Grants for City or township governments - Business and Commerce

The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation seeks applications which foster communities to build inclusive, welcoming entrepreneurial environments to advance equitable entrepreneurship opportunities in the lives of all people. Donor Name: Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation State: Minnesota County: Selected Counties Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The purpose of this grant program is to support IRS-designated 501(c)(3) organizations, units/agencies of government or public institution organizations which are providing direct resources and services to start and expand business opportunities within diverse and/or traditionally underserved populations in southern Minnesota. Examples of initiatives may include the creation of an entrepreneurial education program for diverse and/or traditionally underserved populations, organized community dialogue to build inclusivity around entrepreneurship, expanded access to business resources for all community members; the development of systems to advance equitable entrepreneurial activity and reduce the wealth gap among entrepreneurs of diverse and/or traditionally underserved populations. Applications should effectively illustrate the following Creates economic opportunity and advances economic prosperity for racially diverse populations of potential/existing entrepreneurs. Focuses on the well-being of potential/existing BIPOC entrepreneurs who have experienced inequities. Removes community or systemic barriers to increase access to skills, knowledge, or talents for potential/existing BIPOC entrepreneurs. Demonstrates that initiatives can be sustained or grow beyond the initial funding. Funding Information Up to $10,000 is available to qualified and approved applicants, and recipients will have 18 months to implement their work.  Grant Guidelines  Proposals must be submitted by an IRS-designated 501(c)(3) organization, a unit/agency of government or a public institution.  Informal and grassroots organizations are eligible to apply but will be required to have an eligible fiscal host.  Proposals must demonstrate a direct benefit to SMIF’s 20-county region.  10% cash match is required An interim progress report and final written report will be required by all grant recipients Exclusion Ineligible organizations or activities include: Individuals, businesses, or other for-profit organizations General operating expenses (including staff funding) and expenses not directly related to the project/program Capital funding, real estate investments, fixed assets, equipment, capital campaigns or endowments Project/program expenses incurred prior to application Projects/programs in progress prior to application or completed (excludes planning phase) Funds for re-granting or to establish loan pools Research projects or school-related internships Strategic plans, feasibility studies or project planning without implementation and completion within the 12-month timeframe Participant stipends (scholarships for participant fees may be considered) Organizations that have an open Inclusive & Equitable Communities Grant (cannot close grant prior to project end date listed in contract). For more information, visit SMIF.

The Alachua County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the Arts Council of Alachua County (ACAC), is pleased to announce the 2024/2025 Arts Tag grant program, made possible, in part, through the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Donor Name: Arts Council of Alachua County (ACAC) State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Art Tag grant program aims to improve Alachua County’s arts activities to increase the community’s access to a wide range of diverse arts experiences, especially in underserved communities. Access to arts and culture can foster the growth of the creative economy, encourage cultural entrepreneurship, and stimulate business development or relationships in related sectors. Funding Information The total funds to be sub-granted through the Art Tag grant program is $44,000, which includes $14,000 additional funds provided by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County and the Art Tag license plate sales. Funding requests for individual artists, artist collaborators, and not-for-profit organizations is up to $3,000. Funding requests for small cities requires a 1:1 match up to $5,000. Project Period October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025 Eligibility Criteria Individual artists, artist collaborators, not-for-profit organizations, and the cities of Alachua, Archer, Hawthorne, High Springs, LaCrosse, Micanopy, Newberry, and Waldo are eligible to apply if the following criteria are met: If an artist, the applicant must:  Be a resident of Alachua County, Florida  Be a US Citizen  Be 18 years or older If an organization:  Recognized as a tax-exempt 501(c)3  Has a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): Organizations MUST have a valid UEI to receive federal funding (previously a DUNS number). If a municipality:  Only the cities of Alachua, Archer, Hawthorne, High Springs, LaCrosse, Micanopy, Newberry and Waldo are eligible to apply.  Has a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): Organizations MUST have a valid UEI to receive federal funding (previously a DUNS number). For more information, visit ACAC.

