Private Business and Commerce Grants

The Black Ambition Prize competition provides a platform for Black and Hispanic founders across the nation to access growth capital, coaching, and a curated community of innovators and mentors. Donor Name: Black Ambition State: All States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Awards and Prizes Deadline: 05/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Eligible applicants consist of Black and Hispanic innovators building early-stage ventures across five distinct categories. Consumer Products and Services Healthcare Media and Entertainment Technology AI Program Features  Cohort-based programming designed for HBCU students & alumni Mentoring from technical experts & experienced entrepreneurs. Demo Day with real investors and startup champions. Investments of up to $100,000. Funding Information Eligible ventures will compete for awards between $15,000 to $1,000,000. Select applicants will receive the following support services: Capital Coaching Pitch, Wellness, and Leadership workshops Community Online and in-person events and funder introductions Cohort-based Mentorship Exclusive Training Opportunities with Global Brands Resources – Supports valued at more than $20k through partners Marketing Opportunities. Eligibility Criteria  Black ambition prize recipients must meet the following eligibility requirements: Be a for-profit venture in the fields of consumer products and services, healthcare, media and entertainment, technology, and / or AI. Are already, or intend to be, legally incorporated in the U.S. Have demonstrated progress against a business concept as illustrated by a minimum viable product and/or existing consumer base. Have raised less than $1M in dilutive funding at the time of applying for the award. All team members must be at least eighteen (18) years of age Eligible teams must include at least one founding member that identifies as Black/African/African American and/or Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx. A founding member is a team member having the title of CEO, Vice President or other C-level role (e.g., the CEO or an executive-level direct report to the CEO). Each team must have a minimum of two team members. A team member is defined as an individual playing a critical role for the venture (e.g., employee, essential contracted support) with responsibilities for specific work streams or deliverables for the venture. The lead of the venture (defined as the CEO or President, or most senior role on the founding team) must be a legal U.S. resident and based in the U.S. For more information, visit Black Ambition.

Through this Request for Proposals (“RFP”), the Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (“MassCEC”) is offering Climate-Critical Workforce Training, Equipment, and Infrastructure Grants (“Climate Training Grants”). Donor Name: Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (MassCEC) State: Massachusetts County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The Climate Training Grants will increase access to modern, relevant training equipment and infrastructure and provide direct funding and technical assistance support to organizations that can build and scale career pathways and upskilling programs that help Massachusetts residents access and advance in climate-critical priority occupations. The Climate Training grants are designed to help Massachusetts meet clean energy and climate tech employer needs while providing high-quality training and support opportunities for residents across the Commonwealth. Applicants may apply for Climate Training Grants for programming that falls within one (1) or more of the following categories: Strand A: Career Pathway Training Leading to Employment in Climate-Critical Priority Occupations; Strand B: Climate-Critical Upskilling for Incumbent Workers; or Strand C: Equipment and Infrastructure to Support Climate-Critical Training. Goals Climate-Critical Workforce Training, Equipment, and Infrastructure FY24 Grants Goals  This solicitation is intended to help build job training and support capacity to fill gaps in the workforce for climate-critical sectors through a range of project and program models, all of which should center employer and participant needs in the design and program implementation. These funds will enable applicants to: Expand recruitment pipelines to broaden access to climate-critical priority occupations. Create new and/or expand technical and job readiness training opportunities to provide the skills necessary to attain placement in climate-critical priority occupations. Create new and/or expand career advancement programming and upskilling training opportunities to help workers gain valuable skills while businesses expand capacity to support the state’s climate goals. Leverage effective workforce development models like registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships by providing the resources to launch and/or expand programs. Develop and nurture new relationships with employers in climate-critical sectors to develop job placements and identify avenues for career growth. Establish and grow wraparound and retention support services to address potential barriers to entry and advancement in climate-critical occupations. Expand the availability and/or effectiveness of climate-critical training by securing modern equipment and infrastructure resources for their programming. Funding Information Anticipated Available Funding: $6,450,000. Strand A: Career Pathway Training Leading to Employment in Climate-Critical Priority Occupations:  $100,000- $800,000 Project Period: One (1) to Two (2) year award. Strand B: ClimateCritical Upskilling for Incumbent:  $100,000- $600,000 Project Period: One (1) to Two (2) year award. Strand C: Equipment and Infrastructure to Support ClimateCritical Training: $50,000- $750,000 Project Period: One (1) year to Eighteen (18) month award. Eligibility Criteria The following entities are eligible to serve as a Lead Applicant with the following conditions: Community-Based Entities (often referred to as CBOs) such as community action partnerships, environmental justice organizations, neighborhood revitalization organizations, advocacy groups, affordable housing providers, affordable housing developers, and non-profits. Community Colleges, Colleges, or Universities, Comprehensive and Vocational High Schools, and Vocational Schools offering an after-hours or Career Technical Initiative evening training program. For-Profit entities such as for-profit training companies, trade associations, unions or other coalitions of businesses, clean energy installers, energy efficiency or home performance contractors, financial institutions, or other clean energy practitioners. Workforce Development Organizations, both non-profit and for-profit. MassHire Workforce Investment Boards and Career Centers. For more information, visit MassCEC.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is soliciting proposals for the Northeast Forests and Rivers Fund (NEFRF)(formerly known as the New England Forests and Rivers Fund) to restore and sustain healthy rivers, forests and grasslands that provide habitat for diverse fish and wildlife populations. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/11/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The program will advance this goal by investing in projects that: Restore the quality and connectivity of stream and riparian habitats with a focus on improving habitat for river herring, Atlantic salmon, brook trout and wood turtles; Improve management of forest blocks to enhance age and structural diversity, resulting in improved forest conditions for native wildlife, with a focus on improving habitat for golden-winged warbler and New England cottontail; and, Promote hayfield management that allows for successful grassland bird breeding, with a specific focus on habitat for bobolink. Approximately $2 million is available this year. Funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Zoetis Foundation and Sylvamo. Program Priorities  Proposals should strive to contribute to goals detailed in NFWF’s Northeast Watersheds Business Plan (March 2023), and specifically the strategies for Stream and Riparian Habitat, and Upland Forests and Grasslands. (Applicants interested in supporting the priorities for Coastal Habitats in the business plan are encouraged to apply to NFWF’s Long Island Sound Futures Fund and National Coastal Resilience Fund.) Priority implementation strategies for NEFRF funding in 2024 are detailed below. Approximately $625,000 in program funding will be set aside for projects that direct staff resources to help agricultural producers design and implement conservation practices benefitting select Working Lands for Wildlife target species, especially northeast turtles and golden-winged warblers. Projects should Increase Farm Bill program participation and conservation practice implementation among agricultural producers, especially farmers and ranchers in the Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories. In addition, projects that incorporate outreach to communities, foster community engagement, and pursue collaborative management leading to measurable conservation benefits are encouraged. When possible, projects should be developed through community input and co-design processes and should consider traditional knowledge where relevant. Additionally, projects should engage community-level partners (e.g., municipalities, NGOs, community organizations, community leaders) to help design, implement, and maintain projects to secure maximum benefits for communities, maintenance, and sustainability post-grant award. Grant Period Projects should plan to start no later than six months after the award date and be completed within three years. Geographical Areas  Projects are eligible from throughout the program boundary, which includes all of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont, as well as parts of New York. However, within the Long Island Sound and Connecticut River watershed, NEFRF will only consider projects to sustain and restore healthy forests, grasslands and fish passage projects. All other projects should apply to the Long Island Sound Futures Fund (LISFF). Eligibility Criteria  Eligible and Ineligible Entities: Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, Tribal governments and organizations, and educational institutions. Ineligible applicants include U.S. Federal government agencies, businesses, unincorporated individuals and international organizations. For more information, visit NFWF.

