Business and Commerce Grants

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 financial support to businesses and property owners in downtown Cape Girardeau for improving the exterior appearance of their commercial buildings.

The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) Support for Organizations grant program offers flexible general operating and programming funding for non-profit organizations across all counties in New York State. This grant aims to align with a mission of fostering a vibrant artistic and cultural landscape within the state by providing crucial financial support to organizations that contribute to the public's engagement with arts and culture. The program's design reflects a commitment to nurturing creativity and ensuring public access to diverse artistic experiences. Target beneficiaries for this grant include non-profit organizations, State or Federally recognized Native American nations, and units of local or federal government in New York State that offer arts/cultural programming open to the public. There is a strong emphasis on organizations that prioritize service to historically underrepresented communities and demonstrate conscientiousness in removing barriers to participation. The impact goals are to support well-designed, distinctive, and relevant programming that makes a significant and creative contribution to the field, artists, and/or the public, while also promoting inclusive marketing and active connections within local or artistic communities. The program's priorities and focuses are articulated through three main evaluation criteria: Creativity, Public Service, and Managerial & Financial. Creativity assesses whether programming reflects a clear artistic/cultural vision, is well-designed, distinctive, relevant, and makes a significant contribution. Public Service focuses on an organization's commitment to underrepresented communities, understanding of its service area, inclusive marketing, and community engagement. Managerial & Financial criteria ensure that organizations have skilled leadership, sound financial management, best practices in governance, and clear artist compensation information. Expected outcomes include a stronger, more diverse, and more accessible arts and cultural sector in New York State. Organizations receiving funding are anticipated to deliver high-quality, impactful programming that enriches communities and supports artists. Measurable results will be assessed through the application of the three evaluation criteria. While specific quantitative metrics are not detailed in the provided information, the qualitative criteria suggest that successful outcomes will be evidenced by programming that meets organizational missions, demonstrates clear public service, and is underpinned by strong managerial and financial practices. Awards range from $10,000 to $49,500, indicating a strategic allocation of resources to support a broad spectrum of eligible organizations.

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.

The Community Climate Collaborative Energy Efficiency Grants program offers funding to small businesses for upgrades aimed at improving energy efficiency. This includes enhancements to appliances, lighting, and heating/cooling systems. The program's core objective is to facilitate emissions reductions and generate financial savings for businesses through strategic capital investments. While not explicitly stating the "foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change" in a separate section, the program's focus on emissions reduction directly aligns with a broader mission of combating climate change, which is implicitly the strategic priority of an organization named "Community Climate Collaborative." The target beneficiaries of this grant program are small businesses operating within the City of Charlottesville or Albemarle County, Virginia. Specifically, eligible businesses must hold a business license in one of these locations and qualify as a Microbusiness according to Virginia SBSD criteria, meaning they have 25 employees or fewer. The program also prioritizes Woman- or Minority-owned Businesses, as defined by Virginia SBSD criteria, and encourages SWaM certification or equivalent documentation. This focused approach aims to empower local, smaller enterprises in their transition to more sustainable operations. The program's priorities and focuses are squarely on tangible energy efficiency upgrades that yield demonstrable savings in energy usage and/or a reduction in emissions. This indicates a results-oriented approach where the proposed upgrades must show a clear environmental benefit and potentially economic advantage for the grantee. The maximum grant amount of $2,000 per project highlights an emphasis on supporting numerous smaller-scale, impactful interventions rather than fewer large-scale projects, making the grants accessible to a wider range of microbusinesses. The expected outcomes and measurable results of these grants include both environmental and economic benefits. On the environmental front, the primary outcome is the reduction of emissions, contributing to local climate goals. Economically, businesses are expected to achieve financial savings due to decreased energy consumption. The requirement for proposed upgrades to have "demonstrable savings of energy usage and/or reduction of emissions" signifies a commitment to measurable impact, ensuring that the allocated funds lead to verifiable improvements. The program's design implicitly supports a theory of change where targeted financial assistance for energy efficiency upgrades directly leads to reduced environmental impact and improved economic resilience for small businesses in the local community.

