Grants for Small businesses - Diversity Equity and Inclusion

The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) Bureau of Women’s and Children’s Health (BWCH) oversees Adolescent Health programming to improve the health and well-being of young people in the state. As of 2005, BWCH has been administering state lottery funds for the prevention of teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). According to the Arizona Vital Statistics, from 2011 to 2021, the teen birth rate for Arizona teenagers ages fifteen through nineteen (15-19) has declined from thirty-six point nine (36.9) to fifteen point three (15.3) per 1,000 females. The repeat birth rates of youth of the same age, who had already had a child decreased from 142.7 in 2011 to 135.8 per 1,000 in 2021. Despite the declines, birth rates for Arizona teens ages fifteen through nineteen (15-19)   exceeds   the   national   rate   of   thirteen   point   nine   (13.9)   in   2021 (https://blogs.cdc.gov/nchs/2023/01/20/7245/). Arizona's racial and ethnic groups exhibit significant disparities in teen pregnancy rates, with Hispanic, American Indian, and African American females aged nineteen (19) or younger experiencing the highest rates. In 2021, American Indian youth had a notably elevated pregnancy rate of sixteen point three (16.3) per 1,000 females, surpassing the state average of ten point six (10.6) per 1,000. Similarly, rates for Hispanic or Latino youth were fourteen point four (14.4) per 1,000, and for Black or African American youth, they were twelve point six (12.6) per 1,000, both above the state average, while rates for White Non-Hispanics six (6) per 1,000 and Asian or Pacific Islanders three point four (3.4) per 1,000 were considerably lower. Teen pregnancy is intricately linked with complex factors such as school failure, behavioral issues, and family challenges, which often hinder youths’ ability to avoid pregnancy. Positive Youth Development (PYD) programs present a promising approach by emphasizing the enhancement of protective factors over merely addressing risk behaviors. These programs have shown efficacy in reducing sexual risk behaviors, Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and unintended pregnancies. By fostering ongoing development and maturation, PYD programs empower youth to recognize and manage risk-taking behaviors, making them a viable strategy for teen pregnancy prevention (Gavin et al., 2010). According to the 2021 Arizona Surveillance STD case data, forty-nine percent (49%) of STD cases (chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis) in Arizona were among adolescents under the age of twenty-five (25). Since 2019, the rate of chlamydia among teenagers fifteen through nineteen (15-19) years old has been slowly decreasing but still remains high at 2,031 per 100,000 in 2019 to 1,729 per 100,000 in 2021. For gonorrhea, the rate among these teenagers increased from 384 per 100,000 in 2019 to 467 per 100,000 in 2021. As for syphilis, in 2019, twenty-two (22) per 100,000 fifteen through nineteen (15-19) year-old teenagers were reported to have syphilis, increasing to twenty-six (26) per 100,000 in 2021. Regarding STDs/STIs, major disparities between Arizona’s racial and ethnic groups also persist. The Arizona 2021 Annual STD Report indicates that Black (994 per 100,000) and American Indian/Alaska Native (787 per 100,000) populations have consistently higher rates of chlamydia, the Black population (763 per 100,000) continues to have the highest rate of gonorrhea, and the American Indian/Alaska Native (172 per 100,000) and Black (123 per 100,000) populations have the highest rates of syphilis, surpassing their Hispanic, White, and Asian/Pacific Islander counterparts. Financial Notes: Approximately $700,000.00 will be available each Grant year for a five (5) year grant period to provide services to youth for the prevention of teen pregnancies and STIs. Annual funding for services will be provided during the state fiscal year, from July through June; Therefore, the first and last years of funding will be partial funding: first year funded upon award through June 30, 2025; fifth year from July 1, 2029 through September 30, 2029. Budgets will be reviewed annually and may be decreased based on: 1. Changes in state lottery funding allocations. 2. Failure to meet the number of youths proposed to be served; or meet the required program completion by youth for Teen Pregnancy Prevention Programming. 3. Failure to comply with Grant requirements. 4. Negative audit findings. 5. Failure to spend budget funds efficiently.

