State Business and Commerce Grants

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) is offering grants under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program. This program aims to transform the food system by increasing options, improving access, and creating new and better markets for small and mid-size producers. The core mission is to build a more diversified, distributed, and local food system to enhance its resilience and benefit consumers, producers, and rural communities. The RFSI program targets a broad range of beneficiaries, including agricultural producers and processors (or groups thereof), nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, local government entities, tribal governments, and institutions such as schools, universities, or hospitals. The primary impact goal is to strengthen the middle of the food supply chain in Pennsylvania. Expected outcomes include increased production capacities for food processors, improved storage for produce and grains, and enhanced aggregation points like food hubs and farmer cooperatives. Funding priorities are aligned with addressing critical gaps in Pennsylvania's middle food supply chain. Specifically, the program prioritizes projects that establish or enhance aggregation points, improve food processing infrastructure (including equipment upgrades and moves to licensed spaces), and expand storage facilities, particularly cold storage in urban areas and storage for identity-preserved grains and dry beans. The USDA also encourages projects that benefit underserved farmers and ranchers, new and beginning farmers, veteran producers, and businesses owned by socially disadvantaged individuals. The grant program offers Simplified Equipment-Only Grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, which do not require cost sharing or matching. These are fixed-price grants solely for equipment purchases, with funds to be awarded no earlier than July 1, 2024, and projects completed by June 30, 2026. This focused approach on equipment aims to directly support tangible improvements in the food system's infrastructure, enabling producers and processors to expand and diversify their operations.

The Texas Workforce Commission is offering a grant for local boards and higher education institutions to create Externships for Teachers, aiming to connect classroom learning with real-world industry skills, thereby preparing students for future workforce demands in their local Texas communities.

The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) offers Support for Targeted Opportunities, a grant program designed to enhance artistic diversity across New York State by valuing artists and creative expression. This aligns with NYSCA's mission to provide support that strengthens the arts and cultural sector within the state. The program focuses on creative performance residencies, subsidized rehearsal spaces for all performing art forms, and folk arts apprenticeships, reflecting a commitment to fostering a wide range of artistic endeavors. The target beneficiaries of this program are nonprofit organizations, State- or Federally-recognized Native American nations, or units of local or federal government in New York State. The program aims to support organizations that provide opportunities for artists and promote diverse artistic expressions. The impact goals include increasing access to resources for performing artists and folk artists, thereby enriching the cultural landscape of New York State. Key priorities and focuses for FY2025 include Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeships, Rehearsal and Studio Space for Performing Arts, and Performing Arts Residencies. These specific opportunities demonstrate NYSCA's strategic approach to addressing critical needs within the arts community, ensuring that artists have the necessary support to develop and present their work. The emphasis on these areas suggests a theory of change that by providing foundational support, artistic innovation and accessibility will flourish. The expected outcomes include a greater number of creative performances, increased availability of affordable rehearsal spaces, and the preservation and transmission of folk and traditional arts through apprenticeships. Measurable results for this program are indicated by the award amount of $10,000 for each successful application, providing a tangible measure of the support extended to eligible organizations. The program’s focus on fostering artistic diversity and supporting various art forms underscores NYSCA's broader strategic priorities in cultural development and community engagement.

This grant provides financial support to urban farmers in Minnesota for implementing conservation practices that improve environmental health and farm sustainability.

This grant provides funding to organizations and initiatives focused on improving access to newborn hearing screening and services in Minnesota.

This award recognizes and honors small businesses in Nevada's agriculture, food, and beverage sectors that demonstrate exceptional contributions to the state's economy and community.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is offering the Rebuild Downtowns & Main Streets (RDMS) Capital Grant Program to support capital projects aimed at revitalizing commercial corridors and downtown areas in Illinois. This initiative is part of the effort to accelerate economic recovery following the pandemic, targeting areas that have experienced significant disinvestment. The program will fund projects such as the improvement and repair of infrastructure (roads, sidewalks, lighting), development of public spaces, and mixed-use developments. Grants range from $250,000 to $2,000,000, with an anticipated total funding of $20,000,000. Eligible applicants include economic development organizations, local units of government, and private businesses. The application period is from April 22, 2024, to July 22, 2024.

This grant provides funding to individuals, farmers, businesses, and organizations in Minnesota to enhance production capacity and market access for value-added agricultural products, with a focus on improving food safety and hemp fiber processing.

