Private Business and Commerce Grants

This funding opportunity provides $50,000 to support diverse-led businesses in Southern California, helping them create new premium wage jobs while offering business development resources.

The Donor Alliance Foundation is now accepting applications to fund efforts in Colorado and Wyoming that provide access to resources and education for those affected by organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Donor Name: Donor Alliance Foundation State: Colorado, Wyoming County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/02/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Donor Alliance Foundation was created to extend the mission of organ and tissue donation and transplantation, by building partnerships and breaking down barriers to influence change to positively affect the donation and transplant community. The Foundation believes that organ and tissue donation and transplantation are human gifts that save lives and that all those affected by donation deserve to be acknowledged, supported and given access to resources that enable the gift of life. The Foundation will continue its focus on community impact by addressing system barriers that prohibit people from receiving an organ and/or tissue transplant. They will do this by funding organizations that demonstrate equitable and equal access to donation and transplantation resources through education, family assistance, and/or research projects. To do this, the plan is to: Provide access to donation and transplantation resources for underinsured, vulnerable, and socio-economically disadvantaged populations and those living in rural areas of Colorado and Wyoming who are eligible for a transplant or already on the transplant list Further seeking projects that consider diversity, equity, and inclusion as a key audience and can demonstrate equity in their programming Look for applicants who are or planning to provide education or assistance to reach their audiences in new and innovative ways Remain nimble regarding changes or shifts needed to accomplish grantee goals or priorities Continued focus on Pancreas research and projects related to gathering data on the benefits of pancreas transplantation. Foundation Funds Efforts to meet the needs of patients pre- and post-transplant who have a financial need with limited or no access to funds. Projects that provide equal and equitable access to donation and transplantation resources that enable the gift of life. New and innovative education approaches about donation and transplantation to reach audiences in populations who may not be aware of their options, given reduced social interaction. Programs and services that offer grief assistance and compassion support in Colorado and Wyoming. Efforts to increase living donation. Medical and social research related to transplantation, to provide an opportunity to conduct pilot studies or early exploration (e.g., seed grants). Funding Information The Donor Alliance Foundation anticipates making grants ranging in size from $5,000 up to $25,000. Grant Period The Donor Alliance Foundation makes one-year grants. Eligibility Criteria  The Donor Alliance Foundation accepts proposals from nonprofit community health-serving organizations, nonprofit hospitals, academic institutions, governmental agencies, foundations, and associations supporting donation and transplantation efforts. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with tax-exempt classification from the Internal Revenue Service; be a tax-supported institution such as a hospital, government, or nonprofit organization; or must have a formal fiscal sponsorship arrangement with a tax-exempt organization. Organizations must be located in and serve Donor Alliance’s designated service area of Colorado and/or Wyoming. They will consider applications from partners in the following categories: Nonprofit hospitals (or their foundations) and/or transplant centers; or nonprofit foundations at for-profit hospitals Nonprofit community health-serving organizations Nonprofit organizations providing services to support donation and transplantation (e.g., grief centers, Ronald McDonald Houses) Academic institutions providing critical care training (e.g., nursing, medical or transplant technicians) Governmental agencies (emphasis on regional/rural public health departments)  Non-profit Foundations Nonprofit Associations (transplant or medical related) Nonprofit regional chambers of commerce (funding transplant-related programs). Ineligibility For-profit companies or businesses Individuals Advocacy or lobbying work Sponsorships Scholarships Capital projects Other transplant-related causes (e.g., bone marrow, stem cell) Projects outside the service area. For more information, visit Donor Alliance.

This funding opportunity supports Scottsdale-based non-profit arts and culture organizations in delivering diverse programs and events that enhance the community's cultural landscape.

