Grants for Small businesses - Law Justice and Legal Services

The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) is making up to $3M in Title I Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Statewide Activities funding available under the Apprenticeship Expansion Grant (AEG-4) Request for Applications (RFA). The purpose of this RFA is to expand New York State (NYS) Registered Apprenticeship (RA) training by increasing employment opportunities for approximately 130 apprentices, with a focus on underrepresented populations. These apprentices will enter trades in high-demand occupations, with a focus on the emerging fields of Advanced Manufacturing, Healthcare, Hospitality, and Information Technology, as well as other in-demand occupations. Please note that this solicitation focuses on promoting the expansion of NYS RAs and as such, RAs in the field of Construction are not eligible for funding under this RFA unless the trade is to be used for the upkeep and maintenance of a facility owned by the business entity employing the apprentice, such as plant maintenance trades.

This funding initiative provides financial support to nonprofit organizations led by local residents in the Texas Gulf Coast region, focusing on pollution reduction and the equitable transition to clean energy.

This grant provides funding to enhance data management and analysis capabilities in state correctional agencies by embedding data analysts, offering training, and creating resources to improve decision-making and operational efficiency.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community-based organizations and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Connecticut that serve Trumbull residents, focusing on projects that address the ongoing public health and economic challenges related to COVID-19.

The Washington State Department of Commerce (Commerce) is offering grant funding through its Community Reinvestment Project (CRP) to support community healer services. This initiative aims to address violence and its systemic roots, particularly in Black, Latine, and tribal communities, which have been historically impacted by the "war on drugs" and systemic injustices. The program aligns with a mission to foster holistic, trauma-informed, person and community-centered, and culturally responsive services. It emphasizes flexibility and low-barrier innovation to serve those in need of restoration, accountability, and healing, thereby supporting personal and intergenerational healing, burnout prevention, and repairing harm caused by systemic racism, anti-Blackness, and colonialism. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are individuals and communities affected by violence, with a specific focus on Black, Latine, and tribal communities, including urban Indians. The impact goals are centered on violence intervention and prevention, promoting healing, and addressing the long-term consequences of historical injustices. By supporting community healer services, the program seeks to create safer, more resilient communities where individuals can experience restoration and healing from trauma. The program's priorities and focuses include addressing violence that has disproportionately affected Black, Latine, and tribal communities due to the design and enforcement of state and federal criminal laws for drug possession. It prioritizes organizations led by and for these communities, including federally recognized tribal governments, tribal-led 501(c)3s, tribal-led community-based organizations, small businesses, non-profits, faith-based organizations, and grassroots community-led organizations. Geographic priority counties are Clark, King, Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane, and Yakima in Washington State. Expected outcomes include providing culturally responsive services to people of all ages, identities, and abilities, fostering personal and intergenerational healing, and preventing burnout among community healers. Measurable results would likely focus on the reach and effectiveness of the violence intervention and prevention programs, the number of individuals served, and indicators of community restoration and healing. While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided information, the emphasis on accountability and healing suggests an outcomes-based approach. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are rooted in the belief that addressing the historical and ongoing impacts of systemic racism, anti-Blackness, and colonialism through community-led healing initiatives is crucial for violence prevention and community reinvestment. By empowering by-and-for organizations within impacted communities, the program aims to facilitate sustainable change and create environments conducive to healing and well-being. The tiered funding structure, ranging from $50,000 to $500,000, reflects a commitment to supporting organizations of varying sizes, from small-sized with annual budgets under $150,000 to large-sized with budgets over $1 million, ensuring broad access to funding for eligible entities. The project period is set to begin around August 15, 2024, and conclude on June 30, 2025, allowing for a concentrated effort within a one-year grant duration. Eligibility criteria underscore the commitment to community-led initiatives, requiring organizations to be a federally recognized tribal government, tribal-led 501(c)3, tribal-led community-based organization, or licensed to do business in Washington (with an exception for tribes). Additionally, eligible organizations must be registered with the Community Reinvestment Project as a by-and-for organization, ensuring that the healing services are deeply connected to and guided by the communities they serve.

