Business and Commerce Grants

The United Way of the Wabash Valley (UWWV) has announced a new grant opportunity through its Community Health (UWWV CH) and Youth Success (UWWV YS) Impact Councils. This initiative is designed to support projects that address the overall health of area youth. The program aligns with the UWWV's mission by investing in the well-being of the community's youngest members, fostering a healthier future for the Wabash Valley. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are children aged 6 to 18 (K-12) within the UWWV service area, which includes Clay, Parke, Sullivan, Vermillion, and Vigo counties in Indiana, and Clark County in Illinois. The impact goal is to improve the mental, behavioral, and physical health and well-being of these youth. Programs are encouraged to take a holistic approach to health, with an emphasis on innovative solutions that can be implemented during the school year, summer 2025, or other out-of-school times. Priority will be given to programs that serve youth in outlying counties (Clay, Parke, Sullivan, and Vermillion in Indiana, and Clark in Illinois), demonstrate strong collaborations and partnerships among organizations, and integrate physical exercise with social/emotional well-being, mental health, life skills, and/or food and nutrition. The focus is on creating comprehensive programs that address multiple facets of youth health. The UWWV's strategic priorities are evident in the grant's emphasis on youth health and community collaboration. The theory of change suggests that by investing in innovative, holistic programs for youth, the UWWV can contribute to a healthier and more resilient community. Expected outcomes include improved mental, behavioral, and physical health among participants, enhanced life skills, and better nutritional habits. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, successful applicants would likely be expected to track participant engagement, improvements in health indicators, and the development of key skills. A total of $30,000 in funding is available, with individual applicants eligible to apply for $1,000 to $5,000, to be expended by August 31, 2025. This funding structure allows for a broad range of impactful projects. Eligible applicants include youth-serving organizations, school and civic organizations, businesses, local government entities (e.g., Parks Departments), faith-based organizations, and non-profit health services organizations. A key requirement for counseling, therapy, or life skills services is the provision of evidence that a licensed or certified counselor will perform these services in person, as virtual sessions will not be funded.

The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program, funded by the USDA, allocates approximately $2 million for infrastructure grants to Vermont businesses and organizations aiming to strengthen local and regional food systems. The grants support projects that improve the aggregation, distribution, manufacturing, processing, storing, transporting, and wholesaling of Vermont food products. This track encourages development of Vermont value-added products and promotes fair wages and job creation. A 50% match is required, which can be reduced to 25% for historically underserved farmers. Grants range from $100,000 to $500,000 and are available from fall 2024 through February 2027.

This grant provides funding for researchers to study the evolving job landscape for low- and moderately paid workers in the U.S., focusing on the impacts of technology, labor market changes, and public policies on their employment and well-being.

The Goshen County Tourism Promotion Joint Powers Board [a.k.a. Goshen County Lodging Tax Board] is dedicated to enhancing travel and tourism across Goshen County. The board's initiatives focus on creating effective marketing strategies to promote the area as a travel destination. They have set aside approximately $321,000.00 for the Tourism Sponsorship Program, which grants funds to event organizers. These events are aimed at promoting local, regional, and national public relations efforts that bring both visitors and residents to Goshen County. Applicants need to demonstrate that their events can attract tourists and support the local tourism sector. The funding is reimbursed based on actual expenses reported after the event. Applications are due one the first Tuesday of January, April, July and October

