Local Grants

The City of Evanston's Small Business Recovery Program is designed to safeguard the local small business economy and preserve the city's economic and cultural fabric. While not explicitly a foundation, the City of Evanston's mission alignment with this program is evident in its commitment to supporting the independent businesses that define the city's identity. This initiative directly addresses the sustained negative economic impacts of the pandemic on these vital businesses. The program primarily targets existing small, independently owned brick-and-mortar businesses in Evanston, particularly focusing on minority, disadvantaged, and veteran-owned enterprises. To be eligible, businesses must have been operating on or before March 13, 2020, possess a physical Evanston location with proper registration/licensing, and have 50 or fewer employees. The overarching impact goal is to facilitate recovery from the pandemic's economic downturn, ensuring these businesses can continue to operate and contribute to the community. The program prioritizes a range of services and expenses to achieve its goals. These include facade improvements, rehabilitation/renovation of commercial properties, signage, professional services (accounting, tax, insurance, legal), marketing/communications technical assistance, capital expenditures (tools and equipment), training and certifications, relocation/expansion within Evanston (for qualified census tracts), and hiring/training of new employees. The maximum grant amount per applicant is $25,000, with other eligible expenses capped at $10,000. Priority will be given to M/W/D/EBE businesses or those located in qualified census tracts if applications exceed available funding. The expected outcomes include the revitalization of small businesses, job retention and creation, and an overall strengthening of Evanston's local economy. Measurable results will likely stem from the types of expenses funded, such as improved business appearance, enhanced operational efficiency through new equipment, increased marketing reach, and expanded workforces. The City's strategic priority is to prevent business closures and stimulate economic growth post-pandemic, operating on the theory that direct financial and technical assistance to vulnerable small businesses is the most effective way to achieve a resilient local economy and maintain its unique cultural identity.

The City of Burien offers the Burien Neighborhood Grants Program to support resident initiated projects that improve quality of life, build community, and create lasting public benefits. The program encourages participation from youth groups, neighborhood associations, and informal groups of neighbors. The city may provide up to 5,000 dollars per project, to be matched by volunteer labor, donated materials, professional services, or additional funds. Eligible projects include tree planting and maintenance, minor park or trailhead improvements, environmental or sustainability projects, public amenities such as benches or markers, and community based events that foster neighbor connections. Projects must be designed for low maintenance and provide broad public access and benefit. Projects must be located within Burien city limits and involve at least two residents from separate households. Applicants must demonstrate neighborhood support, obtain approvals from adjacent property owners as needed, involve residents in all phases, and meet project completion timelines and permitting requirements. Projects must be on publicly accessed property and be free and open to the public. Applications are due May 1, 2024. Grant duration is not stated. Additional information is available from the City of Burien.

The City of Evanston's "Sustain Evanston" Incentive Program is a funding tool designed to empower small business owners to implement sustainability measures. This initiative directly aligns with the City’s Climate Action & Resilience Plan, serving the foundational mission of fostering a more sustainable community. By offering financial assistance, the program aims to reduce operating costs for businesses while simultaneously enhancing their service to customers through environmentally friendly practices. This strategic alignment underscores the city's commitment to both economic vitality and ecological responsibility. The primary beneficiaries of this program include commercial property owners, tenants of commercial buildings, business districts, and coalitions of businesses within the City of Evanston. The impact goals are centered on improving the environmental footprint of local businesses, promoting sustainable infrastructure, and encouraging eco-conscious operations. Through these efforts, the program seeks to create a more resilient and environmentally sound local economy, benefiting both businesses and residents. The program prioritizes a broad range of sustainability measures, categorized into capital projects, equipment, services, and education materials. Key focuses include the adoption of heat pumps, EV charging infrastructure, solar PV, waste collection enclosures, green infrastructure like green roofs, and energy-efficient upgrades such as insulation and windows. Equipment priorities involve reusable containers, energy-efficient lighting, and appliances. Services like composting, recycling, energy/water benchmarking, and consulting are also emphasized, alongside educational signage and labels. These priorities reflect a holistic approach to sustainability, addressing various facets of business operations. Expected outcomes include a significant reduction in the operational costs for participating businesses due to increased energy efficiency and waste reduction. Measurable results will likely involve the number of businesses implementing sustainable upgrades, the amount of energy saved, the volume of waste diverted from landfills, and the expansion of green infrastructure within the city. The program's strategic approach is to incentivize tangible changes that collectively contribute to the City’s broader Climate Action & Resilience Plan, acting as a catalyst for widespread sustainable practices within the business community. This aligns with a theory of change where financial incentives drive behavioral and infrastructure changes, leading to a more sustainable and resilient urban environment.

