Grants for Nonprofits - Business and Commerce

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Illinois-based organizations that assist small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs with essential services like business planning, financial analysis, and access to capital, particularly in underserved and rural areas.

The Food Recovery Grant, supported by BizRecycling, is designed to combat food waste and address food insecurity by funding programs that recover surplus, edible food from various businesses and organizations for distribution to those in need. This initiative aligns with a broader mission of environmental sustainability through waste reduction and social welfare by ensuring access to nutritious food. The program's foundation is built on the principle of resource optimization, transforming potential waste into a valuable community resource. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are people in need within Ramsey and Washington counties of Minnesota, who will receive recovered food. The grant also supports a wide array of eligible organizations including food producers, distributors, grocers, cafeterias, food shelves and banks, colleges with donation and food shelf programs, and farmers markets. The impact goals are two-fold: to significantly increase the amount of edible food recovered and redistributed, thereby reducing landfill waste, and to improve food access for vulnerable populations. The grant prioritizes both food recovery and donation, as well as education and engagement. Funds can be used for materials such as collection buckets, boxes, bags, and food mobility equipment, as well as storage and transportation costs. Limited staffing costs related to food recovery/gleaning work and infrastructure/equipment for these efforts are also supported. Additionally, the grant allows for staff recycling training, demonstrating a focus on comprehensive waste reduction strategies beyond just food. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the volume of food recovered and distributed, a reduction in food waste sent to landfills, and an expansion of the capacity of local organizations to engage in food recovery efforts. The grant awards, up to $20,000, are strategically deployed to foster sustainable food recovery ecosystems. By supporting operational costs and infrastructure, BizRecycling's strategic priority is to build resilient systems for food recovery that lead to tangible reductions in hunger and waste within the target counties, embodying a theory of change where targeted financial support leads to improved environmental and social outcomes.

The City of Lubbock’s Cultural Arts Grant Program, administered by Civic Lubbock, Inc., offers financial support to local cultural organizations. This program aims to fund projects that actively promote tourism and enhance the arts and humanities within Lubbock. Funding is sourced from the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT), collected from local hotels, motels, and bed and breakfast inns. The program’s mission is directly aligned with the legal stipulations governing the use of HOT revenues, which mandate that funds be utilized for expenditures that promote tourism and the arts. To be eligible for funding, projects must demonstrate a direct promotion of tourism and the convention and hotel industry, specifically aiming to attract tourists and hotel guests to Lubbock. Additionally, projects must involve the encouragement, promotion, improvement, and application of various art forms, including instrumental and vocal music, dance, drama, folk art, creative writing, and visual arts, among others. The target beneficiaries are 501(c)3 tax-exempt cultural organizations or government equivalents that have been actively pursuing their goals for at least one year. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly outlined: enhancing the arts, boosting tourism, and supporting organizations in good standing with both the City of Lubbock and Civic Lubbock, Inc. The expected outcomes include an increase in tourism, a richer cultural landscape in Lubbock, and the successful execution of diverse art-related projects. Measurable results would likely include increased hotel occupancy rates, visitor numbers, and the number and quality of cultural events offered to the public. The City of Lubbock's strategic priority, as reflected in this grant program, is to leverage its Hotel Occupancy Tax revenue to foster economic growth through tourism and cultural development. The underlying theory of change is that by investing in cultural arts, the city can create a more attractive destination for visitors, thereby stimulating the local economy and improving the quality of life for its residents. The 2024 Grant Cycle will support projects taking place between September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025. Certain restrictions apply, prohibiting the use of grant funds for accumulated debt, general operational expenses, fundraising, or capital improvements.

This grant provides funding for U.S.-based nonprofit organizations and educational institutions to create virtual exchange programs that connect young leaders in the U.S. with their peers in the Middle East and North Africa, promoting cross-cultural collaboration and democratic values.

This program provides matching funds to Utah-based organizations for out-of-state marketing initiatives that promote tourism and enhance the state's brand.

