Grants for For profit organizations other than small businesses - Business and Commerce

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.

Applicants are invited to apply for the Lincoln & Gilbert Small Business Relief Grants. Donor Name: Lincoln & Gilbert Initiative State: Ohio Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  06/18/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Lincoln & Gilbert Initiative is designed to help double the number of Black (MBE) employer firms in Cincinnati to 1,000+ in 5 years. The Urban League of Greater Southwest Ohio, The Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce, and the Cincinnati Chamber USA Minority Business Accelerator will cooperatively lead Lincoln & Gilbert. It will do so by leveraging the knowledge and expertise of these economic development organizations: the Greater Cincinnati Microenterprise Initiative (GCMI), MORTAR and Lightship Foundation. Funding Information Grants are open to small, medium, and large MBE’s based on revenue. There are three applicant tiers: $10,000 to $75,000 in revenue ($2,500 grant) $75,000 to $250,000 in revenue, ($5,000 grant) or $250,000 TO $1.5 million in revenue ($15,000 grant) Eligibility Criteria You can apply for a grant based on your business revenue. These grants are open to MBEs and individuals who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19, or that predominately serve businesses that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID. For more information, visit Lincoln & Gilbert.

The City of Pittsburg Façade Improvement Grant Program aims to spur that investment opportunity by offering up to $10,000 for facade improvements to qualified businesses all across the community. Donor Name: City of Pitsburg State: California City: Pitsburg Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The City of Pittsburg recognizes the importance of investing in its local businesses to help them thrive. These businesses are the heart and soul of the Pittsburg community and are incubators of opportunity and creativity. Businesses with storefronts greatly benefit from investment on those parts of the building that are most visible to the public and face publicly accessible areas such as streets and sidewalks. Investments in these façades provide a number of benefits that include more inviting storefronts, improvements to neighborhood characteristics, reinvestment into older buildings, and more potential foot traffic. The City of Pitsburg is providing small businesses with the opportunity to apply for grants up to $10,000 for façade improvements. The City will be awarding grants each worth up to $10,000 to reimburse expenditures per applicant, from a budget of $30,000. Any additional work above the $10,000 threshold is the responsibility of the applicant. The purpose of these funds is specifically for the enhancement and beautification of public-facing building façades that will improve the image and characteristics of the building, the business, and the City and will create an inviting experience that will mutually benefit the business, its customers, and the Pitsburg community. These funds can be used for the following: Signage Awnings Exterior paint (including an -graffiti exterior paint and coatings) Architectural treatments Stucco, cladding, and/or siding repair Windows Front Entrance Doors Exterior lighting which provides or highlights architectural features Planter boxes Bicycle Racks Other enhancements determined by the City in its sole discretion to enhance the aesthetic value of the building. Eligibility Criteria  The City is seeking to help those businesses with storefronts that would provide the maximum return on investment for the City, while realizing the greatest amount of long-lasting benefits to the business. Businesses must meet the following qualifications. Business must be operating within Pittsburg city limits. Business must have an active City of Pittsburg Business License. Business, and the property where business is located, must have no outstanding, active Code Enforcement cases or building violation cases. Business must be a brick-and-mortar operation with a public-facing storefront. Home-based businesses are ineligible. Shopping Centers with 5 or less tenants are eligible. A property-owner-led application is highly encouraged to create a uniform project, but individual tenants can apply also. Business applying for or located within the structure and/or center to be improved through grant funds may not sell tobacco, alcohol, and/or cannabis products or adult materials. For more information, visit City of Pittsburg.

The City of Rockford’s Business Growth Program offers forgivable loans to for-profit businesses for advancement of business operations. Donor Name: City of Rockford State: Illinois City: Rockford Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The City of Rockford’s Business Growth Program (Program) offers up to $25,000 in gap funding to business growth projects. The Program is to encourage business development and advancement with job creation for low-to-moderate income individuals. Business must be located in an eligible census tract to apply. Eligible Projects  Eligible Projects Include: Purchase of equipment. Operating expenses associated with business expansion (inventory, employee salaries, rent, operating expenses and advertising/marketing expenses). Eligibility Criteria  Eligible Applicants Include: For-profit businesses legally established and operating within the City of Rockford’s municipal boundaries. Business is located in a property zoned Commercial or Industrial Business was established by May 1, 2024 documented through registration by the State or County. Business is registered with the Official U.S. Government System for Award Management (SAM.gov), and will have an Active status at the time of assistance. Ineligible Applicants Include: Home-based businesses. Businesses established after May 1, 2024. Businesses that primarily engage in speculative activities that develop profits from fluctuations in price rather than through normal course of trade. Non-profits. For more information, visit City of Rockford.

