Grants for City or township governments - Business and Commerce

The City of Port St. Lucie, in partnership with the Florida Small Business Development Center at Indian River State College, launched the COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program to financially support businesses affected by the pandemic. This program serves as a reimbursement grant, providing up to $10,000 for business-related expenses such as mortgage, rent, utilities, insurance, reopening costs, safety measures, and payroll during closures. The initiative is funded by FloridaCommerce through its Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Program, demonstrating a commitment to economic recovery and stability within the community. The program primarily targets small businesses with 0-50 employees that were in operation before March 1, 2020, and have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. A key focus is on businesses located within qualified low-to-moderate-income Census Tracts (QCTs) or owned by individuals whose household income qualifies as low or moderate. This targeting aligns with a broader mission of supporting vulnerable populations and fostering equitable economic recovery within the city. Prioritization is given to applications from small businesses that have not previously received COVID-19 relief funding, ensuring that support reaches those most in need of assistance. The program aims to mitigate the financial strain caused by the pandemic, allowing businesses to cover essential operating costs and implement necessary safety measures. The emphasis on current tax status and registration with the Florida Division of Corporations underscores a commitment to supporting legitimate and compliant businesses. With a total of $390,000 initially available, and approximately $165,000 remaining after 23 approved applicants as of mid-March, the program has already made a significant impact. Expected outcomes include the sustained operation of small businesses, retention of employment, and a more resilient local economy. By providing direct financial relief, the grant contributes to the overall stability and recovery of Port St. Lucie's small business sector, particularly in its low-to-moderate-income areas.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is offering a Business Resiliency program, funded by federal Community Development Block Grant-Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) Funds. This grant aims to support the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or acquisition of property for homeless shelters, with the goal of increasing their capacity to pre-COVID levels. The program is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and requires all awarded projects to demonstrate a connection to the prevention, preparation, and response to the coronavirus. The primary objective is to provide stable, safe, and adequate housing for individuals experiencing homelessness, aligning with the broader mission of community development and support for vulnerable populations. The target beneficiaries are homeless individuals, with the impact goal of increasing the capacity of shelters to serve more people and improve living conditions. This program directly addresses the critical need for enhanced housing infrastructure in the wake of the pandemic, ensuring that communities are better equipped to handle homelessness. A key priority of this grant is to fund projects that meet the National Objective of Low to Moderate Income for the benefiting businesses, ensuring that the assistance reaches those most in need. The program also emphasizes robust collaboration among local entities, requiring letters of support from a minimum of five community homelessness support services. This fosters a coordinated approach to addressing homelessness and ensures comprehensive service delivery. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number of available shelter beds and improved facilities for homeless individuals. While the total funding amount is yet to be precisely determined, it will be at least $15 million, with individual awards ranging from $500,000 to $2 million. The number of grants will be based on the amounts requested. The project period is anticipated to run from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2026, allowing for a substantial duration to achieve the program's objectives. Measurable results will be tied to the increased capacity of shelters and their ability to provide stable and safe housing. Eligibility criteria require entities to be registered in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal, possess valid FEIN and UEI numbers, have current and public SAM.gov registrations, and be in good standing with state and federal lists. Eligible applicants must also be units of local government receiving "Entitlement" CDBG funding, have a current Shelter Funding Strategy, and remain compliant with all applicable nondiscrimination laws.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for affordable housing and sustainable transportation projects in California, targeting local governments, nonprofits, and other eligible entities to create healthier, more equitable communities while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

This program provides funding to rural communities for the rehabilitation of at-risk downtown buildings, helping to revitalize local economies and support businesses, housing, and cultural initiatives.

FY 2025 Opportunity for the Development of Sea Grant Projects aims to fund the creation of two new Sea Grant projects in the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, focusing on research, education, and outreach to support sustainable coastal and marine resource management.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state, regional, and local economic development organizations to create full-time jobs in economically distressed areas of North Carolina.

The purpose of the RSAT for State Prisoners Program is to break the cycle of drug addiction and violence by reducing the demand for, use, and trafficking of illegal drugs. RSAT’s objectives are to enhance the capabilities of states and units of local and tribal governments to provide residential substance abuse treatment for incarcerated inmates; prepare individuals for reintegration into communities and assist individuals and communities through the reentry process by delivering community based treatment and other broad based aftercare services.

