Business and Commerce Grants

This funding opportunity supports projects that promote recreation, tourism, and environmental education while preserving the Delta's cultural heritage, with a focus on benefiting disadvantaged communities.

The Farm and Food Growth Fund (FFGF) administers a portion of New York State’s Department of Agriculture and Markets USDA Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) grant program. This program, funded by the American Rescue Plan (ARP) of 2021, aims to enhance, grow, and improve the mid-channel of the food supply chain within New York State. The overarching mission alignment is to expand each state’s middle-chain capacity and infrastructure for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transporting, wholesaling, or distribution of targeted local and regional agricultural food products, excluding meat, poultry, cannabis, animal food and forage, fiber, and wild-caught seafood. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are New York State agricultural producers, processors, groups of producers and processors, nonprofit organizations, local government entities, tribal governments, and institutions such as schools, universities, or hospitals that bring producers together to establish cooperative or shared infrastructure or invest in equipment for middle-of-the-supply-chain activities. The impact goals are to increase the supply of New York-sourced food products available in New York and regional markets, benefit multiple producers and markets, and support the development of new value-added products. The program prioritizes infrastructure development to expand business capacity for processing, aggregation, storage, and distribution. Specific focuses include targeting infrastructure projects to the dairy, fruit and vegetable, and organic industries. Another key priority is to create greater market access to intermediaries like food hubs, aggregators, wholesalers, and distributors, with the goal of increasing local food sales to institutions such as schools, hospitals, and correctional facilities. Expected outcomes include expanded processing capacities, modernized equipment and facilities, increased packaging and labeling capabilities, enhanced worker safety, and greater storage space, including cold storage. The program also seeks to develop and install climate-smart equipment that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, increases water use efficiency, and improves air/water quality. Measurable results would involve an increase in New York-sourced food products in local markets, a greater number of businesses with expanded processing and distribution capacities, and an increase in local food sales to institutions, ultimately strengthening the resilience and efficiency of the state's food supply chain.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to innovative technology startups in Minnesota for research, development, and business expenses, helping them grow and succeed in their early years.

Ohio's Premier Manufacturing Pitch Competition, sponsored by MAGNET, is a grant program designed to foster manufacturing innovation and support startups in Ohio. The program aligns with a mission to advance the manufacturing sector by providing crucial resources, including financial awards and expert consulting services, to promising entrepreneurs. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between innovative ideas and market-ready products, thereby strengthening Ohio's industrial landscape. The primary beneficiaries of this program are Ohio-based entrepreneurs who possess a physical product, an innovative idea, or a manufacturing innovation. The competition specifically targets startups that are poised for growth and can benefit from strategic support to reach their next milestone. The impact goals include stimulating economic development within Ohio, creating new job opportunities, and enhancing the state's reputation as a hub for advanced manufacturing. The program prioritizes a multi-faceted approach to support, focusing on engineering design assistance, operational services, lean operations, and sales and marketing. A notable focus is the Innovation Award, sponsored by Huntington, which provides up to $10,000 specifically for diverse founders, underscoring a commitment to inclusive growth and equitable access to opportunities within the manufacturing sector. Additionally, the competition offers exposure to The Advanced Manufacturing Fund and visibility to a judging panel of local service providers and investors, providing invaluable networking and funding opportunities. Expected outcomes include the successful development and commercialization of new manufacturing innovations, leading to increased revenue for participating startups and a stronger, more diversified manufacturing base in Ohio. Measurable results include the total amount of prizes awarded, which exceeds $75,000, and the provision of MAGNET’s manufacturing consulting services tailored to the specific needs of the companies. The program also aims to foster a collaborative ecosystem where entrepreneurs receive guidance from MAGNET's team of manufacturing experts, contributing to a robust pipeline of talent and innovation.

This program provides $5,000 grants to BIPOC LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and small business owners in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area to support their business growth through funding, education, and networking opportunities.

