Grants for Private institutions of higher education - Business and Commerce

The Washington State Department of Commerce is launching an accelerated cohort of its Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program (ICAP 2.5). This initiative is an economic development strategy designed to bolster industry ecosystems and stimulate economic growth across the state. The program aims to assist organizations in expanding cluster operations, fostering innovation in key sectors, and drawing in talent and capital. While not explicitly detailed as a "foundation mission alignment," the program's objectives clearly align with broader state economic development goals, serving as a strategic framework to enhance Washington's competitive advantage in global industry sectors. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are industry-led consortia/clusters that demonstrate a commitment to building successful clusters. These consortia must include academic membership, evidenced by a letter of commitment from a major university or community college within Washington State. Furthermore, eligible clusters must demonstrate over $500,000 in investment, which can include prospective federal funding. The program prioritizes clusters that are truly industry-led, ensuring that funding supports initiatives with strong private sector engagement and a clear path to market-driven innovation and growth. The program's priorities and focus areas are multifaceted, designed to strengthen Washington's economic landscape. Key goals include establishing Washington as a global leader in critical industry sectors, supporting technology transfer and commercialization, accelerating the growth of new start-ups and scale-ups, and expanding existing businesses. A significant focus is placed on creating high-value jobs across Washington, increasing export opportunities, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in both business ownership and the workforce. These priorities underscore a comprehensive approach to economic development that values innovation, job creation, and equitable growth. Expected outcomes and measurable results are integral to the ICAP 2.5. COMMERCE intends to award no more than 10 applications, with individual grants ranging from $50,000 to $150,000. The project period is tentatively set to commence around September 1, 2024, and conclude by December 31, 2024, indicating a short, high-impact performance window. The success of the program will be measured by its ability to drive cluster operations, innovation in key sectors, and the attraction of talent and capital, all contributing to the overarching goal of accelerating economic development and strengthening industry ecosystems. While a formal "theory of change" is not explicitly stated, the program's design implicitly operates on the theory that targeted investment in industry-led consortia will foster innovation, create high-value jobs, and ultimately establish Washington as a leader in key industry sectors, thereby increasing economic prosperity and global competitiveness.

The Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program provides funding to organizations to execute state/regional programs that increase the number of SBIR/STTR proposals leading to an increase in the number of SBIR/STTR awards from women, socially/economically disadvantaged individuals, and small businesses in underrepresented areas - typically rural states.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for U.S. and Japanese organizations, educational institutions, and individuals to develop projects that strengthen U.S.-Japan relations through cultural, educational, and strategic initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in New Jersey to enhance digital literacy and access to training for low-income adults receiving public assistance benefits.

This program provides funding for cultural and educational projects that strengthen ties between the U.S. and Türkiye, encouraging collaboration in areas like security, innovation, democratic values, and cultural exchange.

The Lane County Cultural Coalition in Oregon is offering Cultural Opportunity Grants ranging from $1000 to $10,000 for a year, funded by the Oregon Cultural Trust, to support projects that protect and stabilize cultural resources, expand public awareness of arts, humanities, and heritage, and increase access to culture, with a focus on access, awareness, and education in Lane County.

This program provides financial support to food retailers in underserved communities to improve access to healthy food options for low- and moderate-income populations.

This grant provides funding for researchers and organizations to explore and analyze important global trade issues, such as sustainable trade and digital trade, to inform policy decisions.

This grant provides funding to community organizations in Sacramento for projects that protect and improve local water quality by preventing stormwater pollution.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for music-related programs and activities in New Mexico, particularly aimed at benefiting underserved communities such as rural, tribal, and veteran populations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for commercial, cultural, industrial, and mixed-use development projects in Chicago, aimed at enhancing community development and economic growth.

This scholarship provides financial support to high school seniors with disabilities who are pursuing a college education in technology-related fields and demonstrate leadership and financial need.

This grant provides financial support to Vermont organizations that offer business services to agricultural and forestry businesses, as well as to producer associations that promote and represent the state's agricultural and forestry products.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for organizations to facilitate college tours for underserved high school students in Washington, D.C., helping them explore Historically Black Colleges and Universities and prepare for higher education.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in the Appalachian region for projects that promote economic diversification and workforce development in communities impacted by coal industry job losses.

This scholarship provides financial assistance to high-achieving graduating high school seniors from specific counties in Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky who plan to pursue higher education.

This program provides funding to neighborhood organizations in Richland County for projects that improve community life and engage residents, without requiring a match or volunteer hours.

This grant provides financial support to early-career scientists in the U.S. to pursue innovative research in food and agriculture, helping them overcome funding challenges as they establish their careers.

This award recognizes Michigan-based companies in the food, agriculture, and forest products sectors that have successfully expanded their export activities, contributing to job creation and economic growth in the state.

This grant provides financial support for educational projects in the retail floristry sector, aiming to enhance knowledge and skills across the United States.