Applicants are invited to apply for the Resilience Fund. Donor Name: Restaurants Care State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Restaurants Care Resilience Fund is a program of the nonprofit California Restaurant Foundation. In 2024, they will be awarding grants of $5,000 to 278 independent restaurants. This fund is powered by generous gifts from PG&E, SoCalGas, and SDG&E.  Funding Information It anticipates awarding $5,000 grants to 278 small businesses Uses for Grant (select one category): Kitchen equipment: Eligible equipment must be energy efficient and qualify for rebates (Hey! That’s extra money to help pay for your equipment!). Items include steamer, rack oven, conveyor broiler, combination oven, conveyor oven, fryer, underfired broiler, convection oven, griddle, and dishwasher. You can use your $5,000 check to purchase from whichever vendor you would like. To learn more about rebates available. Technology upgrades: tell us how you’ll put this grant to work! Eligible uses include POS system, website, accounting software, HR software, inventory management, and loyalty programs.  Employee training: Been meaning to elevate your employee training and systems? Use this grant to design a training program/handbook, purchase ServSafe trainings, or join the Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers. Retention bonuses: Reward your best and brightest employees. You will need to state how many employees will receive grants and which positions they have (front of house, back of house, managers). The number of employees and positions do NOT impact your likelihood of getting a grant, we simply want to know how the funds will be used.  Unforeseen hardship: Within the last 12 months, has your restaurant experienced robbery/theft, vandalism, fire/flood, or natural disaster? This grant can help. Eligibility Requirements Must be an independently owned, for-profit restaurant or commercial caterer (franchises, home businesses, food trucks, and meal prep companies are not eligible) Owned by a CA resident 1-5 units Must earn no more than $3 million in annual gross revenue (combined for all units) Commercial customer of either PG&E, SoCalGas, or SDG&E Must be currently open and active for business. For more information, visit Restaurants Care.

This funding opportunity provides financial support and promotional exposure to women entrepreneurs who own small businesses in the U.S., helping them grow and connect with their communities.

The Enthuse Foundation awards $2,500 grants to ten female-owned businesses annually. The non-profit supports women entrepreneurs in launching or growing their businesses. Eligible applicants must identify as women or non-binary, run an established business full-time, and demonstrate financial need. Winners for 2024 will be declared in June, with details for the 2025 cycle to be announced.

The Washington State Department of Commerce is accepting applications for its Blended Capital Enhancement Grants. Donor Name: Washington State Department of Commerce State: Washington County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/01/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Washington State Department of Commerce has a new way to help people and businesses through the Community Reinvestment Project (CRP). It’s called the Blended Capital Enhancementgrant, and it aims to support by-and-for lending agencies, businesses, and organizations reducewealth disparities within Black, Latine, and tribal communities through asset building. This program will help fund programs that: Make it easier for people to buy a home. Provide grants and loans for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Money management training Fund training and support for small businesses. Assist with buying commercial property, business assets, and vehicles. Help people reduce debt and save more using matching funds. The goal of this grant is to make it easier for Black, Latine, and tribal communities to get financialsupport from local organizations and businesses in their community. Funding Information A total of $42 million is available for this grant, with specific allocations reserved for various purposes,including: New construction loans: $5 million Home expansion loans (including Accessory Dwelling Units or ADUs): $6 million Business startups and expansions: $5 million Consumer loans (like credit consolidation, car refinancing, or emergency expenses): $1 million Project Period July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025. Eligibility Criteria Commerce is looking for applications from lending agencies, businesses, and organizations who are interested in providing financial support, grants, and loans to Black, Latine, and tribal communities across Washington state. Eligible applicants must be led by-and-for Black, Latine, and tribal communities, or partnered with an organization that is by-and-for. Minimum Qualifications Federally recognized tribal government, tribal-led 501(c3), or tribal-led community basedorganizations; OR Licensed to do business in the State of Washington, or submit a statement of commitment that itwill become licensed in Washington within thirty (30) calendar days of being selected as theApparent Successful Contractor (exception: Tribes); AND Organizations who collaborate with and/or led by Black, Latine, and tribal communities in WA,and can provide tangible evidence of their relationship to those communities. For more information, visit Washington State Department of Commerce.