The Washington State Department of Ecology's Air Quality VW Electric Vehicle Charging Level 2: Charge Where You Are Funding aims to expand Level 2 EV charging access throughout Washington State. This initiative aligns with the state's broader mission to reduce emissions, particularly from diesel engines, and to fully mitigate excess NOx emissions from Volkswagen vehicles. The program supports the state's clean air and climate goals, including those outlined in the Washington Clean Air Act, Washington GHG emission reduction limits (70.235 RCW), and the Washington Climate Commitment Act, demonstrating a clear strategic priority on environmental protection and sustainable transportation. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are diverse, encompassing businesses, non-profit organizations, investor-owned and municipal utilities, multi-unit/multi-family residential buildings, and various state, local, and tribal government entities in Washington State. The program seeks to impact these groups by increasing the availability of EV charging infrastructure where drivers typically spend one to four hours, thereby encouraging electric vehicle adoption. The impact goals are directly tied to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality across the state, contributing to a healthier environment for all. The program's priorities are multifaceted, focusing on accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles, equipment, and vessels, promoting electrification technologies in public transportation fleets, and accelerating fleet turnover to cleaner vehicles. Other key priorities include achieving substantial additional emission reductions beyond what would naturally occur, ensuring cost-effectiveness in project implementation, and leveraging additional matching funds to maximize the program's reach and impact. These priorities reflect a strategic theory of change that by investing in accessible charging infrastructure and supporting electrification, the state can drive a significant shift towards cleaner transportation and achieve its environmental objectives. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a reduction in emissions from diesel engines, full mitigation of total, lifetime excess NOx emissions from specific Volkswagen vehicles, and a quantifiable increase in Level 2 EV charging access across the state. The program anticipates projects being completed within one year of grant execution. With a total of $3.52 million available, and projects eligible for up to $10,000 per plug at varying percentages based on project category, the grant aims to catalyze a significant expansion of charging infrastructure, contributing directly to the state’s objectives under the Washington State Clean Energy Fund and the Washington Clean Transportation and Healthy Air Goal.

The Oregon Arts Commission's Arts Build Communities program offers a one-year grant of $5,000 to arts and community-based organizations in Oregon, aiming to address local issues through arts-based solutions, with a focus on underserved communities and projects that integrate arts with community goals.

This funding is available to local governments to improve public infrastructure that supports new and expanding businesses, helping to create jobs and attract investment.

The Office of Adult Career Pathways, part of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, is offering grants to eligible small businesses in Minnesota to support Diversity and Inclusion training. This initiative aims to enhance these businesses' abilities to attract, hire, and retain people of color across various roles. The program emphasizes equity, innovation, and performance in its awarding criteria, focusing on training participants facing significant employment barriers, fostering an inclusive skilled workforce, and implementing innovative solutions to workforce challenges. Grants are available up to $1,425,000 each state fiscal year, with a maximum of $30,000 available per business for the biennium, limited to one award per biennium. Applications are accepted on a continual basis until funds are depleted, with no awards exceeding $1,425,000 before July 1, 2024.

The Creative Aging Project Grant, offered by the Wyoming Arts Council, aims to foster Creative Aging programming within Wyoming communities. This competitive grant supports non-profit organizations and individual teaching artists in developing and implementing engaging programs. While the specific foundation mission alignment and strategic priorities are not explicitly detailed as a separate entity, the Wyoming Arts Council's role inherently positions this grant within a framework of promoting arts and cultural engagement, thereby improving the quality of life for Wyoming residents, particularly older adults. The grant's structure of funding increments for each 8-week program aligns with a theory of change that posits sustained artistic engagement can lead to positive outcomes for participants. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are older adults in Wyoming communities, who will participate in the Creative Aging programs. The impact goals are to develop and implement between one and four separate 8-week creative aging programs by June 30th, 2025. These programs are expected to serve a broad audience, be artistically excellent, and incorporate outreach. The grant implicitly seeks to enhance the well-being, social connection, and creative expression of older adults through structured artistic activities, contributing to a more vibrant and connected community. The grant prioritizes the development and implementation of multiple 8-week creative aging programs. Funding is directly tied to the number of programs proposed, with $2,500 awarded for each program, up to a maximum of four programs ($10,000). This focus ensures a programmatic approach to creative aging rather than one-off events. Additionally, the eligibility criteria emphasize the capacity and compliance of applicant organizations (501(c)(3) non-profits or government agencies) and the qualifications and residency of individual artists, ensuring responsible stewardship of grant funds and effective program delivery. Expected outcomes include the successful completion of between one and four 8-week creative aging programs across Wyoming. Measurable results would include the number of programs implemented, the number of participants served, and potentially qualitative feedback on participant engagement and artistic experiences, although specific metrics for impact are not detailed within the provided text. The grant's success will ultimately be measured by its ability to cultivate new or expanded creative aging opportunities that meet the artistic excellence and broad audience reach criteria set forth by the Wyoming Arts Council, fostering a more artistically engaged and supportive environment for older adults.

