Private Science and Technology Grants

The Washington Department of Commerce (COMMERCE) is seeking proposals for the Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program (ICAP), specifically focusing on Fusion Cluster development. This grant is designed to strengthen industry ecosystems and accelerate economic growth within Washington State by establishing it as a global leader in key industry sectors, supporting tech transfer and commercialization, accelerating new start-ups and scale-ups, growing businesses, and creating high-value jobs. The program also aims to increase export opportunities and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in business ownership and the workforce. COMMERCE has budgeted up to $242,500 for this project, with a preference for awarding contracts under $150,000 to Small or Veteran-Owned Businesses. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are fusion-related industry-led clusters or consortia interested in participating in Fusion Cluster development. The overarching impact goal is to develop a robust Fusion Cluster and produce a legislative report with recommendations for promoting and developing fusion energy in Washington State. This initiative leverages Washington State's existing high concentration of fusion energy companies, fostering "co-opetition" to solve shared industry problems through a dedicated fusion working group. The program's priorities and focuses include establishing Washington as a global leader in fusion energy, supporting technological innovation and commercialization, and fostering business growth and job creation across the state. A significant focus is also placed on developing a legislative report, indicating a strategic approach to influence policy and create a supportive regulatory environment for the fusion energy sector. The grant emphasizes long-term economic development and aims to expand the program over the coming decade to achieve its ambitious goals. Expected outcomes include a stronger fusion industry ecosystem, an increase in tech transfer and commercialization activities, a rise in new start-ups and scale-ups, and the creation of high-value jobs throughout Washington. Measurable results will likely include the number of businesses grown, increased export opportunities, and progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion metrics within the business ownership and workforce. The overall theory of change is that by strategically investing in and fostering collaboration within the fusion energy sector, Washington State can solidify its position as a global leader, drive economic growth, and create sustainable, high-value employment opportunities.

This grant provides a three-month design partnership valued at $30,000 to nonprofit organizations and startups focused on women's health, helping them enhance their branding and communication efforts to drive social change.

The Pittsburgh Foundation is offering its Direct Care and Medical Assistance for Specific Disease Areas grant, stemming from the Robert N. Kohman Trust established in 2003. This fund is specifically designed to support social service organizations that provide direct care and assistance to individuals suffering from a range of serious afflictions, including Alzheimer’s disease, AIDS, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. The grant program aligns directly with the foundation's mission to address critical community needs, particularly those related to health and well-being, by supporting organizations that offer tangible assistance to vulnerable populations. The target beneficiaries of this grant are individuals experiencing severe and chronic health conditions within Allegheny County. The foundation seeks to empower organizations that provide direct care and support, aiming for a significant impact on the lives of those affected by these diseases. By focusing on direct care, the grant intends to improve the quality of life, access to necessary services, and overall well-being of the beneficiaries, contributing to a more resilient and supported community. The foundation prioritizes funding for organizations that demonstrate a deep connection to and representation of the communities they serve. A strong emphasis is placed on intentionally serving Black, Indigenous, Latino, and people of color communities, as well as addressing the intersection of race with other marginalized groups such such as LGBTQIA individuals, those with disabilities, women, the elderly, and immigrants. Additionally, organizations with a mission or programs that actively advance racial justice and those with an established history in their communities are highly favored. The grant also prioritizes organizations that primarily serve communities disproportionately impacted by poverty, reflecting the foundation's strategic commitment to equity and social justice. Organizations can apply for two types of support: Project/Program Support, which funds specific, time-bound programmatic activities with clear goals, and General Operating Support, which provides flexible funding for an organization's overall mission-related expenses, including administrative costs, rent, and program delivery. Grant durations are generally up to two years, with one-year grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $75,000 and two-year grants not exceeding $150,000. For larger requests, organizations are encouraged to consult with a program officer. The foundation's strategic approach underscores the belief that by supporting organizations deeply rooted in affected communities and focused on racial justice, measurable improvements in health outcomes and a reduction in health disparities can be achieved.

This grant provides funding to local governments, tribes, and nonprofits in Oregon to improve tourism infrastructure and promote inclusivity for underserved communities, boosting the state's visitor industry and local economies.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government agencies in northwest North Dakota to support projects in arts, community development, economic development, and innovative initiatives that enhance the quality of life in the region.

