Private Business and Commerce Grants

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 has launched the Beautification Grant Program to support and enhance the quality of life in communities throughout the Pocono Mountains. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to bolster the region's appeal for both residents and visitors by investing in local infrastructure and aesthetics. The grant, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 with a cap request of $20,000, aims to foster community pride and economic vitality by improving public and hospitality areas. The primary beneficiaries of this program are local governments, including cities, boroughs, and townships, as well as municipal and redevelopment authorities and agencies within Carbon, Monroe, Pike, and Wayne Counties in Pennsylvania. The impact goals are centered on creating more attractive and welcoming environments, which in turn supports local hospitality and tourism businesses. By beautifying public spaces, the program seeks to enhance the overall experience for those living in and visiting the Pocono Mountains. The program prioritizes projects that beautify outdoor areas surrounding local hospitality and tourism businesses, improve existing gateways and signage, and enhance overall beautification and facades throughout the participating communities. Eligible projects are diverse and include landscaping, outdoor seating, planters, trash cans, benches, recycling programs, trash removal, removal of overgrown weeds/brush/trees, and upgrades to signage and facades. This focus ensures a comprehensive approach to community improvement. The expected outcomes include a noticeable improvement in the aesthetic quality of public spaces and business fronts, leading to increased community satisfaction and potentially greater tourism revenue. Measurable results could include the number of projects completed, the visible impact of these projects on community appearance, and feedback from local residents and businesses regarding the improved environment. This program reflects a strategic priority to leverage beautification as a tool for sustainable community development and economic growth within the Pocono Mountains region.

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 (ARTSWIN) recognizes individuals, groups, businesses, projects, and institutions that have made significant contributions to the arts in Southwestern Indiana. This grant program, specifically focused on various awards, aligns with ARTSWIN's mission to support and promote the arts within the community. The awards aim to celebrate artistic excellence, long-standing commitment to the arts, and the positive impact of arts activities on the City of Evansville and Vanderburgh County. The target beneficiaries for these awards include individual artists (visual, performing, film, literary), young artists (rising high school juniors or seniors), arts educators, and community projects that utilize the arts for advancement. The impact goals are to acknowledge and encourage artistic talent, foster community engagement through the arts, and recognize the vital role the arts play in community, economic development, and quality of life. The program prioritizes and focuses on several categories: the Mayor’s Art Award for exceptional, long-standing impact; Visual Arts Award for outstanding visual artists; Performing Arts Award for exceptional performing artists; Young Artist Award for promising high school students; Arts Educator Award for influential educators; and the Arts Project Award for projects advancing community goals. A key focus is on current residents of Vanderburgh County for the Mayor's Art Award, and generally on those whose arts activities have had a significant impact on the City of Evansville or Southwestern Indiana. The expected outcomes and measurable results include the public recognition of significant contributions to the arts, the encouragement of emerging talent, and the celebration of arts-led community development initiatives. While specific quantitative measures are not detailed, the prestige of the awards and the public recognition serve as a form of measurable impact, elevating the profile of the arts and inspiring further artistic endeavors within the region. The repeated emphasis on impact within the community underscores ARTSWIN's strategic priority to integrate the arts as a core component of regional identity and development.

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.

The City of Canby's 2024 Business Enhancement Grant Program aims to support local businesses within Canby city limits. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to improve and enrich the Canby community by funding projects, programs, and events that contribute to its overall vitality. The program is designed to foster a thriving local economy and enhance the quality of life for Canby residents through strategic investments. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are local businesses situated within Canby city limits, with a focus on those whose projects directly engage and support the Canby community. The impact goals include capacity building, program creation, equipment investments, and innovative or expansion programming. The program seeks to ensure that the funded activities provide tangible benefits to the community, promoting growth and engagement. The grant prioritizes projects that build capacity, encourage innovation or expansion, and create new programming. Furthermore, eligible activities must enhance and support Canby’s unique history, culture, education, diversity, arts, needed services, or community involvement. The program also encourages and fosters advances in civic engagement or community leadership and promotes community involvement with diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at the forefront. Expected outcomes include a more vibrant local business sector, enhanced community services, and increased civic participation. Measurable results will be assessed based on how well projects meet the stated eligibility criteria and contribute to the program's objectives. The City of Canby has budgeted $50,000 for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, allowing eligible applicants to receive up to $2,500 for their projects, programs, or events. The focus is on ensuring that these funds generate a positive and lasting impact on the Canby community.

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 (ACF) at The Boston Foundation is offering grants for its 2024 cycle to organizations and/or projects that primarily serve the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in Massachusetts. This initiative directly aligns with the foundation's mission to develop, strengthen, and support AAPI community power, galvanize diverse ethnicities within this community, and build a stronger advocacy voice. The ACF's overarching goal is to advocate for equal access for AAPI individuals in all aspects of society and to collaborate with other communities of color and oppressed communities to overcome injustice and racism. The grantmaking approach is rooted in strengthening the broader AAPI community ecosystem across Massachusetts and advancing policy and systems change, reflecting the foundation's strategic priority to foster systemic impact. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations based in Massachusetts, or those with a qualifying fiscal agent, that primarily serve the AAPI community. The impact goals are multi-faceted, focusing on catalyzing new partnerships, expanding the capacity of local AAPI nonprofit and business sectors, and responding to emerging community needs. Expected outcomes include increased AAPI visibility, belonging, and narrative change through convening activities, innovative solutions to systemic gaps facing AAPI residents, and expanded reach and impact of programs that advance policy and systems change. Organizations will be evaluated based on their mission, impact, and alignment to ACF’s goals of strengthening the AAPI community ecosystem and advancing systems change. The program prioritizes several key areas of focus. These include supporting general operating costs for eligible organizations and projects. Funding will specifically support three types of work: Convening, which brings communities together to elevate AAPI visibility and foster solidarity; Catalyzing, which fuels new collaborations and innovations to address systemic gaps; and Capacity Building, which expands the reach of programs focused on policy and systems change. Priority will also be given to organizations serving underrepresented AAPI ethnicities and geographical regions, those not previously funded by ACF/TBF, and grassroots community organizations. This targeted approach demonstrates the foundation's strategic commitment to equitable distribution of resources and empowerment of diverse AAPI segments. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are evident in its emphasis on strengthening the AAPI community ecosystem and driving policy and systems change. The ACF believes that by investing in convening, catalyzing, and capacity building initiatives, it can create a ripple effect, leading to increased community power, stronger advocacy, and ultimately, greater equity for AAPI residents in Massachusetts. The grants, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, are designed to support organizations in achieving these objectives. While the initial grant size was advertised as $10,000 to $100,000, the funding considerations specify a range of $5,000 to $15,000 for general operating support. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions in June 2024 and will be expected to share their experiences and impact in summer 2025, providing measurable results and demonstrating the effectiveness of the foundation's theory of change.

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.

This grant provides financial support to female visual artists in the Houston area to help fund their creative projects in contemporary art.

This program provides up to $5,000 to small business owners in New York City who have been operating for at least two years, to support projects that positively impact their local communities.