Grants for Public and State controlled institutions of higher education - Business and Commerce

This funding opportunity provides financial support for a variety of organizations and individuals to implement public diplomacy initiatives that promote cooperation and shared values between the United States and Finland, focusing on areas like economic prosperity, technology, global security, and youth exchanges.

The Black Equity & Excellence Fund, established by the Central New York Community Foundation, is dedicated to supporting community-based projects that foster self-sufficiency and enhance the physical and economic well-being of the Black community in Central New York. This initiative aligns with the Foundation's broader mission to strengthen race-related matters and promote social and educational growth within the community. By investing in projects that directly address the unique needs and challenges faced by Black residents, the fund aims to create a more equitable and thriving environment, reflecting the Foundation's strategic priority of community development and social justice. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are organizations and projects that explicitly serve the Black community, particularly in Onondaga and Madison counties. The overarching impact goal is to improve the quality of life for Black individuals and families through various interventions. The program aims to empower the Black community by building upon existing capabilities and addressing systemic disparities. This is achieved by focusing on specific interest areas that have been identified as crucial for community advancement and well-being. The fund prioritizes projects within several key focus areas, including Black Creatives, Black Leadership + Advancement, Black LGBTQIA+, Black Mental Wellness, Black Legacy + Generational Wealth, Black Business, Black Maternal Health, Black Civic Engagement, Black Youth + Students, and Black Tech. These areas reflect the Foundation's theory of change, which posits that targeted investments in these sectors will lead to holistic development and greater equity. Projects are encouraged to contribute to dialogue that strengthens race-related matters and supports social and educational growth, indicating a strategic approach to fostering long-term, sustainable change. Expected outcomes include increased self-sufficiency, improved physical and economic conditions, and enhanced community well-being within the Black community. Measurable results are tied to the types of projects funded, with different funding levels supporting various initiatives, from grassroots efforts and pilot programs to the expansion of existing projects and large capital projects. The eligibility criteria, which mandate Black leadership in senior executive positions and at least 51% Black board membership, further ensure that the projects are community-led and responsive to the needs of the Black population, thereby maximizing impact and fostering authentic community empowerment.

A key pillar of U.S. strategy in India is to strengthen Indias innovation and entrepreneurship eco-system while also advancing the role of women in the economy and the workforce. Building on the success of our Academy of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) 2023 program, U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad proposes in 2024 to create an AWE program of 60 total participants for an intensive, four month, workshop style training and mentorship program. Our AWE program will provide training in basic business principles using the established Academy of Women Entrepreneurs/DreamBuilder curriculum. Building on the DreamBuilder framework, we seek to add value for participants by including extensive USG alumni engagement, including the participation of distinguished alumni as speakers and as informal mentors to all participants. Hyderabads AWE program will again also tap into existing U.S. government-funded resources to provide additional value to participants, including the use of our American Corners for in-person event locations and the use of a specialist to help participants hone their business communications and presentation skills. For 2024, priority for participation will be given to underrepresented groups, including Muslim women.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and tribal entities in Massachusetts and Indiana to help businesses access training and assistance for securing government contracts.

This funding opportunity supports not-for-profit organizations and educational institutions in the UAE to develop programs that strengthen U.S.-UAE relations through cultural events, space exploration initiatives, and entrepreneurship activities.

This program provides funding to public bodies, nonprofit organizations, and government entities to support economic development and job creation initiatives in rural areas with populations under 50,000.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government entities to establish and operate manufacturing extension centers that assist small and medium-sized manufacturers in eight U.S. states.

This funding opportunity provides $10,000 to individual artists in Illinois to support their professional development and enhance community engagement through their creative practices.

This grant provides funding for researchers to study the evolving job landscape for low- and moderately paid workers in the U.S., focusing on the impacts of technology, labor market changes, and public policies on their employment and well-being.

This funding opportunity supports the training and development of 100 young women entrepreneurs in South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini through a combination of online learning and in-person mentorship.

This program recognizes and rewards individuals, organizations, and students in Raleigh for their outstanding efforts in environmental stewardship, sustainability, and climate action.