The First State Food System Program (Program) provides funding to entities that grow, process, store, transport, distribute, or sell food in the State of Delaware. Donor Name: Delaware Council on Farm and Food Policy State: Delaware County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Delaware Department of Agriculture through its advisory group – the Delaware Council on Farm & Food Policy (Council) strives to facilitate and support a local food system where farmers can access viable markets; Delaware households can access nutritious and wholesome food options within their own communities; and where the impacts of supply chain disruptions can be diminished. Through this Program funding is available to a diverse range of entities, operating at various points in the food supply chain. This Program enables local entities to overcome challenges and build resilience in food system. The First State Food System Program is funded through the Federal American Rescue Plan Act. Projects designed to support or provide benefit to more than one entity or producer within Delaware’s food system will be prioritized. The objective is to strengthen the local food system through wide-reaching and complementary efforts, rather than isolated and narrowly focused projects that serve to benefit only one individual operation.  Funding Information Using a standardized review process, the Council will award grants from $2,500 up to $150,000. Eligible Projects Applications will be evaluated based on the viability of the entity; its function and reach as part of the food system; and its demonstrated or potential capacity to do at least one of the following: Add to the volume of food production in Delaware. Add to the direct-to-consumer sale or availability of food products through retail or charitable outlets in Delaware. Add to activities used to transform food products from their harvested state to a consumable state for end users. Processing activities include: freezing, chopping, fermenting, packaging, washing, cooking, pasteurizing, canning, and more in Delaware. Add to the transportation or distribution of food products to consumer/end user outlets in Delaware. Improve efficiency and reduce costs of distribution systems. Improve capacity of food retail outlets including restaurants, to meet local demand. Improve flexibilities of food retail and distribution outlets to better align with consumer needs like online purchasing or food delivery. Address challenges to proximity through transportation solutions. Increase emerging agricultural practices by bringing food production into busy, populated areas – such as vertical gardens, shipping container farms, rooftop farming, hydroponics, community gardens, community composting, and food waste reduction. Eligibility Criteria General  Applicants that have been awarded funding during Cycle 1 or Cycle 2 may apply. The project must be new and distinct from an awarded project, or an addition or complement to an awarded project. (can include adding new partners, or new sites, or expanding market reach, etc.) Applicants must describe how the project positively impacts or creates measurable outcomes for Delaware’s food supply chain, including the entity and other entities or operations. The applicant must demonstrate/describe that the entity has the infrastructure in place and capacity to successfully implement the project. The applicant’s entity must be in operation for two or more years. Start-up entities will be considered when the operator provides a description of industry experience or when the start-up budget includes a contribution from the owner. The applicant’s entity must be a legal entity and have the legal capacity to enter into a project agreement with the Delaware Department of Agriculture. Eligible entities must be owned and operated in the State of Delaware and include small to mid-sized, for-profit producers and nonprofit organizations; aquaculture/fishery operators; food distributors or transporters; food processing operators. The Council reserves the right to consider applications from non-Delaware entities that directly provide product or services to Delaware. Applicants may submit more than one proposal. If more than one proposal is submitted, please prioritize the submissions. Producers  For the purposes of this Program, small to mid-sized producers are defined as having operations with 1) An annual value of sales between $20,000 and $300,000; and 2) Acres in active production in fruits, vegetables, specialty crops, or other products for human consumption; of up to 300 acres. Larger scale producers are eligible to apply and are encouraged to demonstrate collaboration with other producers or entities. Supply Chain Entities  The following are eligible supply chain operations, this list is not all inclusive, some examples are listed: Storage: food hubs Transportation: fleet coordinators, logistics Processing: incubator facilities, commercial kitchens Distribution: retail outlets, pantries, food trucks Single or multi-site grocery stores, Cooperative grocers, Corner stores, Mobile markets, restaurants, farmers markets, on-farm stores For more information, visit Delaware Council on Farm and Food Policy.