This program provides financial assistance to new small businesses in Evanston, helping them cover essential operating costs and equipment expenses to foster job creation and sustainability.

This grant provides financial support to small businesses, non-profits, and educational organizations in Frisco to implement innovative projects that reduce waste and promote sustainability within the community.

This program provides financial assistance to commercial businesses in Liberty for exterior improvements that enhance the aesthetic appeal and promote business development within the city.

The Texas Indigent Defense Commission (TIDC) 2025 Improvement Grant Request for Applications (RFA) aims to enhance indigent defense services across Texas. This initiative aligns with a foundational mission to ensure quality legal representation for indigent defendants, a critical component of a fair justice system. By offering competitive grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, TIDC seeks to foster the development of new programs and processes that address the specific needs and challenges within the state's indigent defense landscape. The grants typically require county matching funds, promoting local investment and commitment to these crucial services. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are Texas counties, law school legal clinics, regional public defenders, and nonprofit corporations that provide indigent defense services. The ultimate impact goal is to improve the quality of representation for indigent defendants and to implement cost-containment initiatives for counties. TIDC prioritizes programs that establish managed indigent defense systems, including public defender and managed assigned counsel programs, as well as specialized services for clients with mental health challenges, regional services, and programs serving rural areas. Additionally, programs that measure the quality of representation and implement process management software are given precedence. The grant program features several categories designed to address various needs. Multi-Year Improvement Grants support ongoing indigent defense representation programs, offering funding over four years with a declining reimbursement rate and requiring a cash match. Rural Regional Public Defender Sustainability Grants focus on regional programs in three or more counties with populations under 100,000, providing significant initial and ongoing sustainability funding. Single-Year Improvement Grants target process improvement and technology projects, while Technical Support Grants fund special projects like research, program assessments, and pilot initiatives to build knowledge and test new processes. Expected outcomes include the establishment of new public defender offices and managed assigned counsel systems, the development of specialized defender offices for mental health or juvenile cases, and the deployment of indigent defense coordinators. These outcomes are designed to create more robust, equitable, and efficient indigent defense systems across Texas. The TIDC's strategic priorities and theory of change center on the belief that by investing in diverse, targeted programs, counties can develop sustainable, high-quality indigent defense services that not only meet legal requirements but also significantly improve the lives of indigent defendants and reduce long-term county operating costs.

The Juneau Arts and Humanities Council administers the City and Borough of Juneau Major Grants to provide operating support for local arts nonprofit organizations. The program seeks to cultivate vibrant arts and cultural opportunities and to build a strong, prosperous community where creativity and innovation thrive. Funding may support a specific project or season operations. Review criteria include compatibility with core values, artistic quality, community benefit, organizational capacity to manage programs and events, number of individuals served, evaluation processes, prior compliance with grant policies, budget realism, and sound program management. Organizations must be current with licenses and registrations. Eligible applicants are local nonprofit organizations serving Juneau and surrounding Southeast Alaska communities. Projects funded in 2024 to 2025 will occur from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. The program supports community art encouragement and services that enrich quality of life and promote the creative economy. Applications are due May 1, 2024. Grant size and duration beyond the one year period are not stated. Additional information is available from the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council.

The Town of Olathe has received a Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) grant from the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), aimed at revitalizing its Main Street and supporting local retail businesses. This grant directly aligns with a mission to foster economic development and community prosperity in rural areas by providing financial assistance for critical business improvements. The program’s focus on storefront enhancements and accessibility modifications is designed to create a more vibrant and economically robust town center, ultimately benefiting the entire community. The target beneficiaries for this grant are businesses located in the 200 and 300 blocks of Olathe’s Main Street, as well as retail businesses along Highway 50 Business Loop. The primary impact goal is to stimulate local commerce, attract more customers, and enhance the overall aesthetic appeal and functionality of the town’s commercial core. By supporting these businesses, the grant intends to create a more attractive and accessible environment for residents and visitors alike, fostering sustained economic growth. The grant prioritizes a range of physical improvements, including awning repair or replacement, new or updated business signs, and comprehensive façade improvements such as storefront repairs, window replacement, and the rehabilitation of historic architectural features. Additionally, modifications to improve business accessibility are a key focus, ensuring that the revitalized spaces are inclusive for all patrons. The grant explicitly excludes roof and foundation work, directing funds toward highly visible and impactful street-level enhancements. Expected outcomes of the REDI grant include increased foot traffic and sales for participating businesses, a significant improvement in the visual appeal of Main Street and the Highway 50 Business Loop, and a strengthened local economy. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of businesses that undergo improvements, the types of improvements made, and potentially, local sales tax revenue increases or new business establishments in the targeted areas. The strategic priority is to leverage this funding to create a ripple effect, encouraging further private investment and community engagement in Olathe’s ongoing revitalization efforts.

