Private Business and Commerce Grants

This funding opportunity provides up to $10,000 to schools, businesses, and nonprofits in Ramsey and Washington counties, Minnesota, to enhance recycling and organic waste collection efforts over an 18-month period.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in St. Joseph County that are working on projects to improve community development, health services, education, and recreational facilities for local residents.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and community groups in Idaho that implement programs to prevent child abuse and neglect by strengthening families and addressing critical issues like trauma and poverty.

This grant provides financial support to childcare providers in Reno County, Kansas, to enhance their programs and strengthen the local childcare infrastructure.

This program provides financial support and resources to help Black-owned businesses grow, acquire customers, and succeed on Amazon's platform through education, mentorship, and expert guidance.

This program provides financial assistance to small businesses in Schuylkill County affected by the Coronavirus pandemic, helping them recover losses and retain jobs for low- to moderate-income individuals.

This program provides financial support and mentorship to diverse-led small businesses in Texas, promoting job creation and growth among underrepresented groups.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for community-focused projects, such as centers for social services, libraries, and cultural institutions, requiring significant community backing and a portion of the budget to be secured before applying.

This program provides financial assistance for energy audits to help New Hampshire's agricultural producers and rural small businesses improve energy efficiency and reduce costs.

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

This grant provides $5,000 to small businesses looking to innovate and improve their operations through new products, renovations, or equipment purchases.

The Bay Mini-Grants are competitive awards that fund environmental restoration and education projects in the Tampa Bay watershed with a focus on community-led initiatives. Donor Name: Tampa Bay Estuary Program State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/13/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: This funding program stimulates environmental stewardship and science literacy among those who live, work, and play around Tampa Bay. Funding Information The maximum award is $5,000 per project. Schools, governments, nonprofits, and businesses are eligible to apply. Grant Period January 1 – December 31, 2025. Project Eligibility Projects must be within the Tampa Bay watershed.  Applicants may submit up to two proposals, but only one proposal per organization may be awarded.  Being listed as a project partner in a different organization’s application does not preclude any organization from applying and receiving an award. Projects must address one or more of the priorities listed in the Tampa Bay Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP). Improve water quality and reduce contaminants of concern in the bay Increase and preserve healthy bay habitats in Tampa Bay Protect and enhance fisheries and wildlife Improve spill prevention and response Reduce the occurrence of invasive species in the bay Increase public education and involvement Improve responsible public use of the bay Improve the resiliency of bay habitats to climate change Incorporate CCMP goals and targets into local land use plans and other planning and development guidance tools. Eligibility Criteria  Nonprofit organizations, businesses, and educational institutions are eligible to receive grant funds. Government agencies may apply if a project has strong volunteer or community involvement. A federal employer identification number (FEID) or state tax exemption is required. Funds will not be awarded to individuals. Past award recipients have included nonprofits, educators, filmmakers, neighborhood associations, artists, and researchers. Projects that are led by, empower, benefit, or engage communities that are underserved and/or overburdened are encouraged to apply. Additional potential awardees include chambers of commerce, professional associations, and other affinity groups. For more information, visit Tampa Bay Estuary Program.

This competition provides financial support and resources to Brooklyn residents looking to start or grow community-focused businesses.

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.

This grant provides financial support to Oregon-based organizations addressing urgent needs for women and girls, prioritizing those led by or serving BIPOC communities and with smaller operating budgets.

