Private Business and Commerce Grants

The Community Reinvestment Project (CRP) is a community-designed plan to invest $200 million from the Community Reinvestment Account into communities across Washington State that were disproportionately harmed by the historical design and enforcement of criminal laws and penalties for drug possession (otherwise known as the “war on drugs”). Donor Name: Spokane Workforce Council (SWC) State: Washington County: Spokane County (WA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/07/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: SWC is seeking proposals from organizations that provide services to one or more of these groups (Black, tribal, or Latine) to increase access of these focus populations to workforce system resources, specifically the EcSA program and Career Accelerator Incentives. Additionally, the goal is to foster stronger relationships, include voice of the customer in program design, provide more culturally specific services, and increase cultural competence in line with the equity mission. The Accelerating Community Connections grant opportunity is for organizations that provide services to one or more of these groups (Black, Indigenous, or Latine) to increase access of these focus populations to workforce system resources, specifically the EcSA program and Career Accelerator Incentives. Funded through the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Community Reinvestment Project, the Accelerating Community Connections grant aims to rectify historical injustices, including those from the “War on Drugs” by working with “By-and-For” organizations to help them connect the local Black, tribal, and Latine communities with workforce development resources. Funding Information Organizations may apply for up to $30,000. Allowable Costs Funding can be used broadly and creatively for this project, including covering personnel costs, occupancy costs, outreach activities, travel and training, supplies, and more. Direct client costs such as support services to remove barriers (for example, gas vouchers or bus passes) are also allowable. Contracts will be cost reimbursement contracts, so organizations must have the ability to incur costs and submit monthly invoices for reimbursement. No funds available under this RFP shall be used for investment in revolving loan funds, capitalization of business, investment in contract bidding resource centers or similar activities, or foreign travel. Eligibility Criteria  Applicant organizations must: Provide services in Spokane County (there is not a requirement to be headquartered in Spokane County, as long as services are provided in Spokane County). Either: Be registered as a By-and-For organization with the Washington State Department of Commerce or Be a federally recognized tribe in Washington or Have the ability to become registered as a By-and-For organization by July 1, 2024. As defined by the Office of Equity, to qualify as “By-and-For” for the CRP, an organization must: Be a part of, rooted in, and defined by the identity of the Black, Latine, and/or tribal community. Have leadership and staff who belong to the Black, Latine, and/or tribal community. Build trust, advocate, respond, and solve problems specific to Black, Latine, and/or tribal community. Have roots in their communities as change agents and providers of community services (services can include, but are not limited to, social services, employment support, community programming, educational support, etc.). Invest in and work with community members to improve their quality of life. Faith-based organizations are eligible. For more information, visit SWC.

The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta is seeking applications for the Metropolitan Atlanta Arts grant to support and provide resources to strengthen independent arts organizations with annual operating budgets under $2 million. Donor Name: Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta State: Georgia County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/14/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: These creative enterprises promote public access and encourage the breadth of arts and cultural programming in the metro Atlanta community. These general operating support grants are intended for programming and operations to allow organizations to increase public engagement as well as provide access to various forms of art across the region. Who is prioritized? In alignment with the TogetherATL strategy, the following types of organizations will receive priority consideration for 2024 support: Artistic or cultural activity led by Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), which is defined as organizations that meet at least one of the following criteria as denoted in the application: The artistic leader is BIPOC; The executive leader is BIPOC; Artistic or cultural activity directly represents or serves Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), which is defined as organizations that meet at least three of the following criteria as denoted in the application: Artistic works directly represent BIPOC experiences (as detailed in application narrative); Majority of board members are BIPOC; Majority of staff/technicians (employees, independent contractors, teaching artists, orb volunteers) engaged are BIPOC; and /or Majority of the population served (audience, students, non-staff artists) is BIPOC New organizations that have never received a Metropolitan Atlanta Arts grant from the Foundation. Organizations that have received less than $300,000 in total support from Metropolitan Atlanta Arts. Organizations that did not receive a Metropolitan Atlanta Arts grant in 2023. Funding Information Metropolitan Atlanta Arts grant support is made possible by the Metropolitan Atlanta Arts Fund and supplemented with funds from TogetherATL directed or discretionary sources when possible. In 2024, the Foundation is providing one-year general operating support grants ranging between $10,000 and $25,000. Funding Criteria  Community Benefit Artistic and Cultural Vibrancy Organizational Capacity Who is eligible to apply? To be eligible for a grant, organizations must meet all the following criteria: Have a primary mission to produce, present or create programs or activities in areas directly concerned with arts or culture Have produced or presented arts or culture program(s) year-round (at least eight months) Have a permanent and viable base in at least one of the following Georgia counties: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale. The applicant organization must have a business address in at least one of the above counties and conduct most of its local programs and services in metro Atlanta for the residents of metro Atlanta and visitors to metro Atlanta Have annual operating expenses not exceeding $2 million for the last completed fiscal year Provide a detailed single file, side-by-side operating budget (revenue and expenses) detailing the current fiscal year, most recently completed fiscal year and budget notes. Successful applicants have: A primary mission to create, produce, present or provide arts and/or cultural services for the public; A history of vibrant artistic and/or cultural programming; and Strong organizational capacity to carry out their work. For more information, visit CFGA.

