Grants for County governments - Business and Commerce

The 2024 States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP), announced by the Delta Regional Authority (DRA), seeks applications for grants to target federal resources toward communities in the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions. With a focus on economically distressed counties and parishes, SEDAP aims to invest in community-based and regional projects across four congressionally mandated funding categories: basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, business development with an emphasis on entrepreneurship, and workforce development. The program is designed to encourage job creation, regional collaboration, and funding partnerships, leveraging a total of $16,930,642, allocated across the eight-state DRA region with awards ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 depending on project type and application score.

The Harford Strides Fund has $220,000 available as a temporary grant for up to two consecutive years to help tourism-related organizations, which are in the infancy stage of program development. Donor Name: Harford County Office of Economic Development State: Maryland County: Harford County (MD) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/03/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Eligibility Criteria  Must be a Harford County 501(c)3 or 501(c)6 in good standing with Maryland’s State Department of Assessment and Taxation AND a registered organization as a Maryland charitable organization. Must articulate successes, lessons learned, and other best practices in its business model, demonstrating how the organization is building toward a model for long-term sustainability as an easily identifiable tourism-related, collaborative program or operation that draws its audience from OUTSIDE the borders of Harford County and encourages overnight hotel stays. Must clearly articulate the intent of the applicant’s program or operations is to drive overnight hotel stays in Harford County. Must clearly document hardship that puts program or operations in jeopardy “but for County funding” and demonstrates that “but for this County contribution,” the organization would be unable to execute the program or operations as described for this year. Must clearly demonstrate the ability to pursue additional funding sources, other than Harford County Government, that support the program or event through sponsorship, another grant donor, fundraising efforts, etc. Must demonstrate a niche role in offering tourism-related program or operation. Must not have submitted an application for the Partnership Fund. For more information, visit HCOED.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) is currently accepting applications for grant projects under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program (RFSI). Donor Name: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture State: Pennsylvania County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The RFSI program will transform the food system to benefit consumers, producers, and rural communities by providing more options, increasing access, and creating new, more, and better markets for small and mid-size producers. To be more resilient, the food system of the future needs to be more diversified, distributed, and local. Funding Priorities The USDA encourages projects that benefit underserved farmers and ranchers, new and beginning farmers and ranchers, veteran producers, and processors and other middle of the supply chain businesses owned by socially disadvantaged individuals, as defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA). The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture will prioritize funding projects that pertain to the following gaps identified in the middle of the food supply chain in Pennsylvania. Aggregation Points – Aggregation points, include food hubs or farmer cooperatives to help individual producers fulfill bigger orders while saving costs on storage, packaging, and distribution. Food Processing Infrastructure – As Pennsylvanian food processors look to expand their production capacities by adding product types, increasing production volumes, or increasing packaging and labeling capacities for retail product lines, they need to upgrade equipment and often need to move to a licensed space outside of their homes. Food processing infrastructure also includes large-scale commercial equipment. Storage – In Pennsylvania, more storage is needed to hold produce to be washed and distributed. Limited cold storage is available in urban areas. More storage is also needed to segregate and supply identity preserved grains, whole grains, and dry bean for human consumption to processing plants in Pennsylvania. Funding Information Simplified Equipment-Only Grants will range in value from a minimum award of $10,000 and a maximum award of $100,000 and do not require cost sharing or matching. The Simplified Equipment-Only Grant is a fixed price grant, meaning it will fund only equipment purchases (and not associated facility upgrades, staffing, or other costs), and the amount awarded will be equal to the cost of the equipment up to $100,000. Funds will be awarded no earlier than July 1, 2024, and projects must be completed by June 30, 2026. Eligibility Criteria  The following are eligible to apply for grants under the Program: Agricultural producers or processors, or groups of agricultural producers and processors. Nonprofit organizations operating middle of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation or distribution of targeted agricultural products. For-profit entities operating middle of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation or distribution of targeted agricultural products, whose activities are primarily focused for the benefit of local and regional producers and that meet the eligibility requirements of the SBA small business size standards. Local government entities operating middle of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation or distribution of targeted agricultural products. Tribal governments operating middle of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation or distribution of targeted agricultural products. Institutions such as schools, universities or hospitals bringing producers together to establish cooperative or shared infrastructure or investing in equipment that will benefit multiple producers’ middle of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation or distribution of targeted agricultural products. For-profit entities must meet the eligibility requirements of the SBA small business size standards matched to industries described in the North American Industry Classification System. Applicant businesses and organizations must be domestically owned and applicants’ facilities must be physically located within this Commonwealth. Applicants doing business along the Commonwealth’s border should only apply in one state to avoid duplication of Federal funds. For more information, visit PDA.