The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation seeks applications which foster communities to build inclusive, welcoming entrepreneurial environments to advance equitable entrepreneurship opportunities in the lives of all people. Donor Name: Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation State: Minnesota County: Selected Counties Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The purpose of this grant program is to support IRS-designated 501(c)(3) organizations, units/agencies of government or public institution organizations which are providing direct resources and services to start and expand business opportunities within diverse and/or traditionally underserved populations in southern Minnesota. Examples of initiatives may include the creation of an entrepreneurial education program for diverse and/or traditionally underserved populations, organized community dialogue to build inclusivity around entrepreneurship, expanded access to business resources for all community members; the development of systems to advance equitable entrepreneurial activity and reduce the wealth gap among entrepreneurs of diverse and/or traditionally underserved populations. Applications should effectively illustrate the following Creates economic opportunity and advances economic prosperity for racially diverse populations of potential/existing entrepreneurs. Focuses on the well-being of potential/existing BIPOC entrepreneurs who have experienced inequities. Removes community or systemic barriers to increase access to skills, knowledge, or talents for potential/existing BIPOC entrepreneurs. Demonstrates that initiatives can be sustained or grow beyond the initial funding. Funding Information Up to $10,000 is available to qualified and approved applicants, and recipients will have 18 months to implement their work.  Grant Guidelines  Proposals must be submitted by an IRS-designated 501(c)(3) organization, a unit/agency of government or a public institution.  Informal and grassroots organizations are eligible to apply but will be required to have an eligible fiscal host.  Proposals must demonstrate a direct benefit to SMIF’s 20-county region.  10% cash match is required An interim progress report and final written report will be required by all grant recipients Exclusion Ineligible organizations or activities include: Individuals, businesses, or other for-profit organizations General operating expenses (including staff funding) and expenses not directly related to the project/program Capital funding, real estate investments, fixed assets, equipment, capital campaigns or endowments Project/program expenses incurred prior to application Projects/programs in progress prior to application or completed (excludes planning phase) Funds for re-granting or to establish loan pools Research projects or school-related internships Strategic plans, feasibility studies or project planning without implementation and completion within the 12-month timeframe Participant stipends (scholarships for participant fees may be considered) Organizations that have an open Inclusive & Equitable Communities Grant (cannot close grant prior to project end date listed in contract). For more information, visit SMIF.

The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky is seeking applications for its Shaping a Healthy and Inclusive Future Together Grant Program. Donor Name: Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky State: Kentucky 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: The goal is to SHIFT the fragmented communities of Kentucky into communities with a culture of inclusion for individuals engaging in substance use and/ or experiencing chemical dependence. The foundation is requesting proposals for support specifically from these organizations to further integrate harm reduction programing into the communities and help them build a Kentucky that is healthy, inclusive, and connected.  Project examples include:  Integrating naloxone, safe use kits, syringe exchanges, or testing strips distribution to programing  Community organizing and advocacy activities that give a voice to individuals with the lived experience of systemic oppression and state-sanctioned violence as a result of the War on Drugs • Stigma reduction trainings that help the public understand and articulate the importance of harm reduction models  Developing a coalition of local businesses who will provide free harm reduction supplies at their establishments  Building organizational partnerships and codifying referral protocol with providers of medications to treat substance use disorder  Creating goals and guidelines to fill staff positions outside of the recovery community with trained peer support professionals  Designing and providing culture of acceptance programing with mainstream program participants  Creation of a mail-based harm reduction supplies distribution system  Building advocacy capacity through story collection and story telling Funding Information The SHIFT program will provide 10-15 grants totaling either $10,000 to pilot new programing or $50,000 to support on-going harm reduction and racial equity work. Eligibility Criteria Applicant is a community-based organization that primarily serves under-resourced communities of color. Applicant’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is reflected via BIPOC leadership within their staff and board of directors. Applicant is located in and provides services in the state of Kentucky. Applicant does not mandate sobriety in order for individuals to receive services. Outcomes of the grant must include one of the following: The introduction of a harm reduction service modality into mainstream services. The increased inclusion of people who use substances into mainstream services. For more information, visit Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky.

The NYSCA/GHHN Preservation Supplies Grant is an opportunity under the NYSCA/GHHN Conservation Grant Program partnership between the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and Greater Hudson Heritage Network (GHHN) that provides funds to purchase collection management supplies for museums, historical, and cultural organizations in New York State. Donor Name: Greater Hudson Heritage Network State: New York County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Applicants who have consulted with an appropriate professional (i.e., completed a MAP, CAP, NEA’s Small Preservation Assistance Grants for Smaller Institutions, C2CNYS Circuit Rider, GHHN’s Collections Needs Assessment Program, etc.) or by knowledgeable staff may request funds to purchase collection management supplies and shipping. If an organization has limited experience in rehousing collections, they should work with a Site Assessment consultant to provide guidance in selecting appropriate supply materials. Funding Information Applicants may request funds up to $650 for general collections management needs. No match is required. Supplies may include, but are not limited to: storage boxes, acid-free tissue paper, artifact trays, dividers, UV filtering film, Tyvek sheeting, cotton tying tape, item ID tags, HEPA vacuums, dehumidifiers, polyester batting, Ethafoam, environmental monitors, etc. Eligibility Criteria  Applications will be accepted from chartered nonprofit museums, historical organizations or other cultural institutions either incorporated in or registered to do business in NYS, that own, care for and exhibit collections to the public. GHHN membership is not required. Federal & municipal museums and historic sites must contact the GHHN to discuss eligibility. Sites owned by state agencies and religious institutions are ineligible. Organizations with budgets under $250,000 are strongly encouraged to apply. Organizations may apply once a year. Ineligibility  Grants will not support staff salaries or staff time. Requests for collection care supplies for archival or library materials (i.e., books, ledgers, log books, letters, scrapbooks, newspapers, ephemera, maps, or any item primarily used for informational/research value) will not be supported. This grant program will not support inappropriate materials or supply items that do not adhere to current collection care best practices. Please contact GHHN should you have questions about whether your supply request is eligible. For more information, visit Greater Hudson Heritage Network.

