Private Business and Commerce Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to small businesses in Richmond, Virginia, that have experienced economic losses due to water outages, specifically targeting those in water-dependent industries.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Greater Boston that serve marginalized communities by addressing essential needs such as food, shelter, legal aid, and support for vulnerable populations.

The Career Pathways grant, accepting applications from May 27 to July 5, 2024, is dedicated to increasing economic mobility and generational wealth by providing access to family-wage jobs, entrepreneurship, and small business ownership. The grant supports programs that facilitate skill development, offer wrap-around services, and support entrepreneurship, especially for minority- and woman-owned businesses. Prioritizing culturally specific and minority-led programs, it aims to serve communities facing systemic barriers, ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion in all initiatives.

The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta's Arts, Culture and Creative Enterprises Grants program aims to bolster nonprofit literary and performing arts organizations by facilitating access to performance venues and facilities. This initiative directly aligns with the Foundation's mission to support the cultural vibrancy of the Greater Atlanta area and foster artistic experiences for the public. By addressing the critical need for performance spaces, the program enables organizations to produce and present their work, thereby enriching the community's access to diverse artistic expressions. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are nonprofit professional arts organizations with a core mission in literary or performing arts disciplines such as Creative, Nonfiction, Dance, Fiction, Multidisciplinary, Music, Musical, Theater, Opera, and Poetry. The program specifically targets organizations based in Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, or Rockdale counties in Georgia, which conduct most of their local programs and services in metro Atlanta. The impact goal is to empower these organizations to overcome facility access barriers, leading to increased public engagement with performing arts. Priority consideration for 2024 support is given to organizations in alignment with the Foundation's TogetherATL strategy. This includes artistic or cultural activities led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) leaders or organizations directly representing/serving BIPOC communities, as defined by criteria such as artistic or executive leadership, artistic theme, board/staff majority, or population served. Further priority is extended to organizations without their own primary performance space, new organizations that have not previously received an "A Place to Perform" grant, those that did not receive a Metropolitan Atlanta Arts grant in 2023, and organizations with operating budgets below $2 million. This focus highlights the Foundation's commitment to equity, access, and supporting emerging or underserved artistic groups. The expected outcomes include a greater number of performing arts presentations for the public, especially from organizations that traditionally face barriers to facility access. Measurable results will be tied to the utilization of grant funds (up to $5,000) to subsidize direct rental costs for engagements occurring between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025. The Foundation's strategic priorities, reflected in the TogetherATL strategy, emphasize fostering a more inclusive and accessible arts landscape. By supporting organizations that might otherwise struggle to secure performance venues, the grants contribute to a theory of change where equitable access to resources directly translates into a more vibrant, diverse, and publicly engaged arts community in Greater Atlanta.

The Ripley County Community Foundation has a variety of available grants to benefit nonprofit organizations and their projects that serve Ripley County. The grants program strives to anticipate the changing needs of the community and be flexible in responding to them. It focuses on providing "seed" money or pilot project support, but general operating support grants could also be considered. The program aims to have the greatest benefit per dollar granted and encourages the participation of other contributions through matching, challenge, and other grant techniques. The financial condition of the applying organization will be considered, as well as its strength, community support, leadership, clarity of proposal, and eligibility. To be eligible for these grants, organizations must be a nonprofit operating in Ripley County. Grant applications must qualify as an exempt organization under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c), or be sponsored by such organizations, or qualify as governmental or educational entities with similar attributes per IRS Code Section 509(a). The purpose of the organization's grant application must fall within one or more of the Community Foundation's four service areas: Arts & Culture, Business & Entrepreneurship, Education, Health & Well-Being, and Environment & Natural Resources. Grants will only be made to organizations that have responsible fiscal sponsors and adequate accounting procedures. Grant recipients and fiscal sponsors must sign and abide by the respective conditions set forth in the Community Foundation's "Grant Award Agreements" and "Grant Report Forms". Organizations or their fiscal sponsors cannot have an outstanding or delinquent Grant Report in order for an application to be considered for future granting. The Large Projects Grants specifically provide assistance for sizable projects needed to support and/or enhance an organization's charitable reach. Nonprofit organizations that serve Ripley County can apply for a maximum request of $5,000.00. The application deadline is August 4th. It is important to note that previous awarded grants must be spent and accounted for before applying for another grant from the Ripley County Community Foundation. No grants will be made to defray travel or lodging expenses, for endowment purposes, for completed programs or already purchased equipment, for the acquisition of weapons or firearms, or exclusively for sectarian religious purposes. The foundation reserves the right to refuse any and all grant applications.

