Private Business and Commerce Grants

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

The Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District has announced the availability of approximately $150,000.00, pending MDNR official award letter, in grant funds available for solid waste projects within the seven county areas that the district serves. Donor Name: Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District State: Missouri County: Crawford County (MO), Dent County (MO), Gasconade County (MO), Maries County (MO), Phelps County (MO), Washington County (MO) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/16/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This includes the counties of Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington. There are two mechanisms through which citizens, businesses, and organizations of Missouri can obtain funding for solid waste management activities. These include:  Market Development: Funds for the purchase of equipment to manufacture recycled-content products or to process recovered materials through Environmental Improvement and Energy Resources Authority (EIERA).  Solid Waste Management Districts/Counties/Cities: Funds to solid waste management districts and the cities and counties within the district for activities that implement their solid waste management plans. Up to fifty percent (50%) of the grant money available to a district within a fiscal year may be allocated for district operation and plan implementation projects and at least fifty percent (50%) shall be allocated for projects of cities and counties within the district Examples of applying the above categories into activities for 2023 grant projects: Education — Waste reduction and recycling education is integral to the district’s mission. This priority emphasizes the need to carry out educational efforts that raise awareness and increase participation in waste reduction, recycling programs and contamination reduction. Example: community or school-based food waste reduction program. End-Market Development — Projects that support the development of new markets and the expansion of existing markets for recovered materials generated in their region. Example: manufacturing of products from recycled materials. Waste Reduction and Reuse — Projects which support waste reduction and reuse activities that include community-based projects that focus on repair services, lending libraries, and educational projects that teach waste reduction. Example: Fix-it clinics for repair of small appliances, lamps, and sewing. Hard-To-Recycle Items — Collection, processing and end markets for hard-to-recycle materials. Examples include furniture, mattresses, carpet, rigid plastics (such as laundry baskets and toys), Styrofoam, ceramics, and porcelain. Organics Management — Projects that address infrastructure and collection programs for food waste composting or develop pilot projects for school-based food waste reduction and composting activities. Construction and Demolition Waste — Projects which effectively address the diversion of construction and demolition materials or develop ways to incorporate the reuse of discarded construction and demolition materials into an existing business. Special Events/Business/ Multi-Family Dwelling Recycling — Improve access to recycling in multi- family buildings and increase recycling participation of businesses and special events. For more information, visit ORSWMD.

This program provides mentorship and resources to young entrepreneurs in the U.S. at various stages of their business journey, from idea development to growth, without taking equity in their ventures.

The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau is excited to announce the Beautification Grant Program. Donor Name: Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau State: Pennsylvania County: Carbon County (PA), Monroe County (PA), Pike County (PA), Wayne County (PA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Grant dollars will help fund a variety of projects intended to support and enhance the quality of life in communities throughout the Pocono Mountains. Funding Information Grant cap request: $20,000.00. Uses of funds Grant funds may be used to support projects that: Beautify outdoor areas surrounding local hospitality and tourism businesses throughout the cities, boroughs, and townships in Wayne, Pike, Monroe and Carbon Counties. Improve existing gateways/signage. Improve beautification and facades throughout the cities, boroughs, and townships. Eligible Projects  Eligible projects may include but are not limited to: Landscaping, outdoor seating, planters, trash cans, benches, recycling programs, trash removal, removal of overgrown weeds/brush/trees, upgrade of signage and facades. Eligibility Criteria  Local government including, but not limited to, cities, boroughs, and townships. Municipal and redevelopment authorities and agencies. For more information, visit PMVB.

Boston XChange and Jrue and Lauren Holiday’s foundation, the JLH Social Impact Fund, have joined forces to launch the Boston Creator Incubator + Accelerator, an initiative dedicated to equipping visionary creators from underinvested communities with the resources and support they need to thrive. Donor Name: Boston XChange State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Program Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Boston Creator Program equips visionary creators with the business resources and support to turn their ideas into reality. They work to bridge the funding gap and invest in your success, fostering innovation all while stimulating the local economy. By supporting creators from underinvested communities, they’re working to close the $5 billion racial wealth gap in Massachusetts. Funding Information Get up to $100k in grants. Based on meeting milestones over a 3 year period, the JLH Social Impact Fund will help propel your business forward with up to $35k/year. Eligibility Criteria The Boston Creator Incubator seeks passionate entrepreneurs leading for-profit companies in Greater Boston. Your business should have a positive impact on underinvested communities. Founders must be 18+ and hold a majority stake (51%) in the company. For more information, visit Boston XChange.

The Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana recognizes individuals, groups, businesses, projects, and institutions that have made significant contributions to the arts in Southwestern Indiana. Donor Name: Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana (ARTSWIN) State: Indiana County: Vanderburgh County (IN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  05/10/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Categories Mayor’s Art Award – This highly prestigious honor is given to an individual whose contributions to the arts have had an exceptional impact on the community. Consideration is given to evidence of long-standing support of, and life-long interest in, the arts. The nominee must be a current resident of Vanderburgh County whose arts activities have had significant impact on the City of Evansville. Visual Arts Award – This award recognizes an exceptional candidate from the visual arts discipline. (Film and literary arts are included in this category.) Performing Arts Award – This award recognizes an exceptional candidate from the performing arts discipline. Young Artist Award – This award recognizes a rising high school junior or senior in the 2024-2025 school year who displays exceptional aptitude in an artistic discipline. Arts Educator Award – This award recognizes an educator who directly influences and engages students of any age through the visual, literary, or performing arts. Arts Project Award –  This award recognizes a project that utilized the arts to advance community, economic development, or quality of life goals or initiatives in the 2023 calendar year. Eligibility Criteria Any individual, group, business, project, or institution may be nominated for these awards. The Mayor’s Arts Award is presented by the Mayor of Evansville and is restricted to a resident(s) of Vanderburgh County. A past recipient is not eligible to win in the same category again.  For more information, visit ARTSWIN.

BBB Cleveland Spark Award for Young Entrepreneurs is a $2,000 cash prize available to entrepreneurs aged 35 and younger with new businesses in Northeast Ohio. The award recognizes businesses less than three years old that demonstrate high character, authentic culture, and social impact within their community. Eligible organizations must be located in selected counties within BBB Serving Greater Cleveland's service area and have earned a "B" rating or higher from BBB. The deadline for application is 01/31/2024. For more information and to apply, visit the Better Business Bureau website.

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

Applicants are invited to apply for the Community Grants. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Northern Colorado State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: In addition to the priorities noted above, some Community Fund Committees have identified 1-2 additional priorities for Community Grants: Berthoud No additional priorities Estes Valley Food Security Music & Arts Fort Collins Water Workforce Loveland Community Engagement. Funding Information Grants will range from $2,500 – $5,000. Eligibility Criteria The Community Foundation makes grants to 501c(3) charitable entities, educational institutions, churches, or government entities that are in good standing with the IRS. If you are group, club, association, or organization that does NOT fit this criteria, but are seeking funding for a charitable project, consider partnering with a 501c(3) OR government agency that can be your fiscal sponsor and apply on your group’s behalf. Ineligibility The Foundation typically does not fund: Individuals Businesses/for-profit companies Private foundations Political lobbying/candidate campaigns for political office Sponsorships, tables, or tickets for special events or fundraising events Debt retirement/deficit financing. For more information, visit CFNC.

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

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Idaho that focus on environmental protection, conservation, and education initiatives.

This funding opportunity supports arts education projects in public schools and community settings within Fulton, Montgomery, and Saratoga Counties, aimed at enhancing hands-on learning experiences for students through collaborative artistic initiatives.