The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) is offering a grant to reduce harmful chemical exposure for individuals in disadvantaged communities and to increase the use of safer and more sustainable cleaning products among Cleaning Service Providers (CSPs) serving or residing in District Wards 5, 7, and 8. This initiative aligns with the broader mission of environmental justice and public health by directly addressing disparities in environmental exposure. The grant, funded by the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) FY 2023 Pollution Prevention Grant, supports the DOEE Green Cleaning Program (GCP), which seeks to promote the adoption of environmentally friendly cleaning practices. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are individuals in disadvantaged communities within District Wards 5, 7, and 8, who will experience reduced harmful chemical exposure. Additionally, Cleaning Service Providers (CSPs) in these wards will benefit from financial and technical resources to transition to safer products. The impact goals are to improve public health outcomes by mitigating environmental hazards and to foster a more sustainable cleaning industry within these specific communities. The program’s strategic priorities include outreach, capacity building, networking, and subsidizing initial transition costs to overcome barriers to adoption. The grant's focus is on incentivizing CSPs from or working in Wards 5, 7, and 8 to adopt safer cleaning products. This involves identifying eligible CSPs, developing and implementing an outreach strategy, providing technical assistance, and managing subsidies to facilitate the initial shift. The theory of change is that by supporting CSPs in their transition, the use of safer products will increase, directly leading to a reduction in harmful chemical exposure for residents in the targeted disadvantaged communities. Expected outcomes include effective management of the DC Green Cleaning Program, successful community outreach and engagement, provision of participant support, and enhanced capacity building among CSPs. Measurable results will be reported on the transitioning process and lessons learned, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in achieving its goals. The project aims to contribute to best practices in pollution prevention and environmental justice, with a total available funding of $284,000 for a 24-month project period.

This funding opportunity supports organizations and youth-led initiatives that aim to raise awareness and inspire action for young people affected by the justice system through events and activities during Youth Justice Action Month.

Grant Opportunity: Grand Strategy Research Grants Funder: Charles Koch Foundation The Grand Strategy Research Grants program, funded by the Charles Koch Foundation, aims to support scholars and research institutions interested in challenging the current approach to U.S. foreign policy and providing alternative visions. The program is open to proposals from various fields, with a particular interest in political science, international relations, history, and economics. The grant opportunity seeks research projects that explore topics such as a grand strategy of restraint, the role of values and ethics in U.S. foreign policy formulation, unintended consequences of military actions abroad, impact on American society and civil liberties, executive-legislative relations in foreign policy, influence of interest groups on foreign policy decisions, growth of intelligence and national security establishments since 9/11, costs and impacts of foreign aid and alliance commitments, Pentagon spending and defense policy demands, consequences of a multipolar world, and leveraging technology for a sound approach to grand strategy. Applicants are required to submit a two-to-five page abstract of the project along with a CV or résumé and a brief itemized budget. Final projects should be original and meet high standards in their respective fields. Funding levels will depend on the research requirements and potential for advancing understanding of critical issues. Accepted proposals may also receive support for disseminating research findings. Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis. Interested applicants can find more information about the grant opportunity and access the application form on the Charles Koch Foundation's website at https://charleskochfoundation.tfaforms.net/344037?tfa_13=tfa_22

Grant Opportunity: Ending Endless Wars in the Middle East Funder: The Charles Koch Foundation Award Details: The Charles Koch Foundation is offering grants to support research and other activities on important foreign policy issues confronting the United States today. The grant opportunity focuses on ending endless wars in the Middle East and seeks proposals that explore various aspects related to prolonged conflicts, economic and security opportunity costs, withdrawal strategies, working with specific partners, de-escalating tensions with Iran, effects of military and foreign aid, strategic consequences of military action, social/political/economic/humanitarian effects on local populations, financial costs of military ventures, political and foreign policy processes, benefits and risks of U.S. military withdrawal. Eligibility: Organizations of all types across the USA are eligible to apply for this grant opportunity. This includes nonprofits, startups, researchers, local governments, small businesses, etc. Other Relevant Information: - Proposals should include a two-to-five page abstract of the project, a CV or résumé, and a brief itemized budget. - Final projects should be original and meet high standards. - Funding levels will be determined based on the research requirements and potential impact. - Accepted proposals may receive support for disseminating research findings. - Proposals will be accepted and evaluated on a rolling basis. For more information and to apply for this grant opportunity from The Charles Koch Foundation, visit their website at https://charleskochfoundation.tfaforms.net/344037?tfa_13=tfa_1474.

