Grants for Nonprofits - Business and Commerce

This funding initiative provides financial support to regional partnerships of economic development organizations in Pennsylvania to enhance collaboration and deliver effective services that promote business growth and strengthen local economies.

The Greater New Orleans Foundation is inviting applications for the Exxon-Mobil Fund, an initiative designed to enhance the quality of life for residents in Algiers and St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana. This grant program aligns with the Foundation's broader mission to support communities through strategic funding, addressing local needs and fostering development. An advisory committee, comprising business and civic leaders, annually reviews grant requests, ensuring that funding is directed towards impactful projects within these designated areas. The primary beneficiaries of this fund are the people residing in Algiers and St. Bernard Parish. The program aims to achieve a positive impact by supporting various initiatives, including new and beneficial programs, capital improvements, and organizational sustainability. While priority is given to nonprofit organizations based in St. Bernard Parish or Algiers, those serving these areas are also given strong consideration, ensuring a wide reach for community benefit. The program's priorities and focus areas are diverse, encompassing grants that support new, creative, or beneficial programs, capital fund grants for new construction or major renovations, and seed money grants to help establish new organizations that address significant community opportunities. Additionally, bridge grants are available to sustain organizations facing financial hardship, demonstrating a commitment to both innovation and resilience within the nonprofit sector. Expected outcomes include improved community infrastructure, the launch of vital new services, and the continued operation of key organizations that serve the target populations. Measurable results will be determined through the annual review of grant requests by the advisory committee, which assesses the effectiveness and impact of funded projects. While grant sizes vary, typically not exceeding $10,000 for St. Bernard Parish and $4,000 for Algiers, larger grants may be considered in extraordinary circumstances, indicating a flexible approach to achieving significant positive change. The Foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its commitment to supporting a range of organizational needs, from inception to crisis intervention. This approach reflects a theory of change that posits by investing in diverse types of programs and organizations, the quality of life for residents in Algiers and St. Bernard Parish will significantly improve. The emphasis on local leadership through the advisory committee further strengthens this model, ensuring that funding decisions are informed by a deep understanding of community needs.

The Inspire Community Grant, offered by the Genesee Valley Council on the Arts, provides financial support ranging from $2,500 to $7,500 for arts and cultural projects in Livingston and Monroe Counties, New York, aimed at serving diverse populations and enhancing community vitality, with eligibility extended to non-profit organizations, government entities, Tribal Nations, and individual artists or groups working with a fiscal sponsor or community partner.

This funding opportunity supports organizations in North Carolina that create innovative programs to strengthen local entrepreneurial ecosystems and promote economic growth.

The Neighborhood STAR program, administered by the City of Saint Paul’s Department of Planning and Economic Development (PED), is a grant initiative established in 1993. It allocates revenue from the city’s half-cent sales tax to fund capital improvement projects that enhance the vitality of Saint Paul neighborhoods. This program offers reimbursement grants of $5,000 or more, aiming to strengthen the community through various physical improvements. The program's mission aligns with fostering neighborhood growth and economic development within Saint Paul. The target beneficiaries of the Neighborhood STAR program include public, private, non-profit, or for-profit entities located in or doing business within Saint Paul. Additionally, city departments, quasi-governmental entities, churches, and religious organizations can apply when in partnership with a neighborhood and/or community group, provided their projects are non-sectarian, open to the public, and for non-religious functions. The program specifically excludes political groups, federal/state/county agencies, and individual homeowners/condominium/townhome owners. The overarching impact goal is to strengthen the vitality of the city's neighborhoods through tangible capital improvements. The program prioritizes a diverse range of capital improvement activities. These include renovation, rehabilitation, and construction of commercial, residential, or industrial properties; fixed interior and exterior improvements such as walls, ceilings, floors, lighting, and HVAC; minor public improvements; and beautification of public or private open spaces with elements like trees, rain gardens, and play equipment with a life expectancy of 7+ years. Creative placemaking/placekeeping activities, including public art, are also encouraged, especially those that promote cultural diversity. Non-profit neighborhood organizations providing funding programs for local businesses and homeowners are also eligible. Expected outcomes of the Neighborhood STAR program include revitalized commercial, residential, and industrial properties, improved public and private spaces, enhanced community aesthetics, and increased accessibility. Measurable results could include the number of properties renovated, the square footage of improved public spaces, the installation of new public art or infrastructure, and the successful completion of projects within the anticipated September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2026 timeframe. Grant requests up to $50,000 do not require matching funds, simplifying access for smaller projects and further demonstrating the city's strategic priority to support neighborhood-level improvements directly.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and neighborhood associations in Marion County, Indiana, to create and maintain accessible public art, particularly in underserved areas, while promoting equity for diverse artists.