In an imaginative new program designed to stimulate the revenue growth of underrepresented artists and makers in Frederick County, Maryland Women’s Business Center (MWBC) proudly presents the Creative Capital Microgrant Program, in partnership with the Frederick County Office of Economic Development (FCOED). Donor Name: Maryland Women’s Business Center State: Maryland County: Frederick County (MD) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Creative Capital Microgrant (CCM) Program offers a financial microgrant of up to $1,000 to qualified businesses in creative industries to support specific projects that use traditional business practices—such as marketing, social media, and online sales platforms—to accelerate a short-term return on investment and can be replicated for ongoing growth. A CCM Review Committee has been established to review applications and select grantees based on their eligibility, overall business assessment, evaluation of proposed project, and the ability to replicate it for future revenue. The program aligns with MWBC’s and FCOED’s strategy to support underrepresented business owners through projects that support Frederick’s vision for small business and economic development: Generating additional revenue, with an emphasis on traditionally under-employed populations Retaining and expanding local business services Supporting business-to-community engagement Establishing a foundation for future business success Creating a social impact. Project Eligibility To be eligible, CCM projects must yield a short-term return on investment and be replicable for future business growth. These include but are not limited to: Marketing initiatives with a call to action Social media setup and enhancement Search engine optimization (SEO) strategies Targeted advertising on Facebook, Instagram, or Google Direct mail or drip email campaign implementation Web development, design, and/or copywriting Establishment of new sales channels, including online shopping platforms Video production Professional photography for online galleries or portfolios Promotional expenses for studio open houses or in-house shows Support for show entry fees with sales opportunities Branding and logo design or redesign. Program Eligibility To be considered for the CCM Program, prospective businesses must: Be located in Frederick County Be registered and in good standing with the State of Maryland Establish eligibility as an underrepresented community Have earned less than $55,000 of gross revenue in 2023 from the art associated with the business Applicants will have three months to complete their projects and, to further support the businesses, grant recipients will receive personalized business counseling and attend training classes designed for creative business owners. Upon conclusion of the program, will be invited to participate in a community event to showcase their work. For more information, visit Maryland Women’s Business Center.

Systems Change grants are intended for organizations that work to influence and guide change in structural factors and related systemic/ policy issues that have created, reinforced, or exacerbated poverty in South Carolina. Donor Name: Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina State: South Carolina County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  07/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Organizations that qualify for this category of funding are addressing one or more of the structural factors associated with poverty in SC and have identified specific barriers/ issues within that structural factor that their work intends to disrupt, reduce, or eliminate. Funding Information Organizations should request the amount that meets their needs and will make the most impact on the proposed program, taking into consideration the median grant size for grants in this focus area is typically $15,000-$20,000. Eligibility Criteria  Organizations that qualify for this category of funding are addressing one or more of the structural factors associated with poverty in SC and have identified specific barriers/ issues within that structural factor that their work intends to disrupt, reduce, or eliminate. The organization brings diverse people together to learn about the whole system and its parts more clearly and coordinates a range of interventions. The organization works collaboratively across sectors, including but not limited to federal, state and local governments, faith-based organizations, social service agencies, funders, the business community, and the constituents being affected. The goals and strategies of the organization are long-term and based on extensive research, planning, evaluation, continuous learning and integration of diverse perspectives. Clear evidence exists that the organization has immersed itself in understanding what is holding the structural problem in place before tackling the problem. Examples of nonprofits that are funded for these grants are: organizations conducting research that can undergird systems-level change; organizations informing government policy that will result in more effective and equitable practices for people experiencing poverty in South Carolina; and/or organizations engaging in advocacy and/or collaborative work to create innovative solutions that propel systems change, addressing structural issues that currently affect the health, safety, and/or economic mobility for people experiencing poverty. For more information, visit SCFSC.