The Animal Services Responsive Grant, offered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, aims to improve the quality of life for all animals, educate the community on responsible pet care, and enhance spay/neuter and adoption services. This aligns with the foundation's broader mission to support vital community needs, ensuring that organizations dedicated to animal welfare receive the necessary funding to operate and expand their reach. By focusing on these key areas, the grant seeks to create a more humane environment for animals and foster responsible pet ownership within the community. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are animals in need, as well as the communities and individuals who benefit from enhanced animal welfare services. The grant targets organizations working in specific Texas counties: Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, Medina, and Wilson. The impact goals are centered on reducing animal suffering, increasing pet adoptions, promoting spay/neuter initiatives to control pet overpopulation, and educating the public on best practices for animal care. The grant prioritizes nonprofit organizations that demonstrate a clear commitment to these objectives and have a proven track record of serving their local animal populations. The program's priorities include supporting direct animal care services, public education campaigns, and programs that facilitate adoption and spay/neuter. The expected outcomes are a measurable reduction in the number of homeless and neglected animals, an increase in responsible pet ownership, and a more informed community regarding animal welfare issues. Measurable results are tied to the organizational budget and corresponding award amounts, indicating that larger, more established organizations with greater capacity are expected to achieve more significant outcomes. For instance, organizations with budgets over $1,000,000 are eligible for a $50,000 award, implying an expectation of broader impact. The San Antonio Area Foundation's strategic priorities, as demonstrated by this grant, include fostering community well-being through targeted support for critical services. Their theory of change appears to be that by providing financial resources to qualified animal welfare organizations, these organizations will be empowered to implement effective programs that directly address the root causes of animal neglect and overpopulation, ultimately leading to a healthier and more compassionate community for both humans and animals. The eligibility criteria, such as requiring 501(c)(3) status and local operation, ensure that funding is directed to legitimate and impactful entities. This grant does not support endowments, capital campaigns, religious purposes, scholarships, political activities, or lobbying efforts. This restriction further refines the foundation's strategic focus, ensuring that funds are directly applied to programmatic efforts that align with the core goals of animal services. The focus is strictly on responsive grants that address immediate and ongoing needs, rather than long-term institutional building or advocacy.

The Go Outside Fund, provided by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, aims to connect youth with outdoor, nature-based learning experiences. This grant program directly aligns with the foundation's mission by fostering an appreciation for natural resources and encouraging hands-on engagement with the environment among the younger generation in Wisconsin. The program's core objective is to facilitate access to outdoor activities for children, thereby promoting environmental literacy and a deeper connection to nature. The primary beneficiaries of this fund are pre-K through 12th-grade students in Wisconsin. Teachers and partner organizations can apply for funding to cover various costs that enable outdoor learning, such as field supplies, transportation, substitute teachers, or educator expenses. The impact goals are centered on increasing opportunities for children to learn in outdoor settings, fostering a sense of stewardship, and enriching their educational experiences through direct interaction with nature. The fund prioritizes grant applications that include a significant component of outdoor activity and directly engage children in outdoor, nature-based learning. While alignment with classroom learning and standards is encouraged, it is not a strict requirement, emphasizing the program's focus on experiential learning. Grants between $100 and $500 are available, supporting a wide range of smaller-scale, impactful projects that meet the eligibility criteria. Eligible applicants include public charities with approved 501(c)(3) status, governmental units, American Indian nations or tribal communities, and accredited schools, colleges, or universities. The program's theory of change posits that by removing financial barriers and supporting educators and organizations, more Wisconsin youth will have access to enriching outdoor experiences, leading to increased environmental awareness and appreciation. The expected outcome is a measurable increase in youth participation in nature-based learning, contributing to a more environmentally conscious and engaged generation. Projects must benefit Wisconsin students, and activities must take place six weeks or more after the application due date, ensuring planned and impactful engagement.

This funding opportunity is designed to empower women entrepreneurs in Namibia by providing training, resources, and networking opportunities to help them grow their businesses and foster local partnerships.