Comcast RISE provides grants to help an even broader range of small businesses, while continuing to focus on diversity, inclusion, and community investment. Donor Name: Comcast RISE State: Selected States City: Selected Cities Type of Grant: Program Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Comcast RISE was created in 2020 to help small businesses hardest hit by COVID-19 recover and thrive. They’re pleased to bring Comcast RISE back in 2024, and they’re proud to continue the efforts to help an even broader range of small businesses, while continuing to focus on diversity, inclusion, and community investment. The program is built to help businesses and their communities thrive with a focus on economic growth. This year, Comcast RISE will award 500 recipients in five cities with a grant package that includes business consultation services, educational resources, monetary grant, creative production, media schedule, and a technology makeover. Funding Information Each Winner will receive $5,000 US Dollars in the form of a cash grant (“Monetary Grant”), a creative and media campaign (“Creative and Media Campaign”), a technology makeover (“Tech Makeover”), business education courses (“Education”), and a consultation (“Consultation”). This is awarded based on the judging criteria above. The Monetary Grant award consists of a $5,000 cash prize. The Creative and Media Campaign award consists of the production of a turnkey 30-second television commercial and the right to use that television commercial in a one hundred-eighty (180) day linear TV media schedule. After completion of the 180 day media schedule, recipients will have the opportunity to purchase an extension to the Media Campaign at then-current rates. Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”) of each Creative and Media Campaign prize: $17,500.00. The Education award consists of access to online business education courses through a 12-month complimentary LinkedIn Learning account. The Consultation award consists of a business assessment and tactical planning; business to business coaching; and mentorship to advise on how to grow business. The Technology Makeovers will include some combination of Comcast Business Internet, Voice, and cybersecurity malware detection with no monthly service charge for up to a 12-month period and computer equipment from a selection of laptops and/or tablets. Tech Makeover services can only be awarded to one business location for a 12- month consecutive period. Value of Comcast Business service and equipment not to exceed $7,500.00 for the year. Comcast Business will install services and a modem(s) at the business location specified on the submission. After completion of the 12-month period, recipients will have the opportunity to subscribe to the Comcast Business service at current rates. Exact make, model, type, and quantity of computer equipment received to be determined by Sponsor, in its sole discretion. ARV of each Tech Makeover prize: $7,500.00. Application Criteria To be eligible to apply, companies must meet the following criteria: Open only to eligible small businesses located and operating in one (1) of these geographies (as defined by Comcast via zip codes) in the United States: Atlanta, GA Southern Colorado Houston, TX Jacksonville, FL Richmond, VA Small business must be owned by an individual eighteen (18) years of age or older as of the start of the Program Period that also meets the following eligibility requirements: Person who owns the business is the primary decision maker for, and has been actively engaged in, the day-to-day operations of the business Owner owns at least 51% of the equity of said business Business is independently owned and operated and not a franchise location Business has been actively operating for at least three (3) years Business has been revenue generating for at least the 12 months prior to the Program Period Business does not fall into any of the following categories: Non-profit Chamber of Commerce Public or private education provider that participates in the FCCs E-Rate Universal Service Program Church or Religious Organizations including nondenominational ministries, interdenominational and ecumenical organizations, and organizations whose main purpose is to study or advance religion Political advertiser Any business related in any way to the growing, marketing, sale, distribution, or use of marijuana or related products Manufacturer or retailer of drug paraphernalia Virtual MVPD Internet Service Provider Gun manufacturer or retailer Fireworks manufacturer or retailer Tobacco/vape manufacturer or retailer Illegal products or services provider Adult entertainment company, including, but not limited to gentlemen’s clubs, adult toy stores, adult magazines, and adult programming services Ride sharing service providers (including independent contractors of ride sharing companies.) Business employs one hundred (100) employees (including full-time and part-time employees) or less Employees of Comcast Corporation, and each of its respective parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are not eligible to enter or win Employees of EY (Ernst & Young), Hello Alice, LinkedIn are not eligible to enter or win Only one submission per business owner Business owner has no prior felony convictions, tax-related convictions, or child support delinquency convictions Business owner may not currently be serving (either in a full time or part time capacity) as a federal, state, or local government or quasi-government official or employee Business or business owner who has previously received a Comcast RISE monetary grant, consultation, media, creative production, or technology makeover is not eligible. For more information, visit Comcast RISE.