The 2024 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards, presented by the Kansas Department of Commerce, is an annual program designed to recognize companies and individuals throughout Kansas for their significant positive impact on their communities and the state's economy. While the provided text doesn't explicitly detail the "foundation's mission alignment" or "strategic priorities and theory of change" in a traditional philanthropic sense, the program's very existence aligns with a governmental department's mission to foster economic growth, community development, and business excellence within the state. The "awards and prizes" grant type indicates a focus on acknowledging past achievements and incentivizing future contributions rather than funding new projects. The target beneficiaries of this program are a diverse group of companies and individuals across various sectors in Kansas. The impact goals are clearly to acknowledge and celebrate those making a positive difference, thereby indirectly encouraging continued innovation, community engagement, and economic contributions. The program aims to highlight success stories, which can serve to inspire other businesses and individuals, contributing to a more vibrant and prosperous Kansas. The program's priorities and focuses are outlined through its specific award categories. These include AgriBusiness for agricultural excellence; Apprenticeship Champions and Partners for entities excelling in registered apprenticeship programs; Business Innovation for companies incorporating innovative technologies; Healthcare/Nonprofit for noteworthy services; Manufacturing/Distribution for outstanding achievement in these sectors; Non-Traditional Talent Pools for companies hiring individuals with justice system involvement, youth, seniors, or individuals with disabilities; Retail/Service for exceptional performance; Under 30 Entrepreneurs for young business successes; and Welcome Back for entrepreneurs who have returned to Kansas. These categories demonstrate a broad interest in supporting a diverse and inclusive economic landscape. The expected outcomes and measurable results, while not explicitly quantified in the provided text, can be inferred from the nature of an awards program. Success would be measured by the number and quality of nominations, the recognition of deserving entities, and the positive publicity generated for the awardees and the state's business environment. The program implicitly aims to strengthen the Kansas economy by promoting excellence and showcasing successful models, which could lead to increased investment, job creation, and overall economic vitality.

The Storefront Improvement Program (SIP) is a discretionary reimbursement grant established by the City of Soldotna in 2012. Its primary goal is to revitalize commercial areas within Soldotna by stimulating private investment, fostering economic growth, and enhancing the overall visual appeal and vitality of the city's commercial districts. This program aligns with the City's long-range plan, Envision Soldotna 2030, specifically addressing goals such as promoting downtown development, encouraging redevelopment in key areas like the river and major highways, supporting diverse local businesses for a healthy economy, and improving the streetscape along major routes. The SIP targets property owners and business lessees within Soldotna’s commercial areas, with the aim of boosting traffic, increasing property values, and improving the city's aesthetic. The program prioritizes exterior improvements to business facades visible from the street, including elements like storefronts, windows, exterior lighting, canopies, awnings, painting, masonry work, permanent landscaping, decorative signs, and accessibility improvements. The emphasis is on transformative changes, and projects incorporating multiple elements receive greater weight during the competitive application process. Expected outcomes include a more vibrant and attractive commercial landscape, increased foot traffic for local businesses, and an uplift in property values. By sharing the cost of beautification, the program seeks to empower local business owners to invest in their properties, contributing to a more prosperous local economy. While routine upkeep, maintenance, or required updates (e.g., signage due to change in ownership) are not eligible, the program encourages proactive improvements that enhance the architectural character and functionality of commercial buildings. Measurable results could include an increase in the number of beautified storefronts, a rise in new business openings or expansions in commercial areas, and potentially an increase in sales tax revenue for the city. The program's theory of change posits that by directly incentivizing aesthetic and functional improvements to business exteriors, the city can create a more inviting environment that attracts both residents and visitors, thereby stimulating economic activity and supporting the long-term health of its commercial sectors. The competitive application process ensures that funding is directed towards high-impact projects that best align with the program's objectives.

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.

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The Initiative Foundation offers grants to nonprofits and local government units, focusing on program or capacity-building support, projects that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion, and strategies to address workforce shortages. This aligns with the Foundation's mission to serve its 14-county region in Minnesota and Native nations of the Leech Lake and Mille Lacs Bands of Ojibwe, by fostering community and economic development. The grants are intended to be strategic investments, not ongoing support, with individual grants seldom exceeding $7,500. The grants target 501(c)(3) nonprofits, school districts, or local government units serving specific counties and Native nations within the Initiative Foundation's geographic service area. The impact goals are to strengthen communities by addressing urgent needs, particularly in low-income communities, promote behavioral change towards diversity, equity, and inclusion, and develop community-based solutions for regional workforce shortages, leading to family-sustaining wages. The Foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrably contribute to these outcomes. Priority consideration is given to proposals focusing on capacity-building support for nonprofits, especially those addressing urgent needs or low-income communities, including business planning, fund development, training, or pilot programming. Other key focuses include cost-share for projects creating behavioral change related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and advancement of community-based strategies to tackle regional workforce shortages in sectors with family-sustaining wages. Support for early-stage feasibility or pilot projects by local and regional community and economic development entities is also a priority. Expected outcomes include strengthened organizational capacity for nonprofits, measurable progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and tangible reductions in regional workforce shortages. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on "behavioral change" and "community-based strategies" implies a desire for demonstrable and sustainable impact. The Foundation's strategic priorities are clearly laid out in the priority areas, indicating a theory of change that by investing in these key areas, they can foster stronger, more equitable, and economically resilient communities. Ineligible expenses include grants to individuals and businesses, expenses incurred before grant receipt, capital expenses, projects not directly benefiting residents in the service area, replacement of government funding, religious activities, lobbying, school curriculum development or athletic programs, and out-of-state travel. Healthcare, arts, and historic preservation are not focus areas for discretionary grants, and potential applicants in these areas are encouraged to consult with staff before applying.

