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.

Funding and Duration: Grant amounts for the conventional program range from $100,000 to $500,000. The maximum grant duration is two (2) years, eight (8) months, and grant funds cannot be expended before November 1, 2025, or after June 30, 2028.   Projects submitted through the Additional Assistance for Historically Underrepresented Organizations (Additional Assistance) Program will range from $100,000 to $250,000. Program requirements and submission deadlines differ for Additional Assistance Program applicants. Please reference the 2025 Request for Concept Proposals - Additional Assistance Program or email [email protected] for more information.   CDFA reserves the right to offer an award amount different than the amount requested.    

The County of Kaua’i’s Office of Economic Development (OED) is accepting applications for innovative community projects that identify and solve local problems that will aid Kaua’i’s economy to generate short-term and long-term economic growth and diversification. Donor Name: Office of Economic Development State: Hawaii County: Kauai County (HI) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/03/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: OED is requesting proposals from qualified not-for-profit organizations incorporated under the laws of the State of Hawaii, non- profit organizations exempt from the federal income tax by the Internal Revenue Service or a Kaua’i-based businesses with a non-profit fiscal sponsor that they have previously worked with for its Innovation Grant for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.  The intent of the grant program is to deploy innovation on-island in the areas of small business, technology, transportation, agriculture, local manufacturing, creative industries, workforce development, circular economies, tourism destination management and product development. Proposals must identify a known deficiency, problem, or need within the Kaua’i community and deploy an innovative community project that will be or has been successful in other contexts. Proposals submitted shall be reviewed and considered for the receipt of funding, to applicant organizations. Funding Information OED intends to award grants of $5,000-$50,000 each for different initiatives that align with RFP Project Specifications. Total funding will be no more than $460,000. Project Period The project funding period will be November 1, 2024 to October 31, 2025.  Eligible Projects Eligible proposals include innovative new programs, or innovative new projects that advance innovation in the program areas of small business, technology, transportation, agriculture, local manufacturing, creative industries, sustainability, workforce development, circular economy, and tourism. Programs or projects currently funded with other County Grants will not be considered. Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for award through this RFP, the proposer shall:  Be or have a sponsor that is a not-for-profit organization incorporated under the laws of the State of Hawaii and exempt from the federal income tax by the Internal Revenue Service and based on Kaua’i. Non-profit organization governing board members shall have served without compensation and have no material conflict of interest.  Be a Hawaii based business with a Kaua’i non-profit fiscal sponsor and a project that is based 100% on Kaua’i.  Have a current Equity Plan in place and be able to describe your equity strategy going forward. Equity is defined as the consistent and systematic fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals, including individuals who belong to underserved communities that have been denied such treatment, such as Black, Latino, and Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other persons of color; members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality.  Both Businesses and Non-Profits must have signed, updated bylaws or policies that describe the way business is conducted including management, fiscal policies, and procedures (including a clear statement on who is allowed to sign documents on behalf of the organization), and policies on nepotism, equity, and the management of potential conflicts of interest. In addition, such bylaws must clearly state who is authorized to sign grant applications and contract for funding documents.  Have at least one (1) year of experience with the project or in the program area being offered. The Director may grant an exception to this requirement if the proposer has demonstrated the necessary experience in the program area.  Have staff or authorized representatives adequately trained to administer and provide the project described For more information, visit OED.

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.

