Grants for Small businesses - Community Development

The Milwaukee Fresh Food Access Fund (FFAF) offers grants to increase access to healthy food in underserved areas. Eligible projects: Attract grocery stores or mobile markets to underserved neighborhoods Increase fresh food options in corner stores or other retail outlets Increase availability of local food Meet dietary needs of specific populations Improve transportation to grocery stores and farmers markets Eligible uses of grants: Equipment for storing/preparing healthy food Furniture, fixtures, and inventory for healthy food businesses Building improvements for food retail or production Vehicles to transport healthy food Improvements to fresh food retail stores Community garden construction or equipment Soft costs essential for other eligible uses Eligible applicants: Non-profits with 501(c)3 status For-profit businesses Maybe other entities (case-by-case) Application process: Questions due to [email address removed] by 4pm on May 10, 2024 Answers and info posted by May 15, 2024 at www.milwaukee.gov/ffaf Applications reviewed by a panel Decisions are final Grant renewed every year.

The City of West Haven's American Rescue Plan Act Storefront Façade Improvement Grant Program aims to enhance the character and attractiveness of the downtown area and other public shopping and pedestrian areas. This initiative seeks to improve West Haven’s overall aesthetic and vibrancy by preserving or upgrading existing storefront facades, contributing to the economic revitalization and community well-being of the city. While the prompt mentions "foundation mission alignment" and "foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change," the provided text describes a city-run grant program rather than a foundation. Therefore, the alignment is with the city's goal of urban improvement and economic development for its small businesses. The program primarily targets for-profit small businesses located within the City of West Haven, defined as having no more than 50 full-time employees and meeting the criteria of a small business concern as per the Small Business Act. These businesses must be in good standing with the City and the Connecticut Department of Revenue Service, and cannot have received alternate funding for the same intended costs. The grant also has specific eligibility for property owners or businesses with lease terms extending through June 2026 if they lease their space. The impact goals are centered on fostering a more inviting and safer urban environment, encouraging local commerce, and supporting the financial health and longevity of West Haven's small businesses. Key priorities and focuses of the grant program include exterior improvements such as new windows, doors, awnings, painting, attached signage, siding, brick appointing, and exterior lighting. It also covers HVAC installation/upgrades and outdoor dining/patio space (if affixed to the building). The program explicitly excludes work completed prior to agreement execution, new construction, temporary improvements, neon signs, interior improvements, roofs (unless part of a larger project), and the removal of architecturally significant features. This selective approach ensures that funds are directed towards improvements that directly contribute to the facade's visual appeal and the overall streetscape. Expected outcomes of the program include a noticeable improvement in the appearance of storefronts, leading to increased foot traffic and commercial activity in the downtown and other public shopping areas. The addition of safety measures like enhanced lighting is anticipated to create a more secure environment for pedestrians and patrons. By providing financial assistance for these upgrades, the City of West Haven expects to stimulate local economic growth, retain existing businesses, and attract new investments, thereby reinforcing the city's identity as a vibrant and thriving community for its residents and visitors.

This program provides financial assistance for commercial construction projects in designated areas of the Greater Mankato region to stimulate economic growth and revitalization.

The City of West Hollywood's Arts Project Grant offers funding to eligible nonprofit arts organizations for projects taking place within the city and serving its community. This program aligns with the city's broader mission to enrich the lives of its residents and visitors through cultural engagement. The grant aims to foster a vibrant arts scene, recognize and champion local cultural resources, and discover new places for artmaking, directly supporting the city's commitment to cultural development and community well-being. The primary target beneficiaries are the residents and visitors of West Hollywood, with a focus on increasing their access to quality arts programming. The program seeks to engage diverse audiences and expand participation in the arts, particularly making experiences financially and geographically accessible. Beyond cultural enrichment, the grant also intends to support local businesses by increasing revenues and fostering arts-business partnerships, contributing to the economic vitality of the West Hollywood community. Key priorities for this grant include presenting one artistic presentation per year, as opposed to a series of projects, ensuring focused and impactful events. The program prioritizes organizations that can demonstrate artistic experience, an understanding of West Hollywood's unique cultural diversity, and a commitment to serving the general public within the city or immediately adjacent areas. Projects that do not include fundraisers, capital campaigns, murals, or religious-based programs are eligible, maintaining a clear focus on public arts presentations. Expected outcomes and measurable results are centered on increasing engagement with the arts, expanding arts audiences, and enhancing the accessibility of arts experiences for West Hollywood residents. The program also aims to strengthen local cultural resources and generate economic benefits for local businesses through arts-related activities. While specific quantitative metrics are not detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on "increasing access," "expanding audiences," and "increasing revenues for local businesses" indicates the desire for demonstrable positive impacts in these areas. The City of West Hollywood's strategic priorities for this grant reflect a theory of change that postulates that by investing in local arts organizations and projects, the city can foster a more engaged, culturally rich, and economically robust community. The grant's focus on accessibility, local relevance, and partnership building suggests a belief that widespread participation in the arts can lead to a stronger sense of community, increased quality of life for residents, and tangible economic benefits for local enterprises. This aligns with a broader strategy of leveraging cultural assets for comprehensive community development.

This funding provides financial support to build free broadband networks for low-income communities, including public housing and mobile home parks, ensuring residents have access to high-quality internet service.