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Program is the U.S. Small Business Administrations (SBAs) largest matching grant-funded program providing quality service to the small business community. The SBDC Program has 63 Recipient Organizations - one in each state (with the exception of four regional SBDC networks in Texas and five regional networks in California), the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands. The Recipient Organization is responsible for establishing a Lead Center and a network of partner Service Centers to cover its designated area of service. The SBDC Program links the resources of Federal, state, and local governments with the resources of the educational community and the private sector to provide assistance to the small business community. In partnership with SBAs Office of Small Business Development Centers (OSBDC) and District Offices, SBDCs develop business counseling and training programs, informational tools, and other services that enhance the economic development goals and objectives of SBA, in their respective service areas, and their local funding partners.

The District of Columbia Department of Health (DC Health) is offering a grant program aimed at improving the recruitment and retention of the dental workforce within the District. This initiative directly aligns with the broader mission of enhancing public health by addressing critical shortages in dental care, particularly in designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). By strengthening the dental workforce, DC Health seeks to ensure greater access to oral health services for all residents, thereby contributing to the overall well-being of the community. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are dental professionals practicing or intending to practice in dental HPSAs. The impact goals are to alleviate the shortage of dental workers, reduce burnout among existing staff, and create more stable and effective dental care environments. The grant prioritizes the implementation or development of targeted training programs, the creation of initiatives to address organizational gaps impacting oral health workforce retention, and other strategies designed to combat burnout within the dental field. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number of dental professionals working in HPSAs, a reduction in staff turnover rates, and the establishment of sustainable and scalable approaches to meet the needs of dental organizations. Measurable results will likely involve tracking recruitment numbers, retention rates, and the successful implementation of new programs aimed at improving workforce stability. The goal is to identify and address the drivers of administrative and clinical support staff retention, ensuring a robust and resilient oral health workforce. The funding available for this project is substantial, with an anticipated amount of $80,000, and individual awards ranging from $60,000 to $80,000. The project period is set to begin on August 1, 2024, and conclude on July 31, 2025. Eligibility is extended to Federally Qualified Health Centers and dental clinics currently providing care in dental Health Professional Shortage Areas. This strategic investment reflects DC Health's commitment to a theory of change that posits by directly supporting the dental workforce, the District can achieve significant improvements in oral health equity and access.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Illinois-based organizations that assist small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs with essential services like business planning, financial analysis, and access to capital, particularly in underserved and rural areas.

The Food Recovery Grant, supported by BizRecycling, is designed to combat food waste and address food insecurity by funding programs that recover surplus, edible food from various businesses and organizations for distribution to those in need. This initiative aligns with a broader mission of environmental sustainability through waste reduction and social welfare by ensuring access to nutritious food. The program's foundation is built on the principle of resource optimization, transforming potential waste into a valuable community resource. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are people in need within Ramsey and Washington counties of Minnesota, who will receive recovered food. The grant also supports a wide array of eligible organizations including food producers, distributors, grocers, cafeterias, food shelves and banks, colleges with donation and food shelf programs, and farmers markets. The impact goals are two-fold: to significantly increase the amount of edible food recovered and redistributed, thereby reducing landfill waste, and to improve food access for vulnerable populations. The grant prioritizes both food recovery and donation, as well as education and engagement. Funds can be used for materials such as collection buckets, boxes, bags, and food mobility equipment, as well as storage and transportation costs. Limited staffing costs related to food recovery/gleaning work and infrastructure/equipment for these efforts are also supported. Additionally, the grant allows for staff recycling training, demonstrating a focus on comprehensive waste reduction strategies beyond just food. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the volume of food recovered and distributed, a reduction in food waste sent to landfills, and an expansion of the capacity of local organizations to engage in food recovery efforts. The grant awards, up to $20,000, are strategically deployed to foster sustainable food recovery ecosystems. By supporting operational costs and infrastructure, BizRecycling's strategic priority is to build resilient systems for food recovery that lead to tangible reductions in hunger and waste within the target counties, embodying a theory of change where targeted financial support leads to improved environmental and social outcomes.

This funding program provides financial support to improve tourism attractions and events in Illinois, helping local economies thrive by increasing visitor engagement.

This funding opportunity supports projects that foster cultural, educational, economic, and environmental collaboration between the United States and New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau, targeting a diverse range of applicants including individuals, non-profits, and educational institutions.