Private Business and Commerce Grants

The Oregon Community Foundation is pleased to announce the Thriving Entrepreneurs Grant Program. Donor Name: Oregon Community Foundation State: Oregon County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Thriving Entrepreneurs Grant provides an open, responsive grantmaking opportunity that offers organizations flexible funding, with prioritized support for those organizations that serve entrepreneurs who are women, people of color, living in under-resourced rural communities, or working in under-resourced sectors such as consumer products. Funding Information In 2024, Oregon Community Foundation anticipates awarding $750,000. Grant Period All grants will be one year (12 months) in duration. Guiding Principles Foundation value Oregon’s diverse regions and populations, and seek to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion through The funding. Foundation is committed to funding across Oregon with grant dollars reaching the remote, rural, suburban, and urban communities across every region of the state. Foundation prioritizes investments that creatively address needs and position entrepreneurs to thrive in Oregon. Foundation prioritizes investments demonstrating strong community support, solid planning, and wise stewardship. Eligibility Criteria 501(c)(3) organizations, Tribal entities, and government entities are eligible to apply. Additionally, other types of organizations may work with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor to submit an application. Applicants must submit formal paperwork confirming the fiscal sponsor relationship. Organizations with an active Community Grant or any other OCF grant are eligible to apply. Thriving Entrepreneurs Grant recipients from past years are also eligible to apply. Organizations may submit only one application for a 2024 Thriving Entrepreneurs Grant unless they are an umbrella organization or a fiscal sponsor for a separate application. The strongest proposals will Address a clear and compelling business community need Have goals/work that are relevant to Oregon’s entrepreneurs, including small and micro businesses If the project addresses the needs of a specific population, have staff and board with demonstrated cultural expertise to serve that population Demonstrate that people with lived experience are meaningfully leading and/or influencing the work Reflect realistic goals and solid planning Show strong potential to build the organization’s stability, effectiveness, or capacity Demonstrate strong community support, including the support of people being served Clearly communicate the role and potential impact of an OCF grant in this moment Have a realistic plan for securing remaining funds needed to carry out the work within the grant period If the proposal involves new staff or other significant on-going expenses, explain how the organization is thinking about long-term sustainability. Priority will be given to organizations that Primarily serve one or more priority populations (women, people of color, under-resourced rural communities, or sectors) Are reasonably positioned for long-term organizational viability Support OCF in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion through the funding Reflect a strengths-based orientation Work to create positive, substantive change. For more information, visit OCF.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is seeking proposals for the 2024 Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund to advance pollinator conservation. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The goal of the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund (Pollinator Fund) is to protect, conserve, and increase habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators.  The most competitive projects will demonstrate clear benefits to both monarch butterfly and additional at-risk native insect pollinator species (i.e., federally listed, candidate, or proposed native insect pollinator species). Special consideration will be given to projects benefiting rusty patched bumble bee, Franklin’s bumble bee, Karner blue butterfly, Dakota skipper, Poweshiek skipperling, and Mitchell’s satyr. Categories Grants will be awarded in two categories:  Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands Funding in this category will support implementation of technical assistance to increase the number of private landowners voluntarily engaged in monarch butterfly and pollinator conservation practices on private working lands. Up to $2 million is expected to be available for grants ranging from $150,000 to $500,000. Funding will be awarded for projects up to three years in length following finalization of the grant agreement. This category aims to support conservation planning and practice design with private landowners to