This program provides matching funds to business and property owners in Downtown Cape Girardeau for improving the exterior of commercial buildings to enhance the area's historic character and attract more foot traffic.

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.

The Larimer County Behavioral Health Services (BHS) is offering its Impact Fund Grant Program to invest in and enrich community-based behavioral health services. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to address the behavioral health needs of Larimer County community members through strategic funding. The program is part of a 20-year sales tax initiative, demonstrating a long-term commitment to improving local behavioral health programming. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are residents of Larimer County, with a focus on those requiring behavioral health services. The impact goals are broad and aim to foster a healthier community through improved access, coordination, and early intervention in behavioral health. The program seeks to reduce stigma, increase public awareness, and ensure the provision of quality preventative care. The funding priorities of the Impact Fund Grant Program include Access & Affordability, Care Coordination & System Integration, Early Identification & Intervention, Stigma Reduction & Public Awareness, Quality Care, and Prevention. BHS funds organizations through two types of grants: Targeted Grants and Responsive Grants. Program/Project support grants typically range from $10,000 to $150,000, with requests up to $250,000 considered. The project period is up to 12 months. Expected outcomes include enhanced accessibility and affordability of behavioral health services, more streamlined care coordination, and earlier identification and intervention for those in need. The program also aims to achieve measurable results in stigma reduction and public awareness campaigns, leading to an increase in quality care and effective prevention strategies across Larimer County. The BHS does not provide general operating support but restricts funds to direct or indirect behavioral health services for Larimer County residents, limiting overhead costs to 20% of the budget, ensuring funds are primarily directed to services.

The Anchor Building Program, provided by the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority (ECGRA), offers funding to local governments, 501(c)3 non-profits, and municipal authorities. Its core mission is to strengthen communities, neighborhoods, and commercial districts by redeveloping, enhancing, and preserving underutilized or vacant buildings. These buildings are seen as catalysts for greater investment and commercial or social activity, aligning with ECGRA's broader goal of fostering community revitalization and economic development in Erie County, Pennsylvania. The program targets historically, culturally, architecturally, and/or socially significant buildings, often located in the heart of the community. The beneficiaries are the communities themselves, small businesses, and residents, through the creation of jobs and enhanced local tax bases. The impact goals are multifaceted: to adaptively re-use significant buildings, to leverage private investment, and to support small businesses. The program directly addresses the financial challenges often associated with re-using older buildings, such as high construction costs relative to modern codes, lack of financial resources, and low appraisal values. Key priorities and focuses of the Anchor Building Program include bridging the funding gap for older building re-use and encouraging the adaptive re-use of buildings with intrinsic historical, architectural, and/or cultural qualities. The program emphasizes the quality of original construction, location, and suitability for new uses, recognizing these factors as crucial for successful redevelopment. ECGRA's strategic priority is evident in its focus on tangible, physical improvements that spur broader economic and social benefits. Expected outcomes and measurable results include increased private investment, job creation, and a strengthened local tax base. The grant size ranges from $10,000 to $100,000 per application, with a minimum request of $25,000, and a grant duration of 24 months. These financial parameters provide a clear framework for the scale of projects supported. The theory of change behind the program is that by investing in key anchor buildings, a ripple effect will be created, stimulating further private investment, fostering small business growth, and ultimately enhancing the overall vitality and economic health of Erie County's communities.

The Excellence in Education Fund (EIE Fund), managed by the CenDel Foundation, is currently accepting applications for its 2024 grant cycle. Established in 2019 through contributions from Statewide Workforce Development, the Kent Economic Partnership, Greater Kent Committee, Delaware State News, and the Kent County community, the EIE Fund's mission is to support programs that enhance workforce development and stimulate economic growth within Kent County, Delaware. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the CenDel Foundation administers the fund with the guidance of the Excellence in Education Advisory Board, ensuring alignment with its core mission of fostering community prosperity through strategic investments in education and economic opportunity. The EIE Fund targets public institutions, nonprofits, and civic/community organizations that are focused on educating and training individuals to meet the demands of current and future businesses in Kent County. The primary impact goal is to create a more skilled workforce, broaden perspectives through educational components, and drive measurable economic and community development. This includes generating employment opportunities and potentially attracting new residents to Kent County. The program prioritizes initiatives that enhance the regional workforce, emphasizing the quality, impact, and duration of programs, as well as the number of individuals impacted. It also focuses on educating and broadening perspectives, requiring applicants to detail the educational component, the number of participants, and the knowledge gained. Furthermore, a key focus is on economic and community development, looking for programs that cultivate special skill sets, generate measurable economic impact, and promote employment. Applications are reviewed for clarity and strong evidence supporting the achievement of stated goals. The EIE Fund's strategic priorities align with a theory of change that posits that targeted investments in education and workforce training will directly lead to enhanced economic vitality and improved community well-being in Kent County. By supporting programs that build relevant skills and create opportunities, the fund aims to strengthen the local economy, increase employment rates, and foster a more knowledgeable and engaged citizenry. Eligible institutions and organizations can be awarded up to $50,000, with a requirement to submit proposals on the official 2024 application form and demonstrate their status as a public institution or 501(c)3 organization.