2023 Strengthening Neighborhoods Program offers small grants for community groups in Colorado to support grassroots community development and organizing. Projects should leverage existing community strengths and assets, such as residents' skills or neighborhood institutions. Funding areas include arts, culture, humanities, civic fabric, economic opportunity, education, environment & climate, food & nutrition, health & mental health, housing & homelessness, human services, religious institutions, transportation, and youth development.

Ohio: Call for Applications for Facade Improvement Grant. The Facade Improvement Grant (FIG) program aims to enhance the appeal of commercial areas in Knox County, Ohio, by supporting building improvements. The program prioritizes projects that align with historic preservation standards, design guides, and municipal plans. By investing in fixed assets, the initiative seeks to stimulate business development and downtown growth while creating a more inviting environment for residents and visitors.

The NAACP x BACARDI are working together to provide dedicated support under-represented minorities in the beverage alcohol service, sales and hospitality industries. Backing the B.A.R. is an NAACP initiative that is awarding over $100,000 in acceleration grants, education, support and entrepreneurship solutions for minority-owned bars, restaurants, nightclubs, lounges, liquor stores and small businesses in the process of applying for a liquor license. If you are a minority-owned business owner with a liquor license or real liquor license aspirations - and you need financial, educational or mentorship support, please apply here. Ideal grant recipients are looking for support in accelerating their business for the future.

This funding opportunity supports local governments, Tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations in Central Minnesota to develop innovative projects that enhance workforce housing and attract and retain workers.

The National Press Foundation is offering the Covering Equitable Community Development Journalism Fellowship, an expenses-paid program designed to enhance journalists' ability to report on equitable community development. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to support and educate journalists, specifically by equipping them to investigate the intersection of policy, public and private financing, and calls for equitable housing, parks, and other community assets. The program aims to address the critical need for comprehensive and nuanced reporting on how resources are allocated and what initiatives receive support within various regions. The target beneficiaries of this fellowship are U.S.-based journalists working across print, TV, radio, or online media, with a particular encouragement for those who cover race and metro beats. The program emphasizes diversity and welcomes applicants from across the nation. The impact goal is to empower these journalists to better understand and report on pervasive racial gaps and the policies and investments in their communities related to health, wealth, and overall community well-being. By providing specialized training, the fellowship seeks to foster a more informed public discourse on community development issues. The fellowship's priorities and focuses include an immersive exploration into community development issues, especially in the context of small and mid-sized cities. The program will delve into how financing and investing institutions—such as community development financial institutions (CDFIs), philanthropic impact investors, private banks, and other investors—prioritize projects. It will also examine how policymakers and public officials can actively involve residents in decision-making and ensure accountability for anti-racist practices in the community development sector. Other key topics include identifying conditions that lead to healthier, more equitable communities with access to essential resources like affordable housing, education, and healthcare, as well as addressing environmental justice as a community development issue. The expected outcomes and measurable results of this fellowship include equipping journalists with the knowledge and context to add breadth to their coverage of community development. By bringing together experts from health equity, nonprofit, policy, financing, and community organizing sectors, the program anticipates that fellows will gain a deeper understanding of complex issues. While specific measurable results are not explicitly stated as quantitative metrics, the qualitative outcome is a more capable and informed journalistic body that can investigate and report on community development effectively, potentially leading to increased public awareness and accountability in these areas.

The Thrive Business Grant (TBG) is a program by the Trophy Club Economic Development Corporation aimed at supporting local businesses through reimbursable matching grants. The initiative focuses on enhancing the visual appeal and competitiveness of businesses in Trophy Club, driving economic growth and community prosperity. In 2023, the EDC allocated $300,000 to launch this program, supporting projects like façade improvements, interior renovations, and equipment purchases to maintain the town's charm and stimulate customer growth. Eligible applicants include property owners and tenants in Trophy Club who meet specific criteria such as being current on taxes, having no municipal liens, and adhering to local and state regulations. The application process involves Town Council approval, with a timeline starting on May 28, 2024, and deadlines on September 30, 2024, for applications, followed by reviews and tentative approval dates in December 2024. Projects must start within six months of grant receipt and funds are provided as reimbursements post-completion.

This funding opportunity supports Scottsdale-based non-profit arts and culture organizations in delivering diverse programs and events that enhance the community's cultural landscape.

This grant provides opportunities for professional Maryland-based performing artists and groups to gain visibility and support for touring performances across the state.