Working with the Community Foundation of Otsego County, the group created a field of interest fund, the Advocates for Springfield Fund, to support the health and well-being of the Springfield community. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Otsego County State: New York City: Springfield Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: A local grassroots group created Advocates for Springfield to promote good land uses in its town. Since it began in the early 2000s, Advocates for Springfield has successfully encouraged the Town to adopt a comprehensive plan, a zoning ordinance, and other land use laws.  As the vision and actions of the Town’s governing bodies have aligned with the goals of the Advocates for Springfield, the group found it had worked itself out of a reason to exist. The group wanted its remaining financial resources to be put to good use for the benefit of Town residents. Funding Information Awards up to $500. The Community Foundation has allocated up to $1,500 for awards for 2024. Eligibility Criteria  Support for local nonprofit organizations that add to the fabric of the community, such as the volunteer fire department and the Library Funds to supplement summer jobs that benefit the community, especially in childhood education. Groups fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization are eligible but must submit evidence of the sponsorship. They do not fund: direct grants to individuals. direct grants to businesses. For more information, visit CFOC.

Arts Respond - Cultural District Project Eligibility: TCA Cultural Districts; VERIFIED College Arts Institution, Established Arts Organizations, Established Arts Organizations of Color, Government Local Arts Agencies, Local Arts Agencies, Rural Arts Providers located within a TCA Designated Cultural District Intent: Projects that use the arts to diversify local economies, generate revenue, and attract visitors and investment. This competitive grant program provides project assistance grants on a short-term basis and may include administrative costs directly related to the project. This program is designed for projects that focus on significant cultural tourism projects. These projects should serve at least one of the following: High quality arts programming that will attract a significant number of visitors from 50 miles or more outside the community (i.e., blockbuster art exhibitions, national or regional premieres, major festivals) Enhancements to the cultural district to make it more accessible, attractive, cohesive-looking, and safe for visitors Improved signage and wayfinding for the district Promotion of the district; this may include the district’s website, branding, and marketing Organizational support for the management and operations of the district (TCA Cultural District only) These grants may include capital improvements. Grant Type: Annual Application Limit: Organizations may submit one application per deadline. Minimum Request: $3,000 Maximum Request: 50% of project budget, not to exceed $250,000 Match Requirement: dollar for dollar (1:1) Application Deadline: June 15 for projects beginning September 1 through Aug. 31 Attachments Deadline: June15 Criteria: see Application Review Criteria Click here for ineligible requests Click here for attachments checklist

The MTMPP Special Event Marketing Grant is intended to support the marketing of well-established events in Maine that have the potential to attract new audiences, increase overnight visitation, and extend visitors' length of stay, particularly during the state's shoulder season. This grant aims to enhance Maine’s brand nationally and internationally, contributing significantly to the state's economy. Qualifying applicants include Maine non-profits, municipalities, and tribal governments. Two grants are available each fiscal year, with each cycle offering one grant ranging from $30,000 to $60,000. Projects must align with the Office of Tourism Destination Management Plan and Stewardship Principles, focusing on inclusive and accessible tourism promotion. Eligible expenses can include paid advertising, public and media relations, website upgrades, asset development, and fulfillment materials, with a clear emphasis on expanding marketing strategies to draw in new visitors. A 25% cash match is required for the grant, which aims to support sustainable growth within Maine’s tourism economy.

The MTMPP Enterprise Marketing Grant is designed to stimulate Maine's travel and tourism economy by supporting comprehensive marketing initiatives that promise to increase visitation. This grant aligns private sector promotional efforts with those of the Maine Office of Tourism (MOT) and Regional Destination Marketing Organizations (RDMOs), aiming for sustainable growth and advancement of Maine's tourism sector. Eligible entities include Maine non-profits, municipalities, and tribal governments, with grant amounts ranging from $5,000 to $30,000. Projects should align with the MOT Destination Management Plan and Stewardship Principles, focusing on tourism development by attracting visitors from at least fifty miles away. Eligible projects can include paid advertising, public and media relations, website upgrades, asset development, and participation in travel and trade shows. A 50% cash match is required, with detailed documentation of matching funds in the project budget. The application process includes providing a comprehensive marketing plan, budget, timeline, and support letters. Creative and media requirements ensure alignment with MOT branding and promotional strategies. Applications are evaluated based on design, implementation, economic impact, collaboration, and alignment with state marketing efforts.