The GO TEXAN – Event (GTE) Grants, under the GO TEXAN – Marketing Enhancement Grant Assistance (MEGA) Program, are offered by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). This program is designed to provide funding to Associate GO TEXAN partners who coordinate public festivals, farmers markets, and events throughout Texas. The overarching mission of these grants aligns with promoting GO TEXAN businesses, their Texas-made products, and the broader GO TEXAN Program, thereby supporting the state's agricultural and local product industries. The target beneficiaries of the GTE program are Associate GO TEXAN partners who organize public events. The primary impact goal is to boost the visibility and sales of Texas-made products and to strengthen the GO TEXAN brand across the state. The program prioritizes events that effectively showcase and promote GO TEXAN businesses, ultimately aiming to increase consumer awareness and demand for local products. The expected outcomes include a greater number of public festivals, farmers markets, and events featuring GO TEXAN products. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of events supported, the reach of these events, and potentially the economic impact on participating GO TEXAN businesses, though specific metrics beyond event count are not detailed in the provided information. The grant program's strategic priorities are clearly centered on marketing and promotion of Texas products. While a formal "theory of change" is not explicitly stated, it is implicit that by providing financial assistance for event coordination, the TDA believes it can directly influence consumer behavior and market growth for GO TEXAN businesses. The program operates with a grant duration of two years, with projects anticipated to start on August 15, 2024, and conclude by December 31, 2025. Funding ranges from $5,000 to $20,000 per event.

The California Energy Commission (CEC) is offering the INDIGO Program grant to support the deployment of advanced decarbonization and/or grid support technologies at California industrial facilities. This initiative aims to promote electrification and significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the industrial sector. The program aligns with the CEC's mission to advance clean energy and reduce climate-warming pollution, specifically targeting the industrial sector's environmental impact. The grant targets a broad range of beneficiaries within California's industrial sector, including existing industrial facilities, utilities, equipment manufacturers, energy service companies, project aggregators, and project developers. The impact goals are multi-faceted, focusing on reducing fossil fuel and thermal energy usage, decreasing criteria air pollutants and carbon footprints, and supporting electrical grid reliability, especially during net peak periods. Projects are particularly encouraged to benefit priority populations by reducing air pollutants and engaging directly with low-income or disadvantaged communities. The program's priorities and focuses include deploying cutting-edge, emerging industrial decarbonization technologies that demonstrate cost-effectiveness and scalability. Key project goals include electrifying industrial processes, maximizing GHG emission reductions, driving the scalability of project technology to other facilities and industries, reducing electrical demand during net peak periods, and providing air pollution benefits to priority populations. Entities associated with oil and gas production or processing are ineligible, as are food and beverage industries already receiving funding for the same projects from CEC’s Food Production Investment Program (FPIP). Expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around the adoption of electrification and other eligible decarbonization technologies, leading to quantifiable reductions in annual GHG emissions and other criteria air emissions at industrial processing facilities. Additionally, the program anticipates improved grid reliability through the adoption of commercially available and emerging technologies. Successful projects are expected to demonstrate the potential for widespread adoption across multiple industrial facilities, fostering increased confidence in these advanced technologies. The CEC's strategic priorities, as evidenced by the INDIGO Program, center on accelerating California’s transition to a clean energy economy by supporting technological innovation and deployment in key sectors. The theory of change behind this grant is that by providing significant funding for the demonstration and deployment of cutting-edge decarbonization and grid support technologies in industrial settings, the CEC can catalyze widespread adoption, leading to substantial reductions in GHG emissions, improved air quality, enhanced grid stability, and equitable benefits for all Californians, particularly in vulnerable communities. With up to $46,200,000 available for grants, individual projects can receive between $4,000,000 and $10,000,000. This substantial funding aims to incentivize large-scale, impactful projects that can serve as models for future industrial decarbonization efforts across the state.