This funding program provides financial support to improve tourism attractions and events in Illinois, helping local economies thrive by increasing visitor engagement.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CT DOT) is offering the 2024 Active Transportation Microgrant Program to solicit projects aimed at improving active transportation. This grant program aligns with a mission to foster equitable, safe, accessible, and sustainable transportation options, thereby encouraging healthier and more environmentally friendly travel modes. The program's core objective is to make conditions safer for individuals of all ages to engage in walking, biking, and other active forms of transit, contributing to broader community well-being and environmental sustainability. The primary beneficiaries of this program include municipalities, schools, school districts, and nonprofit organizations, all of which are encouraged to apply. The impact goals are centered on enhancing access and conditions for active transportation users across Connecticut. This includes increasing safety for pedestrians and cyclists, promoting the use of non-motorized transport, and supporting educational initiatives that raise awareness about active transportation benefits and safety. The program prioritizes non-infrastructure projects, explicitly excluding design and construction costs. Eligible activities focus on improving access and conditions for active transportation users. This includes providing bicycle helmets, locks, lights, and maintenance training. It also covers the rental or purchase of bicycle fleets, including adaptive bicycles, League Cycling Instructor (LCI) training, and various programs and materials for pedestrian and bicycle safety education, such as safety vests. The emphasis is on practical, immediate interventions that directly support active transportation without requiring extensive infrastructural development. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in the adoption of active transportation methods, a reduction in accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists due to enhanced safety measures, and a rise in community participation in active transportation events and educational programs. The funding limits for individual microgrants range up to $5,000, with an overall grant size between $1,000 and $10,000, indicating a focus on numerous smaller-scale, impactful projects rather than a few large ones. This approach suggests a strategic priority to broadly distribute resources to foster active transportation at a grassroots level across various communities in Connecticut.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and government entities to improve budget transparency and public financial management practices in collaboration with governments and civil society.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Berkshire Taconic region to support capacity-building projects that enhance governance, diversity, and overall effectiveness in serving their communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to small professional theaters in New York State with limited budgets, helping them enhance their operations and compensate artists while promoting inclusivity in the arts.

This funding opportunity supports projects that foster cultural, educational, economic, and environmental collaboration between the United States and New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau, targeting a diverse range of applicants including individuals, non-profits, and educational institutions.

State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant is available for small businesses in Colorado to support their international expansion efforts. The grant provides funding of up to $10,000 per year for activities such as attending trade shows, holding international business meetings, researching new markets, updating marketing materials for new markets, and compliance testing. Administered by the Global Business Development (GBD) division, this program is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Community Grant of up to $5,000, thanks to a partnership between Pioneer Connect and The Foundation for Rural Service. ELIGIBLE CATEGORIES Business and Economic Development Community Development Education Telecommunications applications GRANT VALUE We are accepting grant requests from $250 to $5,000. Ten percent of the total grant award comes from Pioneer Connect, which will be your sponsor when applying. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS Grant proposals must be submitted using the format provided. Do not submit application in the form of a dissertation. Follow the outline as questions are asked. Not following the guidelines or incomplete proposals will not be considered. APPLICATION DEADLINE IS AUGUST 31, 2024 Awards are made at the end of the year, normally around Thanksgiving. To apply, submit your application materials below or email to marketing@pioneerconnect.net.

This grant provides funding to various organizations and entities in California to promote innovation and sustainability in the forest products industry, supporting projects that enhance wood utilization and address workforce gaps.

U.S. Mission China announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a Cleantech Business Case Competition to be held in East China (Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang or Anhui provinces). This program will seek and identify concrete ways to promote the business case for clean technology by holding a business plan competition for students to share innovative clean technology ideas. Participating students should be able to demonstrate business cases based on innovative ideas in clean technology and showcase ways to realize the development and deployment of those ideas.

This funding opportunity supports South Carolina organizations focused on anti-litter initiatives, encouraging collaboration and community involvement to reduce litter and promote environmental stewardship.

The Field Trip Experiences (FTE) grant program, supported by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH), aims to provide access to comprehensive arts and humanities field trip experiences for students in the District of Columbia. This program aligns with CAH's mission to advance student achievement through strategic planning and delivery of field trip experiences and associated programming. The grant also emphasizes creating authentic connections to curricular content across targeted grade levels and encouraging collaboration between arts and humanities organizations to build a "community of practice" and foster new relationships with public schools. The target beneficiaries of this grant are students and teachers in the District of Columbia. The program's impact goals include advancing student achievement in the arts and humanities, ensuring a strategic approach to field trip planning and delivery, and making strong connections to existing curricula. The grant prioritizes organizations that can provide engaging field trip experiences and professional development opportunities for educators, as well as pre/post-field trip workshops for students. Key focuses of the FTE grant include enhancing educational outcomes through arts and humanities, promoting collaboration among cultural organizations, and strengthening partnerships between these organizations and public schools. The program also highlights the importance of demonstrating measurable impact, ensuring that the field trip experiences and associated programming lead to tangible benefits for participating students and teachers. Expected outcomes of the FTE grant include increased student engagement in arts and humanities, improved student achievement, and enhanced professional development for educators. Measurable results are expected in areas such as student participation rates, teacher feedback on professional development, and demonstrated improvements in students' understanding of curricular content. The grant's duration is one year, with a period of performance from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. Funding information indicates support up to $50,000, with an overall grant size ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.