The Gertrude L. Hirsch Charitable Trust offers grants exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, aligning with its mission to support organizations dedicated to these core areas. The Trust's grantmaking efforts are designed to empower non-profit entities in fulfilling a broad spectrum of public good initiatives. By focusing on charitable and educational endeavors, the Trust aims to contribute to the well-being and advancement of communities, with a particular emphasis on organizations operating within New Jersey. The grants target a diverse range of beneficiaries across various program areas, including arts, culture, and humanities; education; environment and animals; health; human services; and public/society benefit. The overarching impact goal is to foster positive societal change through the support of these vital sectors. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the expectation is that funded organizations will utilize the grants to achieve their stated charitable and educational objectives, thereby creating tangible benefits for the communities they serve. The Trust's grantmaking priorities show a clear focus on the New Jersey area, indicating a strategic intent to strengthen local communities. While not explicitly outlined as a "theory of change," this geographic preference suggests a belief that concentrated funding within a specific region can lead to more significant and sustainable impact. The average grant size, ranging from $2,000 to $20,000, suggests a strategy of supporting a broader number of smaller to mid-sized initiatives, potentially enabling a wider reach and more diverse portfolio of supported projects. To be eligible for funding, organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code, ensuring that grants are directed towards legitimate non-profit entities. The application process is streamlined through an online grant application form, with provisions for accessible alternatives for assistive technology users. This commitment to accessibility underscores the Trust's dedication to inclusivity in its grantmaking practices, ensuring that a wide array of qualified organizations have the opportunity to apply.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to municipalities and non-profit organizations in Connecticut for environmental assessment and cleanup of brownfield sites, particularly in underserved communities, to promote the creation of parks and recreational spaces.

The Donor Alliance Foundation is offering grants to organizations in Colorado and Wyoming that support organ and tissue donation and transplantation. This initiative aligns directly with the Foundation's mission to extend the impact of organ and tissue donation and transplantation by fostering partnerships and dismantling obstacles that impede access to these life-saving gifts. The Foundation is committed to acknowledging and supporting all individuals affected by donation, ensuring they have access to vital resources. The program aims to address systemic barriers preventing individuals from receiving organ and/or tissue transplants, focusing on equitable and equal access to donation and transplantation resources. Target beneficiaries include underinsured, vulnerable, socio-economically disadvantaged populations, and those in rural areas of Colorado and Wyoming who are eligible for or awaiting a transplant. Impact goals include increasing access to resources, education, family assistance, and research projects, ultimately saving lives and improving the quality of life for those affected. Key priorities for funding include projects that demonstrate equitable access to donation and transplantation resources, consider diversity, equity, and inclusion, and propose innovative educational or assistance methods. The Foundation also maintains a focus on Pancreas research and data collection regarding the benefits of pancreas transplantation. They will support efforts to meet the financial needs of pre- and post-transplant patients, increase living donation, and fund medical and social research through pilot studies or seed grants. Expected outcomes include improved access to donation and transplantation resources for underserved populations, increased awareness and education about donation, enhanced family assistance and grief support, and advancements in transplantation research. The Foundation's strategic priorities are centered on community impact, barrier reduction, and fostering a belief that organ and tissue donation are human gifts that save lives. Their theory of change is that by funding organizations committed to equitable access, innovative education, and critical research, they can positively influence the donation and transplant community, leading to more successful transplants and better support for patients and their families.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofits and local governments in restoring and enhancing the natural environment of the Connecticut River watershed, focusing on projects that provide unique environmental benefits.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in northwest Ohio that serve youth under 18, particularly those with developmental disabilities or who have experienced abuse.

The California Clean Air Day Microgrant Program invites applicants to secure funding for local projects that promote clean air initiatives. While the text does not explicitly state the "foundation mission alignment" or "foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change" in terms of a specific foundation, it clearly outlines the goals and priorities of the Clean Air Day initiative. The program's core mission is to raise awareness of Clean Air Day and encourage actions that contribute to cleaning the air. The target beneficiaries of this program are diverse organizations across California, including cities, counties, schools, government agencies, healthcare providers, community organizations (including Indigenous Tribes), business organizations (such as chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, and business improvement districts), small businesses, and labor unions. The program seeks to engage a broad spectrum of these entities to foster collaborative efforts in improving air quality. The program's priorities and focuses are centered on local projects that occur on or within seven days prior to California Clean Air Day. These projects must demonstrably raise awareness of Clean Air Day and actively contribute to cleaning the air or encourage participants to take actions that will lead to cleaner air. Projects are also required to successfully engage at least 100 participants or attendees, emphasizing community involvement and broad impact. The expected outcomes and measurable results include increased awareness of clean air issues, tangible contributions to air quality improvement, and significant community engagement as evidenced by participant numbers. The grant funding, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, supports various uses such as supplies for events, marketing expenses, city permit costs, and materials for activities like shovels/tools, giveaways, and educational materials, all geared towards achieving these measurable outcomes. The program encourages collaborative efforts by requiring at least two organizations from different categories to partner on an application, enhancing the potential for diverse and impactful projects.