The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) of Lawrenceville, Georgia, has launched the Façade Grant Program to revitalize its downtown area. This program aligns with the DDA's mission to serve as a resource to the City Council for downtown revitalization through strategic land use planning, land banking, business recruitment and retention, and the execution of the community's vision for a vibrant and inclusive urban center. The grant specifically targets businesses within the Downtown Entertainment District, aiming to encourage and support exterior renovations that enhance the aesthetic appeal and overall vitality of the area. The primary beneficiaries of this program are businesses located within the Downtown Entertainment District. The impact goals are centered on improving the physical appearance of downtown buildings, stimulating economic activity, and fostering a more attractive and inclusive urban environment. By offering reimbursement for façade renovations, the DDA seeks to reduce the financial burden on businesses, thereby encouraging investment in property improvements and contributing to a more appealing downtown. The program prioritizes projects that enhance or update the exterior of buildings, including activities such as painting, restoration, stabilization, awning additions, and improved signage. Eligibility criteria dictate that projects must be within the Downtown Entertainment District, and reimbursement is solely for expenses incurred during exterior façade renovations. Furthermore, all projects must comply with applicable building, development, and zoning regulations, and properties on the National Historic Register require a preservation review. Expected outcomes include a visibly improved and more attractive downtown area, increased business investment in property aesthetics, and a boost in overall community pride and engagement. Measurable results for the program include the number of businesses participating, the total amount of grant funds disbursed, the types of renovations undertaken, and the completion of approved work within the stipulated twelve-month timeframe. The reimbursement structure, covering half of the total project cost up to $2,500 per grant, provides a tangible incentive for businesses to participate.

The Economic Development Fund, supported by the East Tennessee Foundation, is designed to advance regional economic development through charitable and educational programs. This grant program directly aligns with the foundation's mission by fostering economic growth and stability within selected counties of Tennessee. The foundation's strategic priority is to invest in initiatives that contribute to the long-term well-being and prosperity of the region, utilizing a theory of change that posits that targeted support for economic and educational programs will lead to a more vibrant and sustainable local economy. The program targets 501(c)(3) public charities, units of government, and public educational institutions. New or emerging groups without nonprofit status can apply with a fiscal sponsor. The ideal beneficiaries are organizations that demonstrate a commitment to non-discrimination, ensuring that their projects do not exclude individuals based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, familial status, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status. The impact goals are centered on strengthening the economic infrastructure and educational opportunities within the community. The fund prioritizes projects that contribute to regional economic development, with a particular focus on programs that align with the foundation’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. While faith-based organizations are welcome to apply, their projects must not have explicit religious content, express a particular religious view, limit participation based on faith affiliation, or require participation in religious activities or services. This ensures that the grants support broadly accessible community-focused initiatives. Expected outcomes include enhanced economic activity, increased educational attainment, and a more robust regional economy. Measurable results will be assessed through the one-year grant term, from August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025. The grants, ranging from $5,000 to $6,500, are intended to provide meaningful support for projects that can demonstrate tangible progress within this timeframe. The foundation expects to see clear evidence of how the funding has contributed to the stated economic development and educational goals.

The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is launching the Commercial Acquisition Fund (CAF) to provide grants to qualifying nonprofit organizations. This program aims to support the acquisition of vacant or abandoned land and buildings in communities severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The DEO's mission, through the CAF, aligns with revitalizing economically distressed areas and fostering community resilience by empowering local nonprofit entities to drive economic recovery and development. The target beneficiaries of the CAF are communities in Los Angeles County identified as "highest and high need areas" based on the County’s COVID-19 Vulnerability and Recovery Index in the Equity Explorer Tool. The program prioritizes addressing the negative impacts of the pandemic by facilitating the conversion of underutilized commercial properties into assets that can serve community needs. The impact goal is to stimulate economic activity, improve local infrastructure, and create opportunities for growth in these vulnerable regions. The CAF focuses on the acquisition of vacant or abandoned commercial properties. The program is funded by $10 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, demonstrating a strategic priority to leverage federal resources for local recovery efforts. Grants will be awarded as recoverable funds, ranging from $500,000 to $2,000,000, indicating a significant investment in each project to ensure substantial impact. The expected outcomes include the successful acquisition and redevelopment of commercial properties, leading to job creation, increased access to essential services, and enhanced community well-being. Measurable results will be tied to the number of properties acquired, the economic benefits generated in the target areas, and the overall improvement in the COVID-19 Vulnerability and Recovery Index. The DEO’s theory of change posits that by empowering qualified nonprofit organizations to acquire and redevelop commercial properties, it can directly address economic disparities and foster sustainable recovery in the communities most affected by the pandemic.

