Business and Commerce Grants

The Go Outside Fund, provided by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, aims to connect youth with outdoor, nature-based learning experiences. This grant program directly aligns with the foundation's mission by fostering an appreciation for natural resources and encouraging hands-on engagement with the environment among the younger generation in Wisconsin. The program's core objective is to facilitate access to outdoor activities for children, thereby promoting environmental literacy and a deeper connection to nature. The primary beneficiaries of this fund are pre-K through 12th-grade students in Wisconsin. Teachers and partner organizations can apply for funding to cover various costs that enable outdoor learning, such as field supplies, transportation, substitute teachers, or educator expenses. The impact goals are centered on increasing opportunities for children to learn in outdoor settings, fostering a sense of stewardship, and enriching their educational experiences through direct interaction with nature. The fund prioritizes grant applications that include a significant component of outdoor activity and directly engage children in outdoor, nature-based learning. While alignment with classroom learning and standards is encouraged, it is not a strict requirement, emphasizing the program's focus on experiential learning. Grants between $100 and $500 are available, supporting a wide range of smaller-scale, impactful projects that meet the eligibility criteria. Eligible applicants include public charities with approved 501(c)(3) status, governmental units, American Indian nations or tribal communities, and accredited schools, colleges, or universities. The program's theory of change posits that by removing financial barriers and supporting educators and organizations, more Wisconsin youth will have access to enriching outdoor experiences, leading to increased environmental awareness and appreciation. The expected outcome is a measurable increase in youth participation in nature-based learning, contributing to a more environmentally conscious and engaged generation. Projects must benefit Wisconsin students, and activities must take place six weeks or more after the application due date, ensuring planned and impactful engagement.

The Entertainment Business Interruption Fund (BIF), funded by the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and managed by the LA Small Business Development Center Network, aims to support small businesses in the entertainment industry within Los Angeles County. This program directly addresses the economic hardship faced by these businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2023 double Hollywood Strikes. The fund's mission aligns with supporting the economic vitality of a key industry in Los Angeles, ensuring the continuity and recovery of small businesses that form its backbone. The target beneficiaries are for-profit small businesses in Los Angeles County's entertainment industry with $3 million or less in annual gross revenue. These businesses must have experienced at least a 70% loss of revenue due to the COVID-19 Pandemic (March 1, 2020, to present) and the 2023 double Hollywood Strikes (May 1, 2023 – November 30, 2023). A significant impact goal is to mitigate financial losses and facilitate recovery for these businesses, enabling them to sustain operations and contribute to the local economy. The program prioritizes businesses that demonstrate substantial revenue loss directly attributable to the specified crises. It focuses on providing financial relief for critical operational expenses, including the purchase of new certified equipment, restocking liquidated inventory, lease/rent/mortgage payments, business debt accrued due to the crises, COVID-19 related costs, employee payroll, working capital, and outstanding business expenses. A key focus is ensuring that funds are used to directly address and alleviate the negative economic impacts suffered. Expected outcomes include the stabilization of small businesses in the entertainment sector, preventing further closures, and preserving jobs. Measurable results will include the number of businesses receiving grants, the total amount of funds disbursed, and the extent to which these businesses are able to maintain or increase their operations post-grant. The grant amounts, either $10,000 for businesses with revenue less than or equal to $999,999 or $25,000 for those with revenue between $1,000,000 and $3,000,000, are directly tied to revenue size, indicating a structured approach to proportional relief. The foundation's strategic priority, through the LA Small Business Development Center Network, is to foster economic resilience within the entertainment industry. The theory of change posits that by providing targeted financial assistance to small businesses severely impacted by external economic shocks, the program can prevent widespread business failures, preserve the industry's ecosystem, and contribute to the broader economic recovery of Los Angeles County. This direct intervention aims to bridge financial gaps and allow businesses to regain stability and growth.