This summer, small farmers and ranchers have a grant opportunity through the Board of County Commissioners. The Board is funding a mini-grant to Alachua County-based farms and ranches that earn between $1,000 and $250,000 annually. Funding is for capital and equipment expenditures that will positively impact these operation’s income. The total grant request must not exceed $5,000. Only one application per farm or ranch is permitted. The total funding available for this mini-grant is approximately $100,000. To reduce inequity in marginalized communities, this grant will also prioritize small farms and ranches owned by black, women, indigenous, and persons-of-color. Applications must be in the County Manager’s Office by 5 PM June 28, 2024.​ Applicants will complete the application and submit it to Alachua County’s Office of Sustainability, Equity, and Economic Development Strategies. Applications may be submitted by email to SMAACA@alachuacounty.us​

The Town of Trumbull is allocating $100,000 in ARPA funding to support community-based organizations and nonprofits serving Trumbull residents. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating legally in Connecticut or community-based organizations with a fiscal sponsor. Funds are aimed at addressing the COVID-19 public health and economic response, focusing on public health impacts and economic harms to households, small businesses, nonprofits, impacted industries, and the public sector. Applications are due by July 31, 2024, with funding decisions announced by August 31, 2024. Program funds are not to replace other federal, state, or local ARPA assistance and must be used exclusively for projects, programs, and services within Trumbull. The maximum grant award is $20,000, and all funds must be expended by June 30, 2025. Indirect costs are limited to 15% of the total funding request. Funded organizations are required to submit mid-term and final reports detailing expenses and progress.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is soliciting proposals for the Northeast Forests and Rivers Fund (NEFRF), a program dedicated to restoring and sustaining healthy rivers, forests, and grasslands to provide habitat for diverse fish and wildlife populations. This initiative aligns with NFWF's broader mission to protect and restore native wildlife species and their habitats, leveraging public and private funding to achieve significant conservation outcomes. The NEFRF, formerly known as the New England Forests and Rivers Fund, represents a strategic investment in the ecological health of the Northeast region, fostering biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. The program's target beneficiaries include various fish and wildlife populations such as river herring, Atlantic salmon, brook trout, wood turtles, golden-winged warblers, New England cottontails, and bobolinks. Beyond wildlife, the program also aims to benefit agricultural producers, particularly those in Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories, by helping them design and implement conservation practices. The impact goals are centered on improving habitat quality and connectivity, enhancing forest conditions, and promoting hayfield management conducive to successful grassland bird breeding. NEFRF's priorities and focuses are outlined in NFWF’s Northeast Watersheds Business Plan (March 2023), specifically targeting strategies for Stream and Riparian Habitat, and Upland Forests and Grasslands. Key implementation strategies for 2024 include restoring stream and riparian habitats, improving forest management for age and structural diversity, and promoting hayfield management. A significant portion of funding, approximately $625,000, is set aside for projects that assist agricultural producers in adopting conservation practices beneficial to target species like northeast turtles and golden-winged warblers, while also increasing Farm Bill program participation. Additionally, the program encourages projects that involve community outreach, engagement, collaborative management, and the incorporation of traditional knowledge and community input. Expected outcomes and measurable results include improved habitat for specific fish and wildlife species, enhanced age and structural diversity in forest blocks, successful grassland bird breeding, and increased participation of agricultural producers in conservation programs. Projects are expected to contribute to measurable conservation benefits through community input, co-design processes, and engagement with community-level partners (e.g., municipalities, NGOs, community organizations, community leaders) to ensure project design, implementation, maintenance, and long-term sustainability post-grant award. The grant duration is three years, with projects expected to start no later than six months after the award date. The NFWF's strategic priorities for the NEFRF reflect a theory of change that posits by investing in targeted habitat restoration, improved land management, and community engagement, ecological health will be restored and sustained, benefiting both wildlife and human communities. Funding is provided by a consortium of partners including the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Zoetis Foundation, and Sylvamo, underscoring a collaborative approach to conservation. The program encourages a holistic view of conservation, integrating scientific best practices with local community needs and traditional knowledge to achieve robust and lasting environmental improvements across Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and parts of New York.