advance voluntary conservation efforts on working lands that align with NRCS Working Lands for Wildlife frameworks or initiatives, and especially increase Working Lands for Wildlife participation among farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in the Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories. The 2024 Pollinator Fund RFP will support projects that: Direct staff resources to help agricultural producers design and implement conservation practices. Increase Farm Bill program participation and conservation practice implementation among agricultural producers, especially farmers and ranchers in the Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories. Funding in this category will support the following two strategies: Hiring additional staff or contractors, based on demonstrated need, including staff to assist private landowners and NRCS with developing pollinator habitat management plans and implementation of new and existing NRCS financial assistance contracts. Targeting outreach to landowners and other partners to prioritize, plan, and deliver financial assistance available through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and other Farm Bill programs to improve pollinator habitat and support at-risk pollinator species. Habitat Improvement Funding in this category will support on-the-ground work to increase the quality, quantity, and connectivity of habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators. Up to $3.1 million is expected to be available for grants ranging from $200,000 to $300,000. Funding will be awarded for projects up to two years in length following finalization of the grant agreement. Applicants in this category should define a step-by-step restoration plan including site preparation, equipment used, planting techniques, size of the project area, description of target native plant community, and maintenance plan (e.g., prescribed burning, mowing, grazing schedules). Projects proposed to benefit other at-risk native insect pollinators should specify habitat needs for those species and how the proposed work will support their breeding, nectaring, nesting, or other habitat needs. Funding in this category will support the following two strategies: Restore and enhance pollinator habitat, with an emphasis on regionally appropriate milkweed and a diversity of native nectar plants. Increase native seed and seedling supply, with an emphasis on improving the sustainability and affordability of regionally appropriate, local ecotypes. Program Priorities  All proposals must specifically address how the proposed project will directly and measurably contribute to the accomplishment of the Pollinator Fund’s goals as outlined in NFWF’s Monarch Butterfly Business Plan. As such, all proposals must provide the number of acres restored or enhanced as a result of the project. Proposals must include plans to restore or enhance a minimum of 100 acres in California or 500 acres in all other eligible states. Acres may be counted from multiple sites; the sites do not need to be contiguous. Since 2015, successful proposals have included a median of 960 acres and an average of 2,120 acres restored or enhanced.  Funding Information The Pollinator Fund will award up to $5.1 million in grants in 2024: up to $2 million for Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands and up to $3.1 million for Habitat Improvement. Funding is provided by Bayer Crop Science, Danone North America, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and U.S. Forest Service (USFS).  Geographical Areas  Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands  Grant funding will be awarded in the following eligible states: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. Within eligible states, priority will be given to projects located in the North Core, South Core, West Core, and Overwintering Monarch Conservation Units. Projects are restricted to private working lands. Habitat Improvement Grant funding will be awarded in the following eligible states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Within eligible states, priority will be given to projects located in the North Core, South Core, West Core, and Overwintering Monarch Conservation Units. West of the Rocky Mountains, priority will be given to projects on or adjacent to the following: monarch butterfly overwintering sites, BLM lands, and USFS lands. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible and Ineligible Entities: Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c) organizations, U.S. federal government agencies, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, tribal governments and organizations, and educational institutions. Ineligible applicants include businesses, unincorporated individuals, and international organizations. For more information, visit NFWF.