Saint Paul – Ramsey County Public Health (SPRCPH) is offering grants to support activities, programs, and initiatives that address public health issues within the community. The core mission of this grant program is to improve community health, aligning with SPRCPH's broader commitment to public well-being. This initiative directly supports building capacity, planning, developing, implementing, or evaluating work that addresses the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) priorities. The target beneficiaries are organizations registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State or those working with a fiscal agent, who are actively engaged in addressing public health concerns in Minnesota counties. The impact goals are to significantly improve health outcomes by focusing on critical CHIP priority areas. These include Racial and Health Equity; Healthy Eating, Active Living, and Tobacco-Free Living; Access to Health Care Services; Mental Health and Well-being; and Violence Prevention. The grant program prioritizes activities within four key categories: Capacity Building, Planning and Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. Capacity Building examples include start-up costs, resources and supplies, and client or community relationship development. Planning and Development encompasses community outreach, program design, service launch, and training. Implementation focuses on programs, services, and activities related to identified CHIP priorities, while Evaluation involves designing evaluations, satisfaction surveys, and process and outcome evaluations. SPRCPH anticipates awarding up to eight grants, with each grant being up to $30,000, for a total of approximately $240,000. These grants are intended to support 12 months of activities. The expected outcomes include strengthening public health infrastructure, developing innovative programs, and directly addressing the identified CHIP priorities to create healthier communities. Measurable results will be determined through evaluation activities, assessing both the process ("How much did we do?") and the ultimate impact ("Is anyone better off?"). The strategic priorities and theory of change are centered on investing in community-led initiatives that directly tackle the root causes of health disparities and promote holistic well-being across Ramsey County.

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.

The Greenhouse Accelerator Program Juntos Crecemos Edition is a five-month, mentor-guided initiative designed to accelerate emerging Hispanic food and beverage innovations. This program, an extension of the initial Greenhouse Accelerator launched in 2018, is a collaborative effort with PepsiCo Juntos Crecemos, which is part of PepsiCo’s Pep+ transformation agenda. The overarching mission is to provide both short-term and long-term support to Hispanic small businesses, aligning with PepsiCo's broader strategic priorities of driving growth for Hispanic founders within the food and beverage industry in the U.S. and fostering a positive impact through its PepsiCo Positive Strategy. The primary target beneficiaries of this program are up to eight high-potential, emerging Hispanic-owned food and beverage consumer packaged goods small businesses operating in the United States, with net-revenues between $100,000 to $2,000,000 USD in their last financial year. The impact goals are centered on fostering the growth and scalability of these businesses. By providing grants, expert guidance, networking opportunities, and mentorship, the program aims to accelerate pathways for these businesses to launch, scale, and grow their breakthrough innovations, ultimately contributing to the economic empowerment of Hispanic founders. The program prioritizes businesses that demonstrate a clear go-to-market strategy, are post-prototype and ready for review with a multinational corporation, exhibit uniqueness in the market, and possess balanced gender and ethnic diversity. A strong emphasis is also placed on a clear and active social responsibility mission that aligns with PepsiCo’s Juntos Crecemos Strategy and the broader PepsiCo Positive Strategy. The selection committee will also look for scalable business models, indicating the program's focus on long-term sustainability and impact. Expected outcomes include a guaranteed $20,000 USD grant for each finalist, with the winner receiving an additional $100,000 USD, providing crucial financial support. Beyond monetary grants, participants are expected to benefit from expert guidance through learning modules across all aspects of business development, hands-on mentorship for refining business models and strategies, and enhanced impact. The program also offers invaluable access and exposure to the extensive PepsiCo network, industry experts, VCs, and investors, as well as the unlocking of potential collaboration opportunities with PepsiCo. These measurable results collectively aim to strengthen and expand Hispanic-owned businesses in the food and beverage sector.