The Nexus Grant, offered by the City of Austin, is designed to support new and emerging local small organizations, individual artists, and small arts businesses in producing creative public projects. With an award of $5,000, the program aims to nurture the creative community by funding activities that enrich the city and its tourists through community-centered arts and collaboration. This aligns with a broader mission to foster cultural vibrancy and accessibility within Austin. The primary beneficiaries of the Nexus Grant are new and emerging applicants within the creative community, including artists, culturally specific groups, LGBTQIA and disability communities, nonprofits, and social advocacy organizations. The program's impact goals are centered on supporting creative public activities, encouraging community engagement, and promoting cultural collaboration. Through these efforts, the grant seeks to strengthen Austin's artistic landscape and provide diverse cultural experiences for both residents and visitors. The program prioritizes applicants who represent, serve, and are accountable to communities at immediate risk of cultural erasure and displacement within Austin, and those that have been historically marginalized and under-funded by the City of Austin Cultural Arts Division. This includes communities such as Black/African American, Native American, Asian, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern, Pacific Islander, LGBTQIA+, and disability communities. Additionally, priority is given to applicants who have not received City of Austin Cultural Funding awards in the last five years, emphasizing support for truly emerging entities. Eligible activities for funding include exhibitions, performances, workshops with a performance or exhibition component, and public art projects accessible to the public. Grant funds can cover various expenses such as administrative and artist payments, space and equipment rentals, supplies, marketing, insurance, and fiscal sponsor fees. The expected outcomes are the successful production of these creative public projects, increased community engagement in the arts, and the empowerment of underrepresented voices within Austin's cultural sector. Measurable results would include the number and type of projects produced, audience reach, and the diversity of communities served, contributing to the city's strategic priorities of cultural equity and inclusion.

The Community Project Grants program, offered by the Arts Council for Long Beach, is designed to support the artistic, cultural, and arts educational projects and programs of arts and cultural organizations within Long Beach, California. This program aligns with the Arts Council's mission to foster a vibrant cultural landscape by partnering with local organizations to deliver impactful programming. The target beneficiaries of this grant are nonprofit or non-incorporated arts and cultural organizations in Long Beach, particularly those with a successful track record of planning and managing effective programs. The program aims to encourage innovative, creative, diverse, and unique programming that meets community needs and identifies specific audiences. Key priorities and focuses of the grant include supporting projects that reflect the rich cultural diversity of the community and demonstrating a clear understanding of local needs. The Arts Council seeks to fund initiatives that contribute to the cultural enrichment of Long Beach residents through well-planned and effectively managed programs. Expected outcomes include an increase in diverse and innovative arts and cultural programming available to the Long Beach community, a stronger network of supported local arts organizations, and projects that effectively engage identified audiences. Measurable results would likely involve the number of projects funded, the reach of those programs, and the demonstrated community impact, though specific metrics are not detailed in the provided information. While the "foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change" are not explicitly detailed as separate sections, the program's goals implicitly reveal the Arts Council for Long Beach's strategic priorities. These include promoting creativity, diversity, and community engagement through the arts, and supporting established local organizations. The theory of change appears to be that by funding well-designed and culturally relevant projects, the Arts Council can enhance the overall cultural vitality and community well-being in Long Beach.

The Olive Smith Browning Charitable Trust provides grants to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to charitable, religious, scientific, literary, or educational pursuits. The Trust's mission is aligned with fostering community well-being and development through support for a diverse range of program areas, including arts, culture, and humanities; education; environment and animal welfare; health; human services; public/society benefit; and religion. This broad scope reflects a commitment to addressing various societal needs and enriching the lives of individuals and communities. The primary beneficiaries of the Olive Smith Browning Charitable Trust's grants are organizations operating within Twin Falls, Idaho, reflecting a strong commitment to local impact. The Trust prioritizes supporting initiatives that demonstrably contribute to the betterment of this specific geographic area. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed for individual grants, the overall goal is to empower organizations that provide essential services and foster positive change within their respective program areas. The Trust's grantmaking priorities are clearly focused on supporting organizations within Twin Falls, Idaho, indicating a strategic preference for concentrated local impact. This geographic focus allows the Trust to cultivate deeper relationships with grantees and potentially observe more direct and tangible results of its funding. The average grant size ranges from $2,500 to $10,000, with an average total giving per year of $35,000, suggesting a model that supports multiple smaller-to-medium sized projects annually. To be eligible for funding, organizations must hold exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications are required to be submitted through an online grant application form, or an accessible alternative for assistive technology users. The Trust's strategic priorities are centered on consistent support for established non-profits within its focus areas in Twin Falls, contributing to the sustained health and vitality of the local community. While a formal "theory of change" is not explicitly stated, the practice of supporting a diverse array of foundational program areas within a specific geographic region suggests an implicit theory that targeted, consistent funding in these areas will lead to overall community improvement and resilience.