The Legacy Business Recovery Grant Program offers grants of up to $20,000 to eligible Legacy Businesses that need financial assistance to aid in their recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Donor Name: Economic & Workforce Development Department (EWDD) State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Legacy Business Recovery Grant Program is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation to the City of Los Angeles. Applicants must explain how the grant funds will be used toward necessary COVID-19 recovery business expenses and make available documentation demonstrating that the grant funds were used toward those expenses. Funding Priorities EWDD will utilize a weighted selection process for grants to ensure equitable distribution across the selection of finalists and to prioritize City of Los Angeles geographic diversity and low-to-moderate income neighborhoods. Grant application submissions made from the following demographics will be more heavily weighted: Businesses located in low-and moderate-income communities (50% and 80% of Area Median Income or AMI), as defined by HUD Businesses owned by low- and moderate-income owners (50% and 80% of AMI), as defined by HUD Businesses facing an imminent threat of displacement. Funding Information Grant amounts of $10,000 will be provided for Legacy Businesses with one to five employees. Grant amounts of $20,000 will be provided for Legacy Businesses with six or more employees. Uses of Funds Eligible uses of funds to address the negative economic impacts caused by the COVID-19 crisis include: Employee payroll Rent, utilities, and insurance Working capital to reopen or continue operations Adapting to technologies Payment of outstanding business expenses incurred on or after March 3, 2021 Adaptive business practices needed to operate the business Legal fees to negotiate long-term lease agreements with their landlords. Eligibility Criteria Eligible Businesses: The business must be listed on the Legacy Business Registry The business must be a for-profit business located within Los Angeles city limits. Must be operating from a commercial, industrial, or manufacturing location and have a valid commercial lease (home-based businesses are not eligible) Annual revenue cannot exceed $3 million. If applicable, the business must be in good standing with the Secretary of State. The business must have an active Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC) with the City of Los Angeles that is current and in good standing. The business must demonstrate that the grant funds will be used for recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The business must disclose whether they have received funding from other federal, state, or local sources (including PPP and EIDL). Applicants who have received funding are still eligible, provided the funds are not currently being spent on the same expenses covered by the Legacy Business Recovery Grant. For more information, visit EWDD.

Main Street Ventures is accepting applications for its Launch Funding that provides emerging, pre-revenue businesses that have a Prototype or Product. 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), Kenton County (KY), Warren County (OH) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: Funding Information  Grant Request between $5,000 – $10,000. 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 Kenton 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.

The BLOOM Business Empowerment Center, through the York County Economic Alliance, is pleased to announce the opening of the 2024 BLOOM Grant Program for Small Businesses in York County. Donor Name: York County Economic Alliance State: Pennsylvania County: York County (PA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The BLOOM Grant Program was first created in 2018 to help businesses address a tangible need that will help them improve productivity, expand their services, or grow to the next level. Since its launch, 235 BLOOM Grants totaling $480,000 have been distributed to small businesses/organizations in York County, Downtown York, York County Trail Towns communities, to women-owned businesses, start-up entrepreneurs, and graduates of the BLOOM classes, with 49% of grants going to businesses owned by persons of color and 78% going to women-owned businesses. Funding Priorities Priority consideration will be given to: Businesses that have not received funding from previous BLOOM grant programs. Businesses owned by Women, or Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Businesses owned by Veterans. Businesses that use local businesses to fulfill the grant implementation, where applicable. Funding Information This program will seek to will award grants from $500 to $1,500 to small businesses owned and operating in the County of York for projects that will help them improve productivity, expand their services, or grow to the next level. Grant amounts will be considered based on need and potential impact. Examples of projects funded through other BLOOM grant funds include improving signage, physical improvements to business location, marketing, training & certification for new services, or purchase of new equipment. Eligibility Criteria  Small Businesses in York County are eligible to apply for this grant program. For more information, visit YCEA.

The National Press Foundation is providing Covering Equitable Community Development Journalism Fellowship. Donor Name: National Press Foundation State: All States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Fellowship Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/02/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Who decides where these resources are going in your newsroom’s region, and what gets supported – whether affordable housing, green spaces, small businesses, or something else? To help journalists connect the dots between policy, public and private financing and calls for equitable housing, parks and other assets, the National Press Foundation will hold the Covering Equitable Community Development journalism fellowship in Missoula, Montana. The purpose of the four-day expenses-paid program is to equip journalists to better investigate pervasive racial gaps and the policies and investments in their own backyards related to health, wealth and overall community wellbeing. Home to active Indigenous organizations and health initiatives focused on small and mid-sized cities, Missoula will allow for an immersive exploration into community development issues, especially for journalists who cover race and metro beats. NPF will gather experts from the health equity, nonprofit and policy sectors, financing and community organizing spaces to help journalists add context and breadth to their coverage of community development issues. Topics to be explored may include: How financing and investing institutions such as community development financial institutions (CDFIs), philanthropic impact investors, private banks, and other investors prioritize investments in community-driven projects or investment funds; How policymakers and public officials can actively include residents in decision-making about how communities are financed and developed and hold the community development sector accountable for anti-racist practices; What conditions lead to healthier, more equitable communities with access to affordable housing, education, nutritious food, health care, etc? Environmental justice as a community development issue. Who may apply This competitive fellowship is open to all U.S.-based journalists working in print, TV, radio or online media. They greatly value diversity in all the programs and applicants from across the nation are encouraged to apply. Fellows must also verify their COVID vaccination status. For more information, visit National Press Foundation.

