Private Business and Commerce Grants

This program provides early-stage startups in Cincinnati with free mentorship, coaching, and networking opportunities to help them grow and prepare for investment.

This competition provides funding opportunities for small business founders in the U.S. and Puerto Rico to showcase their ventures and compete for cash prizes to support their growth.

This funding opportunity is designed to assist healthcare providers and community organizations in New York State that are working to overcome healthcare access challenges in rural areas.

This program provides financial support to for-profit food businesses in northeast Washington, D.C., that aim to improve access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food in underserved neighborhoods.

This grant aims to bolster economic growth and development, diversify the tax base, and generate new quality jobs within Doña Ana, Luna, and Otero Counties, with potential expansion across New Mexico. It targets new and existing small businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit organizations that contribute to economic revitalization, particularly those impacted by the pandemic or those seeking expansion. The grant supports initiatives such as entrepreneurial education, business development, and workforce reintegration, offering a lifeline for businesses and nonprofits working towards a thriving southern New Mexico economy.

This grant provides financial support to small businesses and non-profits in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, to enhance their operations through professional development, paid internships, business improvements, and technology upgrades.

This program provides financial and technical support to community investment vehicles and worker cooperatives in Chicago, enabling them to develop commercial real estate projects that empower local residents and promote equitable economic growth.

The Omaha Jaycees Foundation (OJF) offers grants to support the charitable endeavors of the Omaha Jaycees and contribute to the betterment of Greater Omaha. As a 501(c)(3) Public Charity, OJF's core mission is to issue charitable grants of up to $1,000 to fund service projects addressing immediate needs and promoting long-term community improvement. This directly aligns with the foundation's mission to improve the Greater Omaha area through targeted charitable efforts. The primary target beneficiaries for these grants are nonprofit organizations that provide services to residents of Greater Omaha. Eligibility requirements specify that applicants must be defined as tax-exempt organizations by the Internal Revenue Code and be requesting funds to conduct a 501(c)(3)-compliant charitable activity. The impact goal is to foster community betterment by supporting service projects that address critical needs and contribute to sustained positive change within the Omaha community. OJF prioritizes projects that focus on immediate community needs and long-term community betterment. This includes initiatives that align with section 170(c)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code. The foundation explicitly does not support individuals, scholarships, bifurcated gifts, political campaigns, lobbying efforts, businesses operating for personal gain or profit, endowment funding, debt repayment, past expenses, or direct support of religious activities that do not serve community members regardless of congregational membership and statements of belief. This clear focus ensures that grants are directed towards projects with genuine charitable intent and broad community benefit. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of service projects that address identified community needs and contribute to the overall improvement of Greater Omaha. While not explicitly detailed, measurable results would likely stem from the specific outcomes of the funded service projects, such as the number of individuals served, the scope of community improvement, or the successful completion of project objectives. The foundation's strategic priority is to make charitable grants that have a tangible impact on the community, operating under a theory of change that by supporting focused service projects, they can directly contribute to both immediate relief and sustained positive development within Greater Omaha.

