develop and scale their businesses, ultimately benefiting their communities.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is offering Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants (AFIG) with approximately $5 million in funding. This program aims to support school districts, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and businesses in Pennsylvania in their transition to cleaner fuel transportation. The grant's mission aligns with environmental protection efforts by promoting the adoption of alternative fuels such as electricity, compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, propane, hydrogen, hythane, biodiesel, ethanol, methanol, and other advanced biofuels, ultimately working towards reducing emissions and improving air quality. The AFIG program targets a broad range of beneficiaries across Pennsylvania, including public and private entities. Specific eligible organizations include counties, townships, municipalities, municipal authorities, public school districts (including charter schools), 501(c)3 organizations providing services to vulnerable populations (seniors, low-income individuals and families, individuals with disabilities, veterans, or medical services), businesses registered as Small Diverse Businesses with the Commonwealth, and county/local government-supported or contracted organizations providing similar services. The program intends to impact environmental health and economic development by fostering a cleaner transportation infrastructure and supporting diverse businesses. The program prioritizes businesses headquartered or with principal operations in Pennsylvania, zero-emission vehicle projects, medium-duty and light-duty fleet refueling infrastructure projects, renewable natural gas vehicle and infrastructure projects, and projects located in or predominantly serving environmental justice areas. Additionally, minority-, veteran-, or woman-owned businesses are also prioritized. These priorities reflect a strategic approach to maximize environmental benefits, support local economies, and promote equity in the transition to alternative fuels. Expected outcomes of the AFIG program include a significant increase in the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles and associated refueling infrastructure across Pennsylvania. Measurable results will include the number of vehicles retrofitted or purchased to operate on alternative fuels, the installation of new fleet- or home-refueling equipment, and the advancement of research and development in alternative fuel technology. The program's strategic priorities and theory of change are centered on catalyzing a widespread shift towards cleaner transportation options, driven by financial incentives and targeted support for innovative projects and underserved communities, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and healthier Pennsylvania.

The Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) is pleased to announce the Thriving Entrepreneurs Grant Program, an open and responsive grantmaking opportunity designed to offer flexible funding to organizations. This program aligns with OCF's mission to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion by supporting Oregon's diverse regions and populations. The Foundation is committed to funding across all regions of Oregon, including remote, rural, suburban, and urban communities, and prioritizes investments that creatively address needs and position entrepreneurs to thrive. The Thriving Entrepreneurs Grant specifically targets entrepreneurs who are women, people of color, living in under-resourced rural communities, or working in under-resourced sectors such as consumer products. The program's impact goals include providing flexible funding and prioritized support to organizations serving these priority populations. OCF anticipates awarding $750,000 in 2024, with each grant lasting for one year (12 months), aiming to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem for these underserved groups. Key priorities for the Thriving Entrepreneurs Grant include addressing clear and compelling business community needs, with goals relevant to Oregon's entrepreneurs, including small and micro businesses. Proposals that demonstrate cultural expertise of staff and board when serving specific populations, show meaningful leadership or influence from people with lived experience, reflect realistic goals and solid planning, and demonstrate strong potential to build organizational stability, effectiveness, or capacity are highly valued. Strong community support, a clear communication of OCF's impact, and a realistic plan for securing remaining funds are also critical considerations. The OCF's strategic priorities and theory of change are reflected in its guiding principles: valuing Oregon’s diverse regions and populations, advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion through funding, and prioritizing investments that demonstrate strong community support, solid planning, and wise stewardship. Expected outcomes include positioning entrepreneurs to thrive in Oregon and fostering positive, substantive change. The Foundation prioritizes organizations that primarily serve one or more of the identified priority populations, are reasonably positioned for long-term organizational viability, support OCF in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion, and reflect a strengths-based orientation.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Vancouver for events and programs that promote cultural enrichment, tourism, and community engagement, aiming to attract visitors and enhance the local tourism economy.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for small-scale public diplomacy projects that strengthen the relationship between the United States and Gabon, targeting nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and individuals focused on entrepreneurship, English language development, and cultural preservation.

This funding opportunity is designed to support educational institutions and non-profit organizations in Texas that aim to create and enhance high school robotics teams, with a strong focus on inclusivity for students with disabilities.