The Climate Action Equity Project (CAEP) Advisory Group will be distributing grants, via the Greater New Orleans Foundation, to organizations working on equitable climate action projects that will further the goals listed in the Taking Steps Together for Equity & Climate. Donor Name: Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF) State: Louisiana County: Jefferson Parish (LA), Orleans Parish (LA), Plaquemines Parish (LA), Saint Bernard Parish (LA), Saint Charles Parish (LA), Saint James Parish (LA), Saint John the Baptist Parish (LA), Saint Tammany Parish (LA), Tangipahoa Parish (LA), Washington Parish (LA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Priority Areas  Modernize the energy use Improve transportation choices Reduce waste Create culture that supports workforce and small business opportunities in climate action Organizations must be located in New Orleans and be led by and/or have established partnerships with residents of underserved neighborhoods. The Climate Action Equity Program will support: General operations Programs Advocacy, including legislative, judicial, or executive advocacy; community organizing; campaigns; leadership development; and policy development Capacity building, including technology needs and support, collaboration, professional development, communications training, organizational effectiveness, and evaluation and research Funding Information Expected grant size is $5,000 to $10,000; grants may be larger or smaller. Eligibility Criteria  Nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations that serve within the Greater New Orleans area are eligible to apply for funding. Organizations that are not tax-exempt but have a fiscal agent relationship with a 501(c)(3) organization are also eligible. Smaller organizations and organizations with limited to no experience with the grant application process are especially encouraged to fill out the interest form, and there will be support available for completing this application. Grant Award Process  The Climate Action Equity Project Advisory Group will review all applications and recommend grants to be approved. The committee reviewing grant applications shall consist of representatives of the foundation’s Environmental Programs team, as well as community leaders and leaders of local groups with expertise in transportation, renewable and efficient energy, small business and workforce development, and waste reduction. Applications will be evaluated based on the following: Does the project and/or organization meet basic eligibility criteria? Does the project and/or organization meet the general and specific guidelines outlined above? How will the program or project be evaluated or its impact measured? The proposed plan or strategy for use of the funds? Is the organization networking, coordinating, cooperating, or collaborating with underserved communities? For more information, visit GNOF.

Mini-Grants for Community Impact are offered to bolster local initiatives in Choctaw, Lowndes, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Webster, and/or Winston Counties. Donor Name: United Way of the Golden Triangle Region State: Mississippi County: Choctaw County (MS), Lowndes County (MS), Noxubee County (MS), Oktibbeha County (MS), Webster County (MS), Winston County (MS) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This agreement is based on the mutual beliefs of both the United Way of the Golden Triangle Region and the participating organization that: The goal of meeting the human needs of the people of Choctaw, Lowndes, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Webster, and Winston Counties demands the united efforts of all segments of the commuity. Human services planning, community-wide fundraising and the allocation of funds based upon citizens’ review of services are the most effective and efficient means of meeting the human needs of the community. Clear understanding and mutual acceptance of the respective roles of the United Way of the Golden Triangle Region and the participating organization are essential to their joint effort to meet the human needs of the aforementioned counties. Funding Information The awarded amount ranges from $500 to $1,500, with a maximum of $1,500 per entity (non-profit, organization, program, business, or community group). Funds cannot be allocated towards salaries, reimbursements, matching funds, capital campaigns, operational expenses, consulting fees, or lobbying. Instead, they must be directed towards fulfilling a specific community need. Criteria This application welcomes registered 501(c)3 non-profits, organizations, businesses, programs, or community groups committed to advancing Education, Health, Financial Stability, Children/Family, and/or Disaster relief in this region. For more information, visit United Way of the Golden Triangle Region.

This funding opportunity supports university researchers in developing and commercializing life sciences inventions to advance their practical applications and attract potential investors.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local taxing districts and governments affected by the closure of the Colstrip power plants, helping them maintain essential services and mitigate tax revenue losses.

This program provides matching grants to local businesses in Libertyville to support growth and sustainability through various improvements, excluding general operational costs.

