Grants for Nonprofits - Business and Commerce

The Harford County Office of Economic Development administers the Harford Strides Fund as a temporary grant program to assist tourism related organizations in the infancy stage of program development. The fund supports organizations building models for long term sustainability that draw audiences from outside the county and encourage overnight hotel stays. Applicants must demonstrate success, lessons learned, and best practices, show clear intent to drive overnight stays, document hardship that jeopardizes program or operations but for county funding, and show pursuit of additional funding sources. Organizations must occupy a niche within tourism and may not apply if they have submitted to the Partnership Fund. Eligible applicants are Harford County 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) organizations in good standing with the state and registered as Maryland charitable organizations. The program has 220,000 dollars available and may provide support for up to two consecutive years, subject to eligibility and need. Applications are due May 3, 2024. Grant size is determined by need and available funds. Additional information is available from the Harford County Office of Economic Development.

Grant Name: Regional Touring Program Grants Donor: Mid-America Arts Alliance Location: Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas Grant Type: Grant Deadline: Ongoing Grant Size: Up to $5,000 Details: The Regional Touring Program grants by Mid-America Arts Alliance support presenting organizations in showcasing the work of artists from within the M-AAA region. Presenters can receive up to 50% of the artist's fee for booking an artist listed on a state touring roster and up to 25% for booking an artist from the region not listed on a touring roster. Rural presenters may receive an additional 10% of the artist's fee. Projects must engage regional audiences through exposure, interaction, and outreach engagement. Eligible projects must feature in-region artists from outside the presenter's home state and include public-facing events between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024. The grant does not cover indirect project costs or expenses associated with benefits or fundraiser events. Eligibility Criteria: Applicant organizations must be tax-exempt non-profit organizations or federally recognized tribal communities incorporated in one or more states in the M-AAA region. They must have a valid EIN and UEI ID and commit to M-AAA's Grantee Assurance of Compliance and Federal Suspension and Disbarment Policy. Organizations may submit a maximum of three applications per fiscal year. For more information, visit M-AAA's website.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for nonprofit organizations and public agencies to develop, acquire, or rehabilitate affordable housing for low-income households and individuals experiencing homelessness in Vancouver, Washington.

The Go Outside Fund by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin offers grants between $100 and $500 to teachers and organizations in Wisconsin, aiming to facilitate outdoor, nature-based learning experiences for children aged pre-K to 12 by covering costs such as field supplies, transportation, and educator costs.

The Yazoo County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) offers a Tourism Grant program aimed at increasing tourism-related offerings and visitor numbers in Yazoo County. This initiative directly aligns with the CVB's mission to promote tourism, which in turn fosters economic growth for all local businesses. The grant program is designed to support organizations that contribute to these goals, offering both financial reimbursement and expert guidance to ensure the success and growth of events, sites, attractions, or projects that enhance the county's tourism appeal. The CVB's strategic priority is to leverage grant funding to create a measurable increase in visitor traffic and the quality of tourism experiences. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are organizations within Yazoo County that are involved in promoting tourism or preserving tourism-related sites. The impact goals are to significantly boost visitor traffic to Yazoo County and to enrich the quality and diversity of tourism offerings. The CVB offers two main types of grants to achieve these goals: Advertising & Promotion and Historical/Cultural Enhancement. The Advertising & Promotion grant focuses on attracting visitors from outside the immediate area (over a 100-mile radius or out-of-state) through paid advertising and public relations efforts. The Historical/Cultural Enhancement grant is dedicated to the repair and improvement of tourism or tourism-related sites and the placement of historical and/or cultural markers, such as Blues or Freedom Trail markers. The priorities and focuses of the grant program are clearly defined. For Advertising & Promotion, the emphasis is on external marketing, requiring organizations to purchase ads in various media, create brochures, and develop PR kits. Entertainment, labor, and clothing items are explicitly excluded. For Historical/Cultural Enhancement, the focus is on physical improvements to sites and historical preservation through markers, specifically excluding "bricks and mortar projects," salaries, or operating expenses. Priority is given to projects that demonstrate additional funding from other sources, indicating a strategic approach to maximizing the impact of the CVB's contributions and ensuring broader community and financial support. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in visitor numbers and an enhancement of Yazoo County's tourism infrastructure and attractions. Organizations receiving grants are expected to contribute to these outcomes, with requirements such as recognizing the CVB as a sponsor in all advertising and submitting proofs for approval. The program's theory of change posits that by investing in targeted advertising and the improvement of tourism assets, Yazoo County will become a more attractive destination, leading to greater visitor engagement and economic benefits for the entire community. Measurable results are derived from these efforts, with final reports and reimbursement requests required within 60 days of project completion, ensuring accountability and tracking of project success in relation to the CVB's tourism goals.