DPR's Research Grants Program supports projects that seek to advance integrated pest management (IPM) knowledge in agricultural, urban, or wildland settings. Projects should focus on reducing impacts to public health or the environment from pesticides of high regulatory interest. Summaries of previously funded Research Grants Program projects can be found on the Research Grants webpage.  The 2025 Research Grants Program is particularly seeking applications that address one or more of the following topic areas: · IPM for underserved or disadvantaged communities; · Decreasing the use of pesticides of high regulatory interest (such as fumigants like 1,3-dichloropropene or sulfuryl fluoride); · Advancement of urban IPM and safer, more sustainable pest management tools and strategies in urban settings; · Advancement of IPM and safer, more sustainable pest management tools and strategies in agricultural settings adjacent to or near a school(s); · Meeting the IPM needs of small growers; and/or TWO or more of the three sustainability pillars noted below and referenced in the Sustainable Pest Management (SPM) Roadmap: o Human Health and Social Equity o Environmental Protections o Economic Vitality For further definitions of these priority topic areas, please review the 2025 Research Grants Solicitation. Following the submission deadline, applications are concurrently reviewed by DPR staff and the Pest Management Advisory Committee (PMAC). Both groups evaluate the proposal application according to scoring criteria that can be found in the 2025 Research Grants Solicitation. This year, DPR invites projects with budgets ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 to apply. Eligible grantees include nonprofit agencies, tribal governments, individuals, businesses, and public agencies. There is no limit on the number of applications that can be submitted, including multiple applications from the same person or entity. PMAC members may apply, but they must follow the rules regarding conflict of interest in the PMAC Charter. All applicants and associated project personnel must meet DPR’s eligibility requirements that can be found in the 2025 Research Grants Solicitation. Keywords: Agriculture, Agricultural Commodity, Agricultural Crops, Agronomy, Air Quality, Automation, Bacteria, Bactericide, Climate Change, Community Health, Cover Crops, Cropping System, Crops, Ecology, Ecosystem, Emissions, Fauna, Fertility, Field Sanitation, Flora, Fruits, Fumigant, Fungi, Fungicide, Herbicide, Horticulture, Housing, Insect Pests, Insecticide, Integrated Pest Management, Irrigation, Lakes, Land Management, Laws and Regulations, Machinery, Mating Disruption, Miticide, Natural Enemies, Nuts, Oceans, Pathogens, Personal Protective Equipment, Pest, Pest Management, Pesticide, Plant Disease, Plant Protection, Pollinator, Pollution, Reduced-Risk, Rivers, Rodenticide, Soil Health, Streams, Sustainable, Training, Urban Pest Management, Vegetables, Vertebrate Pests, Virus, Volatile Organic Compounds, Water, Water Quality, Watershed, Weeds, Wildlands, Worker Health and Safety

This funding opportunity supports projects that promote sustainable pest management practices to protect human health and the environment, particularly in underserved communities and agricultural areas near schools.

