Grants for Small Businesses

This program provides funding for potato farmers in Pennsylvania who cultivate five or more acres, supporting research to improve potato production and address challenges like Verticillium wilt.

The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Recovery Reimbursement Grant, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, aims to support farms, integrators, and allied industries directly impacted by HPAI, particularly those within control or quarantine zones. The program is designed to mitigate financial losses by reimbursing eligible costs related to the outbreak. With five rounds of funding, the latest round focuses on biosecurity enhancement reimbursements up to $25,000 per premises, with a total fund allocation of $2 million. This initiative encourages the implementation or improvement of biosecurity practices to elevate poultry farm and business biosecurity standards, address weaknesses, and decrease HPAI cases. The application deadline for Round Five has been extended to May 2, 2024, with eligible expenses including loss of income, mortgage interest, rent, utility payments, working capital for reopening, and payroll costs among others.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that combats Gender Based Violence in Uzbekistan. The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that combat gender-based violence (GBV) in Uzbekistan.        ​​​On April 6, 2023, Uzbekistan’s Senate unanimously adopted amendments criminalizing domestic violence and strengthening protections for women and children.  The legislation, signed into law by President Mirziyoyev on April 11, amends the Criminal and Administrative Codes.  While this legislation amended the Criminal and Administrative Codes, there are a few barriers to making the law a reality.  First, there is uneven implementation across localities because of cultural and resource variances across urban, peri-urban, and rural communities.  Second, limited public knowledge about the new law has resulted in few people seeking access to legal assistance.  Lastly, societal norms impede individuals from reporting domestic violence.     Through this award, DRL aims to address these gaps by:      Increasing awareness among all Uzbekistanis about the new GBV law at the local level and how it applies to women and communities across Uzbekistan.  Raising awareness about harmful practices that normalize and excuse GBV toward women and girls.  Supporting local civil society, community leaders, and social workers as they advocate to local law enforcement and local governance structures for the consistent implementation of the new law at the local level.     The proposed program should achieve the following outcomes:    Local civil society organizations (CSOs) and community advocates are better equipped to promote awareness of the new GBV law and advocate for its consistent and accountable implementation with law enforcement and government structures.   CSOs are better able to advocate for and assist GBV survivors to ensure they have access to resources and all provisions provided under the new GBV law.   Communities better understand and can advocate for the even implementation of the new GBV law at the local level.  Improved data collection and monitoring of GBV case response under the new law, All programs should aim to have impact that leads to reforms and have the potential for sustainability beyond DRL resources.  DRL’s preference is to avoid duplicating past efforts by supporting new and creative approaches.  This does not exclude from consideration projects that improve upon or expand existing successful projects in a new and complementary way.  DRL is committed to advancing equity and support for underserved and underrepresented communities. In accordance with the Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Underserved Communities, programs should implement strategies for integration and inclusion of individuals/organizations/beneficiaries that can bring perspectives based on their religion, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, national origin, age, genetic information, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, political affiliation, or veteran’s status.  Programs should be demand-driven and locally led to the extent possible.  DRL requires all programs to be non-discriminatory and expects implementers to include strategies for nondiscrimination of individuals/organizations/beneficiaries based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, marital status, parental status, political affiliation, or veteran’s status.  Competitive proposals may also include a summary budget and budget narrative for no additional months following the proposed period of performance, indicated above. This information should indicate what objective(s) and/or activities could be accomplished with additional time and/or funds beyond the proposed period of performance. Where appropriate, competitive proposals may include: Opportunities for beneficiaries to apply their new knowledge and skills in practical efforts; Solicitation of feedback and suggestions from beneficiaries when developing activities in order to strengthen the sustainability of programs and participant ownership of project outcomes; Input from participants on sustainability plans and systematic review of the plans throughout the life of the project, with adjustments made as necessary; Joint identification and definition of key concepts with relevant stakeholders and stakeholder input into project activities; Systematic follow-up with beneficiaries at specific intervals after the completion of activities to track how beneficiaries are retaining new knowledge as well as applying their new skills. Activities that are not typically allowed include, but are not limited to: The provision of humanitarian assistance; English language instruction; Development of high-tech computer or communications software and/or hardware; Purely academic exchanges or fellowships; External exchanges or fellowships lasting longer than six months; Off-shore activities that are not clearly linked to in-country initiatives and impact or are not necessary per security concerns; Theoretical explorations of human rights or democracy issues, including projects aimed primarily at research and evaluation that do not incorporate training or capacity-building for local civil society; Micro-loans or similar small business development initiatives; Initiatives directed towards a diaspora community rather than current residents of targeted countries.