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) solicitation is a grant program designed to support the effective utilization of DNA technology in state and local crime laboratories. This initiative operates under the umbrella of the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), the largest grantmaking component of the Department of Justice. The program's foundation is aligned with OJP's mission to advance work that promotes civil rights, increases access to justice, strengthens community safety, protects the public from crime and evolving threats, and builds trust between law enforcement and the community. By funding DNA analysis capabilities, the grant directly contributes to OJP and BJA's overall goal of providing federal leadership and resources to combat violent crime and enhance the nation's criminal justice system. The target beneficiaries for this funding are states and units of local government that possess existing crime laboratories capable of conducting DNA analysis. These recipients utilize the federal support to solve crimes and protect public safety. The overarching impact goals are to combat violent crime, support crime victims, resolve existing cases, and enhance the overall administration of justice within their jurisdictions. Related BJA programs, like the Comprehensive Forensic DNA Analysis Grant Program, further demonstrate this commitment by including various governmental entities, such as special district and city governments, as well as Native American tribal organizations, to broaden the reach of forensic science improvements. The primary focus of this grant is maximizing the effective utilization of DNA technology to process DNA samples for entry into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). This is achieved through BJA's forensic science programs, such as the DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) program and the National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI). These programs are specifically prioritized to increase the capacity of public forensic laboratories, reduce the backlog of DNA evidence, and improve the timeliness of testing. This focus ensures that DNA evidence from crimes is analyzed and entered into the national database as quickly and efficiently as possible. The expected outcomes are centered on increasing the operational efficiency and effectiveness of forensic science in the justice system. The measurable results include a direct increase in the number of CODIS-eligible samples analyzed and a reduction in DNA testing turnaround times. These efforts have demonstrated success in practice, with BJA-funded programs contributing to a substantial percentage of all CODIS hits, resulting in the identification of previously unknown suspects and providing critical evidence for the prosecution of criminal cases. This grant is part of the Office of Justice Programs' strategic priority to uphold the rule of law, keep the country safe, and protect civil rights by supporting law enforcement and justice practitioners. OJP's theory of change posits that by providing targeted financial resources and technical assistance, and by focusing on evidence-based, "smart on crime" approaches, they can enhance the capacity and effectiveness of state, local, and tribal justice systems. Investing in DNA processing and CODIS entry, therefore, is a key strategy for leveraging technology to increase the certainty of identification, improve public safety, and ensure a more fair and effective administration of justice.

The Child Care Infrastructure Grant Program is offering grants to existing child care facilities in Aroostook, Franklin, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, and Washington Counties in Maine. The grants are intended to support facilities in increasing their licensed capacity by providing funding for up to 50% of their expansion costs, with a maximum award of $30,000. The funds can be used for various purposes, including purchasing or renting a building and renovating it, constructing a new building, buying educational materials, acquiring indoor furniture and fixtures, creating an outdoor learning environment, buying playground equipment, procuring health and safety supplies, and having sufficient working capital. Priority will be given to applications that provide care for infants and toddlers, care for families income-eligible for subsidy, and participate in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program. The application process consists of two steps, with the first step being the Facility Expansion Application 1, which can be accessed through the provided link. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until June 30, 2024, or until all funds are awarded. If eligible, applicants will be invited to complete Facility Expansion Application 2, which includes a business and project plan and an expense estimate. The deadline for Application 2 is August 30, 2024, or until all funds are awarded. The processing time for applications is expected to be up to five weeks.

This funding opportunity supports industry-led partnerships in Washington State to develop innovation clusters that promote economic growth while addressing climate sustainability and public health.

The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program Cooperative Agreements, a joint effort between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agriculture Marketing Services (AMS), and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), aims to bolster the middle-of-the-food-supply-chain and fortify local and regional food systems. The core mission of this program aligns with creating new revenue streams for Michigan producers and enhancing the overall resilience of the food supply chain. MDARD will facilitate this by issuing subawards, primarily in the form of Infrastructure Grants, to businesses operating within the middle of the supply chain. This strategic approach is designed to foster more diverse local and regional market options and generate greater economic opportunities for communities, ultimately allowing them to retain a larger share of the value chain dollar. The RFSI program is specifically targeting agricultural producers or processors, groups of agricultural producers and processors, nonprofit organizations, local government entities, tribal governments, and institutions such as schools, universities, or hospitals involved in middle-of-the-supply-chain activities. The overarching impact goals include establishing a robust food systems infrastructure that supports competitive and profitable market access for domestic farm products. Additionally, the program seeks to support the development of value-added products for consumers, promote fair prices and wages, create safe job opportunities that retain profits in rural communities, and increase diversity in processing options across business models, geography, and accessibility for underserved communities. USDA has established clear priorities for RFSI program funding, focusing on Infrastructure Grant activities. These priorities include expanding capacity for processing, aggregation, and distribution of agricultural products to create more and better markets for producers. Modernizing manufacturing, tracking, storage, and information technology systems is another key focus, alongside enhancing worker safety through new technologies or investments in equipment and facility improvements. Improving the capacity of entities to comply with federal, state, and local food safety requirements, and improving operations through training opportunities are also critical. The program further prioritizes supporting the construction of new facilities, modernizing or expanding existing facilities, constructing wastewater management structures, modernizing processing and manufacturing equipment, and developing or installing equipment that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, increases water use efficiency, improves air/water quality, or meets USDA’s climate action goals. Expected outcomes and measurable results from this program include a strengthened and more resilient middle-of-the-food-supply-chain in Michigan, evidenced by increased processing, aggregation, and distribution capacities. The program anticipates creating more diverse local and regional market options, leading to increased economic opportunities and a greater retention of value chain dollars within Michigan communities. Successful proposals will demonstrate an ability to develop value-added products, ensure fair labor practices, and contribute to the diversification of processing options. With Michigan awarded over $10 million, the program offers two types of grants: Equipment Only Grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 for smaller projects and Infrastructure Grants with a maximum award of $475,000 for more substantial investments. The program's strategic priorities and theory of change are rooted in the belief that targeted investments in food systems infrastructure will directly lead to enhanced market access for producers, improved economic vitality for communities, and a more sustainable and equitable food supply chain for Michigan.