The Greenhouse Accelerator Program Juntos Crecemos Edition is a five-month, mentor-guided program to support the acceleration of emerging Hispanic food and beverages innovations that are transforming the way consumers live their lives. Donor Name: PepsiCo State: All States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Program Deadline: 05/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This edition is an extension of the initial Greenhouse Accelerator program launched in 2018, in collaboration with PepsiCo Juntos Crecemos, part of PepsiCo’s Pep+ transformation agenda, designed to provide short and long-term support to Hispanic small businesses. The mission is to identify up to 8 high-potential emerging Hispanic-owned food and beverage consumer packaged goods small businesses. Driving growth for Hispanic founders in the food and beverage industry with operating businesses in the U.S. Program Benefits What the Greenhouse Accelerator can offer you: Grants Guaranteed $20,000 USD grant for each finalist. Winner awarded an additional $100,000 USD Guidance Expert guidance and learning modules across all aspects of business development Network Access and exposure to PepsiCo network and resources, industry experts, VCs and investors Collaboration Unlocking of potential collaboration opportunities with PepsiCo Mentorship Hands-on mentorship and support for refining business models, fortifying strategies, and enhancing impact Growth Accelerated pathways to launch, scale, and grow your breakthrough innovations. Eligibility Requirements  Net-revenue between $100,000 to $2,000,000 USD in the last financial year Be a Hispanic-owned business licensed and operating in the United States Be willing to work with PepsiCo Greenhouse Accelerator mentors and public relations team throughout six-month Accelerator program and attend Accelerator events. An external third party will review all submissions. The selection committee will choose finalists based on the following criteria: A clear go-to-market strategy and plan for sustained in-market execution Post-prototype, ready for review with a multinational corporation or company Uniqueness in the market Balanced gender and ethnic diversity Clear & active social responsibility mission aligned with PepsiCo’s Juntos Crecemos Strategy Aligned with PepsiCo’s PepsiCo Positive Strategy Scalable business model. For more information, visit PepsiCo.

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) announces the Goat and Sheep Dairy Development Grant program. Donor Name: Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: This program will strengthen and support the growth of the Northeast goat and sheep dairy sector through projects that address one of the following: 1) business viability, 2) market development, or 3) innovative approaches to production. Projects are expected to enhance the growth and viability of individual small ruminant businesses, as well as address gaps in technical assistance, improved supply chain partnerships, market access and growth, and long-term business viability. This program will fund two types of projects: Individual Business Projects are for farmers or processors making necessary improvements to increase business viability, market development, or innovations in production. Examples of eligible topics include: Engagement with a technical assistance provider or consultant to develop and implement business viability improvements around topics areas such as grazing management, cost of production, herd/flock health, business operations, farm transitions Business diversification and marketing Research and development of innovative solutions to production or management issues Trialing new systems or technologies Purchase of specialized dairy equipment that help optimize a business Sector Enhancement Projects must directly engage multiple dairy businesses in activities which improve or expand small ruminant production practices or dairy markets. Projects should strengthen relationships across the goat/sheep dairy supply chain such as farmer-to-farmer, farmer-processor, or processor-customer relationships. Examples of eligible topics include: Development and implementation of tools, direct services, educational opportunities, or other resources for goat and/or sheep dairy farmers or processors that will support the growth of the sector. Topics areas could include grazing management, cost of production, herd/flock health, business operations, farm transitions Improving farmer access to resources Research and development of innovative solutions to production or management issues Initial investments to help buyers develop long-term methods for provide direct support or benefits to their suppliers to strengthen supply chain-relationships Development of supply chain opportunity. Projects that engage with relevant technical assistance will be prioritized. Technical assistance includes business planners, grazing specialists, marketing professionals, small ruminant veterinarian services, and other business viability services. Funding Priorities  All projects are expected to directly address a minimum of two (2) of the following priorities: Development of resources that fill unmet technical assistance needs of goat/sheep dairy farmers Increasing pay price for goat/sheep dairy farmers Producing deliverables that can be used for new goat/sheep dairy farmers starting up, or cow dairy conversions Projects that include educational/information sharing components that will directly benefit additional farmers or processors beyond the project partners Collaborative projects that will benefit both farmers and processors Increasing profits for a dairy business (Individual Business projects only) or multiple businesses Improvements to herd/flock health, nutrition, and/or milk quality Reduction of barriers to accessing new markets Development of market channels and distribution opportunities to increase goat/sheep dairy product placement Innovative strategies to increase awareness and consumption of goat/sheep dairy products. Funding Information Individual business grants will range from $15,000 – $50,000 with a 25% cash and/or in-kind match commitment. Supply chain projects will range from $25,000 – $75,000 with a 25% cash and/or in-kind match commitment. Total funds available: $760,000. Grant Period Between 8 and 12 months. Eligible Projects  All projects should support dairy businesses to develop or expand the reach of goat and/or sheep dairy products or markets. Projects must support increased business viability, develop market access/presence, or support innovative strategies to develop the goat and sheep dairy sector. Projects that engage with relevant technical assistance will be prioritized. Technical assistance includes business planners, grazing specialists, marketing professionals, small ruminant veterinarian services, and other business viability services. Eligibility Criteria  Grants are available to applicants in all Northeast states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Applicants eligible for these funds must fall into at least one of the following categories: Dairy farmer (producer) that: currently produces goat or sheep milk, or will by the end of the grant if their grant project includes transitioning from cow dairy is headquartered or based in the Northeast; and produces milk within the Northeast; and is a licensed dairy operation in compliance with all required state and/federal standards Dairy processor that: currently transforms raw goat/sheep milk into an edible product; and is licensed in a way that their product can be sold across state lines; and is headquartered or based in the Northeast; and sources or produces milk that originates within the Northeast; and if a value-added processor, manufactures products within the Northeast. Dairy producer association/dairy council which represents and promotes goat and/or sheep dairy products/dairy businesses of the Northeast region. Grant projects submitted by dairy producer association applicants should meet the requirements of a Sector Enhancement project. Technical assistance provider working directly with a group of goat/sheep dairy farmers and/or processors. Grant projects submitted by technical assistance provider applicants should meet the requirements of a Sector Enhancement project. For more information, visit NE-DBIC.