The Washington State Department of Commerce (Commerce) is seeking Proposals from those qualified and interested in grant funding to support community healer services as part of the Community Reinvestment Project (CRP). Donor Name: Washington State Department of Commerce State: Washington County: Clark County (WA), King County (WA), Pierce County (WA), Snohomish County (WA), Spokane County (WA), Yakima County (WA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/13/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The purpose is to provide holistic, trauma-informed, person and/or community-centered, culturally responsive services serving people of all ages, identities and abilities. This violence intervention and prevention program allows for flexibility and low-barrier innovation to better serve impacted communities and individuals in need of restoration, accountability, and healing. The objective of the Community Healer RFP is to address violence that targeted Black, Latine,and tribal communities because of the historic design and enforcement of state and federalcriminal laws and penalties for drug possession (the war on drugs). This program is designed tosupport personal healing, intergenerational healing, burnout prevention, and repair harm causedby systemic racism, anti-Blackness, and colonialism. Priority community representation (if accurate, you may choose more than one): Black Communities (inclusive of all cultures within) Latine Communities (inclusive of all cultures within) Tribal Communities (inclusive of all cultures within, including urban Indians) Priority counties and geography Clark, King, Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane, and Yakima. Funding Information Tier 1 Small-sized: with annual budgets under $150,000—can apply up to $50,000 Tier 2 Small-Mid-Sized: with annual budgets between $150,001 and $500,000—can apply up to $150,000 Tier 3 Mid-Sized: with annual budgets $500,001 to $1 million—can apply up to $250,000 Tier 4 Large-Sized: with annual budgets over $1 million—can apply up to $500,000 Project Period Begin on or about August 15, 2024 and to end on June 30, 2025.  Eligibility Criteria Minimum qualifications for this RFP: Federally recognized tribal government, tribal-led 501(c)3, or tribal-led communitybased organization; OR Licensed to do business in the State of Washington, or a statement of commitment to become licensed in Washington within thirty (30) days of being selected as the apparently successful contractor (exception: tribes); AND Small businesses, non-profits, faith-based organizations, and grassroots community – led organizations who are led by-and-for Black, Latine, and tribal communities as defined by the Community Reinvestment Project; AND Registered with the Community Reinvestment Project as a by-and-for organization. Partner organizations may collaborate with registered by-and-for organizations if they can provide evidence of partnership. For more information, visit Washington State Department of Commerce.

The Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grant Program is designed to award funds to for-profit, Alabama-based companies that have been granted Federal Small Business Innovation Research Program or Federal Small Business Technology Transfer Program (the “Federal SBIR/STTR Program”) Phase I or Phase II awards. Donor Name: Innovate Alabama State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/02/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Federal SBIR/STTR Program encourages innovative small businesses to engage in research that has the potential for technological innovation and commercialization. Increase the number and types of applications for the Federal SBIR/STTR Program submitted by Alabama-based small businesses conducting research and technology development. Help Alabama companies bridge the funding gap period between the final Phase I payment and the first Phase II payment in the Federal SBIR/STTR Program. Encourage the establishment and growth of high-quality companies committed to the overall economic development of Alabama and to supporting entrepreneurship and innovation across the State. Encourage the establishment of high-wage jobs in Alabama in both moderately and highly skilled occupations. Increase the commercial success of Alabama SBIR/STTR projects. Funding Information Phase I Awards Innovate Alabama may grant available funds to applicants that received funding under Phase 1 of the Federal SBIR/STTR Program in amounts not to exceed the lesser of either: 50% of the award made to the applicant under Phase I of the Federal SBIR/STTR Program; or $100,000.00. Phase II Awards Innovate Alabama may grant available funds to applicants that received funding under Phase II of the Federal SBIR/STTR Program in amounts not to exceed the lesser of either: 50% of the award made to the applicant under Phase II of the Federal SBIR/STTR Program; or $250,000.00. Uses of Funds Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grant recipients can utilize these funds to support and grow their businesses, through: Highly Skilled New Hires Business Plan Development Product Testing Market Research Intellectual Property Protection Technical Work Eligibility Requirements The applicant must meet all requirements under the Federal SBIR/STTR Program at the time of their application for the Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grant Program.  The applicant must meet the following requirements at the time their application for the Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grant Program is made, or within a reasonable time before the distribution of any award (in the sole discretion of Innovate Alabama) and for five years after any award is made under such program Within 12 months after receipt of the grant:  The applicant must have its primary place of business in Alabama;  The majority of the applicant’s top executives must live in Alabama as their place of residence; and At least a majority of the applicant’s employees must live in Alabama as their place of residence. The applicant must be a participant in the E-Verify program. As a part of implementing this Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grant Program, any applicant who was awarded Phase I or Phase II funding under the Federal SBIR/STTR Program that was active as of July 1, 2023, or thereafter, is eligible to apply at this time. Once a supplemental award has been made for a Phase I or Phase II of an underlying SBIR/STTR, an application for additional funds for that same phase award may not be requested. For more information visit Innovate Alabama.