The Mayer Economic Development Authority (EDA) Local Business Improvement Grant Program is designed to stimulate private investment in high-quality improvements that contribute to the overall strength and community vitality of local business economy. Donor Name: Mayer Economic Development Authority State: Minnesota City: Mayer Type of Grant: Grant | Matching Grants Deadline: 06/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Mayer EDA establishes funding to assist private business owners in their efforts to make broad improvements to enhance the economic prosperity of the community. Funding Information Program grants are up to a $10,000 match. A minimum of 1:1 match for funding is required. An applicant may only be awarded one grant per property per 12-month period. Eligibility Criteria Grants will be made available to owners or tenants of a commercial property located within the corporate limits of the City of Mayer, Minnesota. The business must be current on all applicable taxes, licenses, permits, and in good standing with the State of Minnesota. The business must be current on their utility account with the City of Mayer. Ineligible Applicants Home based or primarily residential businesses. Churches. Schools or other similar institutions. For more information, visit EDA.

The Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants (OVSJG) announces the availability of crime victim services grant funding for FY 2025. Donor Name: Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants (OVSJG) State: District of Columbia Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/17/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The purpose of the grant is to enhance and maintain a comprehensive network of trauma informed services available for victims of crime; to address the issues of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault in a manner that promotes victim safety and offender accountability; to improve the treatment of victims of crime by providing them with the assistance and services necessary to aid their restoration after a violent criminal act; and to support and aid them as they move through the criminal and civil justice processes.  The activities funded through this RFA are intended to strengthen a coordinated network of services and referral systems for victims of crime in the District. This Crime Victim Service RFA is supported by the following funding sources: Locally Appropriated Funds (LOCAL) Stop Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program (VAWA) Crime Victim Assistance Grant Program (VOCA) Sexual Assault Services Formula Grant Program (SASP) Project Period The funding period is October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. Eligibility Criteria Any public or private, community-based non-profit agency, organization, or institution that has an active System for Awards Management (SAM) registration and Unique Entity ID, a District business license and provides services or goods within the district is eligible to apply. For-profit organizations are eligible for local funding but may not include profit in their grant application. For-profit organizations may also participate as subcontractors to eligible agencies. For more information, visit OVSJG.

The Denver Business Journal is seeking nominations for its 2024 Fast 50 Awards to recognize the region’s fastest-growing private companies based on revenue from 2021 to 2023. Donor Name: Denver Business Journal State: Colorado County: Adams County (CO), Arapahoe County (CO), Boulder County (CO), Broomfield County (CO), Denver County (CO), Douglas County (CO), Jefferson County (CO) Type of Grant: Awards and Prizes Deadline: 06/17/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Eligibility Requirements The annual Fast 50 list is a ranking of privately held companies based on percentage of growth in annual revenue for the past three fiscal years. To be in the running for this sought-after honor, the company’s gross annual revenue must be $1 million or more. Companies are grouped into categories based on annual reported gross revenues which are verified by an independent accounting firm. Finalists and winners will be showcased in a Denver Business Journal special section published October 20, 2023, and recognized at a special awards celebration on Thursday, October 24. Eligibility Requirements The company must be privately held, independently owned without a parent company, and must be for profit. It must be headquartered in the 7-county metro Denver region (Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, or Jefferson counties). Have a 3-year financial history (through full fiscal years 2021, 2022 and 2023 with revenue gains from 2022 to 2023. Have an average of at least $1 million in revenue during the 3 most recent years, and earned no less than $200,000 in revenue in 2021. Nominations that leave any of the revenue fields blank will not be considered. Approve the publishing of financial information by Denver Business Journal. A C-level executive from your company is expected to attend the event on October 24, 2024. To be considered for this award, please complete the questions below thoroughly. Nominations that leave any of the revenue fields blank will not be considered for the award. Finalists will be ranked on revenue growth based on the verified information submitted. For more information, visit Denver Business Journal.