Rise Challenge is an innovation contest to generate new ideas and solutions to the challenges that face entrepreneurs of color from starting and growing their businesses. Donor Name: Prosperity Now State: All States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Awards and Prizes Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Entrepreneurs of color are disproportionately impacted when it comes to economic access and opportunities. Without access to capital, entrepreneurs of color face additional challenges to start or expand a business, limiting their ability to compete in the marketplace, and grow wealth. This lack of access to capital created the emergence of non-profit loan funds through Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) which sought to better the conditions in these economically underserved markets. Prizes First Place Team: $75,000. Second Place Team: $50,000. Third Place Team: $25,000. Eligibility Criteria  The Challenge is open to legal United States residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico who are 18 years of age or older. Sponsor reserves the right, at any time, to verify eligibility requirements in any manner it deems appropriate. Employees and Directors of the Sponsor, and their immediate family members and individuals residing in their same household are not eligible to participate. For more information, visit Prosperity Now.

The Alexandria Area Community Foundation (AACF) “Difference Maker” grant round seeks to support community initiatives through a variety of grants. Donor Name: Alexandria Area Community Foundation (AACF) State: Minnesota County: Douglas County (MN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Programs funded will bring about positive change in the Alexandria area community. AACF is looking to provide leadership, financial support and build a partnership that goes beyond the grant in order to advance the project or initiatives.   Focus Areas Education – Grants will be made to support education; especially K-12 and after-school programs. Social Services – Grants will be made to assist basic needs and support & strengthen families, children and youth. Health – Grants will be made that support health education, physical and mental health and activities that reduce abuse or violence. Arts and Culture – Grants will be made to support activities that generate an appreciation of diverse cultures and that enhance and improve cultural opportunities. Civic – Grants will be made to support activities that build, promote and preserve communities. Funding Information Funding Amount Range: $5,000 – $30,000. Favorable Considerations Create innovative solutions to community challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Build or support collaborative efforts and Involve other community partners such as other nonprofits, government entitles, businesses, and/or citizen groups Make a sustainable positive impact in the community Build social capital (I.e. connectedness) across generations, cultures, and other diverse segments of the community Create highly impactful and highly visible and that have the potential to inspire additional investments in the community. Support projects/programs that support diversity, equity and inclusion. Geographic Area Grants must serve the residents within Douglas County. Eligible Organizations 501(c) 3 nonprofit organizations, schools or government entities. They Fund: Capital projects New or expanded programs/projects Other strategic Investments that will have a lasting impact. For more information, visit AACF.

The Community Foundation of Louisville’s Vogt Invention & Innovation Awards offers entrepreneurs in the Louisville region a unique and exciting opportunity to take their businesses to the next level. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Louisville State: Indiana, Kentucky County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Awards and Prizes Deadline: 05/28/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Information Each year, up to six early-stage businesses receive $25,000. Eligibility Criteria If you do NOT meet these criteria, please visit Amplify Louisville for access to other business startup assistance: The business is a for-profit entity. The business is headquartered in the 13-county Louisville Metro area (MSA): Indiana – Clark, Floyd, Washington, Scott and Harrison counties Kentucky – Bullitt, Henry, Jefferson, Nelson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer  and Trimble counties The business is registered with either the Indiana or Kentucky Secretary of State and in good standing (business can be organized in another state, e.g.: Delaware). The business is beyond the concept/idea stage and has an early prototype of the technology. The business is developing an innovation-led product or service. The Vogt Awards define innovation as a new idea or the invention of a new product or service that creates customer demand. The business is in the early stages, with customer revenue less than $250,000/year to date. The business has a lifetime funding maximum of $500,000 (this includes grants, investments, and loans but excludes founders’ personal investments). Applications will be given stronger consideration by the Selection Committee if these aspects are included and well-described in a founder’s application: The business is leveraging technology, making use of new advances in technology for the purpose of better serving customers, gaining a competitive advantage, and/or evolving the marketplace. The business is leveraging technology in a new, unique, or original way to develop a new product or service. The product or service being developed has a protectable advantage (intellectual asset) in the market. The business is developing a business model that is scalable — revenue has the potential to grow quickly, along with improving profitability. The product or service being developed doesn’t require a long regulatory approval cycle (for example, companies working on a new drug may be excluded). For more information, visit Community Foundation of Louisville.