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) is offering the Food Security Processing Grant Program, established in 2022 with a $1 million appropriation from the Utah State Legislature. This program aims to increase the processing capacity of agricultural products produced within the state of Utah, aligning with UDAF's mission to promote food security and support the agricultural industry. The program has received additional funding in 2023 and 2024, demonstrating a continued strategic priority to strengthen Utah's food supply chain. The primary target beneficiaries are Utah-based processors with no more than 100 employees that either use at least 51% of Utah-grown/raised ingredients or sell at least 51% of their products to Utah consumers. Meat and poultry processors have specific eligibility criteria, including being state-inspected "equal-to" plants, licensed custom-exempt slaughter plants, or Talmadge-Aiken (TA) or very small federally inspected plants. The impact goal is to enhance the state's capacity for processing agricultural products, thereby contributing to local food security and economic development within the agricultural sector. The program prioritizes a broad range of processing enhancements, covering expenses such as processing equipment (e.g., smoking units, sausage stuffers), coolers/freezers, portion cutters, slaughter equipment (e.g., cradles, saws, scalders), electronic sorting equipment (for items like apples, cherries, or peaches), and bottling equipment for juices. Contractor costs for essential infrastructure like plumbing, draining, venting, and electrical work are also eligible. A significant focus is placed on meat and poultry processing, with 50% of the funds specifically set aside for this area. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number and capacity of agricultural processing facilities in Utah. Measurable results will be demonstrated through the completion of planned improvements and equipment purchases by grant recipients between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. Individual grant awards are capped at $200,000, with a portion of funds (up to $20,000) reserved for microgrants of $5,000 or less to support smaller-scale initiatives. The program's theory of change posits that by providing financial assistance for critical infrastructure and equipment, UDAF can directly stimulate growth in local processing capabilities, leading to a more resilient and self-sufficient food system for Utah residents.

Grants are available through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to support initiatives aimed at enhancing the livability and economic potential of communities in Maryland. The Community Safety Works grant opportunities are designed to make targeted investments in crime prevention that will contribute to improving community safety. Community Health and Safety Works ​​​​​Overview​ The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) administers Community Health and Safety Works grant opportunities to improve the livability and economic potential of Maryland communities through targeted investments in the physical environment that impact health and safety. Who Can Apply Eligible Applicants: 501c3 Nonprofits and Local Governments. Eligible Activities: Awards will be competitive in the four categories below. Applicants may apply only once in each category. Projects should be located in Baltimore City or within designated Sustainable Communities Areas​ elsewhere in the state. Community Placemaking: Collaborations that engage artists and designers to create lovable spaces for community use. Communities will be asked to engage artists and/or designers to facilitate community engagement and project design and implementation. Grants up to $100,000. Environmental Health and Justice: Collaborations to eliminate predatory and unhealthy practices such as illegal dumping, litter and traffic hazards and address urban heat islands and other conditions related to climate change. Grants up to $100,000. Crime and Violence Prevention and Intervention: Collaborations to remove illegal and dangerous activities from communities in one of two ways: Grants up to $100,000 for lighting and camera surveillance strategies and related community safety services. Grants up to $250,000 for place-based comprehensive outreach and case management services that directly connect at-risk individuals to safe, restorative pathways. Technical Assistance for CHSW Initiatives: Individual and teams of nonprofit providers that will provide project design and implementation support to the awardees of CHSW project funding. Nonprofit applicants must be Maryland-based and have a record of assistance to community-driven projects. Grants up to $100,000 for nonprofit providers to assist multiple CHSW projects. How to Apply The FY24 application is expected to open in January 2024. More Information Eric Borchers ​​Project Manager ​​Division of Neighborhood Revitalization ​​Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development ​​2 North Charles Street, Suite 450 ​​Baltimore, Maryland 21201 ​​E: dhcd.communitysafety@maryland.gov

This initiative supports local businesses and organizations dedicated to fostering economic growth in communities around Corning business locations. It focuses on empowering and supporting economic activities that align with Corning's values and objectives. Applications are reviewed continuously throughout the year to ensure timely support for impactful projects.

The Main Street Business Relocation Grant Program in Maryland, offered by the City of Laurel, aims to support the success and growth of businesses in the Main Street business area while creating local job opportunities. To be eligible, applicants must have a pre-application meeting with a representative from the Department of Economic and Community Development. Once deemed eligible, applicants can submit a completed application along with preliminary plans that adhere to design guidelines and code requirements. It's important to note that any improvements made prior to application approval and agreement execution are not eligible for reimbursement.