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The Bureau of Counterterrorism (CT) of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to provide specialized counter improvised explosive device (C-IED) and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) trainings and equipment to the Ivorian Force Recherche et d’Assistance de la Police (FRAP) and the United Intervention Gendarmerie Nationale (UIGN). The central Sahel is a global epicenter of terrorism. Countries in the region face an acute threat from violent extremist organizations (VEOs) affiliated with al-Qaida and ISIS operating in the central Sahel. Over the past three years, these VEOs have expanded from the central Sahel into the northern border regions of Coastal West Africa (CWA) littoral state (predominately Benin, Togo, Côte d'Ivoire, and Ghana). The VEO threat in CWA is increasing. According to Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) data, 2023 recorded the highest number of VEO events in CWA ever (219), peaking in Q4 (65) with the highest quarterly sum ever experienced in the region. VEOs are increasingly utilizing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to conduct attacks across the region. In Côte d'Ivoire, they have seen a rise in the number of IED events and sophistication of materials used in attacks. This increase is a result of an uptick in illegal and artisanal gold mining which has resulted in heavier explosive materials being trafficked into CDI’s northern border region. With FY23 funding, CT will provide C-IED/EOD training to the CDI national police and the national gendarmerie to increase their capacity to effectively disrupt, degrade, and respond to terrorist activity stemming from the Sahel. Specifically, this program will train law enforcement agents to render safe and disrupt IEDs. Police and Gendarmes slated for this training program will be assigned to EOD cells within each service’s respective intervention unit.

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 National Press Foundation is offering the Covering Equitable Community Development Journalism Fellowship, an expenses-paid program designed to enhance journalists' ability to report on equitable community development. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to support and educate journalists, specifically by equipping them to investigate the intersection of policy, public and private financing, and calls for equitable housing, parks, and other community assets. The program aims to address the critical need for comprehensive and nuanced reporting on how resources are allocated and what initiatives receive support within various regions. The target beneficiaries of this fellowship are U.S.-based journalists working across print, TV, radio, or online media, with a particular encouragement for those who cover race and metro beats. The program emphasizes diversity and welcomes applicants from across the nation. The impact goal is to empower these journalists to better understand and report on pervasive racial gaps and the policies and investments in their communities related to health, wealth, and overall community well-being. By providing specialized training, the fellowship seeks to foster a more informed public discourse on community development issues. The fellowship's priorities and focuses include an immersive exploration into community development issues, especially in the context of small and mid-sized cities. The program will delve into how financing and investing institutions—such as community development financial institutions (CDFIs), philanthropic impact investors, private banks, and other investors—prioritize projects. It will also examine how policymakers and public officials can actively involve residents in decision-making and ensure accountability for anti-racist practices in the community development sector. Other key topics include identifying conditions that lead to healthier, more equitable communities with access to essential resources like affordable housing, education, and healthcare, as well as addressing environmental justice as a community development issue. The expected outcomes and measurable results of this fellowship include equipping journalists with the knowledge and context to add breadth to their coverage of community development. By bringing together experts from health equity, nonprofit, policy, financing, and community organizing sectors, the program anticipates that fellows will gain a deeper understanding of complex issues. While specific measurable results are not explicitly stated as quantitative metrics, the qualitative outcome is a more capable and informed journalistic body that can investigate and report on community development effectively, potentially leading to increased public awareness and accountability in these areas.