The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) provides the Farm and Ranch Solid Waste Cleanup and Abatement Grant Program to help clean up and prevent illegal dumping on farm or ranch property. Donor Name: California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Farm or ranch property need not have active sales or production, but shall be appropriately zoned, or otherwise authorized for agricultural activities. Farm or ranch property includes appurtenant easements or right-of-ways such as, but not limited to, public roads and utilities. Funding Information $1,000,000 available for each fiscal year. Up to $200,000 is the maximum available per applicant per fiscal year (FY). $50,000 is the maximum available per cleanup site. Eligibility Criteria  Cities Counties Resource Conservation Districts Federally Recognized Tribes. For more information, visit CalRecycle.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Berkshire Taconic region to support capacity-building projects that enhance governance, diversity, and overall effectiveness in serving their communities.

The Alaska Community Foundation, in partnership with GCI, is proud to offer the GCI Suicide Prevention Grant Program, which will fund projects and organizations whose goal is to reduce the rates of suicide in Alaska and promote mental wellness through strengthened community and personal connections. Donor Name: The Alaska Community Foundation State: Alaska County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/14/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Organizations seeking project or operational support are encouraged to apply. Funding for capital projects is ineligible. Priority will be given to organizations that: Empower Alaskans to work together to promote community wellness. Demonstrate measurable results, accountability, cultural sensitivity, and unify communities. Will impact communities that might not have easy access to suicide prevention support programs. Funding Information Grant requests may be a minimum of $1,000 and up to $10,000; average award is approximately $5,000. Eligibility Criteria  Your organization is eligible for funding through this grant opportunity if it is one of the following: 50I (c)3 public charitable organization with 509(a)( I ), 509(a)(2), or 509(a)(3) public charitable status as designated in your IRS Determination letter (including qualified faith-based organizations). Faith-based organization providing social services to the broader community. Federally recognized Tribes or Tribal nonprofit organizations. City governments or Boroughs. K- 12 Schools. The following are not eligible for grant funding: Individuals. State or federal government agencies. For-profit organizations or businesses. Private nonprofit organizations (those not identified in their IRS determination letter as 509(a)( I), 509(a)(2), or 509(a)(3). Requests for support that do not fall within the funding guidelines outlined above. Activities that improperly discriminate as to race, gender, marital status, sexual preference, age, disability, creed or ethnicity, or grants for religious indoctrination or other religious activities. For more information, visit ACF.

The Omaha Jaycees Foundation provides grants to support the charitable efforts of the Omaha Jaycees and to improve Greater Omaha. Donor Name: Omaha Jaycees Foundation State: Nebraska City: Omaha Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: OJF is a 501(c)(3) Public Charity whose primary focus is to make charitable grants of up to $1,000 to fund service projects in support of immediate needs and/or long-term community betterment. Eligibility Requirements Nonprofit organizations may be eligible to submit an application to OJF if they meet all of the following three requirements: Defined as a tax-exempt organization by the Internal Revenue Code, provide services to the residents of Greater Omaha, and requesting funds to conduct a 501(c)(3)-compliant charitable activity as defined by section 170(c)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code. OJF does not make grants in support of the following: Individuals, scholarships, bifurcated gifts, political campaigns or lobbying efforts, businesses operating for personal gain or profit, funding of an endowment, debt repayment, payment for expenses incurred in the past, or direct support of religious activities that do not serve community members regardless of congregational membership and statements of belief. For more information, visit OJF.

The Fund for Williamstown seeks nominations for the DeMayo Bright Futures Innovation Award. Donor Name: Fund for Williamstown State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Awards and Prizes Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 10/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The award recognizes organizations, institutions, businesses or individuals who create new approaches to solving community challenges and/or who enhance life in Williamstown through innovative programs that do not currently exist in the community. This award is presented to those demonstrating an exceptional degree of innovation and creativity, resulting in significant community impact. It recognizes non-traditional approaches to solving community challenges and/or to enhancing life in community. Funding Information The award recipient will receive $1,000 to further the innovative work of the recipient to benefit community. Who can Apply This award is by nomination only. Organizations, institutions, businesses or individuals may be nominated if they are passionate about solving community challenges with innovative practices in Williamstown, Mass. Self-nominations and posthumous nominations will not be accepted. No current Fund for Williamstown committee member may be nominated. Past award recipients are not eligible for re-nomination within a three-year period. For more information, visit BTCF.

The Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce Community Development Fund supports nonprofits that are located in the Chamber’s five-county footprint and play a critical role in education, leadership, economic opportunity, and self-sufficiency. Donor Name: Princeton Area Community Foundation State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/17/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Projects / programs from organizations that play a critical role in the following areas: Education: They support innovative programs that help low-income and at-risk students succeed in school and prepare for post-secondary education and/or entry into the workforce. Priority is given to programs that reach a broad number of students, bring together community resources, support curriculum innovation, and could be replicated if successful. Economic Opportunity and Workforce Development: They support the creation of economic opportunity through grants to nonprofits that foster economic development including programs that support small business development and expansion, commercial revitalization, job creation, work-entry programs, specific skills training, and transportation. Grant Period One-year grants. Eligibility Criteria  An applicant must have tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Service Code, be a publicly supported charity under Section 509, and be registered with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs as a charity in good standing. Applications will be accepted from organizations that operate and provide services within the Chamber’s geographic area which includes the following municipalities: Municipality of Princeton Ewing Township  Robbinsville Township West Windsor Township  Lawrence Township  Monroe Township Plainsboro Township  Hopewell Borough  Cranbury Township Montgomery Township Hopewell Township Borough of Allentown South Brunswick Township  Pennington Borough Franklin Township City of Trenton  East Windsor Township Borough of Rocky Hill Hamilton Township  Hightstown Borough The Village of Kingston. For more information, visit PACF.