Applicants are invited to apply for the Lincoln & Gilbert Small Business Relief Grants. Donor Name: Lincoln & Gilbert Initiative State: Ohio Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  06/18/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Lincoln & Gilbert Initiative is designed to help double the number of Black (MBE) employer firms in Cincinnati to 1,000+ in 5 years. The Urban League of Greater Southwest Ohio, The Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce, and the Cincinnati Chamber USA Minority Business Accelerator will cooperatively lead Lincoln & Gilbert. It will do so by leveraging the knowledge and expertise of these economic development organizations: the Greater Cincinnati Microenterprise Initiative (GCMI), MORTAR and Lightship Foundation. Funding Information Grants are open to small, medium, and large MBE’s based on revenue. There are three applicant tiers: $10,000 to $75,000 in revenue ($2,500 grant) $75,000 to $250,000 in revenue, ($5,000 grant) or $250,000 TO $1.5 million in revenue ($15,000 grant) Eligibility Criteria You can apply for a grant based on your business revenue. These grants are open to MBEs and individuals who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19, or that predominately serve businesses that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID. For more information, visit Lincoln & Gilbert.

The Oshkosh Area Community Foundation seeking applications to support employ online marketing tactics to amplify nonprofits’ missions, encourage donations, attract volunteers, and help organizations grow. Donor Name: Oshkosh Area Community Foundation State: Wisconsin County: Green County (WI), Waushara County (WI), Winnebago County (WI) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/10/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: Participating organizations will receive a brand audit and recommendations to help identify and prioritize opportunities for improvement along with up to 45 hours of service provision. Potential services include: Brand Audit and Strategy Development: Conduct a thorough assessment of your nonprofit’s current position and develop a strategic roadmap to align digital marketing efforts with your organization’s goals and values. Content Creation. Create and publish high-quality digital content like testimonials, blog posts, videos, or graphics based on the message you want to convey and the audience. Email Marketing. Develop an email marketing strategy including creation of email or online newsletter templates, personalized messaging, and content to strategically nurture relationships and educate stakeholders. Social Media Strategy. Determine the best social media platforms for your organization and build a content calendar. Search Engine Optimization. Implement on-page and off-page tactics for your website to gain visibility in search engine results and in turn grow organic traffic. Website Recommendations. An audit of your website and recommendations for improvements and updates. Grant period Services will be provided over a 4-month period (August-November 2024 or December 2024-March 2025). Geographic scope Nonprofits located in Winnebago County, Waushara County, Green Lake County, or the city of Ripon. For more information, visit OACF.

The Mayer Economic Development Authority (EDA) Local Business Improvement Grant Program is designed to stimulate private investment in high-quality improvements that contribute to the overall strength and community vitality of local business economy. Donor Name: Mayer Economic Development Authority State: Minnesota City: Mayer Type of Grant: Grant | Matching Grants Deadline: 06/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Mayer EDA establishes funding to assist private business owners in their efforts to make broad improvements to enhance the economic prosperity of the community. Funding Information Program grants are up to a $10,000 match. A minimum of 1:1 match for funding is required. An applicant may only be awarded one grant per property per 12-month period. Eligibility Criteria Grants will be made available to owners or tenants of a commercial property located within the corporate limits of the City of Mayer, Minnesota. The business must be current on all applicable taxes, licenses, permits, and in good standing with the State of Minnesota. The business must be current on their utility account with the City of Mayer. Ineligible Applicants Home based or primarily residential businesses. Churches. Schools or other similar institutions. For more information, visit EDA.

