Grants for Small businesses - Diversity Equity and Inclusion

This initiative provides $35,000 grants and mentorship to beauty and wellness entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities to help them grow their early-stage businesses.

The City of West Hollywood is pleased to offer the WeHo Community Arts Grant intended to support nonprofit arts organizations, individual artists, or artist collectives, with a history of supporting LGBQ, BIPOC and/or female artists and audiences. 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: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Proposed programs can include art centered presentations or participatory programs (workshops) which enhance the community. The purpose for the grant is to fund art presentations that support community goals through cultural equity. This category supports art centered presentations and/or workshops that provide access and education to specific communities. The City of West Hollywood and Grantees in the Community Arts 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, and support arts-business partnerships. Increase access to and/or participation in the arts through education. Amplify, express, explore, address, and celebrate identity, experience, and culture. Funding Information $30,000: Total amount of available funding in this category. $6,000: Maximum award per organization. Eligibility Requirements  To be eligible for consideration, organizations must satisfy the following requirements: Eligible organizations are LA County-based artists, collectives, or non-profit arts organizations with a history of supporting LGBQ, BIPOC and/or female artists and audiences. Applicants must have at least 1 year of art presentation history and be able to provide 2 work samples. Proposed projects must take place in West Hollywood or the immediate West Hollywood immediately adjacent (within 5 blocks of the border of West Hollywood). Applicants must demonstrate a marketing and outreach strategy targeting West Hollywood residents and constituents. 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. Applicants must submit an application online by the deadline. For more information, visit City of West Hollywood.

The James City County Stormwater and Resource Protection has opened the Clean Water Heritage Grant to applicants. Donor Name: James City County State: Virginia County: James City County (VA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The goal of the Clean Water Heritage Grant Program is to promote the maintenance of privately owned neighborhood drainage systems and private stormwater management facilities (BMPs) in a manner that best supports the safety and general welfare of all County residents. What is a Neighborhood Drainage System?  Neighborhood drainage systems include structures such as inlets, pipes, vegetated or paved swales and outfall structures, located outside of the VDOT roadway, which move runoff originating on or off-site safely through residential areas in order to protect citizens and property. Roof and footing drains and privately installed on-lot drainage structures are not considered part of a neighborhood drainage system. What is a Stormwater Management Facility (BMP)?  Stormwater management facilities, also known as best management practices or BMPs, include structures that reduce the quantity of storm runoff and improve the water quality of the runoff. BMP components include, but are not limited to, inlets, pipes, vegetated or paved swales, ponds, bioretention features, embankments, outfalls and energy dissipation structures. Available Grants  Inspection Grants – Inventorying and mapping the existing drainage structures and inspecting the system for operating condition. Results are for planning future maintenance or for inclusion in a homeowners association (HOA) reserve study. Inspection may include a photo record or pipe video and documentation in GIS. Repair & Maintenance Grants – Repairs to maintain a drainage system. BMP Repair & Maintenance Grants – Repairs to maintain a BMP. Only non-routine maintenance or repairs will be considered. Funding Information Inspection: Up to $6,000 per award 75% – 25% split (JCC – Owner). Maintenance & Repairs: Minimum of $2,500 up to Maximum of $50,000 per award 50%-50% split. BMP Maintenance & Repair: Minimum of $2,500 up to Maximum of $50,000 per award 50%-50% split. Eligibility Criteria  Non-HOA Neighborhoods. HOAs with Public Roads. HOAs with Private Roads. For more information, visit James City County.

This fellowship program supports entrepreneurs in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area who are developing innovative solutions for climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience.

The Rural STEM Network Grant VI, administered by the Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation, and Technology (OSIT), aims to support innovative initiatives that help develop a diverse workforce in Rural Nevada with the skills and education needed by STEM industries. Projects should address increased participation in high-quality STEM programs from underserved groups, raise awareness about STEM opportunities, and ensure high-quality STEM education with engaged business partners across all counties, cities, and districts. Funding is available up to $50,000, with applications due by June 28, 2024. Eligible projects include pilot programs, scaling up existing programs, or extending successful initiatives from other regions.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to U.S.-based organizations conducting health equity research that has been disrupted by federal funding cuts, prioritizing projects led by early- to mid-career researchers from historically underrepresented backgrounds.

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 NAACP x BACARDI are working together to provide dedicated support under-represented minorities in the beverage alcohol service, sales and hospitality industries. Backing the B.A.R. is an NAACP initiative that is awarding over $100,000 in acceleration grants, education, support and entrepreneurship solutions for minority-owned bars, restaurants, nightclubs, lounges, liquor stores and small businesses in the process of applying for a liquor license. If you are a minority-owned business owner with a liquor license or real liquor license aspirations - and you need financial, educational or mentorship support, please apply here. Ideal grant recipients are looking for support in accelerating their business for the future.

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.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for affordable housing and sustainable transportation projects in California, targeting local governments, nonprofits, and other eligible entities to create healthier, more equitable communities while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Name of Funding Organization: ViiV Healthcare Grant Program: Positive Action Community Grants (PACG) Program Intent: PACG supports community-led efforts to increase engagement in prevention and care, address stigma, and build trust in HIV care among communities most disproportionately impacted by HIV. Eligibility: Organizations based in the U.S. and Puerto Rico are eligible to apply. Funding Options: Organizations can request funding for general operating support or project support. Application Deadline: The deadline for multiyear proposals is March 8, 2024. Contact Information: For more information, applicants can download the request for proposal from the provided link or access the online grantee portal. All questions and inquiries should be directed to the ViiV Healthcare Help Desk at [email protected].