The Ellensburg Community Grant Program offers a water quality focused grant to encourage community-based projects that improve or protect the quality of surface waters. Donor Name: City of Ellensburg State: Washington City: Ellensburg Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funded by the Stormwater Utility, the water quality grant provides funding for community groups to provide outreach, education, assessments, planning, implementation, prevention and control focused on city’s surface water. Water quality is commonly defined by its physical, chemical, biological, and aesthetic (appearance and smell) characteristics. A healthy environment is one in which the water quality supports a rich and varied community of organisms and protects public health. Grant funds are invested in projects that include one or more of the following priorities: Required: Demonstrate improvements in quality of surface waters. Educate a large and/or varied segments of Ellensburg’s population on what water quality is, and what actions they can take to improve or protect it. Educate best practices to reduce/eliminate adverse impacts to water quality. Funding Information A total of $10,000 is available for this grant cycle. Eligibility Criteria Eligible volunteer groups such as youth, seniors, non-profit organizations, educational organizations may apply for funding. Business and governmental partners are encouraged but may not be the applicant. Projects must benefit stormwater quality within the City limits, (i.e., public outreach and education, yard care, litter pick up, etc.). Projects must be within the city limits; if the project is on publicly owned property, an agreement will need to be signed between both parties addressing use of minors as volunteers, hold harmless, etc. Grant funds may not be used for projects that involve or promote the use of alcohol. For more information, visit City of Ellensburg.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is seeking applications for its Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants. Donor Name: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection State: Pennsylvania County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/28/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: AFIG has approximately $5 million in funding available to school districts, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and businesses in Pennsylvania that want to transition to cleaner fuel transportation. Supported alternative fuels include electricity, compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, propane, hydrogen, hythane, biodiesel, ethanol, methanol, and other advanced biofuels. Grant funding covers: Incremental costs related to retrofitting vehicles to operate on alternative fuels; Incremental costs to purchase alternative fuel vehicles; Cost to purchase and install the necessary fleet-refueling or home-refueling equipment for alternative fuel vehicles; Cost to perform research, training, development, and demonstration of new applications or next-phase technology related to alternative fuel vehicles. Priorities Businesses whose headquarters or principal place of business are located in Pennsylvania; Zero emission vehicle projects; Medium-duty and light-duty fleet refueling infrastructure projects; Renewable natural gas vehicle and infrastructure projects; Projects located in or predominantly serving environmental justice areas; Minority-, veteran-, or woman-owned businesses. Funding Information Applicants will be eligible for a maximum grant award across all applications of $500,000. Individual application awards are still capped at $300,000. Eligibility Criteria DEP will award at least 20% of AFIG funding to the following entities, depending on applications received: Counties, townships, municipalities, or municipal authorities; Public school districts, including brick and mortar charter schools; Organizations registered as a 501(c)3 that provide services to seniors, low-income individuals and families, individuals with disabilities, veterans, or medical services of any type; Businesses that are registered with the Commonwealth as a Small Diverse Business or registered with one of the Pennsylvania Department of General Services approved third-party certifications; and Organizations that are county/local government supported or contracted to provide services to seniors, low-income individuals and families, individuals with disabilities, veterans, or medical services of any type. For more information, visit DEP.

The Donor Alliance Foundation is now accepting applications to fund efforts in Colorado and Wyoming that provide access to resources and education for those affected by organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Donor Name: Donor Alliance Foundation State: Colorado, Wyoming County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/02/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Donor Alliance Foundation was created to extend the mission of organ and tissue donation and transplantation, by building partnerships and breaking down barriers to influence change to positively affect the donation and transplant community. The Foundation believes that organ and tissue donation and transplantation are human gifts that save lives and that all those affected by donation deserve to be acknowledged, supported and given access to resources that enable the gift of life. The Foundation will continue its focus on community impact by addressing system barriers that prohibit people from receiving an organ and/or tissue transplant. They will do this by funding organizations that demonstrate equitable and equal access to donation and transplantation resources through education, family assistance, and/or research projects. To do this, the plan is to: Provide access to donation and transplantation resources for underinsured, vulnerable, and socio-economically disadvantaged populations and those living in rural areas of Colorado and Wyoming who are eligible for a transplant or already on the transplant list Further seeking projects that consider diversity, equity, and inclusion as a key audience and can demonstrate equity in their programming Look for applicants who are or planning to provide education or assistance to reach their audiences in new and innovative ways Remain nimble regarding changes or shifts needed to accomplish grantee goals or priorities Continued focus on Pancreas research and projects related to gathering data on the benefits of pancreas transplantation. Foundation Funds Efforts to meet the needs of patients pre- and post-transplant who have a financial need with limited or no access to funds. Projects that provide equal and equitable access to donation and transplantation resources that enable the gift of life. New and innovative education approaches about donation and transplantation to reach audiences in populations who may not be aware of their options, given reduced social interaction. Programs and services that offer grief assistance and compassion support in Colorado and Wyoming. Efforts to increase living donation. Medical and social research related to transplantation, to provide an opportunity to conduct pilot studies or early exploration (e.g., seed grants). Funding Information The Donor Alliance Foundation anticipates making grants ranging in size from $5,000 up to $25,000. Grant Period The Donor Alliance Foundation makes one-year grants. Eligibility Criteria  The Donor Alliance Foundation accepts proposals from nonprofit community health-serving organizations, nonprofit hospitals, academic institutions, governmental agencies, foundations, and associations supporting donation and transplantation efforts. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with tax-exempt classification from the Internal Revenue Service; be a tax-supported institution such as a hospital, government, or nonprofit organization; or must have a formal fiscal sponsorship arrangement with a tax-exempt organization. Organizations must be located in and serve Donor Alliance’s designated service area of Colorado and/or Wyoming. They will consider applications from partners in the following categories: Nonprofit hospitals (or their foundations) and/or transplant centers; or nonprofit foundations at for-profit hospitals Nonprofit community health-serving organizations Nonprofit organizations providing services to support donation and transplantation (e.g., grief centers, Ronald McDonald Houses) Academic institutions providing critical care training (e.g., nursing, medical or transplant technicians) Governmental agencies (emphasis on regional/rural public health departments)  Non-profit Foundations Nonprofit Associations (transplant or medical related) Nonprofit regional chambers of commerce (funding transplant-related programs). Ineligibility For-profit companies or businesses Individuals Advocacy or lobbying work Sponsorships Scholarships Capital projects Other transplant-related causes (e.g., bone marrow, stem cell) Projects outside the service area. For more information, visit Donor Alliance.