The Alexandria Area Community Foundation (AACF) offers grants to support health and wellness within the Alexandria area, with a particular emphasis on addressing the health needs of individuals experiencing poverty. This initiative aligns directly with the AACF's mission to foster a healthier community by providing essential resources and support where it is most needed. The grants aim to create a tangible, positive impact on the well-being of residents, especially those who are vulnerable. The grant program targets residents within Douglas County, focusing on individuals who are underserved or experiencing poverty. The overarching impact goal is to improve overall health and wellness in the community. This includes providing health education to prevent disease, supporting food and nutrition education, and helping isolated individuals build social connections to combat the negative health effects of loneliness. The AACF prioritizes grant proposals that demonstrate innovative solutions to community challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities. They also favor projects that build or support collaborative efforts among various community partners, including other nonprofits, government entities, businesses, and citizen groups. Sustainable positive impact, the building of social capital across diverse community segments, and highly visible projects that inspire additional investment are also key focuses. Furthermore, projects that support diversity, equity, and inclusion are highly regarded. Expected outcomes include a reduction in preventable diseases through increased health education, improved nutritional health within the community, and enhanced social connections for isolated individuals. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the focus on health education, nutrition support, and social connection building implies a theory of change where targeted interventions lead to improved community health indicators and stronger social fabric. The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly centered on fostering a connected, healthy, and equitable community through collaborative and impactful initiatives.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is launching the Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). This program is designed to foster the development and growth of clean energy contractor businesses, directly aligning with the broader goals of the Energy Transition Act, also known as the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). The program's mission is rooted in strengthening Illinois's clean energy sector by empowering small and emerging businesses to participate more fully in the clean energy economy, which is a key strategic priority for the state in transitioning towards a more sustainable and equitable energy future. The target beneficiaries of the program are clean energy contractor businesses, particularly focusing on those who can benefit from enhanced capacity building. The program aims to help these businesses grow their operations and secure opportunities within the clean energy market. Key impact goals include increasing the number of certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and other relevant certified vendors, improving their ability to bid on state and private business opportunities, and connecting them with vital financial and programmatic support. The theory of change suggests that by providing targeted support to these contractors, the state can accelerate the adoption of clean energy and create a more inclusive and robust clean energy workforce. The program prioritizes several key areas to achieve its objectives. These include providing one-on-one business coaching tailored to participant needs, offering operational support grants for upfront project and pre-development costs (not exceeding $1,000,000 annually per grant), and delivering technical assistance and training. A significant focus is also placed on assisting businesses in developing comprehensive 5-year business strategies, facilitating connections to financial development assistance like zero-interest and low-interest loans from the Climate Bank, and integrating them into established programs such as the Illinois Power Agency’s Illinois Shines Program and Solar for All Programs. Expected outcomes and measurable results include participant contractors successfully applying for State and private business opportunities, achieving various certifications, and preparing competitive bids for Requests for Proposals. The program anticipates participants becoming listed in relevant directories and databases, actively connecting with and participating in state-sponsored clean energy initiatives, and accessing financial development assistance. Performance will be measured through metrics reviewed monthly during business coaching sessions, aimed at achieving specific growth goals. Ultimately, the program seeks to build the overall capacity of clean energy contractor businesses, contributing to job creation and economic development within the clean energy sector across Northern, Central, and Southern Illinois.

This program provides funding to not-for-profit organizations and tourism-related groups in Haywood County, North Carolina, to promote tourism through advertising, events, and market research that attract out-of-county visitors and enhance local quality of life.

This program provides financial assistance to small businesses in Phoenix that have experienced significant revenue loss due to nearby construction activities, helping cover essential operational costs.

The Infrastructure Grants, part of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program, aim to enhance the middle of the food supply chain through improved aggregation points, food processing infrastructure, and storage facilities. This grant supports projects that upgrade equipment, facilitate transition to licensed spaces, and expand storage capacities to boost local food production. Priority is given to projects that benefit underserved and veteran farmers, and socially disadvantaged individuals. Funding is prioritized for needs such as food hubs, cooperative developments, and increased cold storage, especially in urban areas.

Grant Opportunity: Environmental Sustainability Grant for NYC Restaurants Funding Source: The Greg Hill Foundation’s Restaurant Strong Fund in partnership with Grubhub Community Fund Grant Amount: Up to $5,000 per restaurant Application Period: April 26, 2024, to May 31, 2024 Overview: The Greg Hill Foundation’s Restaurant Strong Fund, in collaboration with Grubhub Community Fund, is pleased to announce $500,000 in grant opportunities to assist NYC-based restaurants in enhancing the environmental sustainability of their operations. This funding aims to support restaurants in updating kitchen equipment, particularly coal- and wood-burning ovens, to reduce carbon emissions and improve environmental impact. Eligibility Criteria: Open restaurant currently operating in New York City Recently updated (no earlier than January 1, 2024) or planning to update kitchen equipment to improve environmental sustainability Detailed plan outlining how the grant will be utilized to enhance environmental sustainability and reduce carbon emissions Application Process: Submit application form providing specific plans for the use of funding and how it will contribute to lowering emissions. Applications open from April 26, 2024, to May 31, 2024. Grant recipients will be awarded funding on a rolling basis. How to Apply: Interested restaurants can apply for the grant by completing the application form available on the Greg Hill Foundation’s Restaurant Strong Fund website. Contact Information: For inquiries or assistance, please contact [insert contact information]. Note: This grant opportunity aims to alleviate the financial burden for NYC restaurants as they make necessary operational updates to enhance environmental sustainability. Applicants are encouraged to submit comprehensive plans demonstrating the intended use of funds to lower carbon emissions and improve overall environmental impact.

Now in its 19th year, the Foundation continues its commitment to economically empowering those in need through grants to charitable organizations where P&G Alums are actively and meaningfully involved. The Foundation focuses on job skills development, vocational training, business-related education, and support for entrepreneurial ventures that are viable in local communities. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. and charitable equivalents outside the U.S. The deadline for applications is May 11, 2024. Projects or programs seeking funding must demonstrate alignment with the Foundation's mission and present clear metrics for measuring success in creating sustainable employment opportunities. Grant renewed every year.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that promote affordable housing, workforce development through education and training, or small business growth to enhance community well-being.