Grant program designed to train underrepresented population to successfully enter the construction industry and the trades. The program focuses removing barriers for entry and transitioning graduates to DOL-registered apprenticeship programs. The goal of the Illinois Works Act is to ensure that all Illinois residents have access to State capital projects and careers in the construction industry and building trades, as well as provide contracting and employment opportunities to historically underrepresented populations in the construction industry and the trades. The Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship NOFO and program is a critical component in the success of the Act, by increasing the number of qualified construction and building trades apprentices who are women, people of color, veterans or from otherwise underrepresented populations (as defined by the Illinois Works Jobs Program Act) and preparing them to enter full apprenticeship programs on their way to careers in construction and the building trades.

The LGBTQIA+ National Grant, provided by Founders First Community Development Corporation, aims to empower eligible small businesses within the LGBTQIA+ community. This initiative directly aligns with Founders First's overarching mission to foster the growth of diverse founder-led businesses that generate over $1 million in annual revenues. By offering financial support and valuable resources, the program seeks to address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs and contribute to their economic success and sustainability. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are LGBTQIA+ identifying business owners who serve as CEO, President, or Business Owner of an active, U.S.-based business. To be eligible, businesses must have an annual revenue not exceeding $5 million, employ between 2 to 100 individuals, and have been in operation for a minimum of one year. The impact goal is to make significant investments in 25 LGBTQIA+ led businesses across the United States, thereby facilitating their growth and increasing their capacity for job creation and community contribution. The program prioritizes businesses that meet the outlined eligibility criteria, focusing on those with a demonstrated need for capital and a clear potential for growth. Beyond the direct financial support of $25,000 grant packages, a key focus is providing access to resources. This includes connecting grant recipients with like-minded entrepreneurs through the Founders First family network, and offering exclusive access to webinars and other valuable educational resources designed to enhance business acumen and operational efficiency. The expected outcomes of the LGBTQIA+ National Grant include the direct financial empowerment of 25 small businesses within the LGBTQIA+ community. Measurable results will include the number of businesses receiving grants, their continued operation and growth, and their engagement with the provided resources. Founders First's strategic priorities are clearly centered on increasing the number of successful, diverse founder-led businesses, and this grant program serves as a critical component of their theory of change, which posits that targeted financial investment combined with robust support systems will lead to sustained economic impact and a more equitable entrepreneurial landscape.

The James S. McDonnell Foundation (JSMF) is offering a grant program designed to foster economic mobility in its priority communities and among specific groups. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission by supporting collaborative efforts that bring together individuals from diverse zip codes, races, and income levels. The program emphasizes the importance of cross-cultural and cross-socioeconomic engagement to achieve its economic objectives. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are low and moderate-income individuals and families, as well as Black and historically marginalized groups, including immigrants, residing in the City of St. Louis and North St. Louis County, Missouri. The program aims to strengthen the collaborative capacity of these diverse groups to work together effectively and, in doing so, improve their economic well-being. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are centered on the belief that fostering collaboration across differences can lead to tangible economic improvements. JSMF encourages proposals that implement approaches to strengthen collaborative capacity and create positive, long-term, and tangible impacts on the economic well-being of their priority populations. Examples of focus areas include youth mentorship across class divisions, networking support for first jobs, community investment clubs, business-to-business mentorship, and peer-to-peer lending. Expected outcomes include enhanced collaborative capacity among participants and improved economic well-being for JSMF priority populations. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond these objectives, the foundation seeks proposals that will demonstrate a clear alignment with its mission and guiding principles, and that can achieve a positive and lasting impact. Grants range from $20,000 to $40,000, with awards totaling $200,000, and most grants will be for one to three years. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)3 organizations or have a fiscal sponsor, and proposals must bring people together across diverse backgrounds to partner for the first time.

