Grants for Native American tribal organizations - Business and Commerce

This funding opportunity provides financial support for Tribes and Tribal Entities in California to develop and improve affordable housing and infrastructure projects that benefit their communities.

The Washington State Arts Commission is offering a non-competitive Tribal Cultural Grant Program, providing funding up to $18,000 per application for Federally-recognized Tribes in Washington State to support and enhance their arts and culture, covering expenses such as artist fees, museum support, rent, travel, materials, administrative costs, and cultural classes.

The Tribal Tourism Grant Program (TTGP) is a financial aid initiative aimed at supporting Native American tribes and tribal organizations in developing or enhancing their tourism industry, with a focus on economic development and cultural preservation, offering individual grants ranging from $75,000 to $150,000 for projects with a 24-month term.

The Office of Native American Affairs (ONAA) mission is to ensure that American Indian, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians (referred to collectively as Native American) seeking to create, develop and expand small businesses have full access to the business development and expansion tools available through the Agency’s entrepreneurial development, lending and procurement programs. ONAA’s overarching goal is to promote and support American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs. In recent years, ONAA has successfully sponsored and managed nation- wide contractor-led workshops and roundtables, co-sponsored agreements, interagency agreements, and tribal consultations; developed and distributed promotional materials; and attended and participated in national and regional economic development conferences as subject matter experts for these groups. The focus of this pilot program initiative is to award a grant to a Native American serving business to carry out projects that support developing exports by eligible Native small businesses. The objective of NATEP is to increase (1) the number of Native small businesses that export, (2) the dollar value of exports, and (3) the number of Native small businesses exploring significant new trade opportunities. Such empowerment will serve to maximize economic impact and improve quality of life for the targeted underserved communities. Section 7(j) of the Small Business Act authorizes the U.S. Small Business Administration to provide management and technical assistance to eligible individuals and businesses. To be eligible for 7(j) services, a client must be: a socially and economically disadvantaged individual whose firm is a participant in the 8(a) Business Development Program; a business that is eligible to receive 8(a) contracts; or a business which qualifies as small under 13 CFR subpart 121 – Small Business size Regulations, and which is located in an urban or rural area with a high proportion of unemployed or low-income individuals, or which is owned by low-income individuals. The term “high proportion of unemployed” means the urban or rural county’s unemployment rate is not less than 140 percent of average unemployment rate for the United States or for the State in which such county is located, whichever is less, based on the most recent data available in the annual Local Area Unemployment Statistics report from the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. The term “low- income individual” means an individual whose family’s taxable income for the preceding year did not exceed 150 percent of the poverty level amount established by the Bureau of Census, U.S. Department of Commerce, for determining poverty status.

The Community Reinvestment Project (CRP) is a community-designed plan to invest $200 million from the Community Reinvestment Account into communities across Washington State that were disproportionately harmed by the historical design and enforcement of criminal laws and penalties for drug possession (otherwise known as the “war on drugs”). Donor Name: Spokane Workforce Council (SWC) State: Washington County: Spokane County (WA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/07/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: SWC is seeking proposals from organizations that provide services to one or more of these groups (Black, tribal, or Latine) to increase access of these focus populations to workforce system resources, specifically the EcSA program and Career Accelerator Incentives. Additionally, the goal is to foster stronger relationships, include voice of the customer in program design, provide more culturally specific services, and increase cultural competence in line with the equity mission. The Accelerating Community Connections grant opportunity is for organizations that provide services to one or more of these groups (Black, Indigenous, or Latine) to increase access of these focus populations to workforce system resources, specifically the EcSA program and Career Accelerator Incentives. Funded through the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Community Reinvestment Project, the Accelerating Community Connections grant aims to rectify historical injustices, including those from the “War on Drugs” by working with “By-and-For” organizations to help them connect the local Black, tribal, and Latine communities with workforce development resources. Funding Information Organizations may apply for up to $30,000. Allowable Costs Funding can be used broadly and creatively for this project, including covering personnel costs, occupancy costs, outreach activities, travel and training, supplies, and more. Direct client costs such as support services to remove barriers (for example, gas vouchers or bus passes) are also allowable. Contracts will be cost reimbursement contracts, so organizations must have the ability to incur costs and submit monthly invoices for reimbursement. No funds available under this RFP shall be used for investment in revolving loan funds, capitalization of business, investment in contract bidding resource centers or similar activities, or foreign travel. Eligibility Criteria  Applicant organizations must: Provide services in Spokane County (there is not a requirement to be headquartered in Spokane County, as long as services are provided in Spokane County). Either: Be registered as a By-and-For organization with the Washington State Department of Commerce or Be a federally recognized tribe in Washington or Have the ability to become registered as a By-and-For organization by July 1, 2024. As defined by the Office of Equity, to qualify as “By-and-For” for the CRP, an organization must: Be a part of, rooted in, and defined by the identity of the Black, Latine, and/or tribal community. Have leadership and staff who belong to the Black, Latine, and/or tribal community. Build trust, advocate, respond, and solve problems specific to Black, Latine, and/or tribal community. Have roots in their communities as change agents and providers of community services (services can include, but are not limited to, social services, employment support, community programming, educational support, etc.). Invest in and work with community members to improve their quality of life. Faith-based organizations are eligible. For more information, visit SWC.