The Regional Development Corporation Tribal Economic Diversity Fund awards businesses owned by a federally recognized Indian tribe or by an enrolled member(s) of a federally recognized Indian tribe for critical technical services and equipment. Donor Name: Regional Development Corporation State: New Mexico County: Los Alamos County (NM), Mora County (NM), Rio Arriba County (NM), San Miguel County (NM), Sandoval County (NM), Santa Fe County (NM), Taos County (NM) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Awards are made on a competitive basis and are intended to provide services to tribal business entities that diversify revenue, leverage other investments, create new jobs and/or put systems in place that lead to growth.  The goal is to sustain and assist developing businesses in Northern New Mexico with job creation and diversifying the region’s economy. Funding Information Up to $8,000. Uses of funds  Funds to be used to: Procure needed business equipment, tools. Pay for advertising and/or marketing costs. Purchase consulting services. Purchase specialized software. Eligibility Criteria  Business enterprise owned by a federally recognized Indian tribe; or business owned at least 51% by an enrolled member(s) of a federally recognized Indian tribe from the Pueblos of Cochiti, Jemez, Nambe, Ohkay, Picuris, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, Santa Clara, Taos, or Tesuque Business headquartered in Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, Northern Sandoval, Santa Fe, or Taos County Business-only bank account Been in business for at least 6 months before applying Preference given to first-time applicants and previous unawarded applicants. For more information, visit RDC.

NetWork Kansas, in partnership with K-State 105, is offering a one-time grant of $100,000 to $500,000 to support new or early-stage projects focused on entrepreneurship and small business development, with a maximum funding request of $125,000 per project and a 25% match required, open to for-profit businesses, nonprofits, community organizations, and municipalities in Kansas.

The 2024 BLOOM Grant Program aims to support small businesses in York County, Pennsylvania, by providing grants to improve productivity, expand services, or enhance their operations. Eligible applicants must be for-profit businesses located in York County, have generated revenue as of January 1, 2024, and employ no more than 50 full or part-time employees. Grants, ranging from $500 to $1,500, are intended for tangible business improvements such as renovations, equipment upgrades, and marketing expenses. Funds must be utilized within six months, and applicants must match 10% of the grant's capital value. Priority is given to businesses that have not previously received a BLOOM grant, as well as those owned by women, veterans, and Black, Indigenous, or People of Color.

The City of Frederick is excited to announce the launch of a new grant opportunity through the Department of Economic Development. Donor Name: City of Frederick State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The grant, called “ACCESS GRANTED,” is specifically designed to support and empower small minority, and women-owned businesses. This initiative is available to both start-up and established businesses in need of access to capital for a defined project that will help scale their business. By providing this financial assistance, The City of Frederick aims to foster a supportive and inclusive business environment that enables entrepreneurs to reach their full potential.  Preferences will be given to Small minority and/or woman owned business.  Physically located within The City of Frederick limits.  Funding Information The city has earmarked $400,000 to deploy as grants for this new program.  Eligibility Criteria To be eligible, businesses must meet the following criteria:  Be a registered for-profit business.  Be in good standing in the state of Maryland.  Have no more than 25 full-time equivalent employees For more information, visit City of Frederick.

This program provides financial support for essential improvements to commercial buildings in The City of Frederick, targeting small businesses, including those owned by minorities and women, as well as businesses involved in neighborhood revitalization or recovery from disasters.

This program provides $5,000 each to ten minority-owned businesses in Columbia, Missouri, to promote inclusivity and support underrepresented entrepreneurs.

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.

ACCESS GRANTED is a grant initiative aimed at supporting and empowering small minority and/or women-owned businesses in Frederick, Maryland. The program targets both start-ups and established businesses needing capital for specific projects that will promote business growth. The City of Frederick has allocated $400,000 for these grants, as part of the American Rescue Plan Act's State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA-SLFRF). Eligible businesses can apply for up to $40,000 to cover project costs such as equipment, renovations, inventory, professional services, marketing, and more. The goal is to enhance revenue, profitability, and business opportunities without replacing lost revenues. The application process for ACCESS GRANTED opens on July 15, 2024, and closes on August 12, 2024. Applications will be reviewed competitively, with awards distributed by early fall 2024. To be eligible, businesses must be registered for-profit entities in Maryland, in good standing, and have no more than 25 full-time equivalent employees. Preferences will be given to minority and women-owned businesses located within The City of Frederick. Award recipients must submit interim and final reports on the project's impact.

This program provides funding to public entities, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses in Orange County, North Carolina, to implement innovative projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate resilience for local communities.

This initiative provides $10,000 grants to over 100 LGBTQ small businesses in the U.S. that are owned by and serve LGBTQ people of color, women, and the transgender community, particularly those facing financial challenges due to COVID-19.