This program provides financial support to nonprofits, public agencies, and first responder organizations in Virginia for projects that improve community development, education, and economic growth in rural areas.

This program provides funding to Pennsylvania vegetable producers for marketing and research initiatives to improve vegetable cultivation and sales.

This grant provides funding to support promising postdoctoral researchers in neuroscience, enabling them to receive advanced training and mentorship in a focused research environment.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for a project to address the ethnic marginalization across Coastal West Africa. The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for a project to address the ethnic marginalization across Coastal West Africa. The consolidation of power, poor governance, and rise of violent extremism in some Coastal West African countries have contributed to the exclusion and discrimination of certain ethnic groups in politics and everyday life. While certain ethnic groups are not legally excluded from civic and political participation, their full engagement in decision-making roles remains limited. Certain ethnic groups are particularly marginalized in the government, the civil service, and the armed forces. Some ethnic groups also experience discrimination in employment and access to credit, health care, and education. Hundreds of thousands of individuals, including migrants and rural-based members of society, lack documentation to obtain citizenship or access public resources despite protections under the law. In addition, certain ethnic groups face societal discrimination, including stigmatization, harassment, and attacks. Militant groups have exploited the marginalization of certain ethnic groups by playing on grievances and amplifying 2 feelings of distrust in government to recruit members. For example, the targeting of Fulbe communities—based on the belief that they all support jihadi insurgents—has perpetuated conflict, facilitated jihadi recruitment, and risks spreading the violence into new areas. The property and land rights systems across Coastal West Africa has disenfranchised certain ethnic groups historically, causing violence to erupt at times. For example, pastoralist communities who have lived in certain areas for decades have faced the encroachment of agriculturalists on land that they typically use for grazing. In addition, governments across the region have introduced new laws and policies that limit pastoralists’ way of life. Further problematic is that the agencies in charge of developing new land rights policies and programs do not include members of the ethnic groups that would be heavily impacted by the changes. To respond to these challenges, DRL is seeking proposals with the goal of supporting members of marginalized communities in Coastal West Africa—specifically Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Benin, and /or Togo—to improve respect for their political rights and civil liberties. Proposals may focus on individual countries or multiple countries, but approaches must be led by, or have strong support from and participation by, groups and individuals representing marginalized ethnic groups. Proposals may include but do not need to support members of pastoralist communities. DRL recognizes that there are numerous other ethnic groups in the region that do not fully enjoy the rights enumerated by law. Applicants are encouraged to complement and deconflict with existing programs that address ethnic marginalization in the region. DRL seeks proposals for programming that are ambitious but also targeted and achievable. DRL will consider proposals that address the goal reflected above but include different, though similar and related, objectives. While proposals may include additional objectives, inclusion of additional objectives will not make a proposal more competitive.