This funding opportunity is designed to assist California Tribes in creating affordable housing solutions, including new construction and rehabilitation of existing properties, to support Native American communities, particularly those facing homelessness or at risk of it.

The Washington State Department of COMMERCE, hereafter called “COMMERCE,” is initiating this Request for Applications (RFA) to fund clean energy projects in Washington through a combination of funding sources. Donor Name: Washington State Department of Commerce State: Washington County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/14/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Commerce is now accepting applications to support the planning, design, and construction of clean energy projects through a general round which is open to all eligible project types and applicants. Approximately $34 million will be available in the general round to support the following project areas: Electric grid modernization and innovation Innovative large-scale and dual-use solar Solar energy retrofits for public buildings Clean energy project siting and permitting Building, industry, aviation and maritime Decarbonization Clean energy projects that leverage private and federal funding. Project Categories  Large scale solar innovation Planning or a construction project. Planning project must lead to a capital asset. Solar array(s) must have alternating current (AC) nameplate capacity of more than 100 kW at a single site or more than 1 MW across multiple sites Cannot displace critical habitat or productive farmland Dual-use solar Planning or a construction project Must involve commercial, dual-use solar power demonstration Hard to decarbonize and economic development Planning or a construction project. Planning project must lead to a capital asset. Project must achieve one or more of the following goals: Reduce emissions in hard-to-decarbonize sector Bring private investment and federal funding to the state Grid integration and innovation Planning or a construction project Must develop and demonstrate distributed energy resources and non-wire alternatives Must be for electrical grid integration and innovation projects Must do at least one of the following: Support implementation of demand response Improve integration of renewable energy and energy storage Advance community resilience Support implementation of sustainable microgrids Accelerate beneficial load integration and demand management for at least one of the following: Building electrification Equipment electrification Electric vehicle charging Clean energy siting and permitting Planning projects only Must support siting and permitting of clean energy projects through at least one of the following methods: Support pre-development work at sites for clean energy projects Support land use studies Conduct or engage in planning efforts such as planned actions and programmatic environmental impact statements (EIS) Improve permit timeliness and certainty with staff, expertise or databases Solar installations on existing public buildings Construction projects only Must purchase and install solar PV only at an existing public building (must have a certificate of occupancy prior to application). Funding Information The minimum award amount is $50,000, and the maximum award amount for a single award is $3,000,000. Eligibility Criteria  Unless the Applicant is a federally recognized tribe, applicants must be licensed to do business in the State of Washington or submit a statement of commitment that it will become licensed in Washington within thirty (30) calendar days of being selected as an Apparently Successful Contractor. Applicants must be in good standing with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and requirements, including with the Department of Commerce. Applicants must be one of the following entities (please note, not all entities are eligible for all project categories. Associate development organization Federally recognized tribal government For-profit entity Investor-owned, co-operative, or public retail electric utility K-12 school district Local government Non-profit organization Private educational institution or public higher education institution Other academic or research institution State agency Tribes’ contracted service providers. For more information, visit WSDC.

The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin is seeking applications for its C.D. Besadny Conservation Fund to invest in grassroots conservation and education projects that benefit Wisconsin’s lands, waters, and wildlife, and that connect people to Wisconsin’s natural resources. Donor Name: Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin State: Wisconsin County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Priorities Proposals should address one or more of the following priorities: Projects that benefit Wisconsin’s most imperiled natural communities and native plant or wildlife species. Projects that engage and impact underserved communities in Wisconsin and/or support diversity, equity and inclusion efforts within Wisconsin’s conservation and environmental education sectors. Projects that build climate resiliency of Wisconsin’s natural resources through natural climate solutions or climate adaptation. All projects should demonstrate measurable outcomes. They encourage innovative projects that leverage resources and partnerships. Funding Information Grants range from $500 to $2,000. Eligibility Criteria Applicant must be one of the following: a public charity with approved 501(c)(3) exempt status (under section 509(a)(1), 509(a)(2), or 509(a)(3) Type I and Type II); a federal, state, or local governmental unit, an American Indian nation or tribal community; or an accredited school, college, or university. The following types of organizations are not eligible for funding: individuals; businesses; section 509(a)(3) Type III supporting organizations; private foundations; and private operating foundations. Projects must benefit Wisconsin’s natural resources or people. The total project budget may not exceed $10,000, and overhead costs shall not exceed 15% of the grant. Project expenses may not have been incurred prior to submitting the application. A one-to-one match is required. Match may include in-kind support such as volunteer hours or donated materials. Only one application will be accepted per organization per grant cycle For more information, visit NRFW.