This program provides financial support to Worcester-based minority, women, veteran, LGBTQ+, and disability-owned businesses that achieve certification with the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office, prioritizing those from disproportionately impacted communities.

The GrowBoston grant program offers a total of $15,000 to nonprofit organizations to support outreach and community-building events related to urban agriculture. The primary goal of this grant is to engage Boston residents more deeply in existing urban agricultural resources and broader urban agriculture activities. These events must be open to the public and focus on activities such as gardening, farming, food forest stewardship, beekeeping, henkeeping, and the consumption of locally-produced food. This initiative aligns with a mission to foster community engagement and education around sustainable food practices within urban environments, directly contributing to local food production and awareness. The target beneficiaries are Boston residents, with a particular focus on engaging them in various aspects of urban food production. The impact goals include increasing public participation in urban agriculture, enhancing community connection to local food systems, and promoting a greater understanding of sustainable living practices. The program prioritizes events that are planned for spring or summer 2024 and are specifically focused on Boston-based food production or urban agriculture. Examples of eligible events include garden-opening events, farm or food forest "open houses," and farmers market opening days, as long as they highlight urban agriculture. The expected outcomes of this grant program are a more engaged and informed Boston populace regarding urban agriculture. Measurable results could include the number of events hosted, the total attendance at these events, and the diversity of urban agriculture topics covered. While educational components are not mandatory, their inclusion would further support the program's objectives. The overarching strategic priority is to strengthen Boston's urban food ecosystem by encouraging community participation and utilizing existing resources effectively. The theory of change behind this grant program is that by funding accessible, public events focused on urban agriculture, GrowBoston can increase residents' engagement and knowledge, leading to a more robust and sustainable local food system. By supporting community-building initiatives, the program aims to cultivate a sense of collective responsibility and participation in urban food production. Allowable uses of funding include event supplies, food, non-alcoholic beverages, entertainment, and outreach materials, with up to 10% for indirect/administrative costs. This ensures that the grants directly facilitate event execution and community outreach, reinforcing the program's core objectives.

The City of Tustin, through its Tustin Cares program, is offering the Main Street Digital Training and Grant Program (Main Street Digital Program) in collaboration with the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center Network (OCIE SBDC). This initiative aims to provide training and funding to local retail businesses, home-based businesses, and nonprofits, collectively referred to as "Businesses," that are looking to enhance their social media presence and/or increase revenue. This program aligns with a broader mission of supporting local economic growth and resilience, particularly for entities impacted by external factors such as COVID-19, as indicated by the allowance for businesses not in good standing due to pandemic-related issues. The target beneficiaries of the Main Street Digital Program are retail businesses, home-based businesses, and nonprofits physically located in Tustin. These entities must also possess an active Tustin business license since the first quarter of 2023 and have a minimum of two employees, including owners, and no more than twenty-five full-time equivalent employees as of December 31, 2023. Certain businesses are explicitly excluded, such as cannabis-related businesses, gambling facilities, adult entertainment businesses, massage parlors, largely cash-based businesses, and residential or real estate projects including short-term rental operators. The program's impact goals center on empowering these eligible businesses to improve their digital marketing capabilities and ultimately boost their financial performance. The program's priorities and focus areas are clearly on digital transformation and revenue generation through enhanced social media presence. By offering training, the program aims to equip businesses with the necessary skills to navigate the digital landscape effectively. The grant component provides crucial financial support, enabling businesses to implement these new strategies. This focus reflects a strategic priority to modernize local businesses and help them adapt to contemporary market demands, thereby strengthening the local economy from within. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in the social media presence of participating businesses and a measurable improvement in their revenue. While specific metrics for "measurable results" are not detailed beyond "increase their social media presence and/or revenue," the implicit theory of change is that by providing targeted training and financial assistance for digital marketing, businesses will become more competitive, attract a wider customer base, and achieve sustainable growth. The program's success will likely be evaluated based on the number of businesses trained, the grants disbursed, and the reported improvements in their digital engagement and financial health.