The Teaching with Primary Sources Program (TPS) is the Library of Congress's premier educational outreach initiative. Its fundamental mission is to enhance the ability of teachers to integrate digitized primary sources from the Library of Congress into instruction, thereby fostering student literacy, critical thinking skills, content knowledge, and the capacity to conduct original research. This core work is strategically aligned with and reflects the Library's broader outreach goals and its vision of connecting to all Americans, particularly as detailed in the institution's 2019-23 and 2024-2028 Strategic Plans. The current Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Continuing Awards is specifically open only to existing, experienced TPS Program Consortium Members who have previously received grants directly from the Library. The target beneficiaries are educators and learners representing diverse groups, including specific professions, ethnicities, geographic locations, abilities, interests, affiliations, and other attributes. The primary impact goal for this continuing award is for successful applicants to expand the use and disseminate their existing teaching materials, tools, programming, and research to meet the needs of these learners, especially those populations they have identified as being underserved by the current TPS program. The NOFO focuses on soliciting project proposals that leverage and expand upon the teaching materials, tools, and strategies developed under previous TPS awards. Applicants must commit to several key priorities to achieve this expansion. These include reviewing and revising existing TPS products, modifying them to enhance their value to educators and learners, and developing new strategies and robust networks to facilitate effective outreach to the targeted, underserved populations. The expected outcomes and measurable results hinge on applicants submitting project proposals that clearly address the demonstrated educational needs of their specific recipient populations. The proposed solutions must be effective, as suggested by standard practice, documented experience, or research. The Library strategically values TPS Consortium members as "Connectors" who are essential to achieving the institutional vision of connecting to all Americans, viewing the program's success in dissemination and expanded outreach as a key mechanism for progress toward its broader strategic goals.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to not-for-profit organizations, NGOs, and educational institutions to promote U.S. exports and improve trade relations in Bangladesh by enhancing market access and fostering a transparent business environment.

The program provides a 50% matching grant to eligible businesses that are located within an Economic Development Target Area (EDTA). The purpose is to improve the appearance of their building and the surrounding site. By visually enhancing the exterior of buildings, businesses increase their property values, maintain their marketability, and demonstrate confidence. The CFG program works to assist those owners to promote reinvestment, strengthen Fort Wayne’s commercial activity and enhance economic vitality in the City’s heart. Program Objectives Maintain vibrancy of core commercial areas by encouraging investments that enhance the visual aesthetics of commercial properties and lead to increased property values. Stimulate economic development by providing incentives to increase existing business investment, ensure business sustainability and create aesthetically pleasing areas that attract new business and consumers. Complement other revitalization efforts to ensure the maximum leverage of resources. Support local businesses and encourage local entrepreneurship, to further enhance the spirit of Fort Wayne

This fully-funded program empowers Georgia-based entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders from underserved communities by enhancing their leadership skills and providing resources to scale their ventures and create local economic impact.

This grant provides financial support and consulting services to nonprofit organizations focused on affordable housing, small business development, workforce development, and financial literacy in low- and moderate-income communities.

The Orange County Enhanced Mobility for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities (EMSD) Program is a locally funded initiative designed to support local agencies in delivering activities similar to those eligible under FTA 5310 federal programs. This program maintains all the beneficial elements of its federal counterpart, but utilizes local funding. Its core mission aligns with addressing the critical transportation needs of older adults and people with disabilities, particularly when existing services are unavailable, insufficient, or inappropriate. The program aims to ensure that these vulnerable populations have reliable access to transportation, thereby enhancing their overall mobility and quality of life within Orange County. The primary target beneficiaries of the EMSD Program are older adults and people with disabilities in Orange County. The program's impact goals are centered on improving mobility for these individuals, supporting local agencies and non-profits that provide services within their communities, and supplementing existing transportation services like the OCTA Senior Mobility Program, OC ACCESS, and OC Bus fixed-route service. A significant focus is also placed on providing seamless service through improved first- and last-mile connections, recognizing that initial and final legs of a journey can often be the most challenging for individuals with mobility limitations. The EMSD Program prioritizes several key areas to achieve its objectives. It encourages the incorporation of technology-based solutions to create more efficient and accessible mobility options. Furthermore, it emphasizes promoting outreach efforts by non-profit and public agencies to senior and disabled patrons, with a particular focus on reaching disadvantaged, underrepresented, and diverse communities to ensure their specific needs are met. Funding is also prioritized for agencies that demonstrate collaboration through partnerships, aiming to create efficiencies and lower operating costs, and for those that commit to increasing vehicle revenue hours beyond a minimum of ten hours per week, ensuring greater service availability. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an overall improvement in the mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities across Orange County. This will be achieved through increased access to transportation services, enhanced first- and last-mile connections, and the adoption of innovative technology-based solutions. The program also anticipates a strengthened network of local agencies and non-profits providing these essential services, leading to more comprehensive and effective support for the target populations. The availability of $8.5 million in funding, with a total maximum request of $1.5 million per applicant across various capital and operating categories, is a measurable commitment to achieving these impactful results.