The California Museum Grant Program, initiated by the California Natural Resources Agency, aims to support and enhance museums deeply rooted in and reflective of previously underserved communities. This program offers approximately $27.7 million in funding, which may be disbursed over multiple rounds. The core mission alignment of this grant is to bolster museums that serve a critical role in their communities, particularly those most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and those serving historically underserved populations. The program's intent is to solicit proposals for both program and capital projects that contribute to the vitality and accessibility of these cultural institutions. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are museums that serve historically underserved communities or students subject to Title I of the Federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act. This includes pupils and teachers at eligible schools, children in low-income communities, and communities that have historically lacked adequate access to cultural resources. The impact goals are broad, aiming to improve access to cultural resources, preserve at-risk collections and historic buildings, support ethical stewardship of culturally sensitive artifacts, and educate the public on critical issues affecting Californians. The program prioritizes funding for museums severely affected by COVID-19 and those serving historically underserved communities. Projects must also align with at least one of the following priorities: serving students and teachers in Title I eligible schools; serving children in low-income communities; engaging or collaborating with underserved communities; advancing preservation of at-risk cultural and natural collections and historic buildings; improving access; supporting ethical stewardship of culturally sensitive art and artifacts, including consultation with California Indian tribes or repatriation; or educating the public about critical issues. Eligible projects encompass capital improvements, exhibits, educational programs, outreach programs, public programs, curriculum development, publications, marketing, and collections care. Expected outcomes include enhanced museum infrastructure and offerings, increased engagement with underserved communities, improved preservation of cultural and natural heritage, and greater public education on relevant societal issues. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on serving specific communities and advancing certain priorities implies a focus on metrics related to audience reach, program participation, preservation efforts, and community engagement. Grant proposal requests range from $50,000 to $500,000 for program projects and $100,000 to $1 million for capital projects, indicating a commitment to significant, impactful interventions.

City of San Marcos Minority Business Stabilization Fund (Texas) - The City of San Marcos is offering minority entrepreneurs and small business owners within corporate city limits the opportunity to apply for the Minority Business Stabilization Fund Program. This one-time grant assistance program, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), provides direct aid to minority-owned businesses in San Marcos. Grant amounts range from $1,000 to $10,000 based on the number of full-time employees and can be used for eligible expenses such as physical improvements, equipment, e-commerce expansion costs, rent, payroll, and operating expenses. To be eligible, businesses must have been in operation in San Marcos for at least 12 months, employ 1 to 25 full-time employees, and be at least 51% unconditionally owned by a socially disadvantaged individual. Only one grant may be awarded per business with multiple locations in San Marcos. For more information and to apply, visit City of San Marcos website.

This funding initiative provides financial support to local governments in Virginia for tourism-related projects that address infrastructure deficiencies, such as hotels and dining facilities, to boost local economies.

This grant provides Maryland counties and municipalities with resources and incentives to promote economic growth and cultural development through the establishment of designated arts and entertainment districts.

The ConnectALL Initiative's Municipal Infrastructure Program (MIP) is designed to foster the development of open-access, publicly owned, and/or controlled last-mile fiber broadband infrastructure. This initiative aims to deliver reliable high-speed internet services to homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions throughout New York State. The program's mission aligns directly with the New York State Urban Development Corporation d/b/a Empire State Development ("ESD") objectives to promote a vigorous and growing state economy, encourage business investment and job creation, and support diverse, prosperous local economies across NYS. By addressing broadband access, the MIP contributes to ESD's broader strategy of using grants and other forms of assistance to facilitate economic development and improve quality of life for residents. The target beneficiaries of the MIP include communities across New York State that are currently experiencing connectivity challenges due to a lack of affordable, high-speed internet infrastructure. Specifically, the program aims to connect homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions. The primary impact goal is to improve broadband access, thereby reducing the digital divide and enabling greater participation in the digital economy. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in the availability of reliable, high-speed internet, leading to enhanced economic opportunities, improved educational access, and better access to essential services for residents and businesses in underserved areas. The program's priorities and focuses revolve around the construction of new infrastructure or the acquisition of existing infrastructure. This includes last-mile fiber connections to address last-mile infrastructure (cabling, wires, pole replacements, radios) and drops to buildings. It also emphasizes fiber connections to Internet Exchange Points or Data Centers, including middle-mile fiber and networking equipment. A key focus is on ensuring open-access and predominantly publicly controlled infrastructure, leveraging funding from the U.S. Department of Treasury Capital Projects Fund (CPF) to achieve these objectives. The ConnectALL Initiative's strategic priorities are deeply rooted in addressing fundamental connectivity gaps across the state. The theory of change posits that by investing in publicly controlled, open-access fiber broadband infrastructure, the state can stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and foster more equitable access to information and opportunities. The expected measurable results include the deployment of new fiber optic networks, the number of homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions connected, and ultimately, an improvement in the overall broadband speed and affordability available to New Yorkers. The total funding available for this program is $228 Million, with a maximum grant size of $30 million per award, indicating a significant investment to achieve these transformative goals.

This funding opportunity supports projects that promote inclusive economic growth and human development in Equatorial Guinea, encouraging collaboration between local and U.S. organizations, individuals, and educational institutions.