"TANF Job Placement with Retention Providers primarily target current TANF clients. While clients are searching for unsubsidized employment, the Provider is responsible for assuring that they are engaged in work and training activities and hours that are consistent with Federal guidelines. Additionally, the Provider is responsible for developing, constructing and administering programs in a manner that will result in a client compliance level of at least 75%. When determining whether or not a Provider has met the 75% compliance standards, consideration will be given to two factors: 1) clients who meet compliance according to Attendance and Activity Reports submitted by the Provider; and 2) by documentation of immediate and appropriate action initiated by the Provider for clients who fail to comply with assigned activities and hours. Providers earn administrative payments for unsubsidized placements. In order for a placement to qualify the Provider for administrative payment, the client must earn at least minimum wage, work at least 30 hours per week, or less than 30 hours per week with wages of $10.00 per hour or more, resulting in the cancellation of the TANF case due to income, and meet the retention period of 30, 60, 90, 120 days. (See Attachment Cover Sheet Addendum for specific qualifications). TANF Job Placement with Retention programs are operated by the Department for persons receiving TANF. Customers participate in a variety of activities that are countable in the federal participation rate while searching for unsubsidized employment. Activities are highly structured, monitored and documented for meeting accountability requirements. Those activities include: • Work Experience • Community Service • Unsubsidized Employment • Subsidized Employment • Vocational Education Training • Job Search and Job Readiness Activities • Job Skills Training and • Education Directly Related to Employment. The client will continue to participate in these activities until unsubsidized employment is obtained, or until it is determined that participation is no longer an appropriate activity for the client. The Provider is expected to serve and engage customers in countable TANF activities each month during the contract period.

This program provides funding to local governments in New York State for community development projects that improve housing, infrastructure, and economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents.

The City of Boulder has released the 2025 Health Equity Fund (HEF) Request for Proposals, for community-based health equity programs benefitting Boulder community members experiencing health disparities. Donor Name: City of Boulder State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The Health Equity Fund aims to reduce disparities and to improve health equity for people experiencing systemic socio-economic and health barriers. Examples of HEF-supported programs include health services that help prevent obesity, diabetes, heart disease and oral diseases; increased access to healthy food and clean water; wellness programs; physical fitness; and more. The City of Boulder defines health equity as the absence of systematic health disparities based on socio-economic factors, and the ability of all residents to reach their full health potential, regardless of their life circumstances. Through the HEF, the City of Boulder funds health and wellness programs that benefit City of Boulder residents experiencing health disparities, including: Residents disproportionately impacted by diseases linked to sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption or disproportionately targeted by SSB marketing; Residents who lack access to healthy food, safe water, quality health care, wellness information and health care services and systems; and Populations systemically disenfranchised due to race, ethnicity, income, age, ability, sexual orientation or gender identification. Funding Information  Proposals must request a minimum of $10,000 with at least $8,000 in eligible expenses. Grant Period The RFP is for program services performed from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027. Eligibility Criteria Through the HEF, the city will fund programs rather than entire organizations, institutions, or agencies. Eligible programs may be implemented in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or public or private educational institutions (i.e., preK-12 school or college/university). Businesses and for-profit agencies should not apply. Eligible program activities may include direct services, research or collaborative approaches.  Proposal Criteria Proposals will be evaluated based on whether the proposed program:  Benefits people most affected by, or at increased risk from chronic disease linked to sugary drink consumption, or who generally experience health disparities.  Has leadership (agency board, staff and volunteers) that reflects the demographic diversity of clients served. Aligns with a selected program priority. Demonstrates sound research, evidence-based best practices. Values lived experience, cultural knowledge and wisdom.  Demonstrates strong and long-term evaluation of outcomes, or potential for such evaluation. Meaningfully engages community members experiencing health disparities in the design, implementation and/or evaluation of the proposed program. Demonstrates strong collaboration and transformative, equitable partnerships that move beyond informal relationships. Demonstrates a cost-effective approach that benefits program participants, target populations or the community. Demonstrates that the agency currently has, or demonstrates a plan for achieving sustained financial stability and organizational leadership. Exhibits diverse funding sources or a plan to achieve diverse funding.  For more information, visit COB.