The Accion Opportunity Fund, with support from Etsy’s Uplift Fund, has established the Creators’ Momentum Business Accelerator. This program is designed to empower entrepreneurs within the creative economy by offering valuable learning and networking opportunities, alongside grant capital. The initiative aims to spark business growth for creative individuals and aligns with a mission to provide crucial support to those historically excluded from traditional business ecosystems. The program recognizes that creative entrepreneurs can flourish with the right advice, access to networks, and impactful resources. The primary target beneficiaries of this accelerator are creative entrepreneurs, including crafters, artists, makers, and musicians, who own operating businesses that contribute to the creative economy. The program specifically seeks to support those who have been operational for at least one year, have annual revenues under $500,000, employ five or fewer full- or part-time employees, and are located in the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico. The overarching impact goal is to foster the success of these entrepreneurs by equipping them with the tools and resources necessary to grow their businesses and bring their talents to a wider audience. The program's priorities and focus areas include providing a comprehensive virtual experience. This encompasses seminars offering valuable industry expertise, small-group workshops for networking with like-minded entrepreneurs, and self-paced digital education. A key component is the provision of grant capital, specifically a $5,000 business grant upon successful completion of the eight-week program. This multi-faceted approach is intended to address the diverse needs of creative entrepreneurs, from business education to financial support and community building. Expected outcomes and measurable results for the 2024 program include supporting 100 business owners through a full suite of offerings. Participants are expected to create a growth plan that they can implement beyond the program period to sustain their business expansion. The $5,000 grant serves as a direct financial injection to fuel growth, while the educational and networking components are designed to build long-term capacity and resilience within the participating businesses. The program's success will be measured by the successful completion of the program by participants and the subsequent application of their growth plans and grant funds.

The Gener8tor gBETA Urban League Accelerator Program is a free, seven-week program designed to support the growth of Madison businesses owned by Black entrepreneurs and other entrepreneurs of color, from high-tech startups to Main Street small businesses. This initiative aligns with a mission to foster economic development and provide opportunities for underrepresented business owners, contributing to a more equitable and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem within Madison. The program is offered multiple times a year, selecting up to five companies per cohort from a competitive applicant pool. The target beneficiaries of this program are Black entrepreneurs and other entrepreneurs of color based in Madison, with a particular focus on those interested in becoming part of the Urban League of Greater Madison’s Black Business Hub. The program aims to address disparities in access to resources and support for these entrepreneurs, ultimately contributing to their success and the vibrancy of Madison's diverse business community. The program's priorities and focuses include individualized coaching and mentorship on company growth and investor readiness, weekly "Lunch & Learns" and "Mentor Swarms," and opportunities for investor and accelerator pitches. Additionally, participants receive over $1M in deals and perks from various vendors, and ongoing post-program support and community involvement. These elements are designed to provide a comprehensive support system that addresses the diverse needs of participating businesses at different stages of development. The expected outcomes and measurable results of the gBETA Urban League program are for graduates to either participate in an investment accelerator or successfully raise a seed round of funding. While companies can range from "idea" stage to "significant revenue," the program is particularly beneficial for those post-product, pre-scale, who are ready to intensely focus on customer growth and investor readiness. The commitment required includes approximately five hours of programming each week, with additional time expected for working on their businesses outside of the program.

The EQT Foundation Grant program is designed to support nonprofits that demonstrate positive, needed, and trusted impacts within their communities. The foundation is deeply committed to fostering education and training for both children and adults, developing diverse and livable communities, and preserving natural environments. This mission aligns with their belief in meaningful community engagement and responsible corporate citizenship, emphasizing trust-based philanthropy to ensure resources directly contribute to community stability and, in turn, support successful business operations in their operational footprint. The foundation's funding strategy prioritizes organizations and programs that directly impact community residents. They seek proposals grounded in analysis that demonstrate creative approaches to addressing critical issues. The target beneficiaries include children and adults receiving education and training, residents of diverse and livable communities, and those benefiting from natural environment preservation efforts. The impact goals revolve around creating positive and needed change, fostering community stability, and contributing to the overall well-being of the areas where EQT Corporation operates. The EQT Foundation focuses on three core areas: Community Enrichment, Education & Workforce, and Environment. Community Enrichment encourages the development of diverse, safe, healthy, and sustainable communities, with examples ranging from food banks and libraries to arts programs and community festivals. Education & Workforce aims to promote STEM proficiency for youth and create a skilled future workforce through initiatives like in-school STEM curricula, computer camps, and career planning. The Environment focus supports natural resource preservation and educates communities on conservation techniques, including community gardens, watershed conservation, and green space restoration. Beyond these thematic priorities, the EQT Foundation also seeks evidence of a geographic setting that aligns with EQT Corporation’s business locations, effective management of available resources, and outreach that garners solid public recognition and support for the nonprofit, its programs, and sponsors. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not detailed, the emphasis on "positive, needed, and trusted impacts" and "creative approaches to addressing critical issues" suggests a commitment to tangible community benefits. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by strategically investing in education, community development, and environmental preservation in their operational areas, they contribute to the long-term stability and success of these communities, which in turn supports their business operations.