GrowBoston is offering a total of $20,000 for community gardens and food forests to purchase tools, equipment, seeds, seedlings, compost, and other garden supplies for communal use. Donor Name: GrowBoston State: Massachusetts City: Boston Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: These supplies must be stored and maintained by the garden organization and made available to all gardeners.  The purpose of this grant program is to invest in Boston’s community gardens and food forests and assist residents to grow their own food. Eligible Uses of Funding This grant is for the purchase of tools, equipment, seeds, seedlings, compost, and other garden supplies for communal use. Up to 10% of the grant budget can be for indirect/administrative costs or a fiscal sponsorship fee. The following expenses are not allowed using City of Boston operating budget grant funds: gift cards, rent, utilities, alcoholic beverages, fundraising or lobbying activities, and/or salaries of staff not involved with directly delivering the program. Eligibility Criteria  Recipients must be a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit or a community-based organization partnering with a fiscal sponsor that is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. No grants can be awarded to individuals or for-profit businesses. For more information, visit GrowBoston.

The Spark Cleantech Accelerator program supports early stage cleantech businesses and drive commercialization of their technologies in Tennessee. Donor Name: UT Research Park State: Tennessee County: All Counties Type of Grant: Program Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: The Spark CTA was created in partnership with Evergreen Climate Innovations (previously Clean Energy Trust) and other partners to support early stage cleantech businesses and drive commercialization of their technologies in Tennessee and throughout the Midwest and the Southeast. The Spark Cleantech Accelerator is a 12-week program and the UT Research Park in Knoxville, Tennessee. The program provides mentorship, connections, stipends, prototyping services, and business acceleration services to early stage cleantech entrepreneurs to help commercialize new innovations. In 12-week, in-person program, the offer: $15,000 Stipends to help defray travel/living costs and to support business and technical milestones Prototyping services through the University of Tennessee’s Center for Materials Processing, Mentoring and one-on-one support from our experts in business, market analysis and positioning, and IP/ patent strategy, product design, engineering, prototyping, testing, material selection, tooling design, and manufacturing, Connections with customers, investors, strategic partners, suppliers, and universities and national laboratories, Training Workshops and one-on-one support. Partnership opportunities with organizations such as the Tennessee Valley Authority, Oak Ridge National Lab, the University of Tennessee, the City of Knoxville, and members of the Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council. Eligibility Criteria Application from Tennessee, the Midwest, and beyond. Companies that demonstrate a positive impact to energy efficiency, generate renewable energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, carbon capture, increase recycling/upcycling and a circular economy. Companies that show strong market potential and defensible intellectual property, with issued patents or pending patents filed. Those who demonstrate their technology can support the challenges and needs of Spark partners, such as utilities, local governments, universities, manufacturing companies, commercial building operators, etc. Those that create software of hardware technologies including intelligent connected devices, advanced materials process, or with technology companies at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2-6. Applicants who are open to Tennessee as a permanent business location. For more information, visit UT Research Park.

GrowBoston is offering a total of $15,000 for nonprofit organizations to support outreach and community-building events related to urban agriculture. Donor Name: GrowBoston State: Massachusetts County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: These events must be open to the public and focused on engaging Boston residents in gardening, farming, food forest stewardship, beekeeping, henkeeping, consumption of locally-produced food, or other aspects of urban food production. Events should be planned for spring or summer 2024. Examples may include, but are not limited to garden-opening events, farm or food forest “open houses”, and farmers market opening days, as long as Boston-based food production, or urban agriculture more broadly, is a focus of the event. They may include educational components, but such activities are not required. The purpose of this grant program is to more deeply engage Boston residents in the existing urban agricultural resources, or in urban agriculture activities more broadly. Fundraising events are not eligible. Allowable Uses of Funding  This grant is for the purchase of event supplies, food, non-alcoholic beverages, entertainment, outreach materials, etc. Up to 10% of the grant budget can be used for indirect/administrative costs or a fiscal sponsorship fee. The following expenses are not allowed using City of Boston operating budget grant funds: gift cards, rent, utilities, alcoholic beverages, fundraising or lobbying activities, and/or salaries of staff not involved with directly delivering the program. Eligibility Criteria Recipients must be a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit or a community-based organization partnering with a fiscal sponsor that is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. No grants can be awarded to individuals or for-profit businesses. For more information, visit GrowBoston.

Through the program, IEDA provides financial incentives to nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations; schools; area education agencies; local, county, state and federal governmental agencies; and tribal councils to support a wide variety of arts-related activities. Donor Name: Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) State: Iowa County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/03/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Art Project Grants for Organizations program is administered by the Iowa Arts Council, which exists within the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). To be eligible, projects must include artistic excellence and service to Iowans. Priority is given to projects that advance the goals of the Iowa Arts Council 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. Funding Information Applicants may request funding for eligible one-time project expenses that are incurred and expended during the eligible funding period. Minimum grant request: $2,500. Maximum grant request: $10,000. Funding Period The eligible funding period is July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025. Eligible Projects  Eligible projects must involve an arts experience or arts learning opportunity and must demonstrate public value to Iowans through deliberate public engagement and access to project activities. Types of eligible projects include community events, performances, exhibitions, festivals or workshops dedicated to arts related activities. All project activities must have a clear beginning and end date during the eligible funding period. Applicants may apply for support of an annual event or series only if they can demonstrate how the event or series is unique to the eligible funding period and worthy of support. Project content must change from year to year. Applicants may apply for support of a public art project only if they can demonstrate broad-based community engagement and programming surrounding the project. Eligible Applicants  Eligible applicants must be one of the following types of entities. Entities who do not fall into one of these categories are not eligible to apply. Nonprofit organization incorporated and physically located in Iowa exempt from federal taxes pursuant to Internal Revenue Code § 501(c)(3). “Physically located in Iowa” means maintaining a current registered office and registered agent address in Iowa pursuant to Iowa Code 490.501 and maintaining a primary staff presence physically located and working in Iowa. Actively registered with the Iowa Secretary of State to do business in the State of Iowa. Entity located in a border community that meets the requirements set out in IEDA’s Border State Policy. A nonprofit organization that has not yet achieved federal tax-exempt status may apply through a fiscal agent. Educational institution, organization or K-12 school whose primary orientation, mission and purposes are education and/or awarding academic credits. Unit of local, county, state or federal recognized tribal government physically located in Iowa. Area Education Agencies. For more information, visit IEDA.