The City of Chicago Department of Planning & Development accepts applications for grant funding to support local commercial, mixed-use, and light manufacturing projects. Donor Name: Department of Planning and Development State: Illinois City: Chicago Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The City of Chicago is committed to strengthening local business corridors and enhancing neighborhood vitality. The Chicago Recovery Plan provides opportunities for the City to invest in catalytic developments that expand upon DPD’s existing investments and support. City staff prioritizes projects in areas of Chicago with a history of disinvestment or limited private investment. Eligible capital projects will be considered for all applicable funding sources, including: Chicago Recovery Plan Community Development (Large Grants). Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (Large Grants). Tax Increment Financing. Funding Information $250,000 is available. Eligibility Criteria  Grant funding can be used for pre-development, construction, or renovation costs for permanent capital improvement projects. Open to community developers, business owners and entrepreneurs, and property owners. Site control is preferred, but not required. Residential-only development is not eligible, but mixed-use projects are eligible. Priority is given to catalytic projects with a strong local impact that are able to leverage local talents, capacities and institutions to strengthen and contribute to the community. Applicants from all areas of Chicago are eligible to apply. Priority projects are located in historically disinvested areas and/or build upon existing efforts and community safety initiatives. Priority is given to projects that demonstrate momentum and are expected to break ground within six months of grant acceptance. For more information, visit City of Chicago DPD.

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.

This grant provides matching funds to commercial property owners and businesses in specific zoning districts of Libertyville, Illinois, to improve the appearance and condition of their buildings and sites.

Equip Harlingen is a small business matching grant program offered by the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation that provides up to Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000) for new equipment purchases for businesses that are looking to expand their production capabilities. Donor Name: Harlingen Economic Development Corporation State: Texas City: Harlingen Type of Grant: Grant | Matching Grants Deadline: 08/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This grant encourages the retention and creation of jobs for business enterprises in the City of Harlingen to stimulate further economic activity. Applicants must have been in business at least one full year prior to the application date. Funding Information Financial assistance to eligible commercial businesses for equipment purchases is fifty percent (50%) of the incurred costs, not to exceed Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000). Eligible Expenses New equipment that will allow the business to increase production to expand its operations or generate more sales. Equipment must be under warranty when purchased. Such equipment may include: stoves, ovens, refrigerators, lathes, table saws, tooling machines, plastic injection molding machines, etc. Equipment essential for the creation of more products. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible businesses must be for-profit entities occupying commercial space. Applicants must demonstrate that they have been in business within a commercial space for the previous 12 months of the application date. Applicants must be a commercial property owner and/ or an existing for-profit business (tenant) within the city limits of Harlingen, TX with fewer than 20 employees. National chains (more than three) or franchises are not eligible. Establishments with more than two locations are not eligible. Only one business per person will be considered. All existing business owner applicants must possess a current City of Harlingen Business Tax Receipt, and must generate local sales taxes. The business or owner must not be currently recipients of Harlingen EDC  incentives or must not have received a Harlingen EDC incentive as of December 31, 2021 including a Revitalize Harlingen Grant. All applicants (business and/ property owner) must not have outstanding code enforcement violations or liens (unless related to a change of use). All applicants must be current on rental, mortgage and all tax payments if applicable. For more information, visit Harlingen EDC.

This program provides financial support to businesses and property owners in downtown Cape Girardeau for improving the exterior appearance of their commercial buildings.