The Youngstown Foundation offers various grant programs designed to be innovative, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the local community in Youngstown and vicinity (Mahoning and Trumbull Counties). The foundation's mission is deeply rooted in supporting effective 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations that do not discriminate. Each year, approximately 500 grants, ranging from $1,000 to $300,000, are awarded across several program areas including Health, Environment, Education and Youth, Community Development, Arts and Culture, Social/Family Services, Women, and Seniors. This broad scope reflects the foundation's commitment to addressing diverse community needs and aligning its resources with key areas for local impact. The target beneficiaries of The Youngstown Foundation's grants are the people of Youngstown and vicinity, specifically residents of Mahoning and Trumbull Counties. The foundation aims for significant impact by supporting projects and organizations that strengthen the community's ability to respond effectively to needs, promote collaboration, and reduce duplication of services. Expected outcomes include improved health, environmental quality, educational opportunities, youth development, community infrastructure, arts and culture, social and family well-being, and support for women and seniors. The Crisis Assistance Program, for example, specifically targets agencies needing emergency funding to ensure continuity of essential, direct services to clients, with a clear outcome of maintaining critical community support during times of crisis. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are evident in its preference for innovative proposals that originate from local organizations, target local populations, demonstrate strong volunteer leadership, and build on community strengths. The foundation seeks to apply its resources optimally and confirms an agency's sustainability/strategic plan, with no expectation of annual funding, thereby fostering long-term impact and self-sufficiency. Its theory of change appears to be that by strategically investing in local, well-led, and collaborative initiatives, it can create a resilient community that effectively addresses its own needs. The types of grants offered further illustrate these priorities. Program Grants support specific, time-bound projects with explicit objectives and predetermined costs, focusing on measurable results within defined program areas. Operational Grants support an organization's overall activities and overhead, allowing grantees discretion to use funds where most needed, particularly for organizations consistently serving Mahoning and/or Trumbull county residents, thus ensuring ongoing vital services. Capital Investment Grants are specifically for improving physical spaces within the designated counties, contributing to the community's infrastructure. The Crisis Assistance Program and Support Fund Grants, including the Williamson Fund, highlight the foundation's responsiveness to immediate needs and its strategy to amplify individual contributions to small and midsize charities.

This funding opportunity supports community-led projects in Philadelphia that promote food justice by empowering marginalized groups to access, grow, and sell healthy food in areas with limited fresh food availability.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, government entities, school districts, and faith-based groups in Springfield, Missouri, to support programs that empower youth and encourage their participation in community service.

This funding initiative provides $1,500 to early-stage entrepreneurs in the U.S. who are creating innovative products or fostering community engagement to help them grow their businesses.