The North Carolina Department of Commerce is seeking applications for its Rural Downtown Economic Development Grants. Donor Name: North Carolina Department of Commerce State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/20/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The purpose of this program is to support downtown revitalization and economic development initiatives that are intended to help local governments grow and leverage downtown districts as assets for economic growth, economic development, and prosperity. Funding availability is at the discretion of the Rural Infrastructure Authority. RDED Grants will support projects that Provide public improvements that help retain business and attract customers to business districts. Support publicly owned downtown economic development initiatives that leverage main streets and downtown districts as economic engines. Facilitate publicly owned building improvements that are used for community-wide uses or mixed-use development in or on properties that are publicly owned and controlled. Funding Information The maximum grant amount is $850,000 per grantee and may not exceed $12,500 per projected job created or retained. Eligible Activities Public Infrastructure – Improvements to publicly owned infrastructure in a downtown district, that serves a community-wide use, such as lots, alleys, streetscapes, waterfront developments and parks. Public Buildings (Renovation or Additions) – Improvements to publicly owned buildings in a downtown district that serve a public, community-wide use, such as a community center, theater, civic center, recreation center, or library. Mixed-Use Downtown Development (Renovation or Additions) – Improvements to publicly owned property in a downtown district that may be zoned and developed for a mix of uses. The mix of use may include two or more of the following: retail, restaurant, service, professional, nonprofit, governmental, institutional, or residential. Eligibility Criteria Eligible applicants are units of local government located in Tier 1 or Tier 2 counties, and rural census tracts in Tier 3 counties. For the purposes of this program, units of local government are defined as municipal or county governments within the state of North Carolina. For more information, visit NCDC.

The North Carolina Department of Commerce is requesting proposals for its Rural Building Reuse Program. Donor Name: North Carolina Department of Commerce State: North Carolina County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/20/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Building Reuse Grant Program develop older buildings in your community into assets to attract new or expanding businesses with the state’s Building Reuse Program. This program provides grants to local governments, using three categories of funding for: The renovation of vacant buildings The renovation or expansion of a building occupied by an existing North Carolina company wishing to expand in their current location The renovation, expansion or construction of health care entities that will lead to the creation of new, full-time jobs. Eligible Projects And Expenses Vacant Building Category Grants are available to support the renovation of vacant buildings. The building must be vacant for at least three months prior to application deadlines. Existing Business Building Category Grants are available to support the renovation or expansion of buildings occupied by a company operating in the state of North Carolina for at least 12 months. Companies must also meet the weekly wage standard, provide at least 50% benefits to employees and be represented on the Priority Industry Table. Rural Health Category Grants are available to support the renovation, expansion or construction of health care entities. The health care entity must be licensed by the State of North Carolina. Eligible applicants are units of local government located in either a Tier 1 or Tier 2 county, or a rural census tract in a Tier 3 county. In Tier 1 or Tier 2 counties, priority will be given to towns or communities with populations less than 5,000. As prescribed in N.C.G.S. 143B-472.127(a)(2), a rural census tract is an area having a population density of less than 500 people per square mile according to the most recent decennial federal census. The program requires a cash match equal to the grant request amount. The local government must contribute at least 5% of the cash match. The cash match shall come from local resources and may not be derived from other State or federal grant funds. For more information, visit NCDC.

Anderson Water Council is now accepting applications from the plaintiffs for the protection and remediation of Anderson County water resources. Donor Name: Anderson Water Council State: Georgia, South Carolina County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/29/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The Anderson County Watershed Protection Council is to assist Savannah Riverkeeper and Upstate Forever in identifying, prioritizing, and funding projects that empower citizens to take action on existing and emerging threats to water resources and to restore water quality in the Savannah River watershed’s impacted areas. The Water Council is particularly interested in funding projects that empower local communities to collect and share water quality data publicly Funding Information Average individual grant awards range between $10,000 to $50,000 for citizen empowerment and education projects, and up to $100,000 for water restoration projects, with occasional opportunities for multi-year awards, when necessary, not to exceed three (3) years. Eligibility Criteria  Entities eligible for grant funding include:  A not-for-profit charitable corporation or trust authorized to do business in South Carolina or Georgia  whose mission aligns with the goals of the Anderson Water Council. The Georgia and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources; Forestry Commissions; Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. Educators, municipalities, and school systems in the impacted areas. Any agency, commission, or instrumentality of such a municipality. For more information, visit AWC.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agriculture Marketing Services (AMS), is entering into cooperative agreement with Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) for the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program Cooperative Agreements (RFSI). Donor Name: Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) State: Michigan County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The purpose of the Michigan RFSI program is to build resilience in the middle-of-thefood-supply-chain and strengthen local and regional food systems by creating new revenue streams for Michigan producers. MDARD will make subawards in the form of Infrastructure Grants to middle-of-the-supply businesses to create more diverse local and regional market options and create more economic opportunities for communities, allowing them to retain more of the value chain dollar. RFSI investments aim to create a food systems infrastructure to support competitive and profitable market access for domestic farm products. The program also aims to: Support development of value‐added products available to consumers; Support proposals that provide fair prices, fair wages and new and safe job opportunities that keep profits in rural communities; and Increase diversity in processing options in terms of business model approaches, geography, and availability to underserved communities. Priorities USDA intends for RFSI program to focus funding Infrastructure Grant activities that: Expand capacity for processing, aggregation, and distribution of agricultural products to create more and better markets for producers; Modernize manufacturing, tracking, storage, and information technology systems; Enhance worker safety through adoption of new technologies or investment in equipment or facility improvements; Improve the capacity of entities to comply with federal, state, and local food safety requirements; Improve operations through training opportunities; Support construction of a new facility; Modernize or expand an existing facility (including expansion and modifications to existing buildings and/or construction of new buildings at existing facilities); Construction of wastewater management structures, etc.; Modernize processing and manufacturing equipment; and Develop, customize, or install equipment that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, increases efficiency in water use, improves air and/or water quality, and/or meets one or more of USDA’s climate action goals. Funding Information Michigan has been awarded over $10 million dollars. Equipment Only Grant: These projects offer a simplified application to fund smaller grants from $10,000 up to $100,000 Infrastructure Grants: Infrastructure grants will have a maximum award of $475,000. Eligibility Criteria The following entities are eligible for Infrastructure Grants made by MDARD: Agricultural producers or processors, or groups of agricultural producers and processors Nonprofit organizations operating middle-of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation, distribution of targeted agricultural products Local government entities operating middle-of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation, distribution of targeted agricultural products Tribal governments operating middle-of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation, distribution of targeted agricultural products. Institutions such as schools, universities, or hospitals bringing producers together to establish cooperative or shared infrastructure or invest in equipment that will benefit multiple producers middle-of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation, distribution of targeted agricultural product. For more information, visit MDARD.

