Private Business and Commerce Grants

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.

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

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.

This grant provides funding to New England nonprofit organizations for touring projects that feature regional, national, or international artists, with a focus on community engagement and expanding access to the arts, particularly in rural and BIPOC communities.

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.

Verizon has partnered with LISC to offer $10,000 grants to small businesses as part of their commitment to support 1 million small businesses by 2030. Applicants must be over 18, own a small business, and non-profit business owners are not eligible. Eligibility requires completing two grant-eligible courses or events between January 1, 2024, and June 28, 2024. The application deadline is June 28, 2024, and late applications will not be considered.

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.

Grant Name: Regional Touring Program Grants Donor: Mid-America Arts Alliance Location: Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas Grant Type: Grant Deadline: Ongoing Grant Size: Up to $5,000 Details: The Regional Touring Program grants by Mid-America Arts Alliance support presenting organizations in showcasing the work of artists from within the M-AAA region. Presenters can receive up to 50% of the artist's fee for booking an artist listed on a state touring roster and up to 25% for booking an artist from the region not listed on a touring roster. Rural presenters may receive an additional 10% of the artist's fee. Projects must engage regional audiences through exposure, interaction, and outreach engagement. Eligible projects must feature in-region artists from outside the presenter's home state and include public-facing events between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024. The grant does not cover indirect project costs or expenses associated with benefits or fundraiser events. Eligibility Criteria: Applicant organizations must be tax-exempt non-profit organizations or federally recognized tribal communities incorporated in one or more states in the M-AAA region. They must have a valid EIN and UEI ID and commit to M-AAA's Grantee Assurance of Compliance and Federal Suspension and Disbarment Policy. Organizations may submit a maximum of three applications per fiscal year. For more information, visit M-AAA's website.

The Go Outside Fund by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin offers grants between $100 and $500 to teachers and organizations in Wisconsin, aiming to facilitate outdoor, nature-based learning experiences for children aged pre-K to 12 by covering costs such as field supplies, transportation, and educator costs.

This funding initiative provides $10,000 and additional resources to small business owners selling on eBay, helping them grow and optimize their operations.

The Rose Community Foundation is pleased to announce the Equitable Economic Opportunity and Community Wealth Building. Donor Name: Rose Community Foundation State: Colorado County: Adams County (CO), Arapahoe County (CO), Boulder County (CO), Broomfield County (CO), Denver County (CO), Douglas County (CO), Jefferson County (CO) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/28/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Rose Community Foundation has an open funding opportunity for nonprofit organizations in the Greater Denver region. This grant cycle is intended to support organizations working to close gaps in access and opportunity by increasing financial security, dismantling generational cycles of poverty, and growing assets for individuals and communities furthest from opportunity. Rose Community Foundation particularly interested in supporting organizations that:  serve 80% or more of their populations/individuals earning less than 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (or equivalent)  are scaling existing peer-to-peer programs where people with lived experience are paid to support others experiencing the same or similar challenges  are working on multiple strategies For purposes of this RFP, they seek to fund organizations with a demonstrated capacity and deep focus on:  BIPOC individuals  Immigrants and refugees  Justice-involved individuals  People with disabilities and neuro diverse individuals  Women Funding Information Total funding available: $ 1.5 million.  On average, grants will range from $25,000 – $75,000. Grant Duration Most grant lengths will be one year. Rose Community Foundation interested in proposals  that:  Increase social and financial capital to advance local economic stability. Increase access to capital for individuals, communities, entrepreneurs, and local businesses through mechanisms such as grants and loans, including Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and other alternative financing organizations.  Enhance workforce development, training and job placement for people making up to 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level with a focus on those furthest from opportunity, as defined in this RFP. Support organizations providing workforce programming or training that results in better paying jobs with higher earning potential.  Increase housing affordability for individuals and families that are cost burdened. Navigate and support affordable home ownership or eviction prevention programs for individuals with low incomes. Although they fund in the seven-county Greater Denver region, priority will be given to applications focused on Adams, Arapahoe and Denver counties, or specific neighborhoods in Boulder, Broomfield, Douglas and Jefferson counties with demonstrated need established through data. Eligibility Criteria This opportunity is open to nonprofit organizations, government agencies or fiscally sponsored projects in the seven-county Greater Denver region: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson counties.  Organizations funded through donor-advised funds or other giving circles at Rose Community Foundation are eligible for this opportunity if other eligibility requirements are met.  Organizations that house endowments at Rose Community Foundation are eligible to apply but, like other applicants, are not guaranteed to receive funding.  Organizations that have multiyear funding from the Foundation or that have received a separate grant from Rose Community Foundation in 2024 are unlikely to receive funding via this opportunity. They ask organizations that think they may still be eligible to reach out to Community Impact team before beginning their application.  For more information, visit Rose Community Foundation.

This fully-funded program empowers Georgia-based entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders from underserved communities by enhancing their leadership skills and providing resources to scale their ventures and create local economic impact.

This initiative provides funding to animal welfare and community organizations in select states to assist with disaster response efforts for animals affected by recent hurricanes.

The Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (JACVB) is seeking applications for its Tourism Marketing Fund to assist attractions and event organizers with marketing to visitors from outside of Rock County to encourage overnight hotel stays and provide a positive economic impact. Donor Name: Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau State: Wisconsin County: Rock County (WI) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. (JACVB) is an independent non-profit 501 c 6 organization and serves as Janesville’s Destination Marketing Organization. Award Considerations  Priority will be given to requests that will create overnight stays in the Janesville community. Items considered when reviewing the grant applications include:  Positive economic impact for a greater number and range of Janesville businesses  Application quality – complete, well thought out, and timely submission  Organization requesting grant is a non-profit entity (501.c.3 or 501.c.6)  Uniqueness/innovation of an event/promotion in serving as a draw for visitors  Potential of event/promotion becoming self-supporting  Event/promotion draws county, state, or regional media exposure  Creating new or increased business for Janesville  Matching funds from the applicant  Aligns with the “Janesville, Wisconsin’s Great Outside” brand Qualifying Projects  Target marketing audiences must be outside of Rock County, Wisconsin. Qualifying projects include but are not limited to:  Promotion of a special event to potential visitors outside Rock County  Development of marketing materials (brochures, videos, website design, direct mail, etc.)  Advertising buys and social media campaigns  Conference and sporting event bidding fees  Eligibility  Criteria Strong preference will be given to non-profit organizations or those with a strong and demonstrated partnership with a non-profit. The JACVB will not consider requests from the following: Organizations that discriminate because of race, color, creed, gender, religion, or national origin  Political organizations, candidates for political office, or organizations whose primary purpose is to influence legislation  Building, brick and mortar, and capital campaigns  Organizations or events that benefit only a few  Organizations requesting funding for staffing/administrative/operational/supplies purposes For more information, visit JACVB.