Albemarle County is offering the second round of Agribusiness Resiliency Grants to support direct-market agribusinesses impacted by the pandemic, including local farms, food businesses, orchards, wineries, and cideries. The program aims to mitigate the effects of higher operating costs and difficulties in accessing capital by providing financial aid. The grants can be used for new capital investments, sustainable agricultural practices, public health and safety enhancements, and compliance with regulations. The application period is from April 19 to May 10, 2024, and applicants must be in good standing with a County business license.

The Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) program provides funding to states to provide technical assistance to communities in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and to evaluate community performance in implementing NFIP floodplain management activities. Designation, duties and responsibilities of State Coordinating Agencies are found in 44 CFR 60.25. These regulations identify the states commitment to the minimum floodplain management criteria and to demonstrate the capability and responsibility to implement the program. In this way, CAP-SSSE helps to; ensure that the flood loss reduction goals of the NFIP are met, build state and community floodplain management expertise and capability, and leverage state knowledge and expertise in working with their communities.Applicants can submit applications for this funding opportunity through FEMA Grants Outcomes (GO). Access the system at https://go.fema.gov/

This funding initiative provides financial support to Texas-based public and private entities for semiconductor manufacturing and design projects that boost local economies and foster innovation in the industry.

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.

This program provides funding to Oklahoma local governments and state agencies to upgrade their indoor and outdoor lighting systems for improved energy efficiency and cost savings.

MDF is NICs Management Development for the Future series, a dynamic, agency exclusive, individual and organizational development experience, which primarily targets the middle management tier of a correctional organization. This established curriculum simultaneously engages all levels of agency leadership through internal action-based learning strategies at the individual, team and agency levels.This agency exclusive leadership development series is conducted over up to 12+ months and is provided to participants within selected partner agencies. The learning strategies used in this blended and hybrid delivery individual and organizational development series include three phases one in person 24 - hour (3 in-person days) and two fully virtual phases (seven, 3-hour virtual instructor led sessions with intersession activities between virtual sessions), each delivered approximately 4 - 5 months apart. Participants will prepare a dynamic leadership development plan, participate in individual developmental coaching, and during intercession periods between phases undertake action-based learning projects1 Campbell, Nancy M. Correctional Leadership Competencies for the 21stCentury: Executives and Senior-Level Leaders, July 2005, Retrieved from https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.nicic.gov/Library/020474.pdf2 Day, David V., John W. Fleenor, Leanna E. Atwater, Rachel E. Sturm, and Rob A. McKee. "Advances in Leader and Leadership Development: A Review of 25 Years of Research and Theory." The Leadership Quarterly 25, no. 1 (February 2014): 63-82.3 Zenger, Jack, and Joe Folkman. "Leadership Development 6.0: Connecting Leadership Development with Drivers of Business Results." Zenger Folkman, 2010. UT: Orem24AC07focused on the relevant issues in their agencies with the intention of applying skills and strategies learned in the program to build organizational capacity and manage organizational change between phases ones, two and three. The blended and hybrid MDF series simultaneously engages all levels of agency leadership through internal action-based learning strategies at the individual, team and agency levels.Pre-session activities prior to each phase include participants completing several online instruments, reading assignments and other required activities. This program is grounded in the evidence based Full Range Leadership Model developed by Bass, B. M., and Avolio, B. J. An on-line 360-degree feedback instrument assesses the participants behavior against the model.A proposal responsive to this solicitation should provide substantiated documentation of: 1) respondent organizational capacity and project management expertise and experience to manage multiple, overlapping projects simultaneously; 2) a minimum of 10 years of experience managing national and regional training events in corrections settings; 3) 10 years of substantiated experience setting up, hosting, producing and facilitating blended (virtual instructor led platforms) and face to face training series; 4) 10 years of substantiated experience facilitating blended and face to face leader training with correctional agencies (jails, prisons, community corrections); 5) proposed faculty with 10 years minimum experience, credentials and qualifications to administer, interpret and facilitate the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire II, FIRO-B Interpretative Report for Organizations, Thomas-Kilman Conflict Mode Indicator and other instrumentation as needed based upon partner agency needs and their applications to corrections settings; 6) 10 years experience for proposed faculty to perform developmental leadership coaching; 7) 10 years experience facilitating experiential leadership training activities and tying them through content and leadership competencies to on the job leadership correctional applications; and 8) 10 years of experience working with executive and senior level leaders in correctional agencies on organizational development initiatives which advance agencies mission, vision and values.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and community colleges in rural Maryland to enhance agricultural education, economic development, and community planning initiatives.