The Storefront Improvement Program (SIP) is to revitalize Soldotna’s commercial areas by stimulating additional private investment in the local economy. Donor Name: City of Soldotna State: Alaska City: Soldotna Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: By partnering with local business owners and lessees to share the cost of beautifying the exterior of a business, the program aims to boost traffic, increase property values, and improve the overall look and vitality of the city’s commercial districts. The program was established in 2012 to meet several goals of Envision Soldotna 2030, the City’s long-range plan, including: Promoting development of the “downtown area” to attract both visitors and residents; Encouraging redevelopment of key areas, particularly along the river and major highways; Ensuring a healthy economy by supporting a diversity of local businesses; and Improving the streetscape along the Sterling and Kenai Spur Highways. The SIP is a discretionary reimbursement grant, which can be used for exterior improvements to businesses in the City of Soldotna.  Funding Information The amount available for each property is 50% of the cost of eligible improvements, up to a maximum of $7,500. Eligible Work  Rehabilitation of building facades that are visible to the street, including the following elements: storefronts; windows; exterior lighting; canopies and awnings; painting and masonry work; permanent landscaping; decorative, artistic or unique signs and graphics and accessibility improvements. The emphasis of the grant program is to encourage the transformation of building facades through improvements to one or more of the elements listed above.  Greater weight is awarded to projects that incorporate multiple elements.  The grant program is not intended to provide financial assistance for routine upkeep and maintenance (e.g., painting) or to satisfy required updates (e.g., signage resulting from change in ownership or business type, franchise requirements to change paint scheme, etc.). Applications are competitive and the highest ranking proposals will be funded first. Eligibility Criteria Eligible participants include property owners and business lessees. Ineligible participants Properties primarily in residential use (ex. apartments or condominiums); Structures not facing or visible from the right-of-way; Government offices and agencies (non-governmental tenants are eligible); New construction, less than 5 years old. For more information, visit COS.

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.

This program provides rent support to new, innovative retail businesses in Downtown Grand Rapids, particularly those that are women- or minority-owned, to enhance the area's retail diversity and economic vitality.

The Alachua County is seeking applications for its Small Farmer Grant Program. Donor Name: Alachua County State: Florida County: Alachua County (FL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/28/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Small farmers and ranchers have a grant opportunity through the County Commission this summer. The Commission is funding a mini-grant to Alachua County-based farms and ranches that earn between $1,000 and $250,000 annually. Funding Information The total grant request must not exceed $5,000. The total funding available for this mini-grant is approximately $100,000. Criteria Promote local food system economic resilience and equity for marginalized communities that will: Assists Alachua County residents. Applicable to Alachua County based small producers (farms, ranches, or other agricultural operations) producing food stuffs for human consumption. Prioritize funding for small producers with annual gross cash income of no more than $75,000. Prioritize black, women, indigenous, and persons-of-color owned agricultural operations Support the immediate acquisition of capital infrastructure and equipment to enhance the farm’s productive capability and financial expansion. This grant recognizes that small producers may not have adequate cash flow to acquire capital equipment and then wait for reimbursement by the County. This grant offers an immediate infusion of funds at the point of award by the Board of County Commissioners. This grant is not a cost reimbursement grant. Improve the economic viability of these small producers. Increase the resiliency of local food production and expand the production of related value added farm products. Achieve Board policies related to economic development: increases economic prosperity, economic equity and diverse tax base. Achieve Board policies related to economic development: increases economic prosperity, economic equity and diverse tax base​. For more information, visit Alachua County.

City of San Marcos Minority Business Stabilization Fund (Texas) - The City of San Marcos is offering minority entrepreneurs and small business owners within corporate city limits the opportunity to apply for the Minority Business Stabilization Fund Program. This one-time grant assistance program, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), provides direct aid to minority-owned businesses in San Marcos. Grant amounts range from $1,000 to $10,000 based on the number of full-time employees and can be used for eligible expenses such as physical improvements, equipment, e-commerce expansion costs, rent, payroll, and operating expenses. To be eligible, businesses must have been in operation in San Marcos for at least 12 months, employ 1 to 25 full-time employees, and be at least 51% unconditionally owned by a socially disadvantaged individual. Only one grant may be awarded per business with multiple locations in San Marcos. For more information and to apply, visit City of San Marcos website.

This initiative provides support and resources to help minority- and woman-owned businesses in Louisiana grow and scale their operations effectively.

Community Climate Collaborative Energy Efficiency Grants are available to small businesses for energy efficiency upgrades (appliances, lighting, heating/cooling systems, etc). Donor Name: Community Climate Collaborative State: Virginia County: Albemarle County (VA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The goal is to help businesses achieve emissions reductions and financial savings through capital investment. Funding Information Grants are up to $2,000 each! Eligibility Criteria Have a business license in the City of Charlottesville or County of Albemarle. Qualify as a Microbusiness by Virginia SBSD criteria (25 employees or fewer). Preference will be given to Woman- or Minority-owned Business as defined by Virginia SBSD criteria. SWaM certification is desired, but equivalence is acceptable with valid documentation. Proposed upgrade must have demonstrable savings of energy usage and/or reduction of emissions. For more information, visit Community Climate Collaborative.

The Child Care Capital Program (CCCP) will award grants to eligible child care providers to expand existing child care centers or build new ones. The program will be overseen by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY).The CCCP will provide reimbursement grants for the design, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, equipment and other capital assets for existing or proposed state-licensed, not-for-profit or for-profit child day care centers and registered school-age child care programs. The facility must be intended to be used as a child care program for at least eight years. Projects must be shovel-ready, demonstrate the ability to be licensed and fully operational within six months of completing construction and worth at least $500,000.