The Hispanic Impact Fund a signature program at Austin Community Foundation works to bridge the racial wealth divide and advance economic opportunity for Latino families in Central Texas. Donor Name: Austin Community Foundation State: Texas County: Bastrop County (TX), Burnet County (TX), Caldwell County (TX), Hays County (TX), Travis County (TX), Williamson County (TX) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: Focus Areas This grants cycle, the Hispanic Impact Fund will be awarding funding to organizations and programs that fit into one of the following strategy areas: Early Childhood Education: The Fund will invest in organizations that provide access to affordable, high-quality Pre-K and early childhood education starting at age 3, building the pipeline from cradle to career for Latino families. Health & Wellness: The Fund will invest in organizations that provide preventative, culturally competent health education and access to quality mental and physical health services. Job Skills & Entrepreneurship: The Fund will invest in organizations that assist Latino entrepreneurs in gaining the knowledge and skills needed to expand their businesses. Leadership Development: The Fund will invest in organizations advancing Latino leadership and creating pipelines of youth, emerging, and established Latino talent, which are critical to building a thriving Central Texas. Funding Information Winning Finalist: $50,000 total; a multi-year grant over two years — $30,000 in 2024 and $20,000 in 2025. Runner-up Finalist: $35,000 total; a multi-year grant over two years — $20,000 in 2024 and $15,000 in 2025. Two Semifinalists: $20,000 in 2024. Eligibility Criteria Nonprofit organizations working in the 6 county Central Texas region, which includes: Travis, Bastrop, Burnet, Caldwell, Hays, and Williamson counties Organizations must be tax-exempt under Sections 501(c)3 or 170(b)(1)(a)(vi) of the Internal Revenue Code and/or be a unit of government Proposals will be considered from organizations that engage in non-lobbying advocacy work. Organizations doing systems change level work such as educating the public about issues, community organizing, policy research and other non-lobbying advocacy activities may apply Proposals will be considered from religious organizations that engage in non-religious programming. Religious organizations will need to demonstrate that their work aligning with the Program Funds’ strategies is secular in nature and does not discriminate against any employees or clients based on religion. Ineligibility Endowment funds Scholarships Religious organizations for religious purposes Fundraising activities or events Umbrella funding organizations that intend to distribute funds at their own discretion Individuals Organizations with discriminatory hiring practices based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, etc. For more information, visit ACF.

The UpPrize Social Innovation Challenge, powered by Innovation Works and funded by the BNY Mellon Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania, creates cross-sector partnerships to solve some of community’s most pressing problems. Donor Name: Innovation Works State: Pennsylvania County: Allegheny County (PA), Armstrong County (PA), Beaver County (PA), Butler County (PA), Fayette County (PA), Greene County (PA), Indiana County (PA), Lawrence County (PA), Washington County (PA), Westmoreland County (PA) Type of Grant: Awards and Prizes Deadline: 07/08/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The UpPrize Social Innovation Challenge, an annual competition to promote entrepreneurship that makes a lasting community impact in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Since its founding in 2015, the UpPrize Social Innovation Challenge has allocated more than $3.1 million in investments, grants, and educational assistance to local nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and other participants. Prize Information The top three finalists will receive a combined $300,000 in prize monies and accelerator assistance to launch or expand startups using technology to address social inequities. First Place: $125,000. Second Place: $100,000. Third Place: $75,000. Eligibility Criteria You must be 18 years old or older The submitting nonprofit, business, or individual must be based in one of these counties in Pennsylvania: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, or Westmoreland. The startup’s impact must also be in one of these counties. Must ensure that their participation does not violate their employer’s policies or procedures or any other third-party rights or obligations (e.g. non-competition agreements). The applicant company leaders or individual and their immediate family members must not be employed by or affiliated with BNY Mellon, Innovation Works, or any of their/the parent and affiliate companies. Have not received funding of $50,000 or more in previous UpPrize cycles. For more information, visit UpPrize.

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.