The Waste Reduction & Innovation Grant (WRIG), offered by BizRecycling, aims to significantly reduce solid waste generated by eligible schools, businesses, and nonprofits in Ramsey and Washington counties, Minnesota. This grant directly aligns with BizRecycling's mission to increase waste reduction and recycling activities within the business community, support source-specific reduction and reuse, and provide innovative, sustainable solutions to waste problems. It prioritizes managing operations higher on the waste management hierarchy, encompassing waste reduction, reuse, market development, food recovery, composting, and handling hard-to-recycle materials. The target beneficiaries include for-profit businesses, nonprofits, private colleges and universities, places of worship, and specific private and charter schools in Ramsey and Washington counties. Ineligible entities include home-based businesses, all public entities, and residential apartment buildings. The grant's impact goals are centered on increasing waste reduction and recycling, supporting source-specific needs, and providing innovative solutions, ultimately leading to a significant reduction in the amount of mixed municipal solid waste (MSW) that businesses create. The grant prioritizes projects demonstrating clear impact through estimated weight in pounds of reduced waste, recycling, or organic material, and innovation through the implementation of new ideas or technologies with clear waste reduction outcomes. Funding information indicates one-time grants of up to $50,000 will be awarded, requiring a 10% cash match from applicants. Uses of funds are categorized into equipment & materials, construction & infrastructure, research & development, and education & engagement, all designed to support waste reduction and recycling capabilities. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in solid waste, the adoption of more sustainable waste management practices, and the development of innovative solutions within the business community. This contributes to the broader strategic priority of fostering a more environmentally responsible business landscape in Ramsey and Washington counties. The theory of change suggests that by providing financial support for planning, equipment, supplies, and capital improvements, businesses and organizations will be empowered to implement effective waste reduction strategies, leading to a healthier environment and more sustainable economic practices.

The Greenhouse Accelerator Program Juntos Crecemos Edition is a five-month, mentor-guided initiative designed to accelerate emerging Hispanic food and beverage innovations. This program, an extension of the initial Greenhouse Accelerator launched in 2018, is a collaborative effort with PepsiCo Juntos Crecemos, which is part of PepsiCo’s Pep+ transformation agenda. The overarching mission is to provide both short-term and long-term support to Hispanic small businesses, aligning with PepsiCo's broader strategic priorities of driving growth for Hispanic founders within the food and beverage industry in the U.S. and fostering a positive impact through its PepsiCo Positive Strategy. The primary target beneficiaries of this program are up to eight high-potential, emerging Hispanic-owned food and beverage consumer packaged goods small businesses operating in the United States, with net-revenues between $100,000 to $2,000,000 USD in their last financial year. The impact goals are centered on fostering the growth and scalability of these businesses. By providing grants, expert guidance, networking opportunities, and mentorship, the program aims to accelerate pathways for these businesses to launch, scale, and grow their breakthrough innovations, ultimately contributing to the economic empowerment of Hispanic founders. The program prioritizes businesses that demonstrate a clear go-to-market strategy, are post-prototype and ready for review with a multinational corporation, exhibit uniqueness in the market, and possess balanced gender and ethnic diversity. A strong emphasis is also placed on a clear and active social responsibility mission that aligns with PepsiCo’s Juntos Crecemos Strategy and the broader PepsiCo Positive Strategy. The selection committee will also look for scalable business models, indicating the program's focus on long-term sustainability and impact. Expected outcomes include a guaranteed $20,000 USD grant for each finalist, with the winner receiving an additional $100,000 USD, providing crucial financial support. Beyond monetary grants, participants are expected to benefit from expert guidance through learning modules across all aspects of business development, hands-on mentorship for refining business models and strategies, and enhanced impact. The program also offers invaluable access and exposure to the extensive PepsiCo network, industry experts, VCs, and investors, as well as the unlocking of potential collaboration opportunities with PepsiCo. These measurable results collectively aim to strengthen and expand Hispanic-owned businesses in the food and beverage sector.