This program provides up to $1 million annually to promote and support the growth of Pennsylvania's malt and brewed beverage industries through marketing, research, and training initiatives.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications in response to to strengthen civil society resilience in Kyrgyz Republic. The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications in response to the following solicitation.  DRL anticipates funding one proposal from this solicitation, pending availability of funding.      The Kyrgyz Republic has long had a reputation of having the most vibrant, active civil society and independent media in Central Asia.  In recent years however, concerning trends have put that reputation at risk.  Harassment of activists, independent media and CSOs has intensified, with peaceful rallies limited to specific places, with authorities extending restrictions every few months.       Kyrgyz CSOs now face systematic attacks including arbitrary criminal and administrative prosecutions, deportations, and anonymous offline and online threats. They routinely endure unannounced tax inspections and smear campaigns on social media. Additionally, draft anti-democratic legislation currently for consideration in the Kyrgyz parliament threatens to seriously undermine freedom of association and further restrict CSO operating space.     In this challenging environment, DRL aims to maintain civil space and build civil society resiliency. This project’s primary objective is ensuring Kyrgyz CSOs have the tools, training, resources, and support to remain safely and effectively engaged in their work amid increasing repressions.       Elements of useful programming could include digital and physical security trainings, financial audits, flexible small-grants, legal support, advocacy strategy development, cyber bullying response tactics, or building solidarity networks domestically and internationally. The focus should be holistic, addressing security, legal, financial, operational, and psychosocial needs given the multilayered pressures civil society faces.    Program outcomes could include one or more of the following but are not limited to:    Civil society and community actors operate and coordinate safely to navigate the new/emerging legal operating environment in Kyrgyz Republic.     Kyrgyz civil society organizations have the tools, resources, and support to safely and more effectively remain engaged in their work amid increasing restrictions and repressions that challenge the civic space.  Kyrgyz civil society engages in advocacy on human rights issues.  All programs should aim to have impact that leads to reforms and have the potential for sustainability beyond DRL resources.  DRL’s preference is to avoid duplicating past efforts by supporting new and creative approaches.  This does not exclude from consideration projects that improve upon or expand existing successful projects in a new and complementary way.  DRL is committed to advancing equity and support for underserved and underrepresented communities. In accordance with the Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Underserved Communities, programs should implement strategies for integration and inclusion of individuals/organizations/beneficiaries that can bring perspectives based on their religion, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, national origin, age, genetic information, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, political affiliation, or veteran’s status.  Programs should be demand-driven and locally led to the extent possible.  DRL requires all programs to be non-discriminatory and expects implementers to include strategies for nondiscrimination of individuals/organizations/beneficiaries based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, marital status, parental status, political affiliation, or veteran’s status.  Competitive proposals may also include a summary budget and budget narrative for 12 additional months following the proposed period of performance, indicated above. This information should indicate what objective(s) and/or activities could be accomplished with additional time and/or funds beyond the proposed period of performance. Where appropriate, competitive proposals may include: Opportunities for beneficiaries to apply their new knowledge and skills in practical efforts; Solicitation of feedback and suggestions from beneficiaries when developing activities in order to strengthen the sustainability of programs and participant ownership of project outcomes; Input from participants on sustainability plans and systematic review of the plans throughout the life of the project, with adjustments made as necessary; Joint identification and definition of key concepts with relevant stakeholders and stakeholder input into project activities; Systematic follow-up with beneficiaries at specific intervals after the completion of activities to track how beneficiaries are retaining new knowledge as well as applying their new skills. Activities that are not typically allowed include, but are not limited to: The provision of humanitarian assistance; English language instruction; Development of high-tech computer or communications software and/or hardware; Purely academic exchanges or fellowships; External exchanges or fellowships lasting longer than six months; Off-shore activities that are not clearly linked to in-country initiatives and impact or are not necessary per security concerns; Theoretical explorations of human rights or democracy issues, including projects aimed primarily at research and evaluation that do not incorporate training or capacity-building for local civil society; Micro-loans or similar small business development initiatives; Initiatives directed towards a diaspora community rather than current residents of targeted countries.

This program provides funding to support marketing and research initiatives that enhance wine production and promote the Pennsylvania wine industry.

