Private Business and Commerce Grants

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 solicitation described is a funding opportunity provided by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) to states and units of local government with existing crime laboratories that conduct DNA analysis. The core objective of this grant program is to maximize the effective utilization of DNA technology to process DNA samples for entry into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). This initiative aligns directly with the mission of the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), which is committed to advancing work that promotes civil rights and racial equity, increases access to justice, supports crime victims, strengthens community safety, protects the public from crime and evolving threats, and builds trust between law enforcement and the community. The target beneficiaries of this funding are the existing crime laboratories operated by state and local governments, as well as the communities and public safety entities they serve. The overarching impact goal is to solve crimes and protect public safety through the enhanced processing and utilization of DNA evidence. By ensuring effective utilization of DNA technology, the program aims to strengthen the justice system's ability to identify perpetrators, exonerate the innocent, and provide resolution for victims. The primary focus and priority of this solicitation is the practical application of DNA technology to process samples for entry into CODIS. The BJA seeks to support laboratories in efficiently handling DNA evidence to maximize its value in criminal investigations. This focus directly supports OJP’s strategic priority of strengthening community safety and protecting the public from crime and evolving threats. The theory of change underpinning this funding is that increasing the capacity and efficiency of crime labs in DNA processing directly leads to a reduction in unsolved crimes, thereby enhancing public safety and trust in the justice system. Expected outcomes of this grant program include an increased rate of DNA sample processing, a larger volume of usable DNA profiles entered into CODIS, and ultimately, a greater number of crimes solved through the use of DNA technology. These measurable results contribute to OJP’s broader commitment to increasing access to justice and supporting individuals impacted by the justice system. The successful execution of this program is intended to be a tangible step toward achieving OJP's mission of building trust between law enforcement and the community through effective, technology-driven justice administration.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to small businesses in Northern Virginia that have a strong community impact and a solid business plan, encouraging entrepreneurship and local growth.

The South Plains Foundation program, administered by The Community Foundation of West Texas, aims to foster the development of charitable programs within Lubbock County, Texas. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission to support community well-being by providing grants to eligible organizations. The grants, typically ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, are designed to encourage local programming that addresses identified community needs. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, units of local government (such as school districts, counties, and cities), and faith-based organizations that serve the general community in Lubbock County. The impact goal is to strengthen the local charitable landscape and enhance the capacity of these organizations to deliver effective programs. By supporting a diverse range of community-serving entities, the foundation seeks to create a ripple effect of positive change throughout the county. The program prioritizes projects that directly benefit the general community and are not focused on specific religious beliefs or individual financial gain. While the exact strategic priorities and theory of change are not explicitly detailed beyond the general encouragement of charitable programs, the emphasis on 501(c)3 nonprofits and local government suggests a commitment to established, accountable entities capable of implementing community-wide initiatives. The foundation's approach appears to be one of empowering local organizations to address local challenges. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of new or expanded charitable programs in Lubbock County. Measurable results would likely involve the number of people served, the types of services provided, and the overall impact on the community, although specific metrics are not outlined in the provided information. The typical grant limit of $10,000 suggests that the foundation is likely supporting projects with defined scopes, aiming for tangible, localized results rather than large-scale, long-term operational funding.

The 2025 gBETA Huntsville Accelerator Program, run by gener8tor, is a free, seven-week accelerator designed for early-stage companies with local roots in Alabama. This program aims to support the growth of new businesses by providing individualized coaching, mentorship, and opportunities for investor engagement. The program aligns with a mission to foster economic development and innovation within local communities by nurturing nascent companies and preparing them for further investment or seed rounds. It operates multiple times a year across various U.S. cities, selecting up to five companies per cohort from a competitive applicant pool. The target beneficiaries of the gBETA Huntsville program are early-stage companies based in Alabama. These companies can range from those with a nascent idea to those with significant revenue, though most are typically post-product and pre-scale. The program prioritizes companies that are committed to growth, evidenced by a five-hour weekly programming commitment and additional time spent developing their business. The impact goal is to propel these companies toward participating in investment accelerators or successfully raising a seed round, thereby contributing to the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. The program's core focuses include individualized coaching and mentorship from gener8tor on company growth and investor readiness. Participants also benefit from weekly "Lunch & Learns" and "Mentor Swarms," as well as investor and accelerator pitches. Another key priority is providing access to over $1M in deals and perks from a network of vendors like IBM Cloud, Rackspace, Amazon, Paypal, Zendesk, Hubspot, and Microsoft. These resources are strategically provided to enhance the companies' operational capabilities and market reach. Expected outcomes include significant advancements in company growth and investor readiness for participating businesses. Measurable results would be the number of graduates that go on to secure investment accelerator placements or successfully raise seed funding. The program's strategic priorities are centered on creating a robust support system for local startups, offering ongoing post-program support, and fostering community involvement. This approach reflects a theory of change where intensive, short-term acceleration, coupled with ongoing community and resource access, leads to sustainable growth and investment for early-stage companies, ultimately bolstering regional economic vitality.

The June Rockwell Levy Foundation offers grants to 501(c)(3) organizations serving Providence County, with a preference for northern Rhode Island. The foundation does not typically fund public schools or charter schools. The grants are divided into different sectors, with different application deadlines. The sectors and their respective deadlines are as follows: Arts & Culture or Environment (application deadline: January 22, 2024), Education or Economic Security (application deadline: March 18, 2024), Health or Housing (application deadline: May 20, 2024), and Human Services, Basic Human Needs, or Other (application deadline: August 19, 2024). Organizations can only apply for funding once per calendar year. The application requires various attachments, including the JRL Application, JRL Financial Summary, current organizational budget, most recent balance sheet, and current board of directors. If awarded a grant, reporting requirements and deadlines will be described in the award letter. The foundation's board of trustees can be found on their website. The legacy of June Rockwell Levy and Austin T. Levy is highlighted, and their contributions to the community are described. The application link is provided as well.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is inviting proposals for its ConocoPhillips SPIRIT of Conservation program, which is specifically designed to advance bird species and habitat conservation. This program directly aligns with NFWF's mission to address the alarming loss of 3 billion birds since 1970. The foundation's strategic priority is to support projects that conserve, restore, or enhance critical habitats and to gather essential bird population data, ultimately aiming to reverse population declines. The primary beneficiaries of this program are bird populations, both migratory and non-migratory, particularly those inhabiting grassland, wetland, sage-steppe, and coastal habitats. The program's impact goals include improving habitat quality and quantity, enhancing breeding and wintering grounds, and supporting stopover periods for birds along major migratory routes. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in bird populations, improved habitat conditions, and the collection of vital data to inform future conservation efforts. The program's priorities and focuses are centered on implementing science-driven and strategic conservation. This involves addressing habitat degradation, fragmentation, and loss. Geographic focal areas are critical, spanning major migratory routes from the northern slope of Alaska to the north-south axis of the central United States, including the Gulf Coast regions of Texas and Louisiana. The program emphasizes innovative methods for gathering lacking bird population data and conserving specific habitat types. Grant awards typically range from $100,000 to $275,000, with projects expected to be completed within two years. Eligible applicants include a broad range of non-profit organizations, government agencies (U.S. federal, state, local, municipal, tribal), and educational institutions. This inclusive eligibility criteria reflects NFWF's theory of change, which recognizes that collaborative efforts across various sectors are essential for achieving large-scale, sustainable conservation impacts for bird populations and their habitats.