The Vermont Community Foundation is seeking proposals from Vermont villages, towns, and cities that close the opportunity gap by supporting local efforts to foster inclusion and belonging for people of all races and backgrounds. Donor Name: The Vermont Community Foundation State: Vermont County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The Foundation recognizes the powerful leadership roles that local governments can play in removing structural barriers and building a more inclusive and diverse state, and want to support communities in fulfilling that potential. This grant program, which was developed in cooperation with the Vermont League of Cities and Towns and Vermont’s Office of Racial Equity, is intended to support communities participating in the IDEAL (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Action, and Leadership) Vermont program. A limited number of grants continue to be available for communities not participating in the IDEAL program. The vision they hope to advance with this grant program is a Vermont where: All people feel connected to their communities, and do not feel afraid to visit, live, or conduct business in certain towns because of a reputation for exclusion, intolerance, or bias, nor because of a person’s own appearance Businesses and local governing bodies can easily recruit or be led by people who are Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC) because they feel safe and supported as members of the community Educators, students, local leaders, and families have tools and resources to handle issues of discrimination, exclusion, intolerance, or bias as soon as they happen It doesn’t matter how long someone has lived here to be considered a part of the community. Funding Information This program will award grants of up to $10,000 for an 18-month project period. The Foundation funds  The Foundation recognizes that Vermont communities are starting in different places in their work on equity, inclusion, and belonging, and that communities will need different things at different times. They welcome communities at all stages of learning. They also acknowledge that a single project will not address all of a community’s equity and inclusion challenges, and that this work is an ongoing process, so they seek to fund proposals that help a municipality make progress in its learning and actions. Because of this, the program is open to a range of proposals that meet locally defined community needs. This may include: Requests for funding to support consultant-led work within a community introductory trainings on diversity, equity, and inclusion implicit bias trainings equity assessments planning efforts review of hiring practices Community-wide conversations Support for the creation and work of municipal equity committees Stipends for community members to be involved in the work (for example, so that people can take time off work, pay for child care or transportation, or otherwise have their time appropriately compensated) Or a combination of these activities. Eligibility Criteria Eligible applicants are Vermont cities, towns, and villages. Nonprofit organizations or community groups doing work on behalf of and in coordination with a city, town, or village may apply if a letter of support from the municipal partner is included Grant applications will be accepted from organizations that are located in or serve the people of Vermont. Organizations must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or be a public agency or municipality in the state of Vermont. Nonprofit organizations or community groups who do not have 501(c)(3) status may apply for grant awards if another tax-exempt organization acts as a fiscal sponsor. For more information, visit TVCF.

The Research and Education Grant program funds projects that result in gains in farmer knowledge, awareness, skills, and attitudes that are then applied to make measurable on-farm changes leading to greater sustainability. Donor Name: Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 4 Years Details: The focus on farmer behavior change is a key requirement of this grant program. A wide variety of topics can be funded by Northeast SARE, including marketing and business, crop production, raising livestock, aquaculture, social sustainability, urban and Indigenous agriculture and much more. Other aspects of projects funded through the Northeast SARE program include those that address climate-smart agriculture practices intended to improve ecological, social, and economic resilience to climate change; increase carbon sequestration; and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate-smart practices include reduced and no-till, cover crops, prescribed grazing, ruminant feed management, manure management, fertilizer management, and on-farm energy efficiency. In addition, projects may address traditional ecological knowledge. Funding Information Awards typically range from $30,000 to $250,000. Grant Period Typical project length is 2 to 3 years. The maximum project length allowed is 3.5 years. Geographical Focus  The Northeast region includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C. Eligible Applicants Research and Education Grants are open to anyone who works with farmers, including personnel at nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, Cooperative Extension, municipalities, tribal governments, state departments of agriculture, federal agencies, research farms and experiment stations, for-profit business entities (such as private consultants, farmers and veterinary practices), etc. Northeast SARE encourages projects submitted from or in collaboration with women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). Additionally, they encourage projects submitted from or in collaboration with Minority Serving Institutions (including 1890s and other historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and tribal colleges and universities) and other organizations in the Northeast that work with historically underserved communities. Your organization must have the legal structure and financial capacity to receive and implement a Northeast SARE contract, including expending funds needed for the project prior to receiving reimbursements from Northeast SARE; advance payments are not possible. Projects must take place within the Northeast region. Applicants and host organizations may be located outside of the Northeast region if the project activities and the farmers served are located within the Northeast region. For more information, visit Northeast SARE.