The Maine Communities Grant Program aims to bolster tourism-oriented community marketing projects and events across the state. For FY 2025 Cycle 1, up to four grants, ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, will be awarded in each of the 8 designated Maine Tourism Regions. Eligible applicants include Maine municipalities, tribal governments, and Maine-based nonprofits. Projects should demonstrate a clear alignment with tourism that is inclusive and accessible. Eligible initiatives may involve paid advertising, public and media relations, website upgrades, asset development such as photography or video, and fulfillment of tourism materials. Ineligible projects include new website hosting, fundraising events, professional development, capital equipment, and promotional products. The program encourages a mix of cash and in-kind contributions for matching funds, with clear documentation required in the application. Creative requirements mandate the prominent use of the word "Maine" and the MOT logo in all grant-funded media, adhering to MOT design guidelines. Additionally, a link to the state’s tourism website should be displayed when appropriate, and events must be posted on visitmaine.com. Grant renewed every year.

The MassDEP Reduce, Reuse, Repair Micro-Grant program provides grants of up to $10,000 to for-profit and non-profit organizations, regional authorities, eligible municipalities, and schools/colleges, for short-term waste reduction projects. Donor Name: Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) State: Massachusetts County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Projects must focus on reducing waste generation and prolonging the lifespan of products via donation, rescue, reuse and/or repair in Massachusetts. Funding Information Individual Micro-Grants have a maximum award of $10,000, with a total available budget up to $125,000. MassDEP reserves the right to award more or less than the full budget available for this program. Eligible Expenses Grant funds may be used for costs associated with developing and implementing the proposed project such as, equipment, signage, outreach/education, event space rental fees, event marketing/promotion, professional services (e.g., legal, engineering, design) and new personnel (consultants, contractors, or staff that will dedicate additional hours to the proposed project for a specified and finite period of time). Eligible Projects  Eligible projects include but are not limited to: Purchase inventory technology or other software to increase operational efficiencies. Examples include inventory management systems, online market-place platform development, environmental benefits calculators, and reporting systems. Develop or expand programs to collect and redistribute reusable clothing, footwear, bedding, electronics, home goods, and other items via social service agency networks, furniture banks, schools, and institutions. Develop reusable transport packaging systems that replace limited-life packaging used in manufacturing, transportation and/or distribution with durable alternatives designed for many years of use. Examples include the replacement of cardboard boxes with reusable hand-held plastic totes or crates and switching to reusable pallet wraps instead of using disposable plastic film used to secure loads onto pallets. Convert from single-use to reusable food service ware at schools, food service businesses, or institutional cafeterias (e.g., dishwashers, electrical, plumbing, minor kitchen modifications and/or reusable dishware). Note: Purchase of food service ware for establishing a new program/new construction is excluded. Install bulk dispensing systems in commercial, retail and/or hospitality settings for food, beverages, personal care products (soap, shampoo, lotion), or cleaning products. Projects must replace single-use packaging. Develop or expand programs to repair used furniture, appliances, electronics, bicycles, or durable household goods for resale or distribution. May include purchase of tools and supplies and/or set-up of training program. Develop textile/clothing/footwear repair programs, at or in conjunction with a second-hand goods retailer or distributor. Creation or expansion of food donation collection, storage, and distribution programs (e.g., purchase of community fridge or pantry at a community center for food rescue distribution). Develop community repair training or apprenticeship program for home goods, textiles, clothing, footwear, electronics, bicycles, etc. Develop and host trainings on deconstruction techniques targeting the construction industry, tech/carpentry schools, or individuals engaged in building and renovation work. Conduct a deconstruction pilot program involving one or more buildings (municipal or private). Promote recovery and resale of used building materials in remodel, renovation, and new construction projects to close the loop and reduce waste. Develop/expand and promote community tool-lending libraries or Library of Things. Develop and/or promote statewide community repair or fix-it events for the general public; set up a community repair space. Eligible Applicants An organization or business (for-profit or non-profit) properly licensed to do business in Massachusetts. A regional entity, such as a solid waste management district, solid waste/recycling cooperative or regional planning authority, as long as the entity is recognized as a governmental body under Mass General Laws. An individual Massachusetts city or town, or a MA municipality acting as a lead for a multi-town regional initiative. Pre-K-12 schools, as well as colleges and universities, both public and private. For more information, visit MassDEP.