The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program, funded by the USDA, allocates approximately $2 million for infrastructure grants to Vermont businesses and organizations aiming to strengthen local and regional food systems. The grants support projects that improve the aggregation, distribution, manufacturing, processing, storing, transporting, and wholesaling of Vermont food products. This track encourages development of Vermont value-added products and promotes fair wages and job creation. A 50% match is required, which can be reduced to 25% for historically underserved farmers. Grants range from $100,000 to $500,000 and are available from fall 2024 through February 2027.

The City of Mukilteo’s Co-Sponsorship Grant process is designed to promote, support, and expand existing and new special events, activities, and programs within the city, as well as to publicize and support economic development initiatives. A key alignment with the city's mission is the support of activities that foster the general health and well-being of the community. This grant primarily functions by waiving facility rental fees for the use of City Facilities, thereby reducing a significant barrier for organizations looking to host beneficial events and programs. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include a broad range of public and private organizations. Specifically, qualifying organizations encompass non-profit volunteer groups, neighborhood groups, educational organizations, public agencies, and chambers of commerce. The ultimate impact goal is to enhance the quality of life for Mukilteo residents through increased access to cultural arts, recreation, youth and adult activities, and improved community safety. Furthermore, the program aims to stimulate economic growth through events and activities that promote job creation and business attraction and retention. The grant program prioritizes projects that are open to the public and offer enhanced opportunities in areas such as culture and arts, recreation, youth or adult activities, and community safety. Another key focus is on projects that promote job growth or promote business attraction and retention within Mukilteo. While the grant is generally open to Mukilteo-based organizations, there are limited exceptions for organizations outside the city that can clearly demonstrate the necessity and direct public benefit of their service to the Mukilteo community. The expected outcomes from this program are multifaceted. By waiving facility rental fees, the City of Mukilteo anticipates an increase in the number and diversity of special events, programs, and activities offered to its residents. Measurable results could include the number of events supported, the estimated attendance at these events, and the reported community engagement. From an economic development perspective, success could be measured by the number of jobs created or retained, and the growth of businesses attributed to grant-supported initiatives. The grant's duration is not specified, but projects must be accomplished by December 31st, 2025, suggesting a focus on near-term impact.

This program provides funding to businesses, nonprofits, institutions, and school districts in Alameda County to replace single-use transport packaging with durable, reusable alternatives, helping to reduce waste and lower costs.

For community and economic development projects. Awarded to approximately 25 recipients at up to $500,000 each. The Appalachian Regional Commission (www.arc.gov) is a federal-state partnership that works with the people of Appalachia to create opportunities for self-sustaining economic development and improved quality of life. The commission is a unique alliance composed of the governors of the 13 Appalachian states and a presidential appointee representing the federal government. Governor Lee serves on the board; the Governor’s Alternate for Tennessee is Brooxie Carlton, and the Program Manager is Brooxie Carlton. Through ARC, Tennessee is able to award grants each year for economic and community development projects in the 52 counties in middle and east Tennessee served by the ARC.

This program provides matching funds to small businesses in Decatur, Georgia, to improve their digital marketing efforts and enhance their online presence.

The General Operating Support (GOS) Grants, offered by the Illinois Arts Council Agency (IACA), aim to bolster established not-for-profit organizations that deliver arts programming to their communities. This initiative directly aligns with the IACA's mission to support and strengthen the arts in Illinois. The grant provides financial assistance ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for activities occurring between November 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025. Eligible entities include registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations, branches of government, charitable trusts, institutions of higher education, religious organizations, and school affiliate organizations, all of whom must be in good standing with the state and meet specific operational and application criteria. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are not-for-profit arts organizations and, by extension, the diverse communities they serve across all counties in Illinois. The IACA's strategic priorities for this initiative are deeply rooted in equity and outreach. The program specifically focuses on under-resourced communities, including rural areas, high-poverty regions, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) groups, and individuals with disabilities. This targeted approach seeks to ensure that state support reaches a broader and more equitable demographic of Illinois communities. The initiative's core aims include analyzing the demographic distribution of past awards, engaging constituents for feedback on their needs and experiences, identifying areas for improvement in the IACA's funding approach regarding equity, and recommending actionable steps to achieve greater grant-making equity. These objectives are designed to build an evidence base that can be used to advocate for the resources necessary to expand state support to a wider array of Illinois communities. Expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around a more equitable distribution of arts funding and increased access to arts programming for under-resourced communities. The IACA anticipates that by addressing equity strengths and weaknesses and implementing recommended actions, they will successfully reach more diverse communities. Allowable expenses cover a wide range of operational costs, from artist fees and salaries to facilities, supplies, technology, marketing, and general administrative overhead, ensuring that organizations can effectively implement their programs and achieve their community impact goals.

The APEX Accelerator Program is a Department of Defense initiative designed to provide education, training, and assistance to businesses, particularly Native American-owned, to help them secure contracts with federal, state, and local governments, thereby strengthening the defense industrial base and promoting diversity and resilience in the supply chain.