07 March 2024 Update: Please see instructions for full proposal instructions and general submission instructions within the attached documents to this announcement.****CURRENTLY ACCEPTING WHITE PAPER SUBMISSIONS ONLY - DEADLINE FOR WHITE PAPER SUBMISSIONS is 12 DEC 2023*********The pre-proposal (a.k.a. white paper) form and submission instructions is available at the hyperlink below:https://www.acq.osd.mil/eie/afpmb/docs/dwfp/FY24_DWFP_Form.pdf.Applicants should follow the instructions in the pre-proposal form to complete both the form and a separate project summary slide (quad chart). The pre-proposal form and quad chart are submitted as two separate files and also as one combined file, for a total of 3 PDF files. Submissions are due to the AFPMB Webmaster no later than December 12, 2023 (11:59pm EDT). Late submissions will not be considered.Full details are available at related documents tab see downloadable PDF file entitled "BAA Version 1 dated 19 Oct 2023". Note: This document references 3 pages for a white paper/preproposal submission however this should instead reference 3 PDF files make up a preproposal/white paper submission.The U. S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground Edgewood Contracting Division, Fort Detrick, invites applications for funding opportunities for the Fiscal Year 2024 Deployed War Fighter Protection (DWFP) Research Program, renewable for up to 3 years, administered by the Armed Forces Pest Management Board (AFPMB). The AFPMB is soliciting pre-proposals for original, innovative research designed to develop new interventions to protect deployed U. S. Department of Defense (DoD) personnel from medically relevant pests, including arthropod disease vectors of mosquito-borne arboviruses and tick-borne pathogens, as well as fly-borne bacterial pathogens. The DWFP Program supports the development of: new toxicants or the adaptation of existing toxicants to medically relevant pests; new insecticide application techniques; new personal protection tools that prevent human-vector contact; new decision support tools; and new vector surveillance tools that focus on improving vector control outcomes. The proposed research should: support the Advanced Technology Development of new insecticides, or improved formulations of existing insecticides for vector control, new technology or enhanced modalities of personal protection from biting arthropods, or improved efficacy and sustainability of equipment for application of pesticides (for more information, see Budget Activity 3 in the DoD Financial Management Regulation Volume 2B, Chapter 5); be product-oriented, consisting of advanced research related to a particular technology or new capability, field evaluation of products, or research directed towards the development of an existing prototype product for commercialization; include semi-field or field evaluation of prototype products; be applicable for both military and civilian uses, including military operational environments with limited logistical support; focus on multiple target vectors; and outline a strategy for subsequent registration by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the development of products containing a pesticide(s).The program does not support: basic research; vector pathogen research; clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic or vaccine research in humans; testing to measure acute oral, dermal and/or inhalation toxicity; EPA registration costs; testing and evaluation of products previously registered with the EPA, unless they are being developed for a new use; testing and evaluation of commercial products, unless they are tested in comparison with prototype products; or manufacturing, packaging and production costs.Up to $4,500,000 may be awarded in FY24, with future years subject to the availability of funds. The total proposed cost cannot exceed $975,000, i.e. a maximum of $325,000 per year for up to 3 years, inclusive of all direct and indirect costs. Funding is intended to be provided during August-October 2024. Projects will be selected on the basis of peer-reviewed scientific merit and programmatic relevance. Pre-proposals will be accepted from investigators who are employed by or affiliated with an eligible institution. Eligible institutions include for-profit, non-profit, public, and private organizations. Examples include universities, hospitals, laboratories, companies, and agencies of local, state government. Federal Agencies may also respond to this request; however, federal submissions will be processed in accordance with applicable regulations. Funding for federal agencies is provided subject to an appropriate interagency agreement.The estimated timeline for the FY24 DWFP Program is as follows: December 12, 2023 Deadline for pre-proposal submissions Mid-January 2024 Invitation to submit full proposals Mid-March 2024 Deadline for full proposal submissions Late April/early May 2024 Notification of full proposal selections August/September 2024 Awards funded

This program provides funding to establish community-based telehealth resources that connect rural veterans with healthcare providers, improving their access to essential medical services.

This grant enables individuals or entities to engage in agricultural practices on National Wildlife Refuge lands to support wildlife conservation and habitat management efforts without the exchange of federal funds.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that: (1) strengthen civil society efforts to investigate and document human rights violations and abuses committed against ethnic and religious minority communities from Burma, including Rohingya communities; (2) support pro-democracy activists pursuing justice for victims and accountability for those responsible for abuses; and (3) promote non-recurrence of atrocities.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for a global project to 1) dissuade and deter governments from engaging in and/or facilitating transnational repression (TNR) activities and 2) mitigate the impact of TNR activities on individuals and communities. Competitive proposals will incorporate activities in at least three regions as defined by the State Department (Sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Eurasia, Middle East and North Africa, South and Central Asia, and Western Hemisphere).

The Bureau of Counterterrorism (CT) of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to build the capacity of Somali Police Force (SPF) CT units, including the Joint Investigative Team (JIT) and the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) to more fully coordinate on counterterrorism-related police investigations with the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) for the purpose of increased information collection, analysis, and sharing between the units and international partners.

The Outdoor Equity Fund aims to enhance safe, equitable access to outdoor spaces and nature-based learning for Wabanaki, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in Maine, unceded land of the Wabanaki. The fund addresses systemic barriers that BIPOC communities face in accessing outdoor spaces by supporting organizations working on land-based cultural preservation, land-back projects, leadership development, farming and gardening programs, outdoor accessibility, expeditions, learning, and therapeutic programs. It operates with a Community Advisory Committee guiding its efforts and employs a participatory grantmaking process. Selected organizations for the 2023 cohort will receive $30,000 over three years for general operating support, alongside opportunities for peer learning and capacity-building activities.

This program provides over $1.5 million in unrestricted funding to nonprofit organizations in Maine that are led by and serve Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities, focusing on dismantling racial injustice and promoting racial justice initiatives.

This program provides financial assistance to urban and rural emergency medical services and trauma organizations in Colorado for training and education to improve their emergency response capabilities.

This grant provides funding for collaborative projects in the planning phase that seek to create systemic change in community health by addressing complex issues through equity-focused solutions.