Private Business and Commerce Grants

Name of Funding Organization: State Child Care Infrastructure Grant Program Contact Information: No contact information provided in the input. Award Details: Maine residents interested in starting a home-based or family child care business can apply for up to 75% of their start-up costs, with a maximum award of $8,500. Those adding a room exclusively for their child care business can receive up to $25,000. Eligibility: Maine residents interested in starting a home-based or family child care business are eligible to apply. Priority will be given to applications from Aroostook, Franklin, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, and Washington Counties. Bonus points will be awarded to applicants providing care for infants, toddlers, families income-eligible for subsidy, and participating in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program. Application Process: The application process consists of two steps. Step 1 requires completing the requirements to earn a family child care license. Applications for Step 1 are accepted on a rolling basis through June 30, 2024, or until all funds are awarded. Step 2 is an invitation-only application based on eligibility determined from Step 1. It includes a description of project plans and a list of start-up expenses. Applications for Step 2 will be accepted through August 30, 2024, or until all funds are awarded. Application processing time is expected to take up to five weeks from the time of submission. Other Relevant Information: The grant awards can be used for various purposes, including renovating a home, purchasing educational materials, acquiring indoor furniture and fixtures, creating an outdoor learning environment, buying playground equipment, procuring health and safety supplies, and having working capital for the first month. The grant program does not cover adding a room to an existing home-based child care space, as it is considered a renovation. Family Child Care providers interested in expanding their licensed capacity in a new location with a Facility license can apply for the Child Care Facility Expansion Grants, but there are special licensing and fire marshal requirements to consider.

This program provides funding to public entities in Pennsylvania for the development and improvement of public fishing and boating access facilities.

This grant provides funding for nonprofit organizations in Washington, DC, to create innovative public humanities projects, such as festivals, exhibitions, and performances, that engage and educate the community.

The Placer County Air Pollution Control District's Clean Air Grant (CAG) Program is designed to provide monetary grants to private companies and public agencies. The core mission of this program aligns with the broader goal of improving air quality by incentivizing actions that reduce emissions from heavy-duty engines. This goes beyond existing legal or regulatory requirements, encouraging a proactive approach to environmental stewardship. The program's strategic priority is to accelerate California's transition towards zero and near-zero emission technologies, addressing both local air quality and broader climate change concerns. The target beneficiaries of the CAG Program are diverse and include private companies, public agencies, and specific segments within these, such as small fleets for off-road funding, and entities operating school buses. A significant portion of the funds is reserved for projects located within or directly benefitting low-income communities, indicating a strong focus on environmental justice and equitable distribution of environmental benefits. The impact goals are centered on achieving surplus emission reductions, particularly from heavy-duty on-road and off-road equipment, and supporting infrastructure for cleaner technologies. The program prioritizes several key areas. These include agricultural portable and stationary engine repower and infrastructure, alternative fuel infrastructure (such as battery charging, natural gas, and hydrogen fueling stations), heavy-duty on- and off-road equipment replacement, repower, and retrofit, and school bus replacement. There is a clear emphasis on zero-emission technology and infrastructure, which is a guiding principle for the program. The District also considers special projects for sensitive receptors, further demonstrating a commitment to protecting vulnerable populations from air pollution. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in air toxics, criteria air pollutants, and greenhouse gas emissions. The program aims to achieve these reductions through investments that directly benefit impacted communities. While specific measurable results are not detailed in terms of quantifiable targets (e.g., "reduce NOx by X tons"), the guiding principles suggest a commitment to considering cost-effectiveness and exposure reduction in funding decisions, implying a data-driven approach to evaluating impact. Transparency in project selections and reporting is also a stated guiding principle, which will contribute to the accountability and effectiveness of the program.

The City of San Diego's Economic Development Department is offering a grant of $10,000 to $100,000 to nonprofit organizations that can assist small businesses in under-resourced communities, with funds to be used for capacity building expenses such as technical assistance, website creation, and event programming, with priority given to organizations with modest budgets and proposals aligning with the Economic Development Strategy.