The Edwards Aquifer Authority's 2024 Groundwater Conservation Grant Program supports agricultural irrigation efficiency improvements within its jurisdiction, encompassing over 8,000 square miles across eight Texas counties. This initiative aims to incentivize the adoption of water-saving practices among Edwards Aquifer permit holders, enhancing groundwater conservation efforts. Qualified projects that demonstrate potential groundwater savings are eligible for funding. Applicants are required to provide detailed project proposals, including descriptions of current and proposed irrigation methods, equipment to be used, and comprehensive cost estimates.

This funding opportunity supports artists, organizations, and community groups in creating public art and placemaking projects that enhance Seaside's cultural appeal and attract tourists.

The City of Pasadena's 2024-2025 Festival and Parade Grant Program aims to support publicly oriented thematic events with a defined cultural or artistic focus. These events can encompass multiple arts genres/cultural activities or multiple offerings focusing on one artistic genre or cultural activity, and must include elements of community involvement. Examples include music festivals, dance festivals, fairs, parades, and cultural celebrations. The program is specifically for events produced by non-profit organizations or consortia of non-profit organizations, taking place within Pasadena city limits for one or more consecutive days, and featuring various art forms such as music, theatre, visual art, dance, or film. The program targets non-profit arts and culture organizations or non-profit social service organizations (including, but not limited to, chambers of commerce, social service agencies, homeowners associations, or business districts) in partnership with an arts and culture organization. The grant seeks to foster accessibility, cultural diversity, and geographic equity within Pasadena. Eligible projects include public events with a cultural or artistic purpose, arts/culture festivals or parades held in publicly accessible spaces that are free or of reasonable cost, and collaborations between Pasadena non-profit art/culture organizations and other non-profit entities. Social service organizations can apply if partnered with a Pasadena arts/culture organization. The grant prioritizes marketing costs and artists' fees to ensure events are accessible and diverse. The maximum grant request is $10,000, and projects must take place between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. The program also supports arts/culture events produced in Pasadena by non-profit arts/culture organizations not based in Pasadena but providing an event not otherwise produced by a local producer, further enhancing the city's cultural offerings. The expected outcomes include an increase in accessible cultural and artistic events within Pasadena, greater community involvement in arts and culture, and the promotion of cultural diversity and geographic equity through supported festivals and parades. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the program's focus on marketing costs and artist fees suggests an intention to increase attendance and participation in these events. The overall strategic priority is to enrich the cultural landscape of Pasadena and ensure a vibrant community through public arts and cultural celebrations.

The City of Kansas City, Missouri, in partnership with the Economic Development Corporation - Loan Corporation (EDCLC), is offering grants to eligible micro-businesses that have been negatively impacted by the pandemic. The grants are available to businesses based in Kansas City, Missouri, with ten or fewer employees. The EDCLC will provide grants of $10,000, $15,000, and $25,000. The funds can be used for various purposes such as overhead costs, renovation costs, technology, professional services, facade and minor roof repairs, inventory costs, equipment costs, and marketing. However, certain businesses are ineligible for the grants, including liquor stores, payday loans, hookah and vape shops, marijuana-related businesses, rental properties, bars with less than 50% food sales, and new businesses operating for less than one year. For more information, contact smbcapital@edckc.com or call 816-691-2120.

