Grants for County governments - Business and Commerce

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.

The 2024 Austin Film Society (AFS) Grant for Feature Films is now accepting applications, offering financial support to film and video artists in Texas. This grant program aligns with AFS's mission to foster diverse and underrepresented voices in independent film, supporting artists whose work demonstrates promise, skill, and creativity. AFS is particularly committed to providing support to women filmmakers and those who identify with communities of color, aiming to strengthen the artist community within Texas and ensure its continued vibrancy. The grants range from $10,000 to $100,000, with specific awards like the AFS Grant for Features in Production offering up to $15,000 cash, and the AFS Grant for Features in Development providing a one-time, unrestricted $10,000 grant. The grant targets documentary and narrative film projects that are 40 minutes or longer and are in development, pre-production, production, or post-production stages. Target beneficiaries include emerging and established filmmakers residing in Texas, with a special focus on the Dallas-Fort Worth area for the North Texas Pioneer Film Award. This award, totaling $30,000 in cash grants (ranging from $5,000 to $15,000), specifically aims to fund emerging filmmakers with first or second feature films and those from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in independent film. The impact goal is to support the creation of compelling cinematic works and cultivate a robust independent film landscape in Texas. Key priorities for the AFS Grant include supporting filmmakers with a current Texas residency who are directors or co-directors of their projects. The program explicitly excludes full-time students outside of Texas, previous Texas residents, out-of-state directors on Texas-based films, and AFS staff or board members. Eligible projects must be single, stand-alone works in various film and video genres, excluding industrial/promotional pieces, music videos, "works-for-hire," and television or web series. For development support, filmmakers must have an established body of work, demonstrated by at least one completed feature-length film, several short films, or a background in television writing and directing, and must provide at least two samples of previous work. Expected outcomes include the advancement of feature-length film projects in Texas, an increase in the number of films produced by diverse and underrepresented voices, and the sustained growth of the state's artist community. While specific measurable results like the number of completed films or festival selections are not explicitly detailed in this description, the grant structure implies that the successful completion and progression of projects through various production stages are key indicators of success. The unrestricted nature of the development grant for career artists suggests a trust in their ability to use funds effectively to advance their projects, with proposals outlining how the $10,000 will aid progress. The foundation's strategic priority is clearly to build a robust pipeline for independent film production in Texas and to champion diversity within the film industry. Their theory of change appears to be that by providing direct financial support and in-kind resources to Texas-based filmmakers, especially those from underrepresented groups, they can stimulate creative output, foster talent, and ultimately contribute to a more vibrant and inclusive cinematic landscape. The emphasis on specific grants for development and production, as well as awards for regional filmmakers, demonstrates a multi-faceted approach to achieving these strategic objectives.

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 Women’s Foundation of Arkansas (WFA) is launching its fifth Women’s Economic Mobility Hub (WEM Hub) cohort, a program specifically designed to support Black women-owned businesses. This initiative aligns directly with the WFA's mission to advance economic mobility for women, particularly focusing on a demographic that often faces significant barriers to business growth. By providing a comprehensive suite of resources, the WEM Hub seeks to address systemic inequities and foster sustainable economic empowerment. The primary target beneficiaries of the WEM Hub program are existing businesses that are at least 75% owned and operated by one or more Black women who are U.S. citizens. These businesses must be physically located and operating for over one year within Arkansas, and be in good standing with the Arkansas Secretary of State and current on all taxes. The program specifically excludes not-for-profit entities, focusing instead on for-profit corporations, partnerships, LLPs, LLCs, or sole proprietorships. The core impact goal is to scale these Black women-owned businesses through robust support and unrestricted grant funding. The WEM Hub program prioritizes technical assistance, offering a six-month intensive program that combines online training and in-person meetings. Key areas of focus include expert advice on accounting, financial management, business development, and legal services. Participants also receive ongoing mentorship, engage in peer-to-peer learning sessions, and gain training in communications, public relations, marketing, and leadership skill development. A significant component is the opportunity to establish relationships with participating financial institutions, which is crucial for long-term growth and stability. Expected outcomes include enhanced business acumen, improved financial literacy, and stronger market presence for participating businesses. The program aims for measurable results through the provision of $5,000 in unrestricted grant funds to each business, directly contributing to their scaling efforts. The WFA's strategic priority is to create a tangible pathway for Black women entrepreneurs to not only survive but thrive, thereby reducing economic disparities and contributing to the overall economic health of Arkansas. The underlying theory of change is that by equipping Black women business owners with tailored support, financial resources, and networking opportunities, their businesses will experience accelerated growth, leading to increased economic mobility and wealth creation for the entrepreneurs and their communities.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies in Hawaiʻi to develop projects that boost the local film and creative industries, fostering economic growth and community benefits.

