Local Business and Commerce Grants

This program provides financial support to downtown retailers, restaurants, and service businesses in Athens for permanent improvements that enhance their physical spaces and contribute to the revitalization of the downtown area.

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

The City of Athens is soliciting proposals from eligible organizations to fund activities that serve a public purpose, acting as a reimbursing grant program. This initiative aligns with the City's mission to support its residents, businesses, and visitors by leveraging the services of local organizations. By providing targeted financial support, the City aims to achieve its objectives more efficiently, particularly when these organizations address public purposes not met by the City or supplement existing services, thereby reducing the City's operational costs. The program prioritizes activities that assist the City in accomplishing its strategic goals. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are the residents, businesses, and visitors within the Athens city limits. The impact goal is to enhance public services and quality of life within the community by supporting organizations that can effectively deliver these services. The program seeks to empower local entities to address community needs, ensuring that essential services are available and appropriate for the public on an equal basis. Funding priority is given to activities that assist the City in accomplishing its strategic goals. Key priorities include ensuring all funded activities serve a public purpose, are provided by legally capable organizations with sound governance and financial standing, and directly benefit the Athens community. The emphasis is on organizations located within city limits that can demonstrate the availability and appropriateness of their funded activities to the public on an equal basis. Expected outcomes include an improved delivery of public services, increased community well-being, and a more efficient use of public funds through partnerships with local organizations. Measurable results would involve the number of residents, businesses, and visitors served, the types of services provided, and the extent to which these services address identified public needs. The program implicitly operates on a theory of change where targeted financial support to qualified local organizations leads to enhanced public services and community benefits, ultimately contributing to the City's strategic objectives and the overall betterment of Athens.

The Orange County Business Investment Grant Program in North Carolina is seeking applications to provide financial support ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to stimulate non-farm business development and expansion within the county, with eligibility criteria including the business's physical location, operational duration, tax status, and connection with business counseling services.

The 2025 Agriculture Farm Expansion Grant, offered by the Kauai County Office of Economic Development (OED), seeks to support the growth of Kauai’s agricultural industry. The program provides targeted funding to projects that aim to expand farming operations across the island. The funding period spans from March 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026, and proposals must be submitted via the Amplifund system by Thursday, January 2, 2025, at 4:00 PM Kauai Standard Time. Late submissions or proposals sent via mail, email, or fax will not be considered. The grant is open to organizations proposing projects or programs that advance the agricultural sector. Proposals will be reviewed, and funding recommendations will be made, with recipients notified during the week of February 3, 2025. Applicants must ensure their proposals align with the program’s goals and meet all submission requirements outlined in the Request for Proposal (RFP). The full RFP can be accessed through the Kauai County OED website, and the Amplifund system provides the portal for proposal submissions. Questions about the grant must be submitted in writing to oedgrants@kauai.gov by November 21, 2024, at 4:00 PM. Applicants requiring auxiliary aids, services, or accommodations due to disabilities must contact Therilynn Martin-Haumea at 808-241-4299 or tmhaumea@kauai.gov by November 23, 2023, to ensure adequate time for requests to be fulfilled. Alternate formats for notices, such as large print or Braille, are available upon request. This grant provides a strategic opportunity to invest in Kauai’s agricultural infrastructure, promote industry growth, and foster sustainable farming practices. Eligible organizations are encouraged to review the RFP and submit detailed proposals that align with the program’s objectives before the deadline.

This program provides financial support to non-farm businesses in Orange County, particularly those owned by women and BIPOC, to help them grow, hire staff, and make a positive economic impact.

The Ellensburg Community Grant Program offers a water quality-focused grant to support community-based projects aimed at improving or protecting surface water quality. Funded by the Stormwater Utility, this grant aligns with the broader mission of fostering a healthy environment where water quality sustains diverse organisms and safeguards public health. The program provides funding for community groups to engage in outreach, education, assessments, planning, implementation, prevention, and control initiatives specifically targeting the city's surface water. The grant targets eligible volunteer groups, including youth, seniors, non-profit organizations, and educational organizations. While business and governmental partners are encouraged to participate, they cannot be the primary applicants. The overarching impact goal is to improve stormwater quality within Ellensburg city limits. Projects are expected to demonstrate tangible improvements in surface water quality, educate a significant and diverse portion of Ellensburg's population about water quality and protective actions, and promote best practices to reduce or eliminate adverse impacts on water quality. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrably improve surface water quality, educate residents on water quality and actions to protect it, and teach best practices to minimize water quality impacts. Examples of eligible projects include public outreach and education, yard care initiatives, and litter pickup, all aimed at benefiting stormwater quality within the city. Projects must be situated within city limits, and if on publicly owned property, an agreement addressing various terms, including the use of minors as volunteers and hold harmless clauses, will be required. A total of $10,000 is available for this grant cycle. Expected outcomes include a more informed community regarding water quality issues, a reduction in pollutants impacting surface waters, and a greater adoption of environmentally sound practices. The program’s theory of change is that by empowering and funding community groups to engage in direct action and education, Ellensburg can achieve measurable improvements in its surface water quality, thereby enhancing ecological health and public well-being. Grant funds explicitly prohibit projects that involve or promote the use of alcohol.