This program provides funding to support businesses and organizations involved in processing, storing, and distributing locally produced food in Michigan, helping to strengthen the state's food supply chain.

Community Grant of up to $5,000, thanks to a partnership between Pioneer Connect and The Foundation for Rural Service. ELIGIBLE CATEGORIES Business and Economic Development Community Development Education Telecommunications applications GRANT VALUE We are accepting grant requests from $250 to $5,000. Ten percent of the total grant award comes from Pioneer Connect, which will be your sponsor when applying. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS Grant proposals must be submitted using the format provided. Do not submit application in the form of a dissertation. Follow the outline as questions are asked. Not following the guidelines or incomplete proposals will not be considered. APPLICATION DEADLINE IS AUGUST 31, 2024 Awards are made at the end of the year, normally around Thanksgiving. To apply, submit your application materials below or email to [email protected].

The Washington State Department of Commerce is accepting applications for its 2025 Religious and Nonprofit Security Grant. Donor Name: Washington State Department of Commerce State: Washington County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/02/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: The Department of Commerce awards grants for nonprofit organizations including, but not limited to: religious nonprofits by-and-for organizations or cultural community centers to fund renovation or other security investments. All applications must demonstrate that their sites have been subject to, or at risk of physical attacks, threats, or other damages because of the mission, ideology or beliefs. Funding Information Applications in excess of $50,000 will be rejected as non-responsive and will not be evaluated. Grant Period August 7, 2024 – June 30, 2025. Eligibility Criteria  Applicant minimum qualifications include: Licensed to do business in the State of Washington or submit a statement of commitment that it will become licensed in Washington within thirty (30) calendar days of being selected as the Apparently Successful Applicant. Are a non-profit organization including, but not limited to, religious nonprofits, “by and for” organizations, or cultural community centers. Application Considerations In order for applications to be considered for this funding and be evaluated and scored, applications must: Have reasons to believe they have been subject to or at risk of physical attacks, threats, vandalism, or damages based on their mission, ideology, or beliefs and; Demonstrate a need for investments in physical security enhancements, construction or renovation, target hardening, preparedness planning, training, or exercises and; Use the funding for physical security enhancements, construction or renovation, target hardening, preparedness planning, training, or exercises. Own the property or if leasing/renting have permission in writing from the owner to make proposed security enhancements. At the time of the application, the organization is actively occupying and functioning out of the location listed in the application. For more information, visit WSDC.

Venmo Small Business Grant Program Terms & Conditions Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited by law. 1. Eligibility: The Grant Program is open only to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia who: Are at least eighteen (18) years old. Have a U.S. Venmo Account and valid business profile on Venmo in good standing, with a profile photo, background photo, and business description at the time of application and through the time of any grant award. Own a small business, defined as a business entity that is duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of its principal place of business (within the U.S. or D.C.) and: Can promptly provide all government documentation requested by Sponsor or Administrator to show proof of business status. Is active and has sold at least $500 worth of goods or services within the three (3) months prior to the start of the Grant Program Period. Employs ten (10) employees or less and has less than $50,000 in annual sales. Establishing a U.S. Venmo Account and valid business profile on Venmo is free. Conducting transactions on Venmo is not an eligibility criterion for this Grant Program. Employees of PayPal, Inc., Merkle Inc., Global Entrepreneurship Network, Inc., Hello Alice, Inc., and their parent and affiliate companies, as well as the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings, and children) and household members of each such employee, are not eligible. The Grant Program is void where prohibited by law. 2. Sponsor: PayPal, Inc., 2211 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95131. Administrator: Merkle Inc., 3000 Town Center, Floor 21, Southfield, MI 48075. 3. Agreement to Terms & Conditions: Participation in this Grant Program constitutes applicant’s full and unconditional agreement to these Terms & Conditions and Sponsor’s and Administrator’s decisions, which are final and binding in all matters related to this Grant Program. Receiving a grant, if selected, is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements set forth herein and any additional requirements disclosed by Sponsor. 4. Timing: The Grant Program begins on May 10, 2024, at 12:00 a.m. Eastern Time ("ET") and ends on May 31, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET (the "Grant Program Period"). Sponsor's servers are the official time-keeping device for the Grant Program.