The Go Outside Fund provides funding that helps connect youth to outdoor, nature-based learning experiences. Donor Name: Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin State: Wisconsin County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Teachers or partner organizations may apply for funding to cover costs that facilitate getting kids outside and hands-on with nature, such as purchasing field supplies, or paying for transportation, substitute teachers, or educator costs. Priorities Grant applications must include a significant component of outdoor activity. Grant applications must directly engage children in outdoor, nature-based learning or facilitate access to the outdoors. Grant applications that align with classroom learning and standards are encouraged but not required. Funding Information Grants between $100 and $500 are available. Eligibility Criteria Applicant must be one of the following: a public charity with approved 501(c)(3) exempt status (under section 509(a)(1), 509(a)(2), or 509(a)(3) Type I and Type II); a federal, state, or local governmental unit, an American Indian nation or tribal community; or an accredited school, college, or university. The following types of organizations are not eligible for funding: individuals; businesses; section 509(a)(3) Type III supporting organizations; private foundations; and private operating foundations. Project must directly engage youth age pre-K – 12. Projects must benefit Wisconsin students. Project activities must take place 6 weeks or more after the Go Outside Fund due date. Project expenses may not have incurred prior to submitting the application. For more information, visit NRFW.

Applicants are invited to apply for the Native American Agriculture Fund’s (NAAF) grant program 2024. Donor Name: Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) State: All States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The key focus areas for which funding is allowed under the Trust Agreement are broadly described as: business assistance, agricultural education, technical support and advocacy services. General Focus For 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organizations General Focus: Business Assistance, Agricultural Education, Technical Support and/or Advocacy Services Special Focus: Climate and Regenerative Agricultural Practices Funding available: Available Pool: $1,000,000 Minimum Request Per Focus: $100,000 Maximum Request Per Focus: $200,000 For Educational Organizations General Focus: Business Assistance, Agricultural Education, Technical Support and/or Advocacy Services Special Focus: Climate and Regenerative Agricultural Practices Funding available: Available Pool: $500,000 Minimum Request Per Focus: $75,000 Maximum Request Per Focus: $150,000 For CDFIs General Focus: Loan Capital, Re-granting Capital & Technical Assistance/Business Assistance Special Focus: Climate and Regenerative Agricultural Practices; Additional CDFI and Native CDFI Support Funding available: Available Pool: $4,500,000 Minimum Request Per Focus: N/A Maximum Request Per Focus: N/A; applicants may not request the full available pool. For Tribal Governments and Instrumentalities General Focus: Business Assistance, Agricultural Education, Technical Support and/or Advocacy Services Special Focus: Climate and Regenerative Agricultural Practices Funding available: Available Pool: $1,000,000 Minimum Request Per Focus: $100,000 Maximum Request Per Focus: $200,000. Special Focus Areas Special Focus: Climate and Regenerative Agricultural Practices Eligible Entities: Tribes, 501(c)(3)s, CDFIs, Edu Orgs Funding available: Available Pool: $1,000,000 Minimum Request Per Focus: $100,000 Maximum Request Per Focus: $200,000 Special Focus: Additional CDFI and Native CDFI Support Eligible Entities: CDFIs Funding available: Available Pool: $1,000,000 Minimum Request Per Focus: $100,000 Maximum Request Per Focus: $400,000 Youth Programming Eligible Entities: All types of eligible entities may apply Funding available: Available Pool: $1,000,000 Minimum Request: $20,000 Maximum Request: $200,000. Grant Period Funds may be used for projects that are either 12 or 24 months in duration. Uses of funds  Funds may be used for project support, general organizational support, scholarships, re-grants, lending programs or capital expenditures. Eligibility Criteria  Nonprofit organizations with IRS Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, or if such status has not yet been achieved, such organizations may apply for funding through a Fiscal Sponsor that has received such 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status; Educational organizations described in Section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii) of the Internal Revenue Code; Tribally controlled or Bureau operated schools, as well as schools operated by an Indian Tribe or Tribal organization, align with the language in Section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code, qualifying them as eligible educational institutions for the Native American Agriculture Funds (NAAF) grant. This eligibility stems from their adherence to the definition outlined in Section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii). As per this section, educational organizations are primarily engaged in formal instruction, maintain regular faculty and curriculum, and have a consistently enrolled body of students attending their educational activities. Tribally controlled or Bureau operated schools, granted under the Tribally Controlled Schools Act or deemed eligible by section 5205, fall within this category. Similarly, schools operated by Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations that enroll K-12 students, including pre-school, also meet these eligibility criteria. By fulfilling these requirements, both types of tribal schools align with the definition provided in the Internal Revenue Code, making them eligible for the NAAF grant as recognized educational institutions. Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), including Certified Native CDFIs and Emerging Native CDFIs, provided however that such CDFI is a tax-exempt organization described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; and An instrumentality of a state or federally recognized Tribe, including a non-profit organization chartered under the Tribal law of a state or federally recognized Tribe, that furnishes assistance designed to further Native American farming or ranching activities, provided, however, that 1) the use of any grant funds by such grant recipient shall be restricted exclusively to charitable and educational purposes; 2) the grant recipient shall annually provide NAAF with audited financial statements and reports as required by NAAF; 3) if the grant recipient is a governmental entity, it shall agree to a limited waiver of sovereign immunity with respect to NAAF’s right to enforce the terms of the grant (i.e., the amount of funding awarded); and 4) if the grant recipient agrees to comply with all expenditure responsibility requirements designed by NAAF. For more information, visit NAAF.