The 2024 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards, presented by the Kansas Department of Commerce, is an annual program designed to recognize companies and individuals throughout Kansas for their significant positive impact on their communities and the state's economy. While the provided text doesn't explicitly detail the "foundation's mission alignment" or "strategic priorities and theory of change" in a traditional philanthropic sense, the program's very existence aligns with a governmental department's mission to foster economic growth, community development, and business excellence within the state. The "awards and prizes" grant type indicates a focus on acknowledging past achievements and incentivizing future contributions rather than funding new projects. The target beneficiaries of this program are a diverse group of companies and individuals across various sectors in Kansas. The impact goals are clearly to acknowledge and celebrate those making a positive difference, thereby indirectly encouraging continued innovation, community engagement, and economic contributions. The program aims to highlight success stories, which can serve to inspire other businesses and individuals, contributing to a more vibrant and prosperous Kansas. The program's priorities and focuses are outlined through its specific award categories. These include AgriBusiness for agricultural excellence; Apprenticeship Champions and Partners for entities excelling in registered apprenticeship programs; Business Innovation for companies incorporating innovative technologies; Healthcare/Nonprofit for noteworthy services; Manufacturing/Distribution for outstanding achievement in these sectors; Non-Traditional Talent Pools for companies hiring individuals with justice system involvement, youth, seniors, or individuals with disabilities; Retail/Service for exceptional performance; Under 30 Entrepreneurs for young business successes; and Welcome Back for entrepreneurs who have returned to Kansas. These categories demonstrate a broad interest in supporting a diverse and inclusive economic landscape. The expected outcomes and measurable results, while not explicitly quantified in the provided text, can be inferred from the nature of an awards program. Success would be measured by the number and quality of nominations, the recognition of deserving entities, and the positive publicity generated for the awardees and the state's business environment. The program implicitly aims to strengthen the Kansas economy by promoting excellence and showcasing successful models, which could lead to increased investment, job creation, and overall economic vitality.

With this solicitation, BJA seeks to fund four national training and technical assistance (TTA) programs to support law enforcement and criminal justice stakeholders in Task Force Leadership, Operations and Management (Category 1), Specialized Units TTA (Category 2), Crime Gun Intelligence Center TTA (Category 3) and Police Recruiting and Retention Among Underrepresented Groups (Category 4).

The County of Kaua’i’s Office of Economic Development (OED) is offering an Innovation Grant for Fiscal Year 2024-2025. This grant aims to support innovative community projects that address and resolve local challenges, thereby stimulating both short-term and long-term economic growth and diversification in Kaua’i. The program seeks to deploy innovation across various sectors on the island, aligning with OED's mission to foster economic resilience and development within the community. The target beneficiaries for this grant include not-for-profit organizations incorporated in Hawaii and exempt from federal income tax, as well as Kaua’i-based businesses with a non-profit fiscal sponsor. The overarching impact goals are to identify and solve known deficiencies, problems, or needs within the Kaua’i community by deploying innovative projects that have demonstrated success in other contexts. This approach seeks to drive sustainable economic progress and improve the quality of life for residents. The program prioritizes projects that advance innovation in areas such as small business, technology, transportation, agriculture, local manufacturing, creative industries, workforce development, circular economies, tourism destination management, and product development. Proposals are expected to articulate a clear problem and an innovative solution. OED's strategic priority is to invest in initiatives that not only generate economic growth but also promote diversification and build a more resilient local economy. The theory of change suggests that by funding proven innovative solutions, Kaua’i can effectively address its challenges and create new opportunities. The OED intends to award grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 for different initiatives, with a total funding allocation not exceeding $460,000. The project funding period is set from November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2025. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of innovative programs or projects that demonstrably advance the specified program areas, leading to tangible economic benefits and community improvements. Measurable results will likely be tied to the specific objectives outlined in each funded project, contributing to the overall goals of economic growth and diversification in Kaua’i.