Erie Arts and Culture is partnering with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts to help creative entrepreneurs and their businesses. Donor Name: Erie Arts and Culture State: Pennsylvania County: Crawford County (PA), Erie County (PA), Lawrence County (PA), Mercer County (PA), Venango County (PA), Warren County (PA) Type of Grant: Program Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program Description and Purpose This program is designed to pair access to existing small business consulting services with financial resources for creative entrepreneurs who aspire to start their own for-profit business or who operate an existing for-profit micro business. Creative entrepreneurs are invaluable assets to communities. They lead innovation, deliver creative products and services, generate economic opportunity, and build community identity. Assisting creative entrepreneurs is part of the pathway to recovery and increased opportunity within a rapidly changing economic environment. Additionally, this program advances and prioritizes the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts’ overarching value of diversity, equity, and inclusion and prioritize investment in creative entrepreneurs who identify as Black, Indigenous, or persons of color (BIPOC) or those located in and whose work benefits low-income communities as defined under federal guidelines. For the purpose of the Program, low-income communities are those where the poverty rate is greater than or equal to 20% or the median family income is less than or equal to 80% of the area median income. Funding Information Ranges from $500 – $2,000. Eligible Uses of funds Funds must support business formation or development. Eligible uses of funds include: Professional fees for workshops, consultants, and career coaching. Participation in events, trade shows, festivals, etc. that offer access to audience and revenue generation potential. Business development fees for courses or seminars for business skills. Research and development. Marketing and promotion. Development or upgrades to technology related to business practices. Studio/rehearsal/retail space rent. Reasonable fees for supporting/collaborating artists. Purchase of supplies and/or equipment. Eligibility Criteria Eligible applicants must be: At least 18 years of age and has been a resident of Pennsylvania for at least twelve months preceding the CEAP application The applicant is a creative entrepreneur intending to form or operate an eligible creative business as defined in the Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program (CEAP) Guidelines Creative entrepreneurs are eligible to apply for the Creative Entrepreneurs Accelerator Program once every three years. Non-profit organizations are not eligible for funds through this program. Be a creative entrepreneur intending to form a business or operating a business in Pennsylvania within one or more of the following creative industry areas: Marketing – Advertising and marketing agencies and professionals Architecture – Architecture firms and architects Visual Arts & Crafts – Galleries, artists, artisans, and makers Design – Product, interior, graphic, and fashion design firms and designers Film & Media – Film, video, animation, television, and radio businesses Digital Games – Companies, programmers, and individuals producing games Music & Entertainment – Producers, venues, musicians, and performers Publishing – Print or electronic businesses and content creators, editors, and writers For more information, visit Erie Arts and Culture.

This summer, small farmers and ranchers have a grant opportunity through the Board of County Commissioners. The Board is funding a mini-grant to Alachua County-based farms and ranches that earn between $1,000 and $250,000 annually. Funding is for capital and equipment expenditures that will positively impact these operation’s income. The total grant request must not exceed $5,000. Only one application per farm or ranch is permitted. The total funding available for this mini-grant is approximately $100,000. To reduce inequity in marginalized communities, this grant will also prioritize small farms and ranches owned by black, women, indigenous, and persons-of-color. Applications must be in the County Manager’s Office by 5 PM June 28, 2024.​ Applicants will complete the application and submit it to Alachua County’s Office of Sustainability, Equity, and Economic Development Strategies. Applications may be submitted by email to [email protected]​

This initiative provides cash awards and support to Black-led startups in Brazil, helping them overcome barriers to entrepreneurship and grow their businesses without giving up equity.

This grant provides financial support for educational projects in the retail floristry sector, aiming to enhance knowledge and skills across the United States.

This program provides financial support and resources to small businesses in select U.S. cities that are dedicated to community upliftment and have been impacted by COVID-19.

This grant provides financial support for Arizona's retail florists to attend out-of-state educational and design events in the floral industry.

The NAACP x BACARDI are working together to provide dedicated support under-represented minorities in the beverage alcohol service, sales and hospitality industries. Backing the B.A.R. is an NAACP initiative that is awarding over $100,000 in acceleration grants, education, support and entrepreneurship solutions for minority-owned bars, restaurants, nightclubs, lounges, liquor stores and small businesses in the process of applying for a liquor license. If you are a minority-owned business owner with a liquor license or real liquor license aspirations - and you need financial, educational or mentorship support, please apply here. Ideal grant recipients are looking for support in accelerating their business for the future.

The Knox County Community Foundation seeks funding requests for its Target Lasting Change (TLC) Grant Initiative. Funding will be focused on quality of life and quality of place programs/projects in Knox County that have the potential to stimulate economic growth within the county. A $100,000 grant will be awarded to one charitable organization whose funding request most aligns with initiative goals and aims to make a significant and sustained, positive impact in the community.