Name of Funding Organization: Cecil County, Maryland Contact Information: Not provided in the input Grant Program: FY24 Cecil County Route 40 Revitalization Grant Program Intent: The grant aims to assist businesses and organizations located along the Route 40 corridor in Cecil County, Maryland to improve their exterior visual appearance and function. The goal is to enhance the overall visual appearance and increase utilization of these businesses and organizations. Award Details: The maximum award per grant application is $25,000. Grant funds are intended to be used for exterior improvement projects visible from Route 40. Up to 20% of the grant funds may be used for specified interior improvements with prior approval. All funding is contingent upon funding from the State of Maryland and approval of Cecil County Council. Eligibility: Businesses and organizations, both for-profit and non-profit, located within Cecil County along the Route 40 corridor with a Route 40/Pulaski Highway address are eligible to apply. Applicants must be in good standing with the IRS, State of Maryland, and Cecil County. Other Relevant Information: - Applicants must match the funds they are applying for. - Project designs must be approved by Cecil County Government. - Demolition of derelict structures visible from Route 40 will be considered. - Disbursement of grant funding will only be made on a reimbursement basis. - Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis starting January 1, 2024. - Grant funds must be expended by June 30, 2024. Eligible Activities: Signage, Lighting, Roofing, Siding, Painting, Entrance, Porch/Deck, Fencing, Landscaping/Hardscaping, Sidewalks, Driveway, Parking, ADA Ramp, Demolition Ineligible Activities: Improvements to primary residence, Interior renovations, Improvements not visible from Route 40, Trash Removal Project Evaluation: The Grant Review Committee will evaluate applications based on criteria such as completeness, enhanced visual appearance from Route 40, stability of business/organization, positive impact on the business and community, clear explanation of how grant funds will be used, adherence to maximum limit of $25,000, identification of matching funds sources, preference

The North Killeen Downtown Start-up Program, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act through the City of Killeen, Texas, offers support to entrepreneurs looking to establish or grow businesses in the North Killeen and Historic Downtown Area. The program aims to enhance community resilience and increase economic prospects in areas that have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The American Rescue Plan Act acknowledges the pre-existing economic disparities experienced by certain communities and families that were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds are encouraged to be used to reduce these disparities and create stronger neighborhoods in certain Qualified Census Tracts. North Killeen and the Historic Downtown are located within Qualified Census Tracts.

The City of York's Education, Empowerment & Enhancement (3E) Grant Program is supported by ARPA funds and aims to increase the operating capacity of small businesses. This program is rooted in the city's broader ARPA grant initiatives, which are designed to benefit City of York residents and the community. The alignment with the city's mission is evident in its focus on supporting local businesses, particularly those in Qualified Census Tract (QCT) areas, which the U.S. Treasury recognizes as disproportionately impacted. This strategic focus ensures that grant funds are directed towards areas and populations most in need, contributing to the overall economic resilience and social well-being of the city. The primary target beneficiaries of the 3E Grant Program are small business owners in the City of York who are minorities, women, or people with disabilities. To be eligible, businesses must also earn $500,000 or less in annual gross revenues, be registered, licensed, and in good standing on all City taxes and obligations, and be physically located within a QCT in the City of York. Additionally, no owners should have been convicted of financial crimes within the past three years. The program's impact goals are centered on fostering business growth and stability within these underserved communities by providing resources for education, professional development, and operational enhancements. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly outlined by the "3E's": Education, Empowerment, and Enhancement. Education encompasses classes, certificates, and training for business owners and/or their employees. Empowerment focuses on retreats, workshops, and coaching to build professional development. Enhancement involves improvements to business operations through new software, products, or equipment. These areas represent the core strategies through which the grant intends to address the operational capacity and growth challenges faced by eligible small businesses. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the operating capacity of participating small businesses. This can manifest as improved skills through education, enhanced leadership and strategic thinking through empowerment, and increased efficiency or service offerings through operational enhancements. Eligible costs must occur within a year of receiving grant funds, providing a clear timeframe for impact. The program's theory of change posits that by investing in these key areas, the City of York can create a more equitable and robust local economy, particularly for businesses in historically disadvantaged areas, leading to sustained growth and community benefit.

This initiative provides financial assistance to small businesses in San Francisco that have experienced vandalism, helping them cover repair costs and maintain their storefronts.

This funding opportunity supports small, community-driven projects in Takoma Park, Maryland, aimed at strengthening neighborhood connections through grants for local non-profits and community organizations.

The Neighborhood Grants Program (NGP) is offered by the Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) to support community groups in addressing local issues and improving quality of life. NGP provides financial and technical assistance to resident- and community-led projects that bring people together to identify and solve community challenges throughout Monterey County. The Neighborhood Grants Program (NGP) is a grant program of the Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC). NGP considers applications from various community groups throughout Monterey County that actively bring residents together to identify community issues and implement solutions to address them. The NGP is committed to providing financial and technical support to resident- and community-led groups for projects in their neighborhood or community that help improve the quality of life for its residents.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit organizations in Milwaukee to preserve and restore public art, enhancing the city's cultural heritage and community vibrancy.