This initiative provides financial support and mentorship to minority-owned small businesses in specific West Side neighborhoods of Chicago, helping them grow and contribute to their communities.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is currently seeking proposals for its Rocky Mountain Rangelands Program. This initiative aims to conserve, restore, and improve habitat in the Intermountain West, specifically focusing on wildlife species associated with sagebrush, irrigated meadows, and aquatic systems, while also preserving large mammal migration. NFWF's mission to sustain, restore, and enhance the nation's fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats aligns directly with the program's objectives. The target beneficiaries of this grant include ranchers, community-led organizations, and landowners in Idaho and Utah, as well as the diverse wildlife species inhabiting these rangelands, such as sagebrush sparrow, sage thrasher, mule deer, pronghorn, and Greater and/or Gunnison sage-grouse. The program's impact goals are centered on accelerating and implementing voluntary conservation practices to achieve sustainable livestock production, enhanced wildlife habitat, improved ecosystem services (including carbon sequestration), and increased landscape permeability for wildlife. Priority will be given to projects that promote innovations in grazing management, strategic management of annual invasive grasses, habitat enhancement (through mesic area/wet meadow, sagebrush restoration, and conifer removal), fence removal or modification, and the provision of technical assistance to landowners. In Idaho, there's a dedicated focus on supporting positions to integrate Farm Bill programs with the Big Game Migration Initiative. In Utah, funding is available to facilitate conservation practices on working lands and to support positions that increase the pace and scale of voluntary perpetual conservation easements through ACEP-ALE delivery and RCPP technical assistance. Expected outcomes include the adoption of cost-effective and sustainable conservation approaches, direct benefits to priority wildlife species, and increased landowner enrollment in Farm Bill programs. The program anticipates awarding between 10-20 grants, with a suggested minimum of $100,000, and projects may span one to three years. Measurable results will likely involve tracking acres restored, number of fences modified, and improvements in wildlife populations. This program exemplifies NFWF's strategic priority of fostering collaborative, science-based conservation efforts and their theory of change, which posits that strategic investment in voluntary, on-the-ground conservation with strong partnerships leads to tangible and lasting benefits for both wildlife and working lands. The program is supported by major private funding from Cargill, Taco Bell, Nestlé, Capri Holding Ltd., and federal funding from the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The Economic Development Match Grant aims to support economic development projects in Woodbury County, Iowa, by encouraging collaboration and higher funding levels. Eligible projects must align with at least one of MRHD’s four focus areas: job creation and retention, workforce development, impactful new projects or services, and community development for improved quality of life. Proposals must be sustainable without further grants, demonstrate community priority, be available to Woodbury County citizens, and leverage diverse resources. The application period runs from June 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024, with funding decisions announced by August 2, 2024. Awards range from $250,000 to $1,000,000, with a total of $1,000,000 available for the FY24 cycle. Grant recipients must complete projects within four years and match awarded funds dollar-for-dollar. Eligible applicants include educational entities, local governments, and tax-exempt organizations based in Woodbury County, IA. Only one application per funding opportunity is allowed per tax-exempt organization, whereas educational entities and local governments can submit multiple applications from different units. Applications are submitted online via Foundant Grant Lifecycle Manager software and must include detailed budgets, proof of eligibility, and letters of support.

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

This grant provides financial support to small or all-volunteer organizations in Connecticut focused on projects or operational needs that promote equity and dismantle structural racism in Greater Hartford's Black and Latinx communities.

This funding opportunity supports community-driven projects that improve water quality and promote environmental stewardship in the Twin Cities area, targeting eligible non-profits, schools, and local organizations.

This funding initiative provides $10,000 grants and mentorship to small businesses in the U.S. that face challenges in accessing traditional financing, helping them grow and improve their operations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to tourism and hospitality businesses in Port Angeles to enhance their marketing efforts and attract visitors from outside the area.