Arts Midwest is offering Cultural Sustainability: Equity-Based Operating Grants of up to $67,000 to small arts and culture organizations rooted in communities of color, providing general operating support for those with annual expenses up to $500,000 in selected states.

To help marine businesses recover from the devastating impacts of January 2024’s coastal storms, Island Institute is expanding our Business Resilience Grant program. Grant awards of up to $5,000 are available for working waterfront businesses that directly support fishing and aquaculture on islands, and in fishing-dependent communities that were impacted by the storms on January 10 and 13, 2024. Maine’s fishing industry accounts for nearly $1 billion in annual revenue and it is under a multitude of pressures. Taking up a mere 20 miles of the more than 5,000 miles of Maine’s coastline, the working waterfront infrastructure along our shorelines is in grave danger of being lost forever. The more rural the community, the more reliant communities are on the marine economy. Without safe and reliable wharves, docks, and access ramps, Maine’s fishing communities grind to a halt. This infrastructure is the backbone of the coastal economy and importantly supports the families and communities that rely upon what they catch or grow. It is for this reason we are choosing to urgently support the resilient rebuilding of our working waterfront infrastructure. We will review grant applications weekly and have streamlined our application process to ensure these limited funds will quickly arrive in communities. Eligible applicants are for-profit businesses with shoreside infrastructure that supports multiple individuals or that plays a critical role in communities with demonstrable impact from these storms. Due to limited available funds, priority is given to businesses that support many independent harvesters. For more information please contact Jeff Frank at brgrants@islandinstitute.org Examples of acceptable uses of funds include: • Wharf infrastructure repair • Equipment repair and replacement • Other: contact us if you're unsure. Before you get started, here is a bit more about the application and process: Individuals and affiliated companies are eligible for one Island Institute grant per fiscal year (this does not include scholarships). Awards from previous fiscal years will not disqualify applications. There is a limited amount of funds available for the Business Resilience Storm Recovery Grants. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through June 10, 2024 (as long as funds are available), and reviewed weekly to ensure these funds will quickly arrive in communities.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit visual, music, and performing arts organizations in Broward County, Florida, enabling them to deliver high-quality cultural programs and arts education for K-12 students.

Cox Communications, in partnership with the Arizona Community Foundation, offers grants through Cox Charities to support nonprofit organizations in Arizona. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance communities by investing in key areas. Eligible organizations include Arizona 501(c)(3) entities, government agencies, and tribal entities, with religious organizations able to apply for non-sectarian programs. The program aims to foster positive community impact by supporting initiatives that address critical social needs within the state. The Cox Charities grant program targets beneficiaries across several key focus areas: Education, with a priority on K-12 and STEAM initiatives; Diversity, specifically programs serving 80% or more of a target population or promoting inclusion, diversity, and equity; Environment/Sustainability, focusing on water conservation, waste reduction, or carbon reduction; and Digital Equity, supporting digital literacy programs, computer distribution, or services for underserved communities. These priorities reflect the foundation's strategic focus on empowering individuals and communities through access to essential resources and opportunities. The expected outcomes of the Cox Charities grant program are centered on measurable results within these focus areas. For education, the goal is to improve educational attainment and skills, particularly in STEM fields. Diversity initiatives aim to foster more inclusive communities and reduce disparities. Environmental grants seek tangible improvements in sustainability practices, such as reduced water consumption or waste. Digital equity programs are expected to increase digital literacy and access, bridging the digital divide for underserved populations. The grant duration is not specified, but grants typically range from $2,500 to $10,000. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are evident in its commitment to supporting programs that directly address identified community needs and create lasting impact. By prioritizing specific areas like K-12 and STEAM education, targeted diversity programs, environmental sustainability, and digital literacy, Cox Charities aims to drive systemic change. They emphasize fiscal accountability and responsibility among applicants, and organizations must demonstrate a non-discrimination policy. Furthermore, providing opportunities for Cox Communications Arizona employees to volunteer or serve on boards highlights a belief in community engagement and shared responsibility for achieving these outcomes.