The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation is offering EITAS Grants to support services for Jackson County citizens with developmental disabilities. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to provide funding for the services, supports, and capital resources necessary for individuals with developmental disabilities to reside in and belong to their community. For over 35 years, EITAS has consistently funded essential services, demonstrating a long-term commitment to ensuring eligible individuals receive necessary support and care for their satisfaction and well-being. The target beneficiaries for these grants are individuals with developmental disabilities and their families residing within Jackson County, Missouri. The primary impact goal is to enable these individuals to live in and be integrated into their community, with an overarching aim of enhancing their satisfaction and well-being. The program seeks to achieve this by addressing critical needs that promote independence and community participation. The funding priorities for the EITAS Grants are focused on several key areas. These include transportation, inclusion with the community, crisis prevention and support, transition services, and safe, equitable access to housing. These priorities reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals with developmental disabilities, aiming to provide a supportive and inclusive environment. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided description, the expected outcomes are centered on improving the quality of life, fostering community integration, and ensuring access to essential support for individuals with developmental disabilities. The foundation's strategic priority is to continue funding programs that deliver these vital services, operating under the theory of change that by providing targeted financial support, they can directly enhance the well-being and community participation of this vulnerable population in Jackson County.

Grant Name: DRI Main Street Facade Improvement Program Location: City of Syracuse, New York Grant Size: $100,000 to $500,000 Duration: Not specified Details: The City of Syracuse Department of Neighborhood and Business Development is offering grants to support the redevelopment and improvement of commercial, mixed-use, and/or historic properties within the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) area. Funding is available for for-profit entities seeking to make building facade improvements. A total of $1.8 million has been allocated for this program, with a maximum award of up to $250,000 per project. Eligible applicants include property owners or those under contract to purchase property in the DRI area. Both for-profit and nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply. For more information, visit NBD website.

The City of Spokane Valley in Washington is offering a grant of over $1 million, funded by local lodging taxes, for projects that promote tourism through marketing, special events, and operations of tourism-related facilities, with the aim to boost economic activity in the city in 2025.

This grant provides financial and technical assistance to local organizations and governments in Syracuse to create and improve affordable housing options for residents.

The Kern Community Foundation's Women’s and Girls’ Fund is offering grants between $10,000 to $100,000 for one year to 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Kern County, California, that aim to enhance educational attainment and STEM interest for women and girls, with a focus on improving test scores, literacy, graduation rates, and vocational training opportunities.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in New York City to enhance commercial district public spaces through projects like lighting, murals, and wayfinding tools, fostering vibrant and safe environments for local businesses.

The City of Redmond's 2025 Tourism Grants program is designed to foster tourism development and promotion within the city. This initiative aligns with the city's mission to attract visitors from outside a 50-mile radius, specifically prioritizing overnight guests. Funding for these grants is derived from a 1% lodging tax collected on hotel rooms in Redmond, ensuring that the program directly reinvests in local tourism efforts. The program aims to enhance Redmond's appeal as a destination through various events, tournaments, and promotions. The target beneficiaries for these grants include a wide array of public and private organizations with a demonstrated ability to execute proposed projects. This encompasses business, community, cultural, educational, entertainment, heritage, historical, and sports organizations, as well as galleries, museums, and visitor information bureaus. The primary impact goal is to increase the number of visitors to Redmond, thereby stimulating the local economy and enhancing the city's vibrant community. The program prioritizes projects that align with specific state statutes and city ordinances governing the use of Tourism Promotion Program funds. Key focus areas include tourism marketing, the marketing and operations of special events and festivals explicitly designed to attract tourists, and the operations of tourism-related facilities owned or operated by IRC 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations. Grants are competitive, evaluated by the Redmond Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) using official funding criteria and weighted scoring, with recommendations subject to City Council approval. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in tourism activity and overnight stays in Redmond. While the grant duration is not specified, projects must clearly define the services or initiatives to be implemented. The minimum awarded amount is $1,000, and grants cannot exceed 50% of the total project cost. The program's strategic priority is to leverage lodging tax revenues to sustainably grow Redmond's tourism sector, operating under the theory of change that targeted investments in tourism promotion and infrastructure will directly lead to an influx of visitors and associated economic benefits for the city.

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.

This program provides financial assistance to small businesses in Malibu that have experienced economic hardship due to recent natural disasters, helping them cover essential operational costs for recovery.

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.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Brown, Door, Kewaunee, and Oconto counties, focusing on capacity-building efforts to enhance their sustainability and effectiveness, particularly for those led by people of color and serving older populations.