Leap Funding provides promising, revenue-generating businesses with $10,000 – $30,000 of equity-free funding to scale their community impact and increase the odds of long-term survival. Donor Name: Main Street Ventures State: Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio County: Boone County (KY), Butler County (OH), Campbell County (KY), Clermont County (OH), Dearborn County (IN), Hamilton County (OH), Warren County (OH) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Information  Grant Request between $10,000 – $30,000. Eligibility Criteria  Business Type Applicant MUST be a business entity (C-Corp, S-Corp, or LLC) with a Federal Tax ID (EIN).​ Industry Focus Areas: Retail Storefronts – Ex. Restaurants, Coffee Shops, Retail Shops, etc. Manufactured Goods – Ex. Consumer Packaged Goods (Food / Beverage), Clothing, Sporting Goods, etc. Technology Companies – Ex. Hardware, Software. Business Location Business Entity MUST be located in the Greater Cincinnati region (Hamilton, Butler, Clermont and Warren counties in Ohio; Boone, Campbell, and counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn County in Indiana). Grant requests from other regions will NOT be considered. Application Responses Businesses MUST show customer demand and strong progression since the founding. Funding requests MUST focus on specific growth projects. MSV defines a growth project as a step that will help accelerate your business growth. MSV Grant Funding is designed to help businesses scale by covering key Direct Costs, not General Operating Expenses. Examples of Direct Expenses that ARE suitable for Grant Funds: Key pieces of equipment, Packaging Support, Technology Product Development, etc. Examples of General Operating Expenses that are NOT suitable for Grant Funds: Existing Payroll, Rent, Insurance, Marketing, Legal Fees, etc. Businesses MUST explain the impact of Grant Funds on the business OR the Cincinnati Region. Special Consideration will be granted to Women and Minority-Owned businesses Businesses that can show matching funds from other sources. For more information, visit Main Street Ventures.

This funding opportunity supports innovative research and public engagement projects that explore the intersections of science, philosophy, and spirituality, targeting charitable organizations and individuals worldwide.

The Route 66 Black Experiences Grant Program provides direct grant awards to African-American owned/operated businesses and attractions along Route 66, and funding to support research and programs designed to tell the stories of Black experiences related to Route 66. The program, celebrating the Route 66 Centennial, aims to help Black-owned businesses and attractions stay in operation, reopen, and expand, while also supporting research and storytelling efforts related to Black experiences on Route 66. Eligible applicants include Black-owned/operated businesses located along Route 66 with fewer than 20 employees. The 2024 grant round offers a total of $50,000 in awards, with applications due by July 14, 2024, and awards announced the week of August 5, 2024.

This program provides funding to expand high-speed internet access across Pennsylvania, targeting underserved communities and ensuring equitable broadband deployment.

The City of West Hollywood is pleased to offer the Arts Project Grant to eligible, nonprofit arts organizations for the production, performance or presentation of art projects that take place in the City of West Hollywood and that serve the West Hollywood community. Donor Name: City of West Hollywood State: California County: Los Angeles County (CA) City: West Hollywood Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The City of West Hollywood and Grantees in the Arts Project Grant category can expect to: Engage residents and visitors with the arts; expand arts audiences. Recognize and champion local cultural resources; discover and explore new places for artmaking. Provide a variety of quality arts programming that is financially and geographically accessible for the residents of West Hollywood; increase access to arts experiences. Increase revenues for local businesses; support arts-business partnerships. Funding Information $42,200: Total amount of available funding in this category in 2025 $10,000: Maximum award per organization per calendar year Organizations may apply for two years of grant funding with one application. The organization will be required to apply for two projects, one for each project year (year one: January 1, 2025 –December 31, 2025 and year two: January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026). Eligibility Requirements  To be eligible for consideration, organizations must satisfy all the following requirements: The primary mission of the organization must be the production and/or public presentation of one or more disciplines of the arts. Applicants must plan to present for the general public within the City of West Hollywood or immediately adjacent (within 5 blocks of the border of West Hollywood) within the funded calendar year. The proposed project should be 1 (one) presentation per year, as opposed to a series of projects over an extended period. Organizations must be able to demonstrate artistic experience in their field, and an understanding of the unique aspects and cultural diversity of the West Hollywood community. Organizations must provide a CA Data Arts Report for the previous 2 years (2022, 2023). Organizations may not pass through the grant funding. Applicants must be the presenting party. Applicants must be a registered 501 (c)(3) nonprofit based in Los Angeles County. Applicants may only receive funding from one grant category each calendar year. If the applicant is already receiving funding from another City Division or Department, or is cosponsored by a City Council office, they are not eligible for an Arts Grant for that same project or program. City of West Hollywood elected and appointed officials, its employees and their immediate family members are not eligible to apply. Proposed projects may not include fundraisers, capital campaigns, murals, or religious-based programs/events. Organizations with budgets of $1 Million Dollars or more are required to provide a cultural equity statement. Applicants must submit an application online by the deadline. For more information, visit City of West Hollywood.

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.

This program provides mentorship and resources to early-stage startups focused on innovative transportation solutions, including self-driving technology and electric vehicles, to help them grow and prepare for investment opportunities.

The Office of Adult Career Pathways, part of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, is offering grants to eligible small businesses in Minnesota to support Diversity and Inclusion training. This initiative aims to enhance these businesses' abilities to attract, hire, and retain people of color across various roles. The program emphasizes equity, innovation, and performance in its awarding criteria, focusing on training participants facing significant employment barriers, fostering an inclusive skilled workforce, and implementing innovative solutions to workforce challenges. Grants are available up to $1,425,000 each state fiscal year, with a maximum of $30,000 available per business for the biennium, limited to one award per biennium. Applications are accepted on a continual basis until funds are depleted, with no awards exceeding $1,425,000 before July 1, 2024.