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County's "Growing Together: An LGBTQ Fund" is an initiative established in 2001 to address the needs of the LGBTQI community within San Luis Obispo County. This fund aligns with the foundation's broader mission to support charitable organizations and promote philanthropy by specifically focusing on providing grants and raising community awareness for this often underserved population. The foundation aims to foster a more inclusive and equitable environment through targeted funding and community engagement efforts, reflecting its strategic priority of addressing critical community needs. The grant program primarily targets 501c3 organizations within San Luis Obispo County that are implementing programs benefiting the LGBTQ+ community. The core beneficiaries include queer and trans people of color (QTPOC), transgender and nonbinary individuals, and LGBTQ+ people in areas lacking affirming community spaces. The overarching impact goals are to reduce discrimination, advance healthcare equity, improve physical and mental health outcomes, and enhance community connectedness and safety for LGBTQ+ individuals throughout the county. The fund prioritizes one-year grants for programs that focus on three key areas. First, it seeks to demonstrate strategies to reach out to, involve, and center QTPOC, recognizing the amplified discrimination they face due to intersecting systems of oppression like racism, sexism, and heterosexism. Second, it focuses on advancing medical and mental health care for transgender and nonbinary people, addressing the significant health disparities, stigma, and lack of culturally competent care they encounter. Third, the fund aims to create queer spaces in currently unserved areas of the county, acknowledging the importance of safe community spaces for promoting safety, connectedness, and mental well-being among LGBTQ+ individuals. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a reduction in health disparities for QTPOC and transgender/nonbinary people, evidenced by changes in organizational policies and practices, and improved physical and mental health statistics. For queer spaces, outcomes would involve the expansion of resources for local organizations to create physical spaces and the development of new, sustainable support or wellness groups. The foundation's theory of change posits that by supporting initiatives that directly address discrimination, improve access to care, and create affirming community environments, it can contribute to a more equitable, healthy, and connected San Luis Obispo County for its LGBTQ+ residents. The fund's commitment to supporting creative initiatives and strategies that move QTPOC from the margins to the center is a testament to this strategic priority.

The FY25 Destination Development Capital (DDC) Grant Program is a competitive initiative by the Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) through the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT). Its core mission aligns with the Commonwealth's commitment to long-term strength and sustainability by improving facilities and destinations that attract both in-state and out-of-state travelers. This program seeks to increase visitation, encourage repeat visits, and amplify the direct and indirect economic impacts of tourism across all regions of Massachusetts. It serves as a vital component of the state's strategic priorities for economic growth and community well-being, emphasizing the role of tourism in achieving these broader goals. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are public agencies, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations incorporated in Massachusetts with 501(c)3, 501(c)5, or 501(c)6 status. These entities must either produce, promote, or present tourism attractions and activities for the public, or provide public access to physical collections and exhibits. The impact goals are centered on enhancing tourism resources and infrastructure, aiding in destination resiliency, and ultimately contributing to the economic vitality of the Commonwealth. Eligible projects are expected to directly promote the tourism goals of MOTT and corresponding Regional Tourism Councils. The program prioritizes capital improvements with a direct relationship to tourism and other physical/structural items with a greater than five-year lifespan. Specific focuses include projects that expand, construct, restore, or renovate Massachusetts tourism destinations and attractions. In alignment with the ResilientMass Plan, projects incorporating elements to increase the climate resilience of a tourism destination or attraction will receive special consideration. Priority may also be given to projects located in Designated Cultural Districts, rural communities, or those with a nexus to commemorations of the 250th anniversary of American Independence, reflecting the foundation's strategic priorities for cultural preservation and historical recognition. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in visitation, repeat visits, and the direct and indirect economic impacts generated by the tourism industry. Successful projects will enhance the overall quality and resilience of Massachusetts tourism infrastructure. Applicants are also required to demonstrate how they are addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion within their organizations, reinforcing the program's commitment to inclusive growth and broader societal benefits. The DDC Grant Program anticipates awarding up to $6,000,000 in FY25, with projects to be completed by June 30, 2025, ensuring a timely and impactful investment in the state's tourism sector.

The Woodruff Foundation provides funding to tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations located in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, aiming to enhance behavioral health. This initiative supports programs across several focus areas, including treatment, education and prevention, coordination of resources in the community, research, and advocacy. Past funded programs have covered a wide range of services, such as bereavement support, integrated care, guardianship services, and recovery support from addiction and substance abuse. To qualify for funding, organizations must comply with specific eligibility criteria, including being tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code, serving in one of the foundation's focus areas, operating in Cuyahoga County, and having submitted reports on any previous grants. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Summer opening/closing deadline: August 1st to September 1st

This funding program provides financial support to organizations working to improve digital access and skills in underserved communities through the acquisition of devices, client-facing IT support, and the development of digital literacy courses.

This grant provides funding for educators in Brookline to collaborate on innovative projects that enhance teaching and learning across disciplines and grade levels.

The Forecast Public Art’s Midwest Memory Grant, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, is open to non-profit organizations in rural Midwest communities, aiming to elevate and preserve the stories of BIPOC communities through monuments, with a focus on addressing systemic inequities and advancing racial justice.

This grant provides financial support to U.S.-based for-profit businesses with at least one Latino/x founder, celebrating their contributions and fostering economic growth within the Latino/x community.