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 New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (the “Department”) is pleased to announce the availability of funds for the 2024 Farm- to-School Competitive Grants Program. Donor Name: New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets State: New York County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/27/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: Farm-to-School is the promotion and use of foods produced by New York State farmers in meals served in cafeterias of K-12 schools. Associations between farms and schools through the cafeteria and classroom can enhance the quality of food served. With over 700 school districts in New York State, there is the opportunity to foster relationships among New York State farmers, food hubs, producers, processors, and distributors to benefit school-age children. While serving New York State produced food in school cafeterias may seem simple, developing Farm-to-School connections highlights several challenges, particularly the lack of an established infrastructure or network of stakeholders that includes all the necessary parties: farmers, food service directors, food service contract management companies, food distributors, processors, agricultural organizations, and commodity organizations. Other challenges include: Seasonality: Farmers plan their crops in January, long before schools make purchasing decisions and place bids for products in the summer. In addition, the summer growing season is when schools are not in session. Inconsistent quality, quantity, and sizing: schools require produce to be served in standard units and meet specifications. Processing and packaging: schools require vegetables and fruits to be processed and packaged in standard units. Bidding: sending and reviewing bids from individual farmers can be time-consuming and complex for school procurement and fiscal staff. Delivery/pick up: distribution can be complicated when purchasing from multiple growers. Lack of equipment and skills to store, prepare and serve fresh produce procured for school meals programs. Connecting diverse populations with their culturally appropriate foods. Lack of training and workforce development for culinary staff. The New York State Farm-to-School Competitive Grants Program began in 2015 to increase school’s purchase of New York specialty crops by building relationships between schools and New York farm product suppliers. Secondary goals of the program include increasing agricultural education opportunities for students, improving nutrition and exposing students to new, local, culinary experiences. The objective of Farm to School projects must be to increase the volume and variety of New York State farm products purchased by schools/districts and served in school meal programs. Applicants are encouraged to include other objectives including agricultural and nutrition education gardening activities and relationship building with local agricultural food businesses and farmers. Projects that partner with producers or food processors are strongly encouraged. Applicants may include partners in their project budget as contractors Funding Information A total of $1,500,000 is available for the Farm-to-School Competitive Grants Program. This year, $300,000 will be set aside for first-time recipients. Grant awards may range from $50,000 to $100,000. Applicants may apply for only one grant per funding period. Applicants must apply for $50,000 to $100,000. Project Duration Proposed projects must be completed within two years of the contract start date. Contract term will be 9/1/2024 to 8/31/2026. Eligible Applicants  Eligible applicants include: K-12 School Food Authorities Charter schools Not-for-profit organizations Indian tribal organizations. For more information, visit NYSDAM.

The Creative Economy Fund (fka Creative Industries Incentive Fund) awards project grants to arts, cultural, and creative-based commercial businesses that are located in the City of San José and involved in the production or distribution of the arts, including manufacturers, service providers, presenters, and designers, among others. Donor Name: Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI) State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Funding supports projects and activities aimed at building successful arts, cultural, and creative-based small businesses in San José.  The Creative Economy Fund is an initiative of the City of San José Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs (OEDCA). The Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI), a nonprofit intermediary focused on the economic security of individuals in the arts, is partnering with OEDCA to administer the Creative Economy Fund.  The goals of the Creative Economy Fund are to: Enhance San José’s creative economy. Bolster the growth and financial resilience of small arts, cultural, and creative-based businesses in San José. Provide financial support to artists and creative entrepreneurs (across all disciplines in both the non-commercial and commercial arenas). Funding Information For the 2024 grantmaking round, a total of $40,000 is available. Grants of up to $8,000 will be awarded through a competitive grant application process. Competitive applicants will contribute to the city’s cultural vibrancy, demonstrate readiness for project implementation, grow and achieve greater financial resilience, and demonstrate economic impact (e.g., attracting visitors, generating sales tax, creating jobs) in the City of San José. Competitive applicants will also reflect the City’s diverse cultural communities and creative-based commercial landscape. Period of Support     September 2024 – September 2025. Eligibility Criteria  To be eligible for Creative Economy Fund consideration, businesses must meet the following criteria:  Be a commercial enterprise, including small businesses (defined by the City of San José as businesses with 35 employees or less) and sole proprietorships (Note: businesses do not have to be brick and mortar; they can be online storefronts or nomadic enterprises); Be based in San José; Primarily provides a cultural, creative, or arts-related service or product;  Be in good standing with the City of San José, evidenced through possession of an active San José business tax certificate (aka business license, business permit)* and fulfillment of OEDCA or any other City department’s funding requirements, if applicable; and Cannot have a conflict of interest (family or financial relationships) with the boards, staff, and directors of CCI or OEDCA. The following are ineligible for funding consideration: Nonprofits; Individuals, organizations, or projects that will use a fiscal sponsor to receive grant funds if funding is approved; Businesses that are not arts, cultural, or creative-based;  Projects that are already funded through another Office of Cultural Affairs grant program;  Projects that have already taken place (funding can only be applied to expenses accrued during the grant period); and Incomplete Creative Economy Fund applications. For more information, visit CCI.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to businesses and nonprofit organizations in Hennepin County, Minnesota, to implement projects that prevent waste and promote the use of reusable materials.