This funding opportunity supports projects in Philadelphia County that enhance workforce development, education, and economic growth, particularly for organizations helping individuals overcome employment barriers or assisting small businesses.

This program provides up to $5,000 to small, independently owned businesses in Arcadia, California, to help cover costs associated with permits for opening, expanding, or improving their commercial spaces.

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.

Farm Credit East recognizes the significance of farmers’ markets for both producers and consumers. In support of this vital marketing channel, we are offering Farmers' Market Grants of up to $500 to eligible applicants. These grants can be utilized to support participating farmers, enhance markets, improve marketing efforts, and implement programs aimed at aiding disadvantaged communities or enhancing access to fresh, local food. Please note that these grants are intended for public markets where multiple farms sell products, not for individual farm markets. Eligibility: Farmers' markets must be located within Farm Credit East’s eight-state territory: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Preference will be given to first-time applicants and markets serving underserved communities with limited access to fresh, local food. Awards will be granted at the sole discretion of Farm Credit East. How to Apply/Application Requirements: The 2024 application cycle is currently open. Please submit the Farmers' Market Grant Application by 4:00 PM on May 31. Recipients will be notified by late June.

This grant provides $2,500 to small business owners facing financial challenges, helping them enhance operations, expand teams, or implement innovative growth strategies.

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 program provides $5,000 to eligible Worcester-based businesses seeking certifications as Minority-Owned, Women-Owned, or Veteran-Owned through the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office.

This program provides funding to various organizations, including telecommunications providers and local governments, to improve broadband access and infrastructure in underserved areas of Utah.

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.

The City of Canby is excited to announce the 2024 Business Enhancement Grant Program. Donor Name: City of Canby State: Oregon City: Canby Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The program was created to assist local, Canby businesses. The grant can be spent on projects, programs, and events which improve and enrich Canby. Local businesses seeking funding from the Business Enhancement Grant program must be located within Canby city limits and the funding must be put toward a project that supports and engages the Canby community. Grant applications should focus on capacity building, program creation, investments in equipment, innovative or expansion programming. Any and all changes to projects, programs, or events funded by the Business Enhancement Grant must be approved by City of Canby Economic Development staff. If the scope of the grant-funded work is changed without approval from the Economic Development department, the applicant may not be eligible to apply for the Business Enhancement Grant in the future. Funding Information The City of Canby has budgeted $50,000 for the Business Enhancement Grant in the 2023-2024 fiscal year. Eligible applicants will be able to apply for up to $2,500 for projects, programs, or events. Event, Program, and Project Eligibility Criteria The following criteria is to be used as a guide for applicants for the types of activities funded by the Business Enhancement Grant program. The Review Committee will consider the uniqueness and overall quality of each request. Events, programs, and projects will be considered eligible provided it: Builds capacity, encourages innovation or expansion, creates new programming, or investments in equipment; and, Enhances and supports Canby’s unique history, culture, education, diversity, arts, needed services, or community involvement with and/or for the benefit of Canby; Encourages and fosters advances in civic engagement or community leadership; Promotes community involvement with diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at the forefront to ensure all of Canby’s unique and diverse residents benefit from the projects funded by the Canby Business Enhancement Grants. Eligibility Criteria Applicant must be an authorized representative of a local business located within Canby city limits. An applicant will only be eligible to apply for a grant if any previously awarded grant projects (which would have been funded in 2023 as part of the Community Enhancement Grant) complied with all grant procedures including submitting final grant report. Canby’s Business Enhancement Grants may not be used for costs associated with salaries or operations. For more information, visit City of Canby.

The City of Lawrence is currently accepting applications for the City’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Donor Name: City of Lawrence State: Kansas City: Lawrence Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/13/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Lawrence Affordable Housing Trust Fund is supported through a local sales tax with the purpose of providing and improving the quality, availability, and affordability of housing in Lawrence, acquiring land for future affordable housing, and investing in private/public partnerships for the provision of affordable housing. The mission of the Affordable Housing Advisory Board (AHAB) is to recommend to the City Commission ways everyone in Lawrence has access to safe, quality, affordable housing and supportive services necessary to maintain independent living with dignity. The Affordable Housing Trust Fund is available through a local sales tax, with the purpose of: providing and improving the quality, availability, and affordability of housing in Lawrence; acquiring land for future affordable housing units; and investing in private/public partnerships for the provision of affordable housing. Funding Information The City of Lawrence anticipates awarding up to $1.2 million in Affordable Housing Trust Funds in Eligible Projects Affordable housing or land acquisition New affordable housing development Rehabilitation of affordable housing for preservation of existing affordable housing stock Accessibility modifications for low-to-moderate income households with accessibility needs to remain in affordable and accessible housing Housing vouchers for low-income households Projects that increase community awareness on affordable housing Projects that advance racial equity in housing. Eligibility Criteria Corporations and LLCs 501(c)3 Nonprofits Neighborhood and civic groups City of Lawrence and Douglas County Departments All projects must be within the City of Lawrence and serve households residing within city limits. For more information, visit City of Lawrence.