The Northeast SARE Professional Development Grant program funds projects that develop the knowledge, awareness, skills and attitudes of agricultural and other service providers about sustainable agriculture practices to teach, advise or assist farmers. Donor Name: Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 4 Years Details: An agricultural service provider is a professional who assists farmers. Projects that develop the ability of other service providers (for example, real estate agents, bankers, and attorneys) to work with farmers are also eligible. These service providers then use what they’ve learned through participation in project activities in their work with farmers. A wide variety of topics can be funded by Northeast SARE, including marketing and business, crop production, raising livestock, aquaculture, social sustainability, urban and Indigenous agriculture and much more. Other aspects of projects funded through the Northeast SARE program include those that address climate-smart agriculture practices intended to improve ecological, social, and economic resilience to climate change; increase carbon sequestration; and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate-smart practices include reduced and no-till, cover crops, prescribed grazing, ruminant feed management, manure management, fertilizer management, and on-farm energy efficiency. In addition, projects may address traditional ecological knowledge. Funding Information Awards typically range from $30,000 to $150,000. Project Duration Typical project length is 2 to 3 years. The maximum project length allowed is 3.5 years. Geographical Focus  The Northeast region includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C. Eligibility Criteria  Professional Development Grants are open to anyone who works with service providers and farmers, including personnel at nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, Cooperative Extension, municipalities, tribal governments, state departments of agriculture, federal agencies, research farms and experiment stations, and for-profit business entities (such as farms, private consultants, veterinary practices and other businesses that serve the farming community). Northeast SARE encourages projects submitted from or in collaboration with women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). Additionally, they encourage projects submitted from or in collaboration with Minority Serving Institutions (including 1890s and other historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and tribal colleges and universities) and other organizations in the Northeast that work with historically underserved communities. Your organization must have the legal structure and financial capacity to receive and implement a Northeast SARE contract, including expending funds needed for the project prior to receiving reimbursements from Northeast SARE; advance payments are not possible. Projects must take place within the Northeast region. Applicants and host organizations may be located outside of the Northeast region if the project activities and the farmers served are located within the Northeast region. For more information, visit Northeast SARE.

Education Grants allow applicants to conduct education and outreach activities for the benefit of the greater sustainable ag community, and promote efforts in farmer innovations, community resilience, business success, ag diversification, and best management practices. Donor Name: Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: 08/02/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: Education Grants are open to academic institutions and organizations, such as non-profits and non-governmental organizations, who are interested in conducting education and outreach activities for the benefit of the greater sustainable ag community, and promote efforts in farmer innovations, community resilience, business success, agricultural diversification, and best management practices. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and 1890 land-grant university faculty/extension cooperators are especially encouraged to apply for this grant for their education and outreach activities. SSARE also considers proposals from organizations/institutions whose projects involve farmers from indigenous agriculture that produces products for community food systems. These enterprises may be eligible where the production activity has an annual value of less than $1,000, even if products are not sold due to cultural factors. Education Grants should focus on a topic area of sustainable agriculture relevance that meets SARE’s program goals. In addition, the proposed project should comprise education/outreach efforts/activities that support the research/education foundation of the institution/organization, and must clearly articulate how those education/outreach efforts/activities will be implemented and evaluated. Examples of Education Grant projects can include one or more of the following, but are not limited to: Experiential (Demonstrations, on-farm tours, field days, workshops, trainings, case studies); Integrative (Conferences, seminars, course curriculum) Reinforcement (Fact sheets, bulletins, books, manuals, videos, online technologies, guidebooks) SARE encourages proposals on quality of life topics that focus on the social health of a farming system. These can include, but are not limited to: Heirs property; Farmers’ markets; food hubs; locavores; CSAs; Local/regional processing/slaughter; Food sheds and food circles; Direct marketing and value-added; Beyond organics value chains; Farm to School/Institution; Civic agriculture, agritourism; Denominations of origin/geographic indications; Non-GMO movement, Slow Food, chef collaboratives; Urban ag systems; Food policy councils, governance structures; and Local/regional certification/branding. Funding Information Education Grant project maximums are $50,000, limited to two (2) years. Education Grants are paid by reimbursement of allowable project expenses. Who can apply? Researchers from public and private institutions, such as 1862 and 1890 land-grant universities or other colleges and universities; government agencies, such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service or USDA-ARS; non-governmental organizations; and community-based organizations. Education Grants strictly fund education and outreach activities related to sustainable agriculture whose outcomes are intended to benefit farmers and farming communities. There is no research involved in these grant projects. Southern SARE accepts proposals from applicants in the Southern region: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Grant Requirements  Education Grant proposals must meet the following basic requirements in order to be considered for funding: Project outcomes must focus on developing sustainable agriculture systems or moving existing systems toward sustainable agriculture. The project must clearly articulate what is being taught, to whom and how the project will accomplish those goals. The results must be realistic, acceptable to farmers, logical, and capable of leading to the actions and benefits described in the proposal. For farmers involved in your project, the primary occupation is farming/ranching or part-time farming. Producers run their farm alone or with family or partners and have a least $1,000 of documented annual income from the operation, as defined by USDA. SSARE also considers proposals with farmers from indigenous agriculture that produces products for community food systems. These enterprises may be eligible where the production activity has an annual value of less than $1,000, but products are not sold due to cultural factors. For more information, visit Southern SARE.