This program provides financial support to businesses, nonprofits, and public entities in Ohio for energy efficiency projects that reduce energy costs and emissions while creating or retaining jobs.

The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) is offering 2024 Families First Community Grants to eligible non-profit organizations in Tennessee. The program aims to engage these organizations to administer community-based services that meet the needs of low-income families, guiding them toward permanent economic security. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to improve economic security and well-being for low-income families and strategically utilize TANF funds. The four core purposes of TANF—providing assistance to needy families so children can be cared for in their own homes, reducing dependency on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage, preventing and reducing out-of-wedlock pregnancies, and encouraging two-parent families—form the bedrock of this grant program. The target beneficiaries are low-income families in Tennessee who face challenges related to education, health and well-being, economic stability, and safe, stable, and nurturing relationships. The impact goals are to place these families on a path to permanent economic security and to foster a more strategic use of TANF funds to achieve the outlined purposes. The program seeks to reduce dependency on government benefits, improve family well-being, and ultimately build the economic, social, and developmental capital of those served. The program prioritizes partnerships with non-profit organizations that demonstrate an understanding of the challenges faced by low-income families and have a proven track record. Key focuses for partnership include organizations that have implemented or developed effective, community-based programs; demonstrated strong leadership and coordination of cross-sector partnerships; and shown a proven track record for providing services that help low-income families achieve economic mobility. Furthermore, organizations must have identified diverse resources, secured cross-sector partnerships, and developed a family-led approach aligned with one or more TANF purposes. Expected outcomes include a long-term positive impact on the community, with a clear articulation of return on investment and cost-benefit analysis to sustain service delivery. The Department also seeks partners committed to co-creating solutions to significant social problems with other stakeholders and customers, and those leveraging other public resources through innovative initiatives. The strategic priorities revolve around fostering economic security, reducing dependency, and strengthening families through evidence-based and evidence-informed program models, all while promoting a collaborative, community-led approach.

The Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program is an initiative designed to propel small businesses towards both success and long-term sustainability. The core of the program is a structured, 12-week series of comprehensive workshops that guide participating entrepreneurs through the essential process of crafting new business and marketing plans. Upon the successful completion of this training component, businesses become eligible to apply for substantial $10,000 grants. This integrated approach of education and capital infusion aims to empower participants to expand their operational capacity and enhance overall business resilience. This program targets small businesses, aiming for significant positive impact within the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. The initiative is structured to fully support 25 businesses, who will participate in the workshops and automatically receive grant awards upon completion. An additional 10 businesses will be selected to participate in the workshop series only, with a potential for grant awards should extra funding become available. The primary impact goals, as stated by the program, are to provide access to essential support resources and ultimately drive the expansion of business capacity and the enhancement of resilience among the selected enterprises. Program selection and the distribution of grant awards are determined by a selection committee based on specific criteria that reflect the program’s community-focused priorities. The initiative places a strong focus on ensuring representation of businesses across all parts of the city, with specific priority given to enterprises located in low-to-moderate income areas. Furthermore, the selection process is designed to ensure a balanced representation of businesses across multiple economic sectors. Finally, key focuses include assessing the business's current readiness level and the potential positive impact that participation in the program is expected to generate. The program's implied theory of change is that by connecting small businesses with essential support resources and mandatory, comprehensive training, they will be positioned for accelerated growth. The expected outcomes are measurable: all participants will complete new, detailed business and marketing plans as a result of the 12-week workshops. For the grant recipients, the direct measurable result is the successful application of the $10,000 capital, which is intended to facilitate the expansion of business capacity and increase long-term operational resilience, ultimately leading to more successful and sustainable enterprises across the city.