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

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.

This funding opportunity is designed to assist rural communities in Michigan by supporting projects that enhance land-based industries and infrastructure.

This competition provides college students in Utah with the opportunity to win cash and prizes for developing innovative business ideas, while also offering mentorship and resources to help launch their ventures.

The "FY 2024 – 2026 Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR)" grant is a funding opportunity by NOAA for educational institutions, nonprofits, and commercial organizations to support research, innovative projects, and educational outreach in areas like ocean exploration, climate adaptation, weather readiness, and coastal community resilience, with a focus on interdisciplinary projects that align with NOAA's mission and strategic goals.

This funding supports program providers and employers in creating or expanding training programs for displaced workers, focusing on new skills development, staff upskilling, and workforce automation.

This funding opportunity is designed to support domestic industrial facilities in recovering critical minerals and materials from byproducts, enhancing the U.S. supply chain and reducing reliance on foreign sources.

The Mayer Economic Development Authority (EDA) Local Business Improvement Grant Program aims to stimulate private investment in high-quality improvements, thereby strengthening the local business economy and enhancing community vitality. This grant program is aligned with the EDA's mission to foster economic prosperity within the community by assisting private business owners in making broad improvements. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are owners or tenants of commercial properties located within the corporate limits of the City of Mayer, Minnesota. The program specifically targets businesses that are current on all applicable taxes, licenses, permits, in good standing with the State of Minnesota, and current on their utility accounts with the City of Mayer. Ineligible applicants include home-based or primarily residential businesses, churches, schools, or other similar institutions. The impact goal is to enhance the economic prosperity of the community through these business improvements. The program prioritizes improvements that contribute to the overall strength and community vitality of the local business economy. A key focus is to encourage private investment through a matching grant system. Program grants are up to a $10,000 match, requiring a minimum of a 1:1 match for funding. This ensures that the businesses are also invested in the improvements. Expected outcomes include an increase in high-quality improvements to commercial properties, leading to a more robust local business environment. Measurable results will include the number of grants awarded, the total private investment stimulated, and the types of improvements made. Applicants are limited to one grant per property per 12-month period, ensuring a broader distribution of funds and impact across the community over time.

This grant provides funding to qualified firms for creating guidance documents and resources that assist cities and counties in developing effective transit-oriented projects to promote housing growth and community resilience in Washington.

The 2025 Agriculture Farm Expansion Grant, offered by the Kauai County Office of Economic Development (OED), seeks to support the growth of Kauai’s agricultural industry. The program provides targeted funding to projects that aim to expand farming operations across the island. The funding period spans from March 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026, and proposals must be submitted via the Amplifund system by Thursday, January 2, 2025, at 4:00 PM Kauai Standard Time. Late submissions or proposals sent via mail, email, or fax will not be considered. The grant is open to organizations proposing projects or programs that advance the agricultural sector. Proposals will be reviewed, and funding recommendations will be made, with recipients notified during the week of February 3, 2025. Applicants must ensure their proposals align with the program’s goals and meet all submission requirements outlined in the Request for Proposal (RFP). The full RFP can be accessed through the Kauai County OED website, and the Amplifund system provides the portal for proposal submissions. Questions about the grant must be submitted in writing to [email protected] by November 21, 2024, at 4:00 PM. Applicants requiring auxiliary aids, services, or accommodations due to disabilities must contact Therilynn Martin-Haumea at 808-241-4299 or [email protected] by November 23, 2023, to ensure adequate time for requests to be fulfilled. Alternate formats for notices, such as large print or Braille, are available upon request. This grant provides a strategic opportunity to invest in Kauai’s agricultural infrastructure, promote industry growth, and foster sustainable farming practices. Eligible organizations are encouraged to review the RFP and submit detailed proposals that align with the program’s objectives before the deadline.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for innovative projects that improve disaster preparedness and resilience in underserved coastal communities across the U.S. and its territories.