The City of Hyattsville's Commercial Façade Improvement Program is a grant initiative designed to enhance the visual appeal, quality, and vitality of the city’s commercial districts. The program aims to facilitate private sector investment in exterior improvements for commercial buildings, aligning with the city's broader mission of supporting local businesses and fostering a vibrant urban environment. It recognizes that individual façade improvements contribute significantly to the overall aesthetic and economic health of the commercial areas. This program targets business or property owners within three specific investment areas: the West Hyattsville Transit District, the Route One/Gateway Arts District, and the Prince George’s Plaza Transit District. The primary impact goals are to remove accessibility barriers, stimulate further investment in commercial properties, and achieve significant visual enhancements in commercial façade appearance. Projects that directly address these goals will receive preferential consideration, ensuring that the grants contribute effectively to the city's development objectives. The program prioritizes well-designed façade improvements that extend the longevity of buildings. Eligible improvements are diverse and include signage, exterior painting, storefront reconstruction, siding, exterior lighting, window and door upgrades, public-facing masonry or cornices, murals, and the removal of unattractive exterior finishes, as well as roof repairs and other approved uses. Eligibility requirements stipulate that structures must be commercially zoned and in use, or planned for commercial use, within Hyattsville. Correction of building code violations must be integrated into the improvement work, and vacant properties must secure a tenant within six months of project completion. The grant operates on a dollar-for-dollar matching basis, providing financial assistance ranging from $5,000 to $35,000. This structure is intended to leverage private investment and maximize the program's reach. The expected outcome is a series of visually improved commercial facades that enhance the city's commercial districts, attract new businesses, and encourage community engagement. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the scope of "significant visual improvements," the program implies that an increase in commercial vitality and accessibility, alongside the tangible improvements listed, will serve as indicators of success. The city's strategic priority is to empower the private sector to make these improvements, underpinned by a theory of change that postulates that financial assistance for façade upgrades will directly lead to a more attractive and economically robust commercial landscape.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is offering two grant programs: the Rebuild Downtowns & Main Streets (RDMS) Capital Grant Program and the Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recovery (RISE) Implementation Grant Program. Both programs aim to accelerate Illinois' economic recovery and promote long-term, sustainable, and inclusive growth, aligning with a mission to revitalize communities and foster economic development. The total funding expected is $20 million for RDMS and $10 million for RISE Implementation, with individual grants ranging from $250,000 to $2 million. The RDMS program specifically targets communities that have experienced disinvestment, particularly those hardest-hit by the COVID-19 crisis. The goal is to facilitate investment to revitalize commercial corridors and downtown areas in Illinois through capital grants. Eligible applicants for both programs include economic development organizations (EDOs), local units of government (e.g., municipalities, counties, townships), and private businesses. Special purpose local units of government are not eligible. The priorities for RDMS include supporting capital projects that improve and repair roads, sidewalks, and lighting; develop public spaces to attract events; improve water and sewer infrastructure; and facilitate mixed-use development to add vitality to commercial corridors and downtowns. These priorities are aimed at tangible infrastructure and development projects that directly contribute to the revitalization of downtown areas. Expected outcomes for these programs include accelerated economic recovery and the promotion of long-term, sustainable, and inclusive growth throughout Illinois. Measurable results will likely involve the number and scale of capital projects completed, the revitalization of commercial corridors, increased economic activity in targeted areas, and improvements in public infrastructure. The grant duration is 2 years, with the period of performance expected to be late calendar year 2024 through the end of calendar year 2026. The DCEO's strategic priority is clearly to stimulate economic recovery and growth through targeted investments in key community infrastructure and development.