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 Oregon Community Foundation is offering flexible funding to organizations addressing pressing needs across Oregon. This grant program aligns with the foundation's mission to foster equitable access to resources, particularly for communities historically experiencing bias, discrimination, or underinvestment. The foundation encourages a wide range of nonprofits to apply, seeking to support initiatives that deepen, enhance, or grow work within their communities. The program specifically targets several Oregon populations who have historically faced significant challenges. These include Black, Indigenous, Latino/x, and communities of color (encompassing various ethnic and racial groups), people in under-resourced areas or those lacking critical infrastructure, immigrants and refugees, individuals with disabilities, people with low incomes, those experiencing homelessness, LGBTQ+ individuals, and survivors of domestic violence and/or child abuse. The impact goal is to clearly address community-identified needs and reduce systemic inequities for these populations. Funding priorities are categorized into three grant types: new or expanding programs or projects, capacity-building, and small capital. New or expanding programs should address a gap or need and demonstrate a significant increase in impact, reaching new populations or substantially more of the same population. Capacity-building focuses on organizational development through activities like strategic planning, board development, or marketing. Small capital grants support new or expanded construction, renovation, or equipment, with a total cost limit of $500,000. The expected outcomes are to strengthen organizations and enable them to better serve their communities through enhanced programs, improved organizational capacity, or updated infrastructure. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on addressing community-identified needs and "significant expansion" implies a focus on quantifiable improvements in service delivery, reach, or the well-being of target populations. The foundation's strategic priority is clearly to support equitable access and address historical disparities through community-driven solutions.

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 goal of the Façade Improvement Grant Program (FIGP) is to be a catalyst for improving the exterior of business-use properties that result in quality improvements and enhancements that benefit the business and the City. The improvements must enhance the appearance of the property and the environment in which the property is located. The FIGP has been established as a one-time program to provide grant funding for business owners and/or property owners of retail, commercial, industrial and office properties in the focus area to complete exterior improvements to business-use properties. The grant is not intended for new “ground up construction” but for improvement of existing large scale commercial buildings and the property around them. Funding Information The City anticipates awarding funds to 4-6 projects. Any awarded funding $100,000 and over will require a 10% match in private investment and a public hearing before the City Council. For example, if an applicant is awarded a grant for $150,000 in eligible improvements, the applicant is required to match $15,000 (10% of $150,000). In this example, a business or property owner can realize a total of $165,000 in improvements with a $15,000 investment. Private investment may exceed the matching grant portion of the project if, for example, interior improvements are included in the scope of work even though they are not eligible for the grant.  Purchase of the materials and services shall be funded in whole or in part by a grant from the U.S. Treasury and as such the recipient shall be required to abide by certain Federal provisions and requirements. The procurement regulations and guidelines require that all agreements with sub-recipients for projects using these funds adhere to all applicable requirements relating but not limited to non-discrimination, equal employment opportunity, training and business opportunity, and non-segregated facilities. Eligible Activities  The purpose of the FIGP is for significant and impactful façade improvements and renovations that includes improvements or renovations of existing buildings. For example, a cumulative number of eligible activities that may include a combination of several of the following: structural façade improvements, paint, awnings, signs, addition of architectural detail to façade, façade tile or stone accents, decorative entry walkway area, outside dining with decorative features, irrigated landscape/flower planters or pots, outside decorative lighting, and/or new windows. Eligible Applicants  Small Business – has no more than 500 employees or, if applicable, the size standard in number of employees established by the Administrator of the Small Business Administration for the industry in which the business concern or organization operates; and (2) Is a small business concern as defined in section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632). Non-profit – a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.  Impacted Industry – an industry or businesses within an “impacted” industry that experienced a negative economic impact during the pandemic including tourism, travel, and hospitality. If the industry is outside of travel, tourism or hospitality sectors, the industry is impacted if: 1) The industry experienced at least 8 percent employment loss from pre-pandemic levels, or 2) The industry is experiencing comparable or worse economic impacts as the tourism, travel and hospitality industries as of the date the ARPA Final Rule (published 12/6/2022).

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.

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.

This funding opportunity is designed to support businesses, organizations, and individuals in Vermont working to improve the competitiveness of specialty crops through various projects that benefit multiple stakeholders in the agricultural community.