This grant program, overseen by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture in consultation with the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), is dedicated to supporting infrastructure improvements for roadways and bridges. It aims to facilitate the development or expansion of new or existing value-added agriculture businesses by enhancing access and transportation infrastructure. Political subdivisions are invited to apply for funding to undertake corridor improvements on county and township roadways and improvements to bridges that provide access to value-added agriculture businesses. The program commits to awarding grants up to $1,250,000 or 80% of the project cost, prioritizing projects that demonstrate significant potential for economic impact on the agriculture sector. Rolling application. Deadline is 04/01/2025 unless funds are depleted earlier

Administered by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, this grant focuses on utility improvements necessary for the support of value-added agriculture businesses. It offers financial assistance for water and wastewater line improvements, as well as electrical and gas supply enhancements to accommodate the unique needs of agriculture businesses aiming for development or expansion. Grants are available up to $350,000 or 80% of the utility project cost, with a commitment to supporting projects that bolster the infrastructure required for sustainable agriculture growth and efficiency. Rolling application. Deadline is 04/01/2025 unless funds are depleted earlier

This funding provides financial support to Pennsylvania counties, cities, and local governments to aid in COVID-19 response, economic recovery, and public health improvements.

This program provides funding to support proactive engagement with local businesses in Pennsylvania, helping them to retain and expand by fostering strong relationships with economic and workforce development partners.

This funding supports projects in the Appalachian Region that create jobs, improve infrastructure, enhance education and health, and strengthen community development.

The General Appropriation Act of 2020 (1A of 2020) and the Supplement to the General Appropriation Act of 2020 (Act 17A of 2020) together appropriated a combined total of $5,000,000 to establish the State Facility Closure Transition Program (SFCTP). The SFCTP is intended to ensure adequate community support following the closure of commonwealth facilities in directly impacted and contiguous counties. Financial Info: The General Appropriation Act of 2020 (1A of 2020) and the Supplement to the General Appropriation Act of 2020 (Act 17A of 2020) together appropriated a combined total of $5,000,000 to establish the State Facility Closure Transition Program (SFCTP). The SFCTP is intended to ensure adequate community support following the closure of commonwealth facilities in directly impacted and contiguous counties.

The Neighborhood Stormwater Quality Projects Incentive Grant Program is to assist property owners, businesses, and organizations in the implementation of projects that serve to improve water quality through innovation and education throughout Fayette County. Donor Name: Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government State: Kentucky County: Fayette County (KY) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/03/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Incentive Grant Program is funded by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) Water Quality Management Fee (WQMF) and is administered by the Division of Water Quality (DWQ). The main goal of the Incentive Grant Program is the improvement of surface water quality in Fayette County. To accomplish this goal, the program provides financial assistance for projects that meet the following objectives: Improve water quality in the impaired streams through pollutant reduction or other means; Address stormwater concerns on existing, developing, or redeveloping parcels; Reduce stormwater runoff and flooding; or Provide public or private education related to these items. Funding Information Projects may be funded up to $120,000 with a required 20% cost share of total project cost in cash or in-kind donation. The maximum grant award is $45,000. Grant Period July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025. Eligible Expenses  Eligible expenses must be project-specific invoiced or cash expenditures. Examples include: Materials and Supplies Rental Equipment Consulting Fees Construction Costs Teacher Stipends Permitting Fees. Eligible Projects  Projects must fulfill at least one of the following goals: Install a feature that serves to improve water quality; Involve citizens in activities to improve water quality, reduce water pollution etc.; Educate citizens about water quality and stormwater-related issues; Install a feature that serves to reduce stormwater runoff. Innovative project ideas are encouraged. Potential project ideas include, but are not limited to: Storm drain marking; Stream cleaning; Planting of trees along a stream; Fencing off creeks in agricultural areas; Tree canopy establishment / expansion Installation of rain barrels at neighborhood homes; Installation of a local rain garden; Neighborhood targeted seminar and/or brochures on how to reduce stormwater pollution, such as proper use of lawn chemicals, etc.; Retention pond enhancement for water quality. Who is eligible to apply for funding? All Fayette County neighborhood, community, and homeowner associations that are incorporated with the Commonwealth of Kentucky and have a roster of elected officers are eligible to apply. For more information, visit LFUCG.

This funding is designed to assist state and local governments in covering necessary expenses related to the COVID-19 public health emergency that were not included in their previous budgets.

This program provides funding to address the environmental and safety risks posed by abandoned oil and gas wells in Pennsylvania.

This funding opportunity supports Idaho businesses and organizations in developing training programs to address workforce challenges and skill gaps, ultimately promoting job creation and economic mobility in the state.

This program provides $200 million in competitive funding to improve broadband access in underserved areas lacking reliable internet service of at least 25/3 Mbps.