The Ellensburg Community Grant Program offers a water quality-focused grant to support community-based projects aimed at improving or protecting surface water quality. Funded by the Stormwater Utility, this grant aligns with the broader mission of fostering a healthy environment where water quality sustains diverse organisms and safeguards public health. The program provides funding for community groups to engage in outreach, education, assessments, planning, implementation, prevention, and control initiatives specifically targeting the city's surface water. The grant targets eligible volunteer groups, including youth, seniors, non-profit organizations, and educational organizations. While business and governmental partners are encouraged to participate, they cannot be the primary applicants. The overarching impact goal is to improve stormwater quality within Ellensburg city limits. Projects are expected to demonstrate tangible improvements in surface water quality, educate a significant and diverse portion of Ellensburg's population about water quality and protective actions, and promote best practices to reduce or eliminate adverse impacts on water quality. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrably improve surface water quality, educate residents on water quality and actions to protect it, and teach best practices to minimize water quality impacts. Examples of eligible projects include public outreach and education, yard care initiatives, and litter pickup, all aimed at benefiting stormwater quality within the city. Projects must be situated within city limits, and if on publicly owned property, an agreement addressing various terms, including the use of minors as volunteers and hold harmless clauses, will be required. A total of $10,000 is available for this grant cycle. Expected outcomes include a more informed community regarding water quality issues, a reduction in pollutants impacting surface waters, and a greater adoption of environmentally sound practices. The program’s theory of change is that by empowering and funding community groups to engage in direct action and education, Ellensburg can achieve measurable improvements in its surface water quality, thereby enhancing ecological health and public well-being. Grant funds explicitly prohibit projects that involve or promote the use of alcohol.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to rural communities for projects that create jobs and promote economic development, such as establishing business centers, training programs, and infrastructure improvements.

The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is inviting applications from organizations committed to building inclusive and welcoming entrepreneurial environments that expand equitable opportunities for all. This grant aims to empower communities in southern Minnesota to support diverse and traditionally underserved populations in pursuing entrepreneurship. By strengthening local ecosystems that remove barriers to participation, SMIF seeks to drive lasting economic vitality and ensure that prosperity is shared across racial and cultural lines. The foundation is particularly focused on initiatives that cultivate equitable access to entrepreneurial resources and that foster collaboration among community members to create long-term change. Eligible applicants include IRS-designated 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and public institutions that provide direct services or resources to help entrepreneurs start and grow businesses. Grassroots and informal organizations may also apply, provided they have an eligible fiscal sponsor. Proposed initiatives might include entrepreneurial education programs designed for BIPOC or underserved populations, community dialogues promoting inclusivity in business, or systems that expand access to funding, mentorship, and professional development. Successful proposals will articulate how their projects create tangible economic opportunities and address the systemic inequities faced by entrepreneurs of color in the region. The foundation will award grants of up to $10,000 per project, with a grant duration of up to 18 months for implementation. Each recipient is required to provide a 10% cash match and to submit both interim and final reports detailing progress and outcomes. Projects must demonstrate clear alignment with SMIF’s mission, show measurable community impact within its 20-county region, and present a plan for sustaining efforts beyond the grant period. Proposals that show strong collaboration and innovation in addressing racial and economic disparities will be viewed favorably. Certain activities and applicants are not eligible for funding. Exclusions include individuals, for-profit businesses, and general operating expenses unrelated to the project. The grant will not support capital purchases, real estate investments, feasibility studies without implementation, or re-granting activities. Likewise, projects already underway or completed before application are not eligible, nor are those focused on research or school-based internships. Organizations with an open Inclusive & Equitable Communities Grant from SMIF are also ineligible until the previous project concludes. Through this program, SMIF continues its mission to advance equitable economic growth across southern Minnesota. By investing in community-led efforts to uplift diverse entrepreneurs and dismantle barriers to opportunity, the foundation is helping to create a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous regional economy.

This funding opportunity supports programs that empower women entrepreneurs in Ethiopia by providing them with essential skills, resources, and networks to start and grow sustainable businesses.

This funding opportunity supports Kuwait-based non-profits, educational institutions, and individuals in creating cultural and educational programs that strengthen ties between the U.S. and Kuwait, with a focus on diversity, inclusion, and shared challenges.

This funding opportunity provides up to $20 million to nonprofit organizations and collaborative newsrooms in the U.S. to develop innovative solutions that enhance local journalism's audience engagement, operational efficiency, workforce diversity, and revenue generation.