The "Ocean Exploration Fiscal Year 2025 Funding Opportunity" grant is aimed at funding projects that explore unknown or poorly understood areas of the ocean or maritime heritage, with a focus on advancing our understanding of the ocean, improving genetic libraries for deep-sea species, and enhancing the identification and documentation of significant maritime heritage resources.

This competition provides funding for individuals and organizations to develop innovative energy storage technologies that address unique challenges in underserved communities and extreme climates.

The Business Women’s Giving Circle (BWGC) of the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia awards grants to support innovative STEM opportunities for girls and young women in the region. Since 2014, the BWGC has awarded over $520,000 in grants, aligning with the Foundation's mission to foster positive community impact by supporting initiatives in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), Leadership, and Entrepreneurship. This grant program is a key part of the Foundation's strategic approach to investing in the future workforce and leadership within Northern Virginia. The target beneficiaries are girls and young women, from preschool through college-age, residing in Northern Virginia. Specifically, organizations providing services in Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties, as well as the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, and Manassas Park, are eligible. The impact goal is to create measurable positive changes in the lives of these girls and young women by providing them with exciting and enriching experiences in STEM, leadership, and entrepreneurship, thereby contributing to their educational and career development. The BWGC grant cycle prioritizes nonprofit organizations and schools that offer STEM programs with an emphasis on innovative components such as entrepreneurship, leadership, or mentorship. Funding is considered for both existing and new programs that directly support these areas. Applications for general organizational support, capital improvements, endowments, or scholarship awards are not considered, highlighting the program's focus on direct program delivery and innovation. Expected outcomes include increased participation and engagement of girls and young women in STEM fields, enhanced leadership skills, and the development of entrepreneurial mindsets. Measurable results are demonstrated by the impact on over 3,500 girls and young women since 2014. The Foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in innovative STEM, leadership, and entrepreneurship programs for girls and young women, they will empower the next generation of leaders and innovators, contributing to the economic vitality and social well-being of Northern Virginia.

The Douglas County Community Foundation in Kansas is inviting applications for its Livewell Community Wellness Grants, aimed at supporting organizations that promote healthy eating and physical activity, or offer programs to reduce lifestyle-related chronic diseases, with the proposal required to come from a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or government entity and benefit the residents of Douglas County.

This grant provides financial support to Illinois artists and non-profit organizations for various arts-related projects, programming, events, and professional development opportunities.

The City of Vallejo received American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to establish a grant program aimed at supporting local small businesses severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative directly aligns with the city's commitment to economic recovery and resilience, seeking to mitigate the negative financial repercussions experienced by its business community. The program's core mission is to provide crucial financial assistance, specifically targeting security improvements, thereby fostering a safer and more stable operating environment for eligible businesses within Vallejo. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are for-profit and non-profit brick-and-mortar businesses situated in Vallejo. To qualify, businesses must possess a valid Vallejo business license, employ 20 or fewer individuals, and provide receipts for purchases made between January 1, 2023, and September 24, 2024. The program's impact goals are focused on enhancing the physical security of these businesses, thereby reducing vulnerability to crime and creating a more secure commercial landscape. The program prioritizes funding for security improvements, with grants available up to $3,000 for items such as cameras, locks, and window enhancements. This focus addresses a critical need for small businesses that may lack the resources to invest in such protective measures independently. The expected outcomes include a tangible increase in the security infrastructure of participating businesses, leading to a safer environment for employees, customers, and business assets. Measurable results will be directly tied to the utilization of grant funds for approved security upgrades. Success will be determined by the number of businesses receiving grants, the types of security improvements implemented, and potentially, a reduction in reported incidents related to security vulnerabilities among grant recipients. The City of Vallejo's strategic priority through this program is to strengthen its local economy by supporting its small business sector, recognizing that a resilient business community is vital for overall city prosperity and recovery from the pandemic's economic downturn. The underlying theory of change is that by providing targeted financial aid for essential security enhancements, the city can empower small businesses to protect their assets, maintain operations, and contribute to the broader economic stability and revitalization of Vallejo.

This funding program provides financial support to local artists and nonprofit arts organizations in Los Angeles County to create engaging cultural arts projects that benefit the Burbank community.