This funding opportunity supports projects that promote recreation, tourism, and environmental education while preserving the Delta's cultural heritage, with a focus on benefiting disadvantaged communities.

The Farm and Food Growth Fund (FFGF) is the administrator for a portion of New York State’s Department of Agriculture and Markets USDA Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) grant program with a focus on enhancing, growing and improving the mid-channel of the food supply chain. Donor Name: Farm and Food Growth Fund (FFGF) State: New York County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/28/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funded under the American Rescue Plan (ARP) of 2021, and with allocations made to all 50 states plus districts and commonwealths, the goals are to expand each state’s middle-chain capacity and infrastructure for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transporting, wholesaling, or distribution of targeted local and regional agricultural food products. Meat, poultry, cannabis, animal food and forage, fiber, and wild caught seafood products are not considered under this program. The RFSI program will make infrastructure awards to businesses and organizations operating in the middle-of-the-supply chain. Successful projects will focus on increasing the supply of New York-sourced food products available in New York markets. Competitive project applications must benefit multiple producers and multiple markets, and may be collaborative applications. The grant program is to fund projects that expand statewide capacity and infrastructure for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transporting, wholesaling, or distribution of targeted local and regional agricultural food products (excluding meat and poultry products). Successful projects will focus on increasing the supply of New York-sourced food products available in New York and regional markets. Competitive project applications will benefit multiple producers and multiple markets. Priorities and Objectives Support infrastructure development to expand business’ capacity for processing, aggregation, storage and distribution. Target development of infrastructure projects to the dairy, fruit and vegetable, and organic industries to support the development of new value-added products. Create greater market access to intermediaries such as food hubs, aggregators, wholesalers, and distributors with the goal of increasing local food sales to institutions such as schools, hospitals, and correctional facilities. Funding Information Infrastructure Grants: This competitive opportunity is focused on funding infrastructure for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, or distribution of locally produced agricultural food products (excluding meat and poultry products). Applications may be submitted for projects ranging from $100,000 – $3,000,000. Applications must include match funds of 50% or 25% for historically underserved groups. Eligible Activities  Construction Hiring term-limited personnel to assist with project implementation activities. Purchasing special purpose equipment to benefit multiple producers through middle-of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation, distribution or targeted agricultural product. Analyzing potential facility upgrades and changes to meet regulatory requirements, obtaining design and/or architecture services. Planning for Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) or other food safety or worker safety measures or equipment recommendations. Upgrades to new facilities for processing specific agricultural products, such as: On-farm post-harvest processing, preservation, and storage/cold storage. Post-harvest cleaning and grading. Aggregator warehouse and storage, including cooperatives. Purchase of freezing equipment, freezer, or cold storage. Processing, canning, preserving and pasteurization. Preparation and packing. Drying, hulling, shelling and milling. Cooking, baking, juicing, distilling, fermenting Retail related activities can include creating distribution channels to new retail opportunities, or expanding processing and packaging capacities, including adding product types, increasing production volumes, and supporting new retail product lines. Eligibility Criteria  Who is eligible? New York State agricultural producers or processors, or groups of agricultural producers and processors Nonprofit organizations Local government entities Tribal governments Institutions such as schools, universities, or hospitals bringing producers together to establish cooperative or shared infrastructure or invest in equipment that will benefit multiple producers middle-of-the-supply-chain activities. What is eligible? Projects that expand processing capacity, including product type, increased production volume, and supporting new wholesale/retail product lines, modernize equipment or facilities through upgrades, repairs or retooling, purchase installation of specialized equipment, modernize manufacturing, tracking, storage, and information technology systems, enhance worker safety through adoption of new technologies or investment in equipment or facility improvements, construct new facilities, increase packaging and labeling capacities, increase storage space, develop, customize, or install climate-smart equipment, modernize equipment or facilities to ensure food safety, and train on the use of new equipment and new processes. Some examples include: Expanding processing capacities, including adding product types, increasing production volumes, and supporting new wholesale/retail product lines; Modernizing equipment or facilities through upgrades, repairs, or retooling; (e.g., adapting product lines for institutional procurement or adding parallel processing capacity); Purchase installation of specialized equipment, such as processing components, sorting equipment, packing, and labeling equipment, or delivery vehicles; Modernize manufacturing, tracking, storage, and information technology systems; Enhance worker safety through adoption of new technologies or investment in equipment or facility improvements; Increasing packaging and labeling capacities that meet compliance requirements under applicable laws; (e.g. sealing, bagging, boxing, labeling, conveying, and product moving equipment); Increasing storage space, including cold storage; Develop, customize, or install climate-smart equipment that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, increases efficiency in water use, improves air and/or water quality, and/or meets one or more of USDA’s climate action goals; Modernize equipment or facilities to ensure food safety, including associated Hazard, Analysis, and Critical Control Points (HACCP) consultation, plan development and employee training; Training on the use of all equipment purchased under the grant and associated new processes. For more information, visit FFGF.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Recycling Unit is offering grants for organics (food waste) infrastructure projects. Donor Name: Michigan Department of Environment Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) State: Michigan County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/28/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: EGLE protects Michigan’s environment and public health by managing air, water, land, and energy resources, and is focused on addressing climate change, diversity, equity, and inclusion. In fiscal year (FY) 2024, EGLE will provide matching grants to support Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s climate priorities by supplementing efforts to increase access to food waste diversion projects and grow the statewide food waste composting and recycling rate.  Objectives Increase access to food waste diversion infrastructure while building diversity, equity, and inclusion across Michigan. Increase collection and processing capacity for food waste diversion. Increase participation rate in existing food waste diversion programs. Priorities Programs with the largest projected increases in processing or collection capacity volume and/or access and participation. Programs with sustainable funding mechanisms in place. Programs that currently provide or propose robust, continuing education programs. Applicants with demonstrated ability to collaborate and partner with other groups and organizations. Projects that leverage concurrent project funding from other sources, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Closed Loop Fund, or local foundations or businesses. Projects that support Governor Whitmer’s climate change priorities through measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Projects that will benefit an environmental justice community or underserved and vulnerable populations within a community. Funding Information A total of $1 million in funding. The maximum amount of funding that can be requested for an EGLE Organics Infrastructure Grant is $250,000. The minimum grant funds an applicant may request is $5,000. The State anticipates the grant period will start November 29, 2024, and will end on September 30, 2027.  Eligibility Criteria  For purposes of this RFP, the following types of entities are eligible to apply non-profit organizations, tribal governments, school districts, universities/colleges, local health departments, regional planning agencies, cities, villages, townships, charter townships, counties, municipal solid waste authorities, resource recovery authorities, businesses, corporations, and private sector entities located in Michigan. Eligible Organics Infrastructure Grants include but are not limited to: The implementation of curbside food waste carts; creation or enhancement of drop-off food waste collection; public space food waste collection containers; school food waste collection and processing projects, food waste collection vehicles, multi- family food waste collection projects, and food waste processing projects. For more information, visit EGLE.