The "Main Street Connected" Grant Program, a collaboration between Main Street Oakland County (MSOC) and MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU), is designed to bolster small businesses in designated downtowns and historic neighborhood commercial corridors within Oakland County, Michigan. Its primary mission is to provide technology and digitally based support, complementing MSOC’s existing economic vitality efforts. This alignment ensures that the grant directly contributes to the broader goal of fostering economic growth and stability at the local community level, particularly within these vital commercial districts. The program specifically targets small businesses that are up to 10 years old and located within one of the Main Street Districts in participating cities, including Auburn Hills, Berkley, Birmingham, Clarkston, Clawson, Farmington, Ferndale, Lathrup Village, Oak Park, Ortonville, Pontiac, Rochester, Royal Oak, Southfield, and Wixom. The impact goals are centered on supporting the attraction, retention, and growth of these small businesses by enhancing their digital capabilities and operational efficiency. By doing so, the program aims to strengthen the local economies of these selected cities. The grant prioritizes and focuses on a range of eligible activities designed to improve a small business's technological infrastructure and digital presence. These include the development or use of data analytics software, payment processing software or equipment (such as Point of Sale systems), website creation and e-commerce support, and social media or digital marketing costs. Additionally, the program supports cybersecurity and data protection, customer relationship management (CRM) costs, and project or inventory management software. The creation or implementation of pop-up operations or public markets also falls within the scope of supported activities. Expected outcomes include enhanced digital literacy and operational effectiveness for participating small businesses, leading to improved market competitiveness and sustainability. Measurable results would likely include an increase in the number of small businesses adopting new technologies, growth in online sales or customer engagement, improved data management, and a stronger presence in both physical and digital marketplaces. The grant’s theory of change posits that by providing targeted financial assistance for technology and digital support, small businesses in these corridors will be better equipped to adapt to modern commerce demands, ultimately contributing to a more vibrant and resilient local economy.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for a project to address the ethnic marginalization across Coastal West Africa. The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for a project to address the ethnic marginalization across Coastal West Africa. The consolidation of power, poor governance, and rise of violent extremism in some Coastal West African countries have contributed to the exclusion and discrimination of certain ethnic groups in politics and everyday life. While certain ethnic groups are not legally excluded from civic and political participation, their full engagement in decision-making roles remains limited. Certain ethnic groups are particularly marginalized in the government, the civil service, and the armed forces. Some ethnic groups also experience discrimination in employment and access to credit, health care, and education. Hundreds of thousands of individuals, including migrants and rural-based members of society, lack documentation to obtain citizenship or access public resources despite protections under the law. In addition, certain ethnic groups face societal discrimination, including stigmatization, harassment, and attacks. Militant groups have exploited the marginalization of certain ethnic groups by playing on grievances and amplifying 2 feelings of distrust in government to recruit members. For example, the targeting of Fulbe communities—based on the belief that they all support jihadi insurgents—has perpetuated conflict, facilitated jihadi recruitment, and risks spreading the violence into new areas. The property and land rights systems across Coastal West Africa has disenfranchised certain ethnic groups historically, causing violence to erupt at times. For example, pastoralist communities who have lived in certain areas for decades have faced the encroachment of agriculturalists on land that they typically use for grazing. In addition, governments across the region have introduced new laws and policies that limit pastoralists’ way of life. Further problematic is that the agencies in charge of developing new land rights policies and programs do not include members of the ethnic groups that would be heavily impacted by the changes. To respond to these challenges, DRL is seeking proposals with the goal of supporting members of marginalized communities in Coastal West Africa—specifically Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Benin, and /or Togo—to improve respect for their political rights and civil liberties. Proposals may focus on individual countries or multiple countries, but approaches must be led by, or have strong support from and participation by, groups and individuals representing marginalized ethnic groups. Proposals may include but do not need to support members of pastoralist communities. DRL recognizes that there are numerous other ethnic groups in the region that do not fully enjoy the rights enumerated by law. Applicants are encouraged to complement and deconflict with existing programs that address ethnic marginalization in the region. DRL seeks proposals for programming that are ambitious but also targeted and achievable. DRL will consider proposals that address the goal reflected above but include different, though similar and related, objectives. While proposals may include additional objectives, inclusion of additional objectives will not make a proposal more competitive.

This program provides funding for research that explores the causes of housing affordability issues in the U.S. and helps shape effective policy solutions.

This funding opportunity is designed to enhance the legal representation of youth in the justice system by providing training and resources to organizations that support youth defense practitioners.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state and local governments, nonprofits, and tribal organizations to implement innovative programs that enhance public safety and improve the justice system through training, community engagement, and evidence-based practices.