The Waste Reduction & Innovation Grant (WRIG) is available to eligible schools, businesses and nonprofits for planning, equipment, supplies and capital improvements that result in the significant reduction of solid waste that the business creates. Donor Name: BizRecycling State: Minnesota County: Ramsey County (MN), Washington County (MN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/14/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Waste reduction is the most environmentally preferred strategy for managing solid waste. Waste reduction projects eliminate the use of materials that end up being discarded from production and sales processes. Waste reduction projects can take many different forms, including reusing source materials, bulk purchasing, packaging changes, technology enhancements or production redesign. Program Goals The Waste Reduction and Innovation Grant has the following program goals: Increase waste reduction and recycling activities within the business community. Support source specific reduction, recycling, and reuse needs. Provide innovative solutions to waste reduction problems. Support sustainable solutions to ensure growth of on-site efforts by staff and contractual services related to waste reduction and recycling. Support efforts to manage operations higher on the waste management hierarchy as it relates to: waste reduction and reuse activities. market development activities. food recovery and donation. Composting/organics collection. hard to recycle materials/ source separated materials. large business, industrial and college campuses. Priority Areas Impact – Estimated weight in pounds of waste, recycling or organic material that will be reduced or eliminated. Innovation – Implementation of a new idea or technology with clear waste reduction outcomes. Types of Waste  The primary material reduced must be mixed municipal solid waste (MSW). Garbage, refuse and other solid waste from residential, commercial, industrial and community activities that the generator of the waste aggregates for collection. For the purposes of this grant, solid waste includes garbage, refuse or sludges in solid, semisolid, or liquid form. Waste is typically disposed of in garbage, recycling or organics collection systems. Funding Information One-time grants of up to $50,000 will be awarded to eligible businesses and nonprofits for planning, equipment, supplies and capital improvements that result in a significant reduction of solid waste that the business creates. Applicants must contribute a 10% cash match of the total project cost. Uses of funds  Equipment & Materials  Industry-specific equipment and supplies that eliminate solid waste from the production process or captures materials for reuse. Infrastructure improvements to enhance industry-specific waste reduction and recycling capabilities. Equipment and supplies that move businesses from disposable items to reusable options. Construction & Infrastructure  Waste, recycling and organics management infrastructure improvements among co-operative businesses located within the same building or business park. Infrastructure improvements to enhance industry-specific waste reduction and recycling capabilities. Research & Development  Industry-specific consultation costs to reduce the creation of solid waste at its source, which is beyond the expertise of R&E consultants. Costs related to the research and development activities of products or services that would significantly reduce solid waste in Ramsey and Washington County. Company must be located within Ramsey or Washington counties. Staff or consultation time to develop environmentally preferable purchasing plans. Staff or consultation time to develop co-operative purchasing groups to leverage access to bulk materials which align with the business’s environmental purchasing plan. Education & Engagement  Staff time to develop an onsite “Green Team.” Production and printing of custom signage, labels and education materials. Eligibility Criteria  Businesses must meet the following criteria: Be one of the following types of businesses: For profit Nonprofit Private college or university Place of worship Schools Ramsey County: Charter schools with less than 250 students and all private schools Washington County: All charter schools and all private schools Must have a permanent physical location in Ramsey or Washington counties of Minnesota. Be in good standing with the Minnesota Secretary of State and the Minnesota Department of Revenue at time of application. Previous recipients of BizRecycling grants may apply. Applicants must be in compliance with their previous grant contract. Ineligible entities include: Home-based businesses All public entities including federal, state, county and city; public colleges and universities Public K-12 schools in Ramsey County Residential apartment buildings. For more information, visit BizRecycling.