This grant supports entrepreneurs and researchers in Pennsylvania by providing resources and funding to help turn innovative ideas into marketable products and services that benefit the community and beyond.

This funding opportunity is designed to help organizations acquire and assess commercial satellite imagery to improve flood monitoring and response capabilities in Alaskan communities affected by climate change.

Funding Opportunity Title: Young Womens Leadership Program Funding Opportunity Number: PD-SEOUL-FY24-02 Deadline for Applications: Monday, July 15, 11:59 p.m. GMT+9 CFDA Number: 19.441 ECA - American Spaces Total Amount Available: $50,000 This notice is subject to availability of funding. A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Seoul Public Diplomacy Section (PD) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available for a womens leadership program focused on supporting young women across the Republic of Korea (ROK). The ROK is now one of the worlds most influential countries following decades of impressive economic growth, technological innovation, cultural exports, and public sector initiatives. As like-minded democracies, both the ROK and the U.S. have a strong responsibility to make sure economic and social opportunities are open to all citizens, especially women. To support womens economic opportunity, the U.S. Embassy in Seouls Public Diplomacy Section will create a leadership and mentorship cohort of at least twenty South Korean women between the ages of 25-39 who represent diverse sectors of the economy and have shown the potential to grow as leaders in their respective fields. Through this program, participants will learn from American and Korean experts, and broaden their professional network. The U.S. Embassy seeks proposals from ROK-based organizations to run this program which includes recruiting members, planning and implementing events, and expanding its existing network that connects Korean and American women leaders. Strong preference will be given to proposals that include participants from outside of the Seoul metropolitan region and utilize our American Corner network (located in Busan, Gangneung, Gwangju, Jeju and Pyeongtaek) in addition to the American Diplomacy House in Seoul. Outputs/Outcomes This program should focus on developing leadership skills, expanding participants global mindset, and connecting emerging leaders with one another. Details/Logistics U.S. Embassy Seoul and the grantee will be jointly responsible for selecting participants. The U.S. government retains final approval authority for all participants, who will apply via a standardized application form. Participants should be between the ages of 25-39, in their early to mid-careers, and demonstrate their potential to grow as leaders in their professions. Grantee Expectations The following components should be included in the program: Minimum of 6 coaching and/or discussion sessions (either in-person or virtual) Minimum of 2 interactive workshops on leadership Minimum of 2 networking opportunities Coaching Sessions The grantee will be responsible for organizing and implementing a series of in-person, virtual, and/or hybrid engagements with U.S. and/or Korean experts who can empower and provide coaching sessions to this group of selected participants. Engagements should provide opportunities for participants to share their challenges, develop their leadership skills through professional coaching, and provide guidance on their career paths. In-Person Leadership Workshop The leadership program will also host at least 2 in-person workshops at the American Diplomacy House Seoul (or another location of choice), featuring guest experts, opportunities for candid conversations about workplace challenges, and advice for advancing ones career. As part of the workshop, Embassy Seoul will arrange engagements with a guest speaker. Networking Opportunities The grantee will be responsible for organizing a networking event where the cohort can engage one another in person and meet other leaders across various fields. One networking session should include the Young Womens Leadership Program alumni from year 1. If youd like to use the ones the Embassy provides, please find them here: https://kr.usembassy.gov/grants/ (download here: Proposal Template / Budget Template) For more information, please refer to the NOFO document, and email us at [email protected] for any questions.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is offering the Rural Hospital Financial Stabilization Grant to provide financial support to rural hospitals in Texas to help them transition to long-term financial solvency and sustainability. Eligible applicants include hospitals classified as rural, licensed by HHSC for 25 or fewer beds, and able to demonstrate financial need as per the specified tiers. The application deadline is June 21, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Central Time. The project period begins on the grant agreement effective date and concludes on August 31, 2025. Award amounts vary by need tier: $100,000 for Tier 1 (Basic Need), $175,000 for Tier 2 (Moderate Need), and $250,000 for Tier 3 (High Need), with a total of $4,500,000 available for distribution.