The Vermont Community Foundation is seeking proposals from Vermont villages, towns, and cities that close the opportunity gap by supporting local efforts to foster inclusion and belonging for people of all races and backgrounds. Donor Name: The Vermont Community Foundation State: Vermont County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The Foundation recognizes the powerful leadership roles that local governments can play in removing structural barriers and building a more inclusive and diverse state, and want to support communities in fulfilling that potential. This grant program, which was developed in cooperation with the Vermont League of Cities and Towns and Vermont’s Office of Racial Equity, is intended to support communities participating in the IDEAL (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Action, and Leadership) Vermont program. A limited number of grants continue to be available for communities not participating in the IDEAL program. The vision they hope to advance with this grant program is a Vermont where: All people feel connected to their communities, and do not feel afraid to visit, live, or conduct business in certain towns because of a reputation for exclusion, intolerance, or bias, nor because of a person’s own appearance Businesses and local governing bodies can easily recruit or be led by people who are Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC) because they feel safe and supported as members of the community Educators, students, local leaders, and families have tools and resources to handle issues of discrimination, exclusion, intolerance, or bias as soon as they happen It doesn’t matter how long someone has lived here to be considered a part of the community. Funding Information This program will award grants of up to $10,000 for an 18-month project period. The Foundation funds  The Foundation recognizes that Vermont communities are starting in different places in their work on equity, inclusion, and belonging, and that communities will need different things at different times. They welcome communities at all stages of learning. They also acknowledge that a single project will not address all of a community’s equity and inclusion challenges, and that this work is an ongoing process, so they seek to fund proposals that help a municipality make progress in its learning and actions. Because of this, the program is open to a range of proposals that meet locally defined community needs. This may include: Requests for funding to support consultant-led work within a community introductory trainings on diversity, equity, and inclusion implicit bias trainings equity assessments planning efforts review of hiring practices Community-wide conversations Support for the creation and work of municipal equity committees Stipends for community members to be involved in the work (for example, so that people can take time off work, pay for child care or transportation, or otherwise have their time appropriately compensated) Or a combination of these activities. Eligibility Criteria Eligible applicants are Vermont cities, towns, and villages. Nonprofit organizations or community groups doing work on behalf of and in coordination with a city, town, or village may apply if a letter of support from the municipal partner is included Grant applications will be accepted from organizations that are located in or serve the people of Vermont. Organizations must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or be a public agency or municipality in the state of Vermont. Nonprofit organizations or community groups who do not have 501(c)(3) status may apply for grant awards if another tax-exempt organization acts as a fiscal sponsor. For more information, visit TVCF.

The Denver Business Journal is seeking nominations for its 2024 Fast 50 Awards to recognize the region’s fastest-growing private companies based on revenue from 2021 to 2023. Donor Name: Denver Business Journal State: Colorado County: Adams County (CO), Arapahoe County (CO), Boulder County (CO), Broomfield County (CO), Denver County (CO), Douglas County (CO), Jefferson County (CO) Type of Grant: Awards and Prizes Deadline: 06/17/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Eligibility Requirements The annual Fast 50 list is a ranking of privately held companies based on percentage of growth in annual revenue for the past three fiscal years. To be in the running for this sought-after honor, the company’s gross annual revenue must be $1 million or more. Companies are grouped into categories based on annual reported gross revenues which are verified by an independent accounting firm. Finalists and winners will be showcased in a Denver Business Journal special section published October 20, 2023, and recognized at a special awards celebration on Thursday, October 24. Eligibility Requirements The company must be privately held, independently owned without a parent company, and must be for profit. It must be headquartered in the 7-county metro Denver region (Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, or Jefferson counties). Have a 3-year financial history (through full fiscal years 2021, 2022 and 2023 with revenue gains from 2022 to 2023. Have an average of at least $1 million in revenue during the 3 most recent years, and earned no less than $200,000 in revenue in 2021. Nominations that leave any of the revenue fields blank will not be considered. Approve the publishing of financial information by Denver Business Journal. A C-level executive from your company is expected to attend the event on October 24, 2024. To be considered for this award, please complete the questions below thoroughly. Nominations that leave any of the revenue fields blank will not be considered for the award. Finalists will be ranked on revenue growth based on the verified information submitted. For more information, visit Denver Business Journal.