The City of Bakersfield is now accepting applications for its Façade Improvement Grant Program. Donor Name: City of Bakersfield State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/07/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: 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 more information, visit City of Bakersfield.

The City of Twentynine Palms is thrilled to announce the launch of its 2024-2025 Community Event Grant program. Donor Name: City of Twentynine Palms State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Aimed at showcasing the city’s vibrant culture and fostering community engagement, these grants offer support for events that celebrate Twentynine Palms’ character, diversity, and history. Funding Information Range of Event Grant Awards: The minimum amount allocated is $1,000, and the maximum amount allocated is $10,000. Partial Funding: The Event Ad Hoc Committee and the City Council reserve the right to not grant the full amount requested from the applicant. Distribution of Funds: Recipients will be provided with 75% of the funding upfront and the remaining 25% upon completion of the event. For instance, a grant awarded in the amount of $10,000 will be provided with $7,500 upfront and $2,500 upon completion. Eligibility Criteria  Non-profit organizations, businesses, and individuals are encouraged to apply. Prior experience in event organization is required to ensure the successful execution of proposed activities. Residency in Twentynine Palms is not mandatory. Goals: Events should showcase Twentynine Palms’ character, diversity, or history. Events should not be intended to celebrate or recognize a small group, such as reunions. It is encouraged that events be free to attend and open to the public. Event Location: Events must occur within the City of Twentynine Palms limits. Applicants must provide a preliminary Venue Agreement as part of their application. Target Audience: Events should primarily benefit the citizens of Twentynine Palms, enhancing their quality of life. ADA Accessibility: Events must be held at ADA-accessible venues, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity. For more information, visit City of Twentynine Palms.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Texas Rural Woman Grant. Donor Name: Texas Woman’s University State: Texas County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/05/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The purpose is to create greater economic development activity in rural Texas by encouraging and enabling rural woman-owned, small businesses to undertake new and innovative projects. Funding Information A total of ten $5,000 grants for a total of $50,000 are available for this round of funding. What can the funds be used for? Purchase of machinery, equipment, or technology. Farm implements or machinery. Addition or acquisition of new inventory or raw materials. Purchase and installation of fixtures or display units. Property improvements that will result in increased sales and revenue. Marketing or advertising campaigns. Any other business-related activity that CWE deems is aligned with the stated purpose of this program. Who can apply? Eligible businesses must satisfy all of the following conditions: Existing rural, woman-owned businesses (at least 51% directly owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens). The business owner must reside in Texas. The business must currently be set up as a legal business entity. The business must be a for-profit corporation, partnership, LLP or LLC, or sole proprietorship. Not-for-profit corporations or similar nonprofit entities are not eligible. If the business or business owner owns the premises where the business operates, all property taxes must be current. All sales, payroll, and other taxes must be current. The business must be located and operated within an eligible Texas County. The business, business owner and the applicant must not be involved in any pending or current litigation. The business owner must not have any felonies or convictions for a crime of dishonesty or breach of trust. Previous grant winners cannot apply. The business must be in one of the eligible rural counties in Texas. The business, business owner and applicant are operating with all required permits and licenses and are conforming to all required laws. Grant Requirements  The successful applicant will receive two installments of the award: $2,500 after signing the grant agreement, a photo release and all required paperwork for payment. $2,500 following completion of a small business training course hosted by the Center for Women Entrepreneurs, 3 hours of small business advising/mentoring and submission and approval of a completed business plan with three years of financials. Additionally, itemized receipts or proof of purchases made with initial grant funds of $2,500 (costs must have been incurred after receiving grant funding) must be provided to CWE to receive the remaining $2,500. You need to meet with CWE staff to talk over the grant specifics and ask any questions you have. Use the spreadsheet that the CWE provides for documentation. The University will send winners a 1099 for the grant funds received. Ineligible applicants Any business that is not on the rural county list. TWU faculty/staff (or any immediate family member of the applicant’s family, including spouse, child, parent), trustee, and advisory committee member. TWU Students are not eligible to apply. Prior grant winners. Applicants who have taken part in any CWE program in the last year including AccelerateHER, TechFW or NTEEC awardees. For more information, visit TWU.