The LGBTQIA+ National Grant, provided by Founders First Community Development Corporation, aims to empower eligible small businesses within the LGBTQIA+ community. This initiative directly aligns with Founders First's overarching mission to foster the growth of diverse founder-led businesses that generate over $1 million in annual revenues. By offering financial support and valuable resources, the program seeks to address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs and contribute to their economic success and sustainability. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are LGBTQIA+ identifying business owners who serve as CEO, President, or Business Owner of an active, U.S.-based business. To be eligible, businesses must have an annual revenue not exceeding $5 million, employ between 2 to 100 individuals, and have been in operation for a minimum of one year. The impact goal is to make significant investments in 25 LGBTQIA+ led businesses across the United States, thereby facilitating their growth and increasing their capacity for job creation and community contribution. The program prioritizes businesses that meet the outlined eligibility criteria, focusing on those with a demonstrated need for capital and a clear potential for growth. Beyond the direct financial support of $25,000 grant packages, a key focus is providing access to resources. This includes connecting grant recipients with like-minded entrepreneurs through the Founders First family network, and offering exclusive access to webinars and other valuable educational resources designed to enhance business acumen and operational efficiency. The expected outcomes of the LGBTQIA+ National Grant include the direct financial empowerment of 25 small businesses within the LGBTQIA+ community. Measurable results will include the number of businesses receiving grants, their continued operation and growth, and their engagement with the provided resources. Founders First's strategic priorities are clearly centered on increasing the number of successful, diverse founder-led businesses, and this grant program serves as a critical component of their theory of change, which posits that targeted financial investment combined with robust support systems will lead to sustained economic impact and a more equitable entrepreneurial landscape.

The First State Food System Program, funded by the Federal American Rescue Plan Act, is designed to support and strengthen Delaware's local food system. Its overarching mission, facilitated by the Delaware Department of Agriculture and the Delaware Council on Farm & Food Policy (Council), aligns with the goal of ensuring farmers have access to viable markets, households can access nutritious food, and the impacts of supply chain disruptions are reduced. The program aims to foster a resilient food system by offering grants to a diverse range of entities operating across the food supply chain within the State of Delaware. Target beneficiaries include entities that grow, process, store, transport, distribute, or sell food in Delaware, encompassing small to mid-sized for-profit producers, nonprofit organizations, aquaculture/fishery operators, food distributors, transporters, and food processing operators. The program's impact goals are centered on enabling these local entities to overcome challenges, build resilience, and contribute to a more robust food system. Specifically, it seeks to increase food production, enhance direct-to-consumer sales, improve food transformation activities, bolster transportation and distribution, and increase the flexibility of food retail outlets. The program prioritizes projects that support or benefit more than one entity or producer within Delaware’s food system. This focus is intended to strengthen the local food system through wide-reaching and complementary efforts rather than isolated, narrowly focused projects. Eligible projects are evaluated based on the entity's viability, its function and reach within the food system, and its capacity to add to food production, sales, processing, transportation, or distribution; improve efficiency and reduce costs; increase capacity of retail outlets; align with consumer needs; address proximity challenges; or increase emerging agricultural practices. Expected outcomes include a measurable positive impact on Delaware's food supply chain. Projects should create or contribute to outcomes such as increased volume of food production, greater availability of food products through various outlets, enhanced processing activities, more efficient transportation and distribution, improved capacity and flexibility of food retail outlets, and the adoption of innovative agricultural practices. The Council will award grants ranging from $2,500 to $150,000, and applicants must demonstrate the entity's infrastructure and capacity to successfully implement the project, with a general requirement for entities to be in operation for two or more years.