Are you looking to create an impact in your community with a new project or offering? If yes, then apply for the 2024 Community Connections Fund. Donor Name: Naturally Lewis State: New York County: Lewis County (NY) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/13/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Community Connections Grant Fund is seeking creative proposals that strengthen ties within the community, to develop relationships, and to spur economic growth and development through the creation and enhancement of public gathering places or services. The aim of the Community Connections Fund is to strengthen ties within the community, to develop relationships, and to spur economic growth and development through the creation and enhancement of public gathering places and services. The Community Connections Fund is seeking programs or projects that create a “good sense of place” and contribute to Lewis County placemaking efforts. Funding Information Two $30,000 Awards OR one $60,000 Award. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must be a 501c3 non-profit organization, municipality or school in Lewis County, NY. Applicants must demonstrate a need for a program or project that creates a “good sense of place” and contributes to Lewis County placemaking efforts. The program or project must contribute to at least one of the following placemaking facets that contribute to “making a great place:” Access & Linkages – Access and linkages projects would look to create an accessible and well-connected public space, considering visual appeal, pedestrian safety, inclusivity, and transportation options. Comfort & Image – Comfort and Image projects would look to create or enhance a comfortable and visually appealing public space, considering first impressions, seating options, cleanliness, safety, and opportunities for engaging experiences. Uses & Activities – Uses and activities projects would look to create a vibrant and dynamic public space, considering user engagement, diversity, group interactions, variety in activities, and effective space management. Sociability – Sociability projects would look to create or enhance opportunities for in-person interaction and collaboration including creation of sociable and welcoming public space, considering friendliness, group interactions, community engagement, positive social dynamics, inclusivity, and community care. The program or project must strengthen ties within the community, develop relationships, and spur economic growth and development through the creation and enhancement of public gathering places. Program or project must demonstrate a new, creative approach to connecting the greater community; cannot fund existing projecting or operations. Applicants must demonstrate sustainability of the project or project in future years given this is a one-time grant. Funding cannot be rewarded for retroactive projects or projects that have already started. Evaluation Criteria Applicant must be a non-profit organization (501c3), municipality or school in Lewis County, NY. Project or program contributes to at least one of the following placemaking facets that contribute to “making a great place:”: Access & Linkages, Comfort & Image, Uses & Activities, and/or Sociability. Applicant clearly demonstrates a new, creative approach that will enhance the quality of life for the benefit of the greater community (cannot fund existing projecting or operations). Applicant should demonstrate a plan to engage with the community and a clear need for their project or program. Applicant demonstrates how their proposal strengthens ties within the community. Applicant demonstrates how their proposal aims to further develop community relationships by demonstrating any collaborations or partnerships that will positively impact the residents, businesses and organizations in the community. Applicant demonstrates how their proposal spurs economic growth and development with the addition of their program or project. Applicant clearly defines a timeline for completion of the program or project. Project must be completed within 1 year. Project must demonstrate feasibility and sustainability. For more information, visit Naturally Lewis.

The Granville Community Foundation in Ohio is offering grants to non-profit organizations and public agencies for projects that enrich the lives of Granville residents, with a focus on arts, culture, education, and social services, and prioritizes initiatives that enhance quality of life, cultural opportunities, historical preservation, social support, public spaces, and youth experiences.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to dairy farms and processing facilities in select Midwestern states to promote product development, diversification, and value-added dairy innovations.

The Asian Community Fund at the Boston Foundation is seeking organizations and/or projects that primarily serve the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in Massachusetts to apply for the 2024 grantmaking cycle. Donor Name: The Boston Foundation State: Massachusetts County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Asian Community Fund at the Boston Foundation is a permanent resource designed to develop, strengthen and support Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community power in Massachusetts, to galvanize and unite the diverse ethnicities within this community, and to build a stronger advocacy voice. The Fund seeks to advocate for equal access to all aspects of their society and collaborate with other communities of color and oppressed communities to build collective strengths to overcome injustice and racism. ACF’s grantmaking approach focuses on strengthening the broader AAPI community ecosystem across Massachusetts and advancing policy and systems change. Through its grantmaking, ACF strives to catalyze new partnerships, expand the capacity of the local AAPI nonprofit and business sectors, and respond to emerging community needs. To this end, ACF encourages applicants to form cross-agency partnerships, collaborate with other communities, and mobilize multiple groups around a shared opportunity.  Funding Considerations Grants will be made for general operating support to organizations and/or projects that primarily serve the AAPI community in Massachusetts. Grants will range from $5,000 to $15,000. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions in June 2024. Funding will support the following types of work: Convening- Bringing communities together to elevate AAPI visibility, belonging, and narrative change, with a focus on advancing solidarity and partnerships. Catalyzing- Fueling new collaborations or innovations to tackle systemic gaps and opportunities facing AAPI residents in Massachusetts. Capacity Building– Expanding the reach and impact of programs that advance policy and systems change. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must be 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations based in Massachusetts or have a qualifying fiscal agent with 501(c)3 status. Applicants will be evaluated based on the organization’s mission, impact, and alignment to ACF’s goals of strengthening the broader AAPI community ecosystem and advancing systems change. Priority will be given to organizations that serve underrepresented AAPI ethnicities and geographical regions, organizations that have not previously received funding from ACF/TBF, and grassroots community organizations. Organizations receiving funding will share their experience and impact of the grant in summer 2025 via a phone call with ACF staff or a brief survey. For more information, visit The Boston Foundation.