The Wyoming Women's Foundation (WYWF) is currently accepting applications for its 2024 Grant cycle, with a deadline of May 15, 2024. This grant program is meticulously designed to align with the foundation's core mission: investing in the economic self-sufficiency of women and creating opportunities for girls within Wyoming. The foundation's strategic priority is to address systemic barriers and foster an environment where women and girls can thrive economically. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are women and girls residing in Wyoming, across all counties. The overarching impact goal is to enhance their long-term economic self-sufficiency. This is achieved by focusing on programs that help women meet or exceed the Wyoming Self-Sufficiency Standard for their family composition and county, as well as developing opportunities for girls. The WYWF grant program has three key funding priorities. The first is Income and Asset Development, which supports projects like education and job training for higher wages, and asset-building initiatives such as first-home purchases, business development, and retirement savings. The second priority is Mentoring and Leadership, funding programs that boost confidence and create meaningful connections for women and girls, including leadership training, mentoring programs, career development, and STEM programming. The third priority is Systems Change, which aims to address barriers to economic self-sufficiency and the gender wage gap through advocacy and education, such as wage negotiation training and awareness campaigns. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in the number of women living at or above the Wyoming Self-Sufficiency Standard, improved leadership skills and confidence among women and girls, and a reduction in the gender wage gap in Wyoming through systemic changes. The foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in these targeted areas—income and asset development, mentoring and leadership, and systems change—it can directly contribute to the economic empowerment of women and girls, fostering a more equitable and prosperous future for the state. Eligibility criteria stipulate that applicants must have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or a sponsoring agency, and the requested grants must explicitly promote the long-term economic self-sufficiency of women and opportunities for girls in Wyoming, addressing at least one of the WYWF granting priorities.

This grant provides financial support to organizations in Rhode Island for activities that enhance their operational effectiveness, including strategic planning and anti-racism training, with a focus on those with smaller budgets or addressing critical needs.

The Asheville Area Arts Council's Arts for Schools grant program aims to provide in-school arts programming for students attending economically disadvantaged schools in Buncombe County and the City of Asheville K-12 public school system. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to support arts education and ensure access to enriching artistic experiences for all students, particularly those in underserved communities. For a limited time, the program also extends support to arts-focused after-school and camp programs, demonstrating a broader commitment to arts accessibility outside of traditional school hours. The target beneficiaries of this grant are K-12 students in Buncombe County and City of Asheville public schools, with a specific focus on those attending economically disadvantaged schools. The program seeks to impact students by providing free arts-focused performances, workshops, residencies, and field trips. The ultimate goal is to enhance arts education and foster artistic engagement among students who might otherwise lack such opportunities due to economic barriers. The extension to after-school and camp programs further broadens the reach and potential impact on youth development through the arts. The program prioritizes applicants located in Buncombe County for at least one year and requires them to be either a 501c3 nonprofit arts organization or a qualified teaching artist. Qualified teaching artists must possess a BA or BFA in their specific art form, or equivalent training and experience, along with at least five years of experience in arts education. All programs must serve students in Buncombe County or City of Asheville K-12 public schools, be free for students and schools, and align with North Carolina’s Common Core curriculum and Essential Standards. These criteria ensure that the funding supports high-quality, accessible, and educationally relevant arts programming. Expected outcomes include an increase in arts participation and appreciation among students, improved access to arts education in economically disadvantaged schools, and the development of artistic skills and creative thinking. Measurable results for in-school programs range from $500-$2,000, and for out-of-school programs, from $500-$5,000. Programs must take place between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. For in-school programs, a school partnership agreement form is required. For out-of-school programs, applicants are ineligible if they already receive funding for the proposed arts-focused program from Dogwood Health Trust’s WNC After 3pm initiative. For camps, only 501c3 nonprofit arts organizations may apply. The Asheville Area Arts Council's strategic priorities are centered on fostering a vibrant arts community and ensuring equitable access to arts education. Their theory of change posits that by investing in arts programming for students, particularly in underserved areas, they can contribute to positive educational outcomes, personal development, and community enrichment. The emphasis on qualified artists and alignment with educational standards underscores their commitment to effective and impactful arts interventions. This grant program is a direct manifestation of their belief in the transformative power of the arts for young people.

This grant provides financial support to individuals, businesses, and organizations in Denver to create projects that promote active living, such as improving walkability and bikeability in their neighborhoods.