Louisiana Main Street Restoration Grants provide matching funds to encourage the revitalization of historic downtown commercial properties located in designated Louisiana Main Street districts. Donor Name: Louisiana Office of Cultural Development State: Louisiana County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement | Matching Grants Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Louisiana Main Street Restoration Grants serve as an effort to promote community revitalization and stimulate economic growth and vitality, in addition to enriching cultural tourism. Community reinvestment utilizing historic preservation practices improves community economic health by fostering renewed interest in shopping, working, and living downtown. Funding Information Grant awards may range from $2,500 to $10,000. Grant Period July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025. What is funded? Exterior: The scope of work must directly contribute physically (visually and with regard to historic preservation) and economically to the revitalization of the Main Street district while preserving and respecting the historic architectural character of the building, district, and architectural heritage of the community. Interior: Improvements are restricted to exposing, restoring or replicating original interior architectural features. The grant can also be used to offset costs of installing or repairing a fire suppression system for either a commercial ground floor space or a new (first-time) upper story income-producing residential development in a historically commercial building. Parapet Lighting: Commercial grade white or color LED lighting to outline a series of building parapets is a lighting initiative intended to create a nightly, year-round festive atmosphere in Main Street districts. Buildings must be adjoining and must include at least one block. Applications require a minimum five-year maintenance commitment plan. If the city oversees the purchase, installation, and maintenance of the lights, the local Main Street program may apply in conjunction with the city, and installation costs incurred by the city may apply toward the required match. Installation must be of professional standard, and secure for longevity of use and to minimize damage and maintenance issues. Signage: Restoration of historically significant/landmark signage or the restoration or replication of historic theater marquees is eligible. (New commercial signage is not supported by this grant.) Who may apply? Property owners or tenants of commercially-zoned properties located within designated Louisiana Main Street districts as of December 31 of the calendar year preceding the application deadline. Tenants must obtain the property owner’s consent signature on the grant application. If the applicant is a corporation, the grant application must be accompanied by a resolution from the corporation’s board of directors authorizing the applicant’s signature on behalf of the corporation. If the applicant is a co-owner of the property, the grant application must be accompanied by a statement authorizing the applicant to act on behalf of all co-owners. The statement must be signed by all co-owners. Buildings must be at least 50 years old and must contribute to the significance of the local Main Street district. Buildings less than 50 years old may be eligible if they meet National Register criteria for exceptional significance as an integral part of a historic district that is listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The local Main Street director will assist the applicant in determining if the building meets this eligibility requirement. Louisiana Main Street will make the final determination based on the support documentation submitted with the application. For more information, visit LOCD.

The City of Alpena Downtown Development Authority is pleased to announce the Façade Grant for Residential Properties. Donor Name: Alpena Downtown Development Authority State: Michigan City: Alpena Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: In 2024, the DDA expanded its Façade Grant program to allow properties that are residential in use to apply for grant funding and designated a separate pool of funding for grant awards to eligible residential façade grant requests. Properties that are exclusively residential in use (such as single family, multi-family, duplexes, townhouses, or rentals) are also able to apply for funding through the program. Properties may apply for up to 50% of eligible façade costs with a maximum of $10,000 request/facade. Building Eligibility Requirements Location and Nature of Building Use.  Properties located within the legal boundary of Alpena’s DDA district engaging in retail, restaurant, commercial, entertainment, office services, or properties that are mixeduse shall be deemed eligible for grant funding. Any question concerning the eligibility of a specific property may be submitted to the Executive Director of the DDA. A determination of location and building use eligibility will be provided to the interested party within two business days following receipt of the inquiry. Properties that are exclusively residential in use (such as single family, multi-family, duplexes, townhouses, or rentals) are also able to apply for funding through the program. Payment of Taxes and Other Public Accounts.  All previously billed and currently payable property taxes and annual installments of assessments must be paid in full for the subject property before an application for a façade improvement grant will be considered. Additionally, all City of Alpena accounts in the name of the applicant and/or attaching to the subject property must be current. All taxes, assessments, and other city accounts must be kept current during the application, review, construction, and post-construction processes. Nature of Façade.  Grant funding may be requested for any façade (front, side, or rear) that fronts on a public right of way (street, alley, or public parking lot). Applicants may apply for up to 50% of eligible renovation costs per façade. Award amounts are capped at $10,000/ façade. All requests for funding must be approved by the DDA Board of Directors. Greater consideration for funding will be given to work proposed on a façade fronting a city street. Structural Integrity of Building.  Buildings for which improvements are proposed must have basic structural integrity and an intact roof as confirmed by the City of Alpena Building Department, thereby protecting the DDA’s potential investment in the façade. Insurance Coverage.  The applicant or the owner of the subject property must carry suitable property insurance coverage on the subject property and must provide a certificate of coverage to the DDA with the application. The applicant or owner is strongly encouraged to also carry a builder’s risk policy of insurance covering potential damage to the building’s structure by the contractor. For more information, visit Alpena DDA.