This initiative provides funding to animal welfare and community organizations in select states to assist with disaster response efforts for animals affected by recent hurricanes.

This program provides up to $25,000 in reimbursement funding to support new or expanding businesses in Cadillac's designated districts, aimed at stimulating growth and revitalizing commercial spaces.

The City of Marysville in Washington is inviting applications for its 2025 Tourism Grant Program, aimed at boosting tourism and promoting overnight stays through events and projects such as sports, conferences, trade shows, festivals, and arts, open to non-profit entities like historical societies, art groups, and museums that can demonstrate their ability to execute the proposed project.

The Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (JACVB) is offering its Tourism Marketing Fund to support attractions and event organizers. The primary goal is to encourage visitors from outside Rock County, Wisconsin, to generate overnight hotel stays and provide a positive economic impact on the Janesville community. As an independent non-profit 501(c)(6) organization, the JACVB serves as Janesville’s Destination Marketing Organization, aligning its mission with fostering local economic growth through tourism. The grant targets non-profit organizations or those with strong demonstrated partnerships with non-profits. The beneficiaries are attractions and event organizers who aim to market to audiences outside of Rock County. The ultimate impact goal is to create overnight stays in Janesville, leading to a positive economic impact for a wider range of local businesses. The JACVB prioritizes applications that demonstrate potential for creating new or increased business for Janesville, encouraging self-supporting events, and aligning with the "Janesville, Wisconsin’s Great Outside" brand. Key focuses for qualifying projects include promoting special events, developing marketing materials (brochures, videos, website design, direct mail), advertising buys, social media campaigns, and conference and sporting event bidding fees. The JACVB will not fund organizations that discriminate, political entities, building/capital campaigns, organizations benefiting only a few, or requests for staffing/administrative/operational/supplies purposes. This strategic filtering ensures that the grants support initiatives directly contributing to tourism marketing and economic stimulation. Expected outcomes include an increase in out-of-county visitors, a rise in overnight hotel stays, and greater media exposure for Janesville events and promotions at the county, state, or regional level. Measurable results will likely be assessed through the number of overnight stays generated, the economic impact on local businesses, and the reach of marketing campaigns. The JACVB's theory of change posits that by investing in targeted tourism marketing, they can effectively draw visitors, thereby bolstering the local economy and enhancing Janesville's reputation as a destination. Strong consideration is given to proposals that include matching funds from the applicant, further amplifying the potential for a positive economic return.

The Town of Trumbull is offering ARPA Nonprofit Grants to community-based organizations and nonprofits serving Trumbull residents. This program aims to support the COVID-19 public health and economic response by addressing the pandemic's impact on public health, as well as economic harms to households, small businesses, nonprofits, impacted industries, and the public sector. The Town of Trumbull's mission, as demonstrated by this grant, aligns with fostering community well-being and economic recovery in the wake of the pandemic. Target beneficiaries for this grant include Trumbull residents served by eligible programs, services, and capital investments provided by 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or community-based organizations with a fiscal sponsor. The impact goals are to support public health initiatives related to COVID-19 and to alleviate economic hardships experienced by various sectors of the community due to the pandemic. The program prioritizes projects, programs, and services exclusively within the Town of Trumbull that directly address the COVID-19 public health and economic response. Applicants must have a demonstrable presence in Trumbull and adhere to a 15% indirect cost limit. The focus is on direct support and recovery efforts within the local community. Expected outcomes include improved public health conditions in Trumbull and a more robust economic landscape for households, small businesses, and other affected entities. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the grant's structure suggests an emphasis on quantifiable project expenses and services rendered, with all funds required to be expended by June 30, 2025. The federal reporting guidelines further imply a need for tracking project and expenditure reports for accountability.