The Research and Education Grant program funds projects that result in gains in farmer knowledge, awareness, skills, and attitudes that are then applied to make measurable on-farm changes leading to greater sustainability. Donor Name: Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 4 Years Details: The focus on farmer behavior change is a key requirement of this grant program. A wide variety of topics can be funded by Northeast SARE, including marketing and business, crop production, raising livestock, aquaculture, social sustainability, urban and Indigenous agriculture and much more. Other aspects of projects funded through the Northeast SARE program include those that address climate-smart agriculture practices intended to improve ecological, social, and economic resilience to climate change; increase carbon sequestration; and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate-smart practices include reduced and no-till, cover crops, prescribed grazing, ruminant feed management, manure management, fertilizer management, and on-farm energy efficiency. In addition, projects may address traditional ecological knowledge. Funding Information Awards typically range from $30,000 to $250,000. Grant Period Typical project length is 2 to 3 years. The maximum project length allowed is 3.5 years. Geographical Focus  The Northeast region includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C. Eligible Applicants Research and Education Grants are open to anyone who works with farmers, including personnel at nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, Cooperative Extension, municipalities, tribal governments, state departments of agriculture, federal agencies, research farms and experiment stations, for-profit business entities (such as private consultants, farmers and veterinary practices), etc. Northeast SARE encourages projects submitted from or in collaboration with women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). Additionally, they encourage projects submitted from or in collaboration with Minority Serving Institutions (including 1890s and other historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and tribal colleges and universities) and other organizations in the Northeast that work with historically underserved communities. Your organization must have the legal structure and financial capacity to receive and implement a Northeast SARE contract, including expending funds needed for the project prior to receiving reimbursements from Northeast SARE; advance payments are not possible. Projects must take place within the Northeast region. Applicants and host organizations may be located outside of the Northeast region if the project activities and the farmers served are located within the Northeast region. For more information, visit Northeast SARE.

The Northeast SARE Professional Development Grant program funds projects that develop the knowledge, awareness, skills and attitudes of agricultural and other service providers about sustainable agriculture practices to teach, advise or assist farmers. Donor Name: Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 4 Years Details: An agricultural service provider is a professional who assists farmers. Projects that develop the ability of other service providers (for example, real estate agents, bankers, and attorneys) to work with farmers are also eligible. These service providers then use what they’ve learned through participation in project activities in their work with farmers. A wide variety of topics can be funded by Northeast SARE, including marketing and business, crop production, raising livestock, aquaculture, social sustainability, urban and Indigenous agriculture and much more. Other aspects of projects funded through the Northeast SARE program include those that address climate-smart agriculture practices intended to improve ecological, social, and economic resilience to climate change; increase carbon sequestration; and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate-smart practices include reduced and no-till, cover crops, prescribed grazing, ruminant feed management, manure management, fertilizer management, and on-farm energy efficiency. In addition, projects may address traditional ecological knowledge. Funding Information Awards typically range from $30,000 to $150,000. Project Duration Typical project length is 2 to 3 years. The maximum project length allowed is 3.5 years. Geographical Focus  The Northeast region includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C. Eligibility Criteria  Professional Development Grants are open to anyone who works with service providers and farmers, including personnel at nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, Cooperative Extension, municipalities, tribal governments, state departments of agriculture, federal agencies, research farms and experiment stations, and for-profit business entities (such as farms, private consultants, veterinary practices and other businesses that serve the farming community). Northeast SARE encourages projects submitted from or in collaboration with women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). Additionally, they encourage projects submitted from or in collaboration with Minority Serving Institutions (including 1890s and other historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and tribal colleges and universities) and other organizations in the Northeast that work with historically underserved communities. Your organization must have the legal structure and financial capacity to receive and implement a Northeast SARE contract, including expending funds needed for the project prior to receiving reimbursements from Northeast SARE; advance payments are not possible. Projects must take place within the Northeast region. Applicants and host organizations may be located outside of the Northeast region if the project activities and the farmers served are located within the Northeast region. For more information, visit Northeast SARE.