The Business Oregon grant funding aims to address longstanding economic inequities by providing culturally responsive services, outreach, support, and resources to eligible beneficiaries. Unlike traditional poverty alleviation programs, the EEIP is a wealth-building program that prioritizes outcomes related to self-sufficiency, economic stability, and economic equity. The program is funded by an $8 million one-time investment from the Oregon State Legislature. Successful applicants will demonstrate a meaningful track record of delivering programs or resources within key eligible areas: land ownership and other real property acquisition (including principal residences), entrepreneurship and business development, workforce development, or intergenerational wealth-building. Organizations receiving funds will directly provide outreach, support, and programming to eligible beneficiaries in one or more of these areas. Eligible beneficiaries are defined as “disadvantaged individuals, families, businesses, and communities” whose future is at risk due to two or more risk factors, as detailed in ORS 285B.761. Awards must be aimed at narrowing wealth gaps. Preference will be given to intermediary organizations with a proven track record of successfully delivering programs and resources that align with the goals and aspirations of the EEIP and possess the capacity to complete programs and expend all funds by June 30, 2025. Expected outcomes include increased self-sufficiency, economic stability, and economic equity for disadvantaged individuals, families, businesses, and communities in Oregon. The program's strategic priorities are centered on wealth-building, a departure from traditional poverty alleviation, to foster long-term economic well-being and reduce wealth disparities across the state. This initiative reflects a theory of change that by investing in key economic development areas and supporting capable intermediary organizations, sustainable economic growth and equity can be achieved for at-risk populations.

This grant provides financial support for Nebraska-based businesses to develop prototypes, with a focus on innovation in non-retail primary industries, including value-added agriculture.

The Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) is offering grants to support San Francisco’s residents, businesses, visitors, and workers by providing critical economic and workforce development resources. This Request for Proposals (RFP) encompasses four distinct program areas, with an anticipated total funding of $2.38 million for initial grant awards. The grants are designed to support programs delivered through three key OEWD divisions: Business Development, Community Economic Development (formerly Invest In Neighborhoods), and Workforce Development. The target beneficiaries of these programs include various communities within San Francisco. For Community Economic Development, the focus is on Castro cultural activation, specifically uplifting Queer and Transgender Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Workforce Development programs target workers through the Industries of Opportunity-Worker Cooperative Program and youth and young adults through the Industries of Opportunity-Youth and Young Adult Food Sovereignty program. Business Development programs aim to benefit the broader community through Union Square Park Programming. The grant prioritizes specific areas with defined funding allocations. Community Economic Development programs, focusing on Castro cultural activation, have a funding of $30,000. Workforce Development programs include $950,000 for the Worker Cooperative Program ($425,000 per program year) and $400,000 for the Youth and Young Adult Food Sovereignty program ($200,000 per program year). Business Development programs, specifically for Union Square Park Programming, are allocated $1,000,000. Successful proposals are expected to be funded for up to six years, concluding no later than June 2030, which indicates a long-term commitment to the initiatives. The eligibility criteria require applicants to be a nonprofit 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or 501(c)(6) organization, registered with the IRS and in good standing with relevant California state entities, and eligible to do business with the City and County of San Francisco. Expected outcomes include economic growth, workforce development, and community empowerment within the targeted areas of San Francisco, aligning with OEWD’s mission to support the city's residents and economy.

This program provides funding for a wide range of projects across various sectors, offering financial support to organizations and individuals in Illinois with awards between $10,000 and $5,000,000.

This program provides matching funds to Nebraska businesses collaborating with local colleges or universities on research and development projects that create or improve products and processes to boost revenue.

Block Grant: Programs that provide services include those efforts that (1) respond to the emotional, psychological, or physical needs of crime victims, (2) help victims of crime to stabilize their lives after a victimization, (3) help victims to understand and participate in the criminal justice system, and (4) restore a measure of security and safety for the victim.The purpose of the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) is to provide high quality services that directly improve the health and well-being of victims of crime with priority given to victims of child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault and services for previously underserved victims. The Office for Crime Victims (OVC) makes annual VOCA crime victim assistance grants from the Fund to states. The primary purpose of these grants is to support the provision of services to victims of crime throughout the nation. For the purpose of these Programs Guidelines, services are defined as those efforts that:

This funding opportunity is designed to support non-profit organizations that provide financial education and savings programs for youth in foster care aged 15-21 in the District of Columbia, helping them transition to independent living.