Silicon Valley Power is offering grants up to $10,000 for not-for-profit community-based organizations to identify and provide outreach to underserved Santa Clara residential and small business customers, with an emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion. Donor Name: Silicon Valley Power State: California City: Santa Clara Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Examples include but are not limited to educational videos, online resources, printed outreach materials, webinars or workshops. Content must promote energy efficiency and building electrification. Silicon Valley Power will provide grant recipients with training on its available programs for customers. Proposals must include a plan to provide outreach on energy efficiency and building electrification concepts and their benefits to targeted Silicon Valley Power residential or small business customers. Outreach should be targeted at adults since they have decision-making authority. Plans should have an emphasis on diversity, equity and/or inclusion in reaching underserved or hard to reach customer segments. Grant Period One grant per organization per 12 month period. Eligibility Criteria  The program is open to not-for-profit community-based organizations or not-for-profit clubs serving residents or small businesses within the City of Santa Clara’s city limits. For more information, visit Silicon Valley Power.

The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) is offering another round of farmer mini grants. Donor Name: Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission State: Maryland County: Anne Arundel County (MD), Calvert County (MD), Charles County (MD), Prince Georges County (MD), Saint Marys County (MD) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/08/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Farmer Mini-Grant program was established by SMADC in 2016 based on feedback heard from the farming community about their needs. SMADC’s mission is to support farms and the future of agriculture in Southern Maryland, and they are committed to expanding and promoting a viable market-driven, sustainable, and profitable agricultural farming community. Funding Information For this 11th round of grants in Spring 2024 $60,000 of funding is available. The projects should be simple in scope and must be successfully completed within one year. SMADC awards will be up to $3,000 per applicant and are a one-to-one dollar match by the farmer. Eligible Projects  Examples of Projects that would be considered: Services or equipment that help transition a farm’s sales strategy such as online sales, home delivery, on-farm sales, etc.; or for other projects that allow farm business to maintain and/or expand sales. Purchase of foundation livestock. Purchase of plant stock. Marketing and promotion of current farm operation. New fencing for enhancement, expansion, or protection. Hoop house. Materials needed for value-added production. Materials needed for on-farm upgrades to enhance food safety. Irrigation installation or upgrades in regard to GAP certification standards, Food Safety Modernization Act Standards (FSMA), chlorination systems, water testing expenses, drip irrigation, greenhouse irrigation, dedicated agricultural water supply, and overhead irrigation, as pertains to current existing wells or water sources. Washing/packing stations. Freezer/Refrigeration. Eligibility Criteria  Does not include non-profits or community organizations. Both Urban and Rural farms are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be living in the State of Maryland and actively farming in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s, or St. Mary’s counties. Youth (16 years and older) who are in or have been in FFA, 4-H, agricultural related programs, or classes, or have a farming background are encouraged to apply. The applicant must match funds awarded dollar to dollar. For example, if the applicant is awarded $500, they must put $500 toward the project budget. Matching must be in dollars, not in-kind or labor. No more than one application is awarded per individual or business entity during a 12-month period. Only completed applications with all applicable supporting documentation attached will be considered. For more information, visit SMADC.

Village Capital, in collaboration with the Deloitte Health Equity Institute (DHEI) and with support from Impact Ventures by Johnson & Johnson Foundation, is launching a call for applications for the “LIFT: Accelerating Equitable Health Innovation” accelerator. Donor Name: Village Capital State: All States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Program Deadline: 05/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: LIFT: Accelerating Equitable Health Innovation will work with ten startups advancing health equity across the US. This accelerator program will focus on supporting non-medical solutions that address disparities in the social drivers of health for historically marginalized communities. From June to September 2024, the selected startups are expected to work closely with industry experts, investors, and ecosystem partners and will participate in a one-week intensive workshop, followed by monthly check-ins, and one in-person Summit. A founder/C-suite member of each selected startup will travel with all expenses included to the Summit. This hybrid program will support ten startups. Village Capital is seeking startups across the US focused on addressing critical non-medical drivers of health and with the mission to improve health outcomes for historically marginalized communities including, but not limited to, Black, Hispanic, APPI (Asian, Pacific Islander), and AIAN (American Indian, Alaska Native) individuals, low-income, LGBTQ+, disabled, or rural communities. What they are looking for? Focus on reducing health bias and equity gaps Solutions supporting historically marginalized communities facing health challenges and inequities. Focus on building trust in underserved communities Solutions engaging and strengthening communities. Cultural and behavioral sensitivity Solutions that use a creative, cultural, and behavioral lens. Lived experience Founders who are building solutions for challenges they have experienced or communities from which they come. Benefits startups will receive: Mentorship Mentorship from potential strategic partners, customers, founders, prominent US investors, and business leaders. Connections & Exposure Access to a diverse and inclusive network of mentors and founders within healthcare and healthtech. Exposure on Village Capital’s program website and other communications collateral. Financial Analysis & Support 1:1 coaching with an investment analyst focused on building a financial model, identifying unit economics, and on using financial metrics to drive both their business and investor diligence. Continued Learning Participate in mock board meetings with representatives from enterprise healthcare organizations, corporations, and investors that can help their organization scale. Events Interactive virtual workshops tailored to help your company identify early milestones and prepare them for your next round of capital (if relevant), and one in-person program summit. Funding All startups will receive a USD 10K non-dilutive grant. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible startups must have: Legal incorporation as a for-profit entity. Headquartered and with operations in the United States. Market-based solution that tackles the challenges above for communities in the US. Have a minimum viable product (MVP), and raised less than USD 1.5M in equity. Have at least one full-time founder based in the US. Have meaningful customer or business validation (not limited to revenue, it can also be successful pilot studies, number of users, and/or strategic partnerships). For more information, visit Village Capital.