This funding opportunity is designed for small dairy producers in Iowa to enhance their processing capabilities through modernization and efficiency improvements.

Madison Community Foundation’s Community Impact grants advance initiatives that have a long-term impact on the community and the lives of people living here. Donor Name: Madison Community Foundation State: Wisconsin County: Dane County (WI) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/03/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: MCF’s grantmaking supports opportunities to strengthen innovative or high-performing nonprofits, and invest in the initiatives and natural and cultural assets that create a thriving community. Community Impact grants will be used to provide grants in five focus areas that improve the quality of life for residents in greater Madison. Arts & Culture: Grants build and support Dane County’s vibrant arts scene. Community Development: Grants enhance the quality of life by strengthening the unique natural and cultural assets found in Dane County, investing in neighborhoods, enhancing equity and building bonds among residents. Environment: Grants preserve natural spaces by supporting conservation, restoration, education and policy-making. Learning: Grants support public K-12 academic achievement and learning, out-of-school-time programs, GED-equivalent and transition-to-adult programs. Organizational Capacity Building: Grants strengthen the infrastructure and long-term impact of Dane County nonprofits. Grant Categories  These grants fall into three broad categories: Program Grants support new programs or the expansion of existing programs that have a track record of success. Capital Grants support the construction, purchase and renovation of facilities, land acquisition, and occasionally the purchase of vehicles or equipment. Endowment Challenge Grants build capacity and sustainability by helping nonprofits leverage additional funds and incorporate endowment fundraising as a regular part of their ongoing development program. Typically, endowment challenge grants are two-to-one matches but may vary by the size of the grant awarded. mmunity and the lives of people living here. Grantmaking Criteria  Long-term impact on residents or physical environments in Dane County. Meaningful, reasonable and measurable outcomes. Innovative approaches to address community issues. Strengthen and enhance community assets. Build self-sufficiency of individuals or organizations. Attract additional funding. Use partnerships or collaborations. Sustainable beyond the scope of the grant. Eligibility Criteria  Organizations must meet the following criteria: Public charities, exempt from federal income taxes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or governmental bodies, including schools and municipalities, as long as the project is above and beyond regular budgeted items and does not fill budget gaps. Organizations must be located, and projects must take place, within the borders of Dane County. The one exception is endowment challenge grants, for which there is no geographic limitation. But the resultant endowment fund must reside at MCF. Conduct business without discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or arrest or conviction record, or any other discriminatory basis prohibited by applicable local, state and federal law (“Anti-Discrimination Status”). Repeat grant applicants who are in good standing with MCF and propose a new project that fits within the focus areas are welcome to submit subsequent proposals. However, when having to choose between projects, an applicant that has not been funded regularly may have an edge over one that has. Local communities with community or education foundations that are unaffiliated with the Madison Community Foundation must submit a letter of support from the local foundation as part of the application process. For more information, visit MCF.

This grant provides funding to support projects that empower historically underserved farming communities in the Northeast U.S. by addressing systemic barriers and promoting equitable agricultural practices.

This grant provides funding to support projects that enhance the economic viability of farmers in New York by improving operational practices, fostering innovation, and developing marketing strategies.