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is offering grants through the relaunch of the Materials Management grants program, which has been renamed the Reduce, Reuse, Reimagine Grants Program. Donor Name: Oregon Department of Environmental Quality State: Oregon County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/18/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The purpose of the Reduce, Reuse, Reimagine Grants program is to support statewide efforts to reduce the environmental and human health impacts of materials at all stages of their life cycle. The goal of the program is to build local capacity and support community solutions that address the environmental, social and health impacts created by production, consumption, use and disposal of materials. The objectives of the program are to: Inspire promising solutions to reduce the impacts of materials by funding innovative projects and programs. Empower community action to reach environmental solutions. Create environmental and health benefits that result from more sustainable consumption and use of materials. Advance equity and environmental justice by providing resources to historically underserved and underrepresented communities across Oregon. Funding Area  In an effort to make the  application process more accessible and streamlined, the program will focus on one annual funding area each year. For the 2024 grant cycle, the annual funding area is waste prevention. Waste prevention is an environmentally centered approach to reduce the consumption of natural resources and generation of waste before something becomes trash or pollution. Waste prevention activities reduce waste by changing product design, by using less, by using something longer, or by repairing it. DEQ may award grants for activities that reduce the environmental and human health impacts of materials such as: A farmers market purchasing reusable dishes to eliminate single-use products Establishing or expanding services for community tool libraries or other share libraries. A small business buying a new technology to etch glass instead of applying plastic product labels. A store investing in bulk storage for resupplying low-waste products. Funding Information Up to $ 1,000,000 is available for the 2024 grant cycle. $ 25,000 is the minimum available for individual grant awards. $ 125,000 is the maximum available for individual grant awards. Grant Period DEQ anticipates that grant agreements will be drafted beginning in January 2025. The grant term begins the date that the grant agreement is signed. After signing the agreement, recipients must complete their projects within 24 months. Eligible Activities Education and outreach Training Research Program, project or policy development Workforce development Eligible Costs Administrative costs, such as travel, office expenses, and overhead Salaries and benefits for project personnel and payments to consultants or contractors Publications and other printed materials Machinery, vehicles, equipment, signs, containers and project-related supplies. Eligible Applicants Local governments, Nonprofit (501(c)3 or 501(c)4 status) or fiscally sponsored organizations, Organizations created by an Oregon public entity, Tribal nations, Public schools, Public universities, Community colleges, or Small businesses of 50 people or less. For more information, visit Oregon DEQ.