The Butler Accelerator for Education & Workforce Innovation, powered by gener8tor, is a program designed to support startups across the United States that are poised to transform how individuals learn and work. This initiative aligns with gener8tor's mission to identify and cultivate innovative solutions for systemic change in education and workforce development, with a particular emphasis on post-secondary education and the future of work. The program seeks to address complex challenges in these areas by engaging with founders who reflect the diverse communities impacted. Each selected company receives a $100,000 investment and 12 weeks of intensive, mentorship-based programming, networking opportunities, and introductions to potential customers, all aimed at building and growing their businesses. The target beneficiaries of this accelerator are startups, particularly those led by marginalized founders from underrepresented groups, who are focused on making systemic change. The program specifically encourages applications from teams working on solutions for post-secondary education, equity in access, the future of work, and workforce training innovations. The overarching impact goal is to drive significant and scalable economic impact through these startups, ultimately transforming stagnant industries, methods, and processes through technology. Gener8tor's strategic priorities include supporting passionate and dedicated founders who bring diverse experiences to the challenges of education and workforce technology. The program prioritizes startups that demonstrate a clear focus on systemic change at various levels, including school, institution, corporate, government, and community. They actively seek founders who are eager to embrace technology as a means to innovate. Key areas of focus include education, equity in access, the future of work, and workforce training innovations. The theory of change behind this accelerator posits that by investing in and providing intensive support to high-potential startups led by diverse founders, they can accelerate the development and implementation of solutions that create more equitable access to education and prepare individuals for the evolving demands of the future workforce. Expected outcomes include the growth and scaling of participating businesses, leading to increased adoption of their innovative solutions. Measurable results would encompass the number of startups supported, the amount of additional investment secured by these companies, job creation, and the broader impact of their solutions on education and workforce outcomes. Gener8tor's expertise in sales, marketing, go-to-market strategies, and fundraising is leveraged to select startups primed for growth, ensuring that their network, resources, and expertise can significantly scale the impact of these businesses.

Gener8tor invites applications for gBETA Milwaukee, a free, seven-week accelerator program designed to support early-stage companies with local roots in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This program runs multiple times annually, selecting up to five companies from a diverse range of verticals. The grant aims to foster entrepreneurial growth and development within the Milwaukee community, aligning with a mission to empower nascent businesses and prepare them for future investment or seed funding rounds. The primary beneficiaries of the gBETA Milwaukee program are early-stage companies based in Milwaukee, ranging from those with initial ideas to those with significant revenue. While most participating companies are post-product and pre-scale, the program is open to any business ready to grow and commit approximately five hours per week to programming, plus additional time for business development. The impact goal is to significantly accelerate the growth and investor readiness of these companies, ultimately contributing to the economic vitality of Milwaukee by nurturing local innovation. The program's priorities and focuses are centered on individualized coaching and mentorship, investor readiness, and access to valuable resources. Participants receive expert guidance from gener8tor on company growth, weekly "Lunch & Learns," "Mentor Swarms," and opportunities for investor and accelerator pitches. A key focus is to equip companies with the skills and connections needed to secure over $1 million in deals and perks from vendors such as IBM Cloud, Rackspace, Amazon, and Microsoft. The expected outcomes include graduates successfully participating in investment accelerators or raising seed rounds. Measurable results are tied to the number of companies selected, the amount of deals and perks received, and the subsequent investment success of the alumni. The foundation's strategic priority is to build a robust ecosystem for early-stage companies, and its theory of change posits that by providing intensive support, mentorship, and connections, these companies will be better positioned for growth, investment, and long-term success, thereby stimulating local economic development.