The Food Recovery Grant supports programs that recover surplus, edible food from businesses, organizations and/or farmer’s markets for distribution to people in need. Donor Name: BizRecycling State: Minnesota County: Ramsey County (MN), Washington County (MN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/19/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Recovery Grants are open to businesses (food donors, including food producers, distributors, grocers and cafeterias), nonprofit organizations and college food shelves in Ramsey and Washington counties. Funding Information Grant awards are up to $20,000. Uses of funds  Food Recovery & Donation Materials for food recovery activities, including collection materials (buckets, boxes, bags, etc.) and food mobility equipment (carts, pallets, etc.). Storage costs, including rental and/or equipment purchase. Transportation costs, including vehicle rental. Limited staffing costs related to food recovery/gleaning work. Infrastructure and equipment for use in food recovery and donation efforts. Education & Engagement Staff recycling training (one hour wage per employee). Eligibility Criteria  Applicants must meet the following criteria: Eligible businesses include: Businesses (food donors) Food producers Distributors Grocers Cafeterias Food shelves and banks Colleges (donation and food shelves) Farmers markets Be in good standing with the Minnesota Secretary of State and the Minnesota Department of Revenue at time of application. All food recovery associated with this grant must take place in Ramsey or Washington counties of Minnesota. For more information, visit BizRecycling.

This program provides financial support to LGBTQ+-owned and allied restaurants, cafes, and bars to help them thrive and recover.

This program provides financial support to LGBTQ+-owned and allied restaurants, cafes, and bars to help them thrive and recover from challenges.

Beyond Open is a competitive small business grant program focused on enhancing economic mobility within Charlotte's Corridors of Opportunity. It aims to support diverse-owned small businesses, including those owned by minorities, women, veterans, LGBTQ individuals, and persons with disabilities. The grant can be used for capital assets such as equipment, technology, inventory, and real estate, and does not require repayment. Administered by FFTC Partners For Empowering Communities, a supporting organization of the Foundation For The Carolinas, and funded by the Wells Fargo Open for Business Fund, Beyond Open has awarded over $10 million in grants to nearly 300 small businesses during its first two rounds. The third round will distribute approximately $5 million in grants. The program aims to retain jobs, encourage job growth, and inspire new entrepreneurial endeavors in areas with low economic mobility and among historically underrepresented groups. It also seeks to create opportunities for small businesses to provide goods or services in affluent areas where minority business owners have been under-represented.

The purpose of the John W. and Edna McManus Shepard Fund of The Columbus Foundation is to provide cultural and/or economic programs that benefit the residents of Cambridge and/or Guernsey County.

General Operating Grants support the daily operations of 501(c)3 arts agencies, and are intended to fill critical funding gaps which often limit arts organizations in paying professional staff, managing facilities or in pursuing capital improvements. Donor Name: Allegany Arts Council (AAC) State: Maryland County: Allegany County (MD) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Funding Information  Organizations are eligible to apply for a maximum of $3,500 annually and must provide a final grant report at the conclusion of the grant period. Grant Period July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025. Eligibility Requirements  Grantees must be non-profit, 501(c)3 (or eligible for IRS tax-exempt status), and based in Allegany County with programming and business conducted in Allegany County. By-laws must provide that assets do not accrue to any director, officer or member of the organization. Programs and events funded with GOG money must be open to the general public. GOG funds must be used for arts-related programming or general organizational operations. GOG funds may not be used for capital purchases, fundraising events, or social functions. Note that this is an Allegany Arts Council policy and that the Maryland State Arts Council does not match capital improvement. Programs that proselytize for specific political actions or religious beliefs are not eligible for funding. In order to stimulate rather than replace community support, a 1:1 cash match is required (i.e., GOG grant funding may not exceed 1/2 of the proposed program budget). Funds from the Maryland State Arts Council are not allowed as part of this match. In-kind or donated services are similarly ineligible to be included in the match although they should be identified on the application. Grantees must notify AAC of any major change in the program or event as described in the grant application. In the event of cancellation, or dissolution of the organization, grant funds must be returned. Grantees must comply with Title VI, Section 601, of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which states that no persons on the grounds of race, color or national origin shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination related to, the arts. Grantees must comply with Title IV, Section 1681, of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Section 6101, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex or age. Grantees must comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 which states no otherwise qualified person shall, solely by reason of his or her handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination related to the arts. Grantees must include the phrase “Sponsored in part by the Allegany Arts Council with funds from the Maryland State Arts Council.” whenever and wherever program credit is being given. Similarly, grantees should always strive to inform, inspire and educate the local community with regard to their arts-related programming. For more information, visit AAC.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) seeks proposals to voluntarily conserve aquatic habitat in southeastern United States and Texas. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/18/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The priorities of the Southeast Aquatics Fund are informed by the aquatic goals and strategies of the Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan, which was adopted by the NFWF Board of Directors in 2018 (updated 2023). To the extent possible, proposals should describe how activities will advance specific goals and objectives of the Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan and/or other relevant conservation plans. The plan seeks to conserve the extraordinary biodiversity found across the southeast. It prioritizes work in northern Alabama and Georgia due to measurement and monitoring constraints. It utilizes a suite of aquatic species as indicators of healthy aquatic habitat in prioritized watersheds. Because of the priority given to this subregion, funding is available for a wide range of activities in the Conasauga River (GA) and Locust Fork and Middle Coosa (AL) watersheds. Priority will be given to projects that would benefit the following focal species: Conasauga River – Endemic and Native Fishes (Alabama shiner, banded sculpin, blue shiner, bridled darter, Coosa darter, Coosa shiner, Greenbreast darter, tricolor shiner and trispot darter). Middle Coosa – Trispot darter Funding Information Approximately $8.45 million is available in grant funding in 2024. Grant awards are expected to range from $150,000 to $500,000, depending on the overall scale and duration of the project. Project Period Anticipated completion time for funded projects typically will be 24–36 months following finalization of a grant agreement.  Geographic Scope Grants will be made in specific geographies or river basins in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and Texas.  Eligibility Criteria Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, Tribal Governments and Organizations, and educational institutions. Applicants must comply with or be exempted from federal single audit requirements. Ineligible applicants include U.S. Federal government agencies, businesses, unincorporated individuals, and international organizations. U.S. Federal agencies are encouraged to partner with applicants but are not eligible to apply. For more information, visit NFWF.