The General Operating Grants (GOG) program, offered by the Allegany Arts Council (AAC), is designed to support the daily operations of 501(c)3 arts agencies within Allegany County, Maryland. The program aims to address critical funding gaps that often hinder arts organizations from compensating professional staff, maintaining facilities, or pursuing capital improvements. This initiative aligns with the AAC's mission to foster and sustain a vibrant arts community by providing essential operational support, thereby ensuring the continued availability of arts-related programming and general organizational functionality in the region. The target beneficiaries of the GOG program are non-profit, 501(c)3 arts organizations (or those eligible for IRS tax-exempt status) based in Allegany County, with programming and business primarily conducted within the county. The program seeks to impact the local community by ensuring that arts-related programs and events funded by GOG money are accessible to the general public. The overarching impact goal is to stimulate, rather than replace, community support for the arts and to promote broad participation and engagement in artistic endeavors, free from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or handicap. The program prioritizes the use of funds for arts-related programming or general organizational operations. It explicitly excludes funding for capital purchases, fundraising events, or social functions. A significant focus is placed on community engagement and support, as evidenced by the requirement of a 1:1 cash match, where GOG funding cannot exceed one-half of the proposed program budget. Funds from the Maryland State Arts Council and in-kind or donated services are not eligible for this match, emphasizing the need for direct community and organizational investment. Furthermore, programs that proselytize for specific political actions or religious beliefs are strictly not eligible for funding. Expected outcomes include enhanced operational stability for local arts organizations, leading to a greater capacity to offer diverse arts programming to the Allegany County public. Measurable results will include the provision of final grant reports at the conclusion of the grant period, detailing how the funds were utilized and the impact achieved. Grantees are also required to notify the AAC of any major program changes and comply with various civil rights and anti-discrimination acts, ensuring equitable access and participation. The program's strategic priority is to strengthen the local arts infrastructure, and its theory of change posits that by providing direct operational support and encouraging community matching funds, local arts agencies will be better equipped to deliver high-quality, accessible arts experiences, thereby enriching the cultural landscape of Allegany County.

This grant opportunity is called the Child Care Infrastructure Grant Program Facility Start-Up. It is open to anyone interested in starting a child care facility or existing child care license holders adding an additional location. The grant covers up to 50% of start-up costs, with a maximum award of $80,000. Eligible applicants include sole proprietors, partnerships, cooperatives, nonprofit organizations, and employers. The grant can be used for various purposes, such as purchasing or renting a building, renovating the facility, constructing a new building, buying educational materials and furniture, creating an outdoor learning environment, acquiring playground equipment, and procuring health and safety supplies. Priority will be given to applications from specific counties and those committing to providing care for infants, toddlers, income-eligible families, and participating in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program. The application process consists of two steps, with the first application accepted on a rolling basis until June 30, 2024, and the second application being invitation-only. The processing time for applications is expected to be up to five weeks. For more information and to access the application, visit the following link: [https://www.cognitoforms.com/CEIMaine/ChildCareInfrastructureGrantProgramFacilityStartUpApplication1](https://www.cognitoforms.com/CEIMaine/ChildCareInfrastructureGrantProgramFacilityStartUpApplication1)

This program supports businesses and organizations in Washington State that are working on innovative projects to reduce waste and promote a circular economy through recycling, reuse, and sustainable practices.

AgWest Farm Credit's New Producer Grant Program supports new agricultural producers who have two years or less of operational experience or plan to start their operation within two years of applying. The grant aims to alleviate the challenge of lacking start-up funds, celebrating the ingenuity and passion of new producers. Successful applicants will receive a one-time $15,000 grant to support their operation's growth. The grant focuses on applicants within AgWest Farm Credit’s territory who are not current lending customers and are U.S. citizens or lawful residents.

This grant provides funding to early career researchers exploring the links between economic inequality and growth, with a focus on producing insights that can inform public policy.

This program provides financial support to established small businesses in downtown North Wilkesboro and Wilkesboro, North Carolina, to enhance their operations through equipment upgrades, physical space improvements, and e-commerce development.

This grant provides financial support and resources to Black-owned small businesses in Kinetic's service areas, helping them access capital, internet services, and business consultations to enhance their operations and growth.