Greater Toledo Community Foundation and The Blade, in partnership with The Center for Nonprofit Resources, announce the 2024 Northwest Ohio Nonprofit Excellence Awards. Donor Name: Greater Toledo Community Foundation State: Michigan, Ohio County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Awards and Prizes Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Winners receive a one-of-a-kind glass award, a $7,500 unrestricted grant from Greater Toledo Community Foundation and a $1,000 unrestricted grant from The Andersons, plus a half-page ad in The Blade. The Blade and Greater Toledo Community Foundation, in partnership with The Center for Nonprofit Resources, are pleased to present the 14th annual Northwest Ohio Nonprofit Excellence Awards. The Awards are designed to honor and recognize outstanding nonprofit organizations and their achievements in the community. Awards will be given to three nonprofit organizations, one in each of the following categories: Excellence in Collaborative Programming Excellence in Strategic Action Excellence in Organizational Operations. Award Criteria  Excellence in Collaborative Programming This award showcases a joint initiative that leverages the skills and resources of multiple nonprofit partners to deliver excellent service to residents of northwest Ohio or southeast Michigan. Creative partnerships lead to greater impact in the community by reaching underserved audiences and avoiding duplication of service. Applications that clearly address the following will receive priority consideration: Description – Provide a description of the specific project for which the application is being made. Include details about how the project represents a creative solution to a community challenge. Collaboration – Fully describe all partners contributing to project success including, but not limited to, nonprofit organizations, businesses, governmental agencies or funders. Results – Provide a description of how the project is evaluated and what measurable, positive results have ensued. Excellence in Strategic Action This award highlights organizations that have strategically expanded programming or pivoted to a new service delivery model to better meet a community need. Priority consideration will be given to projects that utilized data and metrics to identify a gap in service, aligned with community-wide planning efforts to ensure activities did not duplicate existing services and successfully implemented and sustained the expansion. It is anticipated that projects will still be active and have completed the strategic action within the past five years, but the committee will consider older initiatives as well.  Applications that address the following will receive priority consideration: Description – Describe how the opportunity for expansion or a new approach to service delivery was identified.  Detail the planning and implementation process. Clearly identify the need that was addressed through the strategic action including, but not limited to, reaching participants in an underserved geography, reaching a specific demographic or pursuing a policy change, etc. Note how the action has been sustained. Results – Describe how success is measured.  Include any metrics that illustrate impact. Excellence in Organizational Operations This award recognizes organizations for overall excellence. The strongest applications will demonstrate active involvement by staff, board members, volunteers and constituents in advancing the mission of the organization. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) nonprofit status for at least five years and have a local governance and management structure in place. Applications that cite examples of best practices within the following areas will receive priority consideration: Governance – Provide examples that demonstrate organizational excellence in board management and engagement. Financial Management & Fundraising – Provide examples that show the organization’s financial management is strong, transparent and accountable.  Describe the organization’s development strategies including adherence to best practices and donor-centered approaches. Evaluation/Community Impact – Cite examples of how outcome data is used to achieve the organization’s mission and how this impacts the community. Awards Eligibility and Criteria In each category, applicant organizations should meet the following general eligibility criteria: Applicant must be a nonprofit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code and based in northwest Ohio or southeast Michigan. Organizations may apply for, and are eligible to win in, more than one award category, but must submit a separate application for each category and must address the criteria specific to each award. Once an organization has received an award, that organization will become ineligible for that same award for the following three years. All organizations are required to submit due diligence documentation with their online application to Greater Toledo Community Foundation. Documentation includes: A copy of the organizational budget for the current fiscal year; A copy of the audited financial statements for the most recent year available – if unavailable, the unaudited income and expense statement and balance sheet must be provided; A list of board members with affiliations; and A copy of the applicant’s tax exemption letter from the Internal Revenue Service. The submission must include: A high quality electronic version of the organization’s logo, and Three original electronic high resolution photos (300 DPI or higher) that depict the organization’s mission and services. These items will be used as part of the award ceremony for organizations selected as finalists. Winners will not be announced in advance of the ceremony. As part of the review process, any applicant may be requested to submit additional supplemental information. For more information, visit Greater Toledo Community Foundation.

Accion Opportunity Fund designed the Creators’ Momentum Business Accelerator, fueled by support from Etsy’s Uplift Fund, to provide entrepreneurs who contribute to the creative economy with meaningful learning and networking opportunities, along with grant capital to spark their business growth. Donor Name: Accion Opportunity Fund State: All States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Program Deadline: 05/13/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The purpose of the Creators’ Momentum Business Accelerator is to support creative entrepreneurs, including those who have historically been locked out of traditional business support ecosystems. They know that creative entrepreneurs can thrive when given the advice, access to networks, and impactful resources that they need to bring their talents to the world. This virtual program offers a unique combination of seminars, small-group workshops, self-paced digital education, and grant capital. Over the course of the eight-week program period, participants will create a growth plan that they can use beyond the program period to fuel the growth of their business. In 2024, the program will provide 100 business owners with a full suite of impactful offerings, including: Self-paced online courses Valuable industry expertise via virtual seminars Networking opportunities with like-minded creative entrepreneurs via virtual workshops A $5,000 business grant upon successful completion of the program Eligibility Criteria To be eligible to apply, applicants must Meet the following criteria: Owner of an operating business that contributes to the creative economy, including crafters, artists, makers, musicians, and other creative entrepreneurs. Owner of a business that has been operational for at least one year Owner of a business with annual revenue equivalent of less than $500,000 Owner of a business employing 5 or fewer full- or part-time employees Located in any of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico Committed to completing the full program Have a business bank account For more information, visit Accion Opportunity Fund.