Education Grants allow applicants to conduct education and outreach activities for the benefit of the greater sustainable ag community, and promote efforts in farmer innovations, community resilience, business success, ag diversification, and best management practices. Donor Name: Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: 08/02/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: Education Grants are open to academic institutions and organizations, such as non-profits and non-governmental organizations, who are interested in conducting education and outreach activities for the benefit of the greater sustainable ag community, and promote efforts in farmer innovations, community resilience, business success, agricultural diversification, and best management practices. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and 1890 land-grant university faculty/extension cooperators are especially encouraged to apply for this grant for their education and outreach activities. SSARE also considers proposals from organizations/institutions whose projects involve farmers from indigenous agriculture that produces products for community food systems. These enterprises may be eligible where the production activity has an annual value of less than $1,000, even if products are not sold due to cultural factors. Education Grants should focus on a topic area of sustainable agriculture relevance that meets SARE’s program goals. In addition, the proposed project should comprise education/outreach efforts/activities that support the research/education foundation of the institution/organization, and must clearly articulate how those education/outreach efforts/activities will be implemented and evaluated. Examples of Education Grant projects can include one or more of the following, but are not limited to: Experiential (Demonstrations, on-farm tours, field days, workshops, trainings, case studies); Integrative (Conferences, seminars, course curriculum) Reinforcement (Fact sheets, bulletins, books, manuals, videos, online technologies, guidebooks) SARE encourages proposals on quality of life topics that focus on the social health of a farming system. These can include, but are not limited to: Heirs property; Farmers’ markets; food hubs; locavores; CSAs; Local/regional processing/slaughter; Food sheds and food circles; Direct marketing and value-added; Beyond organics value chains; Farm to School/Institution; Civic agriculture, agritourism; Denominations of origin/geographic indications; Non-GMO movement, Slow Food, chef collaboratives; Urban ag systems; Food policy councils, governance structures; and Local/regional certification/branding. Funding Information Education Grant project maximums are $50,000, limited to two (2) years. Education Grants are paid by reimbursement of allowable project expenses. Who can apply? Researchers from public and private institutions, such as 1862 and 1890 land-grant universities or other colleges and universities; government agencies, such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service or USDA-ARS; non-governmental organizations; and community-based organizations. Education Grants strictly fund education and outreach activities related to sustainable agriculture whose outcomes are intended to benefit farmers and farming communities. There is no research involved in these grant projects. Southern SARE accepts proposals from applicants in the Southern region: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Grant Requirements  Education Grant proposals must meet the following basic requirements in order to be considered for funding: Project outcomes must focus on developing sustainable agriculture systems or moving existing systems toward sustainable agriculture. The project must clearly articulate what is being taught, to whom and how the project will accomplish those goals. The results must be realistic, acceptable to farmers, logical, and capable of leading to the actions and benefits described in the proposal. For farmers involved in your project, the primary occupation is farming/ranching or part-time farming. Producers run their farm alone or with family or partners and have a least $1,000 of documented annual income from the operation, as defined by USDA. SSARE also considers proposals with farmers from indigenous agriculture that produces products for community food systems. These enterprises may be eligible where the production activity has an annual value of less than $1,000, but products are not sold due to cultural factors. For more information, visit Southern SARE.

This grant provides matching funds to commercial property owners and businesses in specific zoning districts of Libertyville, Illinois, to improve the appearance and condition of their buildings and sites.

The Emerging Philanthropist Program (EPP) seeks to engage Central PA’s emerging business and community leaders with the great possibilities that lie within philanthropic endeavors in Harrisburg. Donor Name: The Foundation for Enhancing Communities State: Pennsylvania City: Harrisburg Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: The Emerging Philanthropist Program provides resources and educational opportunities for Harrisburg’s developing leaders who wish to be actively engaged in giving back to their community.. Funding Information One (1) $5,000 grant will be awarded to the chosen organization. EPP will not fund 100% of any project. Project Period Proposed projects may take place at any time during the grant year beginning January 1, 2025 and ending December 31, 2025. What cannot be funded Advertising Capital campaigns Direct lobbying to influence legislation or funding appropriations Individuals National and statewide umbrella organizations that cannot demonstrate a local presence New staff positions without a substantial plan for sustainability Religious organizations for religious purposes Retroactive projects For more information, visit The Foundation for Enhancing Communities.

This program provides $5,000 grants to BIPOC LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and small business owners in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area to support their business growth through funding, education, and networking opportunities.