Name of Funding Organization: Cecil County, Maryland Contact Information: Not provided in the input Grant Program: FY24 Cecil County Route 40 Revitalization Grant Program Intent: The grant aims to assist businesses and organizations located along the Route 40 corridor in Cecil County, Maryland to improve their exterior visual appearance and function. The goal is to enhance the overall visual appearance and increase utilization of these businesses and organizations. Award Details: The maximum award per grant application is $25,000. Grant funds are intended to be used for exterior improvement projects visible from Route 40. Up to 20% of the grant funds may be used for specified interior improvements with prior approval. All funding is contingent upon funding from the State of Maryland and approval of Cecil County Council. Eligibility: Businesses and organizations, both for-profit and non-profit, located within Cecil County along the Route 40 corridor with a Route 40/Pulaski Highway address are eligible to apply. Applicants must be in good standing with the IRS, State of Maryland, and Cecil County. Other Relevant Information: - Applicants must match the funds they are applying for. - Project designs must be approved by Cecil County Government. - Demolition of derelict structures visible from Route 40 will be considered. - Disbursement of grant funding will only be made on a reimbursement basis. - Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis starting January 1, 2024. - Grant funds must be expended by June 30, 2024. Eligible Activities: Signage, Lighting, Roofing, Siding, Painting, Entrance, Porch/Deck, Fencing, Landscaping/Hardscaping, Sidewalks, Driveway, Parking, ADA Ramp, Demolition Ineligible Activities: Improvements to primary residence, Interior renovations, Improvements not visible from Route 40, Trash Removal Project Evaluation: The Grant Review Committee will evaluate applications based on criteria such as completeness, enhanced visual appearance from Route 40, stability of business/organization, positive impact on the business and community, clear explanation of how grant funds will be used, adherence to maximum limit of $25,000, identification of matching funds sources, preference

This program provides flexible funding to local governments to improve housing, infrastructure, and economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals in their communities.

This grant provides funding for marketing initiatives that promote events in Provincetown, particularly those that attract visitors during off-peak seasons and enhance community collaboration and diversity.

This program provides financial assistance to small business and commercial property owners in Jackson, Mississippi, to improve the appearance of their buildings and attract more customers and investors.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that assist small businesses, particularly those with five or fewer employees, focusing on underserved communities across Washington.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Connecticut-based organizations and businesses for developing infrastructure that strengthens the local food supply chain, focusing on enhancing the processing, storage, and distribution of regionally produced food products.

The Historical Society of Michigan's U.P. Centennial Farms grant opportunity is available for Upper Peninsula farming families who have owned and operated a working farm of 10 or more acres continuously for at least 100 years. This program aims to recognize the historical significance of these farms and their contribution to the culture and development of Michigan. Once certified through the Michigan Centennial Farm Program, owners will receive a certificate and a display marker for their farm. The green-and-yellow markers are sponsored by UPPCO in their Upper Peninsula service area. The following Centennial Farms have been recognized by UPPCO: - Augustus Schaffer Farm (1857) in Ontonagon, certified on 02/01/1962 - James Daniels Farm (1865) in Ontonagon, certified on 01/18/1966 - Jermiah Penegor Farm (1850) in Ontonagon, certified on 06/16/1966 - Alex Rheault Farm (1866) in Houghton, certified on 9/22/1969 - Patrick DeLoughary Farm (1882) in Menominee, certified on 04/15/1982 - August and Sophia Krans Farm (1882) in Iron, certified on 03/08/1985 - Joel David and Anna Millard Farm (1857) in Ontonagon, certified on 05/10/1985 - Peder Olaus Olsen Farm (1884) in Iron, certified on 09/23/1985 - Fred A. and Regina Hall Farm (1889) in Iron, certified on 05/20/1986 - Carl Kunde Farm (1881) in Marquette, certified on 11/24/1986 And many more farms have been recognized.

This funding initiative provides financial support to small food businesses in specific cultural corridors of Washington, DC, helping them grow and thrive while preserving the community's cultural identity.

This funding opportunity provides $2,500 to U.S. small business owners and entrepreneurs to help them grow their ventures through various initiatives, marketing, or operational improvements.

Launched in 2024, the TSCRA Leadership Development Foundation's Working Grant Program aims to support individuals in the beef industry, including ranching, beef production, or related areas supporting the beef value chain, who wish to start or grow their businesses. Financial assistance is provided to overcome barriers like equipment purchase, operational expenses, infrastructure building, or labor hiring. Eligibility is determined based on operation in economically depressed areas in Texas or Oklahoma, disadvantaged status, and difficulty in obtaining conventional financing. Grants are not guaranteed even if all eligibility requirements are met, and the foundation retains the discretion in funding decisions. Grant renewed every year. Grant Spring annual opening/closing deadline: May 1st to May 31st

The CHEJ Small Grants Program for Tier 1 focuses on empowering small grassroots organizations and all-volunteer groups with annual budgets up to $50,000. These grants, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, support local initiatives aimed at addressing environmental health harms caused by toxic substances in communities. The funding is particularly targeted at enhancing community leadership, building organizational capacity, and providing education and training related to environmental justice. This grant is ideal for grassroots groups that are deeply rooted in low-wealth and communities of color, driving change from within.

Under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) and funded by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Simplified Equipment-Only Grants are designed to support Pennsylvania's food system transformation. These grants, focusing on equipment purchases for small to mid-size producers and processors, aim to diversify, distribute, and localize food systems to enhance consumer access, producer options, and rural community markets. Grant amounts range from $10,000 to $100,000, requiring no cost sharing. Eligible equipment expenses include purchase costs, delivery, and installation if included in the official bid. Applications are accepted electronically, with project completion required by June 30, 2026.

This program provides financial support to established dairy farms in Missouri for projects that improve production capacity and operational efficiency.

This program provides funding to individuals, businesses, and organizations in Missouri for projects that increase local food production and availability, particularly in areas facing food insecurity.

This initiative provides financial support to women-owned small businesses in San Francisco to help them grow through various improvement projects, such as marketing and equipment upgrades.