The Zoo Labs: FUND, administered in partnership with the Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI), is a funding and investment initiative designed to support Bay Area entrepreneurs who are launching or growing businesses centered around music. With a strong emphasis on culturally-rooted artist teams, the program offers unrestricted funding to music ventures that align with values of cultural preservation, innovation, economic empowerment, and community enrichment. In 2025, the FUND will distribute a total of $230,000 in grants, prioritizing artist teams that face barriers to accessing capital and are committed to contributing to the Bay Area's creative ecosystem. Zoo Labs: FUND provides grants in four tiers: $5,000, $15,000, $25,000, and $50,000, with award size contingent upon the team’s business development stage. Eligibility requires applicant teams of at least two individuals, including one culturally-rooted artist, who all reside full-time in specified Bay Area counties. Teams may include various roles such as content creators, producers, engineers, and advisors, and must be operating a music-centered business, whether as a nonprofit, sole proprietorship, or for-profit organization. Prior grantees may reapply if they meet reporting and mentorship obligations from previous awards. Applicants must complete an online submission through CCI’s Submittable platform between May 19 and July 7, 2025. Required materials include a team pitch video, business matrix, one work sample, and a budget with notes. Applications are assessed based on the strength of the team, artistry and craft, entrepreneurship, and internal and external community impact. An independent panel reflecting diverse backgrounds will review the materials and recommend grantees. The notification of awards is scheduled for September 8, 2025. In addition to receiving financial support, awardees gain access to mentorship opportunities through Zoo Labs: LEARN. These include on-demand courses, virtual networking sessions, and for higher-tier recipients, a strategy session with Zoo Labs Co-Founder Vinitha Watson. All grantees must attend a virtual orientation on October 15, 2025, and participate in at least one one-on-one business mentorship session. Recipients of $25,000 or $50,000 grants are also invited to serve as voluntary mentors to future applicants. The grant supports activities from September 2025 through September 2026. For assistance, applicants can contact CCI via email at [email protected] or phone at 415.288.0530. Additional technical support is available through Submittable. Information sessions and office hours are scheduled throughout June and early July to assist prospective applicants in preparing strong submissions. All applicants are encouraged to review the guidelines, FAQs, and application preview before seeking support. The Zoo Labs: FUND is made possible with support from Vinitha and David Watson and individual donors. Contributions are welcomed to expand the program’s reach. The FUND continues to invest in artistic legacies that reflect the diversity, resilience, and creativity of Bay Area communities.