Gener8tor is accepting applications for its gBETA Wyoming Accelerator Program, a free seven-week program offering coaching, mentorship, and resources to early-stage companies based in Wyoming, aimed at fostering growth and investor readiness.

The gBETA AgBioScience Accelerator is a free, seven-week pre-accelerator program designed for early-stage companies focusing on agriculture innovations, or "AgBioScience." It aims to help these companies achieve rapid growth and/or raise venture capital. The program is hosted by Gener8tor, a nationally ranked accelerator, and runs multiple times a year across the United States. While the AgBioScience program is based in Indianapolis, it incorporates both in-person and virtual components, making it accessible to a national pool of applicants. Gener8tor's broader mission aligns with fostering innovation and economic development by supporting promising startups through individualized coaching, mentorship, and access to resources. The primary target beneficiaries of the gBETA AgBioScience Accelerator are early-stage companies with a focus on agriculture innovations. These companies can range from those with just an idea to those with significant revenue, though most are typically post-product and pre-scale. The program seeks out entrepreneurs who are committed to their business, even if not yet full-time, and are ready to grow. The impact goals are centered on accelerating the development and market readiness of these AgBioScience companies, thereby contributing to advancements in agriculture and potentially creating new economic opportunities. The program's priorities and focuses include providing individualized coaching and mentorship on company growth and investor readiness. This is complemented by weekly "Lunch & Learns" and "Mentor Swarms," which offer opportunities for learning and networking. A significant focus is also placed on preparing companies for investor and accelerator pitches, crucial for securing funding. Furthermore, participants benefit from over $1 million in deals and perks from various vendors, providing valuable resources for their operations. The program also emphasizes ongoing post-program support and involvement within the gener8tor community. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the rapid growth of participating companies and their increased readiness to attract venture capital. Success can be measured by the number of companies that secure funding, the rate of their customer growth, and their overall advancement towards scaling their operations. The program also aims to build a stronger network within the AgBioScience sector. Gener8tor's strategic priorities are to identify and nurture high-potential startups, and their theory of change posits that intensive, individualized support, coupled with access to a robust network and resources, will significantly increase a startup's chances of success and contribute to regional and national economic vitality.

Grantees will be required to accomplish the following within the Grant Activity Period: Convene a standing committee of community members and stakeholders tosupport development of new SLP structure and strategic framework. Model equity practices and principles in the development of new SLP mission,vision, programming, and services. Identify and retain a dedicated staff member to lead new SLP and provide mentorship to that individual. Identify and maintain an accessible public office space for the new SLP. Create and implement a realistic operating budget for new SLP, with appropriate portion of grant funds going directly to support new SLP. Supply anticipated outcomes for a one-year grant and outline any next steps anticipated to occur beyond the grant activity period to fulfill the goals of the grant program. 

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is inviting proposals for its ConocoPhillips SPIRIT of Conservation program, which is specifically designed to advance bird species and habitat conservation. This program directly aligns with NFWF's mission to address the alarming loss of 3 billion birds since 1970. The foundation's strategic priority is to support projects that conserve, restore, or enhance critical habitats and to gather essential bird population data, ultimately aiming to reverse population declines. The primary beneficiaries of this program are bird populations, both migratory and non-migratory, particularly those inhabiting grassland, wetland, sage-steppe, and coastal habitats. The program's impact goals include improving habitat quality and quantity, enhancing breeding and wintering grounds, and supporting stopover periods for birds along major migratory routes. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in bird populations, improved habitat conditions, and the collection of vital data to inform future conservation efforts. The program's priorities and focuses are centered on implementing science-driven and strategic conservation. This involves addressing habitat degradation, fragmentation, and loss. Geographic focal areas are critical, spanning major migratory routes from the northern slope of Alaska to the north-south axis of the central United States, including the Gulf Coast regions of Texas and Louisiana. The program emphasizes innovative methods for gathering lacking bird population data and conserving specific habitat types. Grant awards typically range from $100,000 to $275,000, with projects expected to be completed within two years. Eligible applicants include a broad range of non-profit organizations, government agencies (U.S. federal, state, local, municipal, tribal), and educational institutions. This inclusive eligibility criteria reflects NFWF's theory of change, which recognizes that collaborative efforts across various sectors are essential for achieving large-scale, sustainable conservation impacts for bird populations and their habitats.