The Creative Aging Project Grant, offered by the Wyoming Arts Council, aims to foster Creative Aging programming within Wyoming communities. This competitive grant supports non-profit organizations and individual teaching artists in developing and implementing engaging programs. While the specific foundation mission alignment and strategic priorities are not explicitly detailed as a separate entity, the Wyoming Arts Council's role inherently positions this grant within a framework of promoting arts and cultural engagement, thereby improving the quality of life for Wyoming residents, particularly older adults. The grant's structure of funding increments for each 8-week program aligns with a theory of change that posits sustained artistic engagement can lead to positive outcomes for participants. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are older adults in Wyoming communities, who will participate in the Creative Aging programs. The impact goals are to develop and implement between one and four separate 8-week creative aging programs by June 30th, 2025. These programs are expected to serve a broad audience, be artistically excellent, and incorporate outreach. The grant implicitly seeks to enhance the well-being, social connection, and creative expression of older adults through structured artistic activities, contributing to a more vibrant and connected community. The grant prioritizes the development and implementation of multiple 8-week creative aging programs. Funding is directly tied to the number of programs proposed, with $2,500 awarded for each program, up to a maximum of four programs ($10,000). This focus ensures a programmatic approach to creative aging rather than one-off events. Additionally, the eligibility criteria emphasize the capacity and compliance of applicant organizations (501(c)(3) non-profits or government agencies) and the qualifications and residency of individual artists, ensuring responsible stewardship of grant funds and effective program delivery. Expected outcomes include the successful completion of between one and four 8-week creative aging programs across Wyoming. Measurable results would include the number of programs implemented, the number of participants served, and potentially qualitative feedback on participant engagement and artistic experiences, although specific metrics for impact are not detailed within the provided text. The grant's success will ultimately be measured by its ability to cultivate new or expanded creative aging opportunities that meet the artistic excellence and broad audience reach criteria set forth by the Wyoming Arts Council, fostering a more artistically engaged and supportive environment for older adults.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is offering grants through its relaunched Materials Management grants program, now named the Reduce, Reuse, Reimagine Grants Program. This initiative aims to support statewide efforts in reducing the environmental and human health impacts of materials throughout their entire life cycle. The program's core mission is to build local capacity and foster community-driven solutions that address the environmental, social, and health consequences arising from the production, consumption, use, and disposal of materials. This aligns with a broader strategic goal of promoting sustainable consumption and material use, creating environmental and health benefits, and inspiring innovative projects. The program primarily targets a diverse range of eligible applicants, including local governments, nonprofit organizations (501(c)3 or 501(c)4 status) or fiscally sponsored organizations, organizations created by an Oregon public entity, Tribal nations, public schools, public universities, community colleges, and small businesses of 50 people or less. The impact goals are centered on empowering community action to reach environmental solutions, advancing equity, and ensuring environmental justice by providing resources to historically underserved and underrepresented communities across Oregon. The program seeks to fund projects that offer promising solutions to reduce material impacts, ultimately aiming for a more sustainable future. For the 2024 grant cycle, the program's annual funding area is specifically focused on waste prevention. This priority reflects an environmentally centered approach to reduce the consumption of natural resources and the generation of waste before items become trash or pollution. Waste prevention activities encompass changes in product design, reduced usage, extended product life, or repair. Examples of eligible activities include farmers markets purchasing reusable dishes, establishing or expanding community tool libraries, small businesses adopting new technologies to reduce plastic labels, and stores investing in bulk storage for low-waste products. Eligible activities also include education and outreach, training, research, program/policy development, and workforce development. The expected outcomes and measurable results of the Reduce, Reuse, Reimagine Grants Program include a tangible reduction in the environmental and human health impacts of materials. This will be measured by the successful implementation of innovative projects and programs that embody waste prevention principles. The program anticipates creating environmental and health benefits through more sustainable consumption and material use practices. Furthermore, it aims to advance equity and environmental justice by ensuring resources reach communities that have historically been underserved, fostering localized solutions and building capacity within these communities. The total funding available for the 2024 grant cycle is up to $1,000,000, with individual grant awards ranging from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $125,000, providing significant resources for impactful initiatives.

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

The Gener8tor has introduced the gBETA Oklahoma City Accelerator, a free seven-week program for early-stage companies based in Oklahoma City, offering coaching, mentorship, investor pitches, and over $1M in deals and perks to help local businesses grow and become investor-ready.