This program provides training, mentorship, and funding for underserved agricultural entrepreneurs in the U.S. to help them develop and scale their businesses, ultimately benefiting their communities.

The Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) is pleased to announce the Thriving Entrepreneurs Grant Program, an open and responsive grantmaking opportunity designed to offer flexible funding to organizations. This program aligns with OCF's mission to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion by supporting Oregon's diverse regions and populations. The Foundation is committed to funding across all regions of Oregon, including remote, rural, suburban, and urban communities, and prioritizes investments that creatively address needs and position entrepreneurs to thrive. The Thriving Entrepreneurs Grant specifically targets entrepreneurs who are women, people of color, living in under-resourced rural communities, or working in under-resourced sectors such as consumer products. The program's impact goals include providing flexible funding and prioritized support to organizations serving these priority populations. OCF anticipates awarding $750,000 in 2024, with each grant lasting for one year (12 months), aiming to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem for these underserved groups. Key priorities for the Thriving Entrepreneurs Grant include addressing clear and compelling business community needs, with goals relevant to Oregon's entrepreneurs, including small and micro businesses. Proposals that demonstrate cultural expertise of staff and board when serving specific populations, show meaningful leadership or influence from people with lived experience, reflect realistic goals and solid planning, and demonstrate strong potential to build organizational stability, effectiveness, or capacity are highly valued. Strong community support, a clear communication of OCF's impact, and a realistic plan for securing remaining funds are also critical considerations. The OCF's strategic priorities and theory of change are reflected in its guiding principles: valuing Oregon’s diverse regions and populations, advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion through funding, and prioritizing investments that demonstrate strong community support, solid planning, and wise stewardship. Expected outcomes include positioning entrepreneurs to thrive in Oregon and fostering positive, substantive change. The Foundation prioritizes organizations that primarily serve one or more of the identified priority populations, are reasonably positioned for long-term organizational viability, support OCF in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion, and reflect a strengths-based orientation.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for small-scale public diplomacy projects that strengthen the relationship between the United States and Gabon, targeting nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and individuals focused on entrepreneurship, English language development, and cultural preservation.

This initiative seeks input from stakeholders to design a program that will strengthen the livestock market systems in Rwanda, ultimately benefiting farmers, businesses, and the broader agricultural community.

The Farm Transition Grant (FTG) is a competitive matching grant program designed to support Connecticut farmers and agricultural cooperatives in advancing their operations. Administered by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, the program funds projects aimed at diversification, transitioning to value-added production, and market development for locally grown products. The grant requires measurable outcomes that demonstrate significant progress beyond the applicant’s current status. For the 2025 grant cycle, applications are open from November 1, 2024, to January 10, 2025, at 4:00 PM, with awards announced by February 21, 2025. Projects are expected to begin in March or April 2025, depending on the size of the award. The FTG offers four funding categories tailored to meet different agricultural needs. The New Farmer Micro Grant provides up to $5,000 for individuals with 1–3 years of production history, requiring a 25% cash match. The Infrastructure Investment Grant allocates up to $25,000 for farmers with at least three years of production history to expand or diversify operations, with a 50% match required. The Research and Development Grant funds up to $25,000 for exploring new products, services, or markets, requiring a 40% match. Finally, the Innovation and Diversification Grant offers up to $49,999 for implementing new products or services that expand business operations, with a 25% match requirement. Each applicant may submit only one project per grant cycle. Eligible applicants must be for-profit farm businesses in Connecticut. Nonprofit organizations are excluded but may apply to other programs offered by the Department of Agriculture. Applications must include a comprehensive description of the project, demonstrate alignment with grant goals, and comply with the specified match requirements. Certain costs, such as land acquisition, routine business expenses, and previously incurred expenses, are ineligible for funding or as matches. To assist applicants, the Department of Agriculture will host a Farm Transition Grant Overview Webinar and virtual office hours on December 12, 2024, and January 6, 2025, providing opportunities for applicants to ask questions and refine their submissions. Completed applications must be submitted electronically through the grant’s online platform, accompanied by required documentation, such as budget details, quotes, and landlord consent forms if the project is on leased land. The Farm Transition Grant prioritizes projects that promote sustainability, innovation, and market expansion, with a special focus on supporting historically underserved farmers and veterans. For additional information, applicants can contact Alison Grabarz at [email protected] or visit the program’s website. This grant provides a valuable opportunity for Connecticut farmers to advance their operations and contribute to the state’s agricultural growth.