State Business and Commerce Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Vermont businesses and organizations involved in agriculture, food production, and forest products, helping them improve their sustainability and viability.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local communities, non-profits, and organizations to develop and expand childcare services, addressing the shortage of quality childcare providers across Minnesota.

This program, initiated by the Commerce And Economic Opportunity department of Illinois, aims to accelerate the adoption and implementation of clean energy solutions by engaging prime contractors. The program anticipates awarding 3 grants totaling $9,000,000, with individual grants ranging from $1,000,000 to $3,000,000. Eligible projects should align with the state's goals to enhance clean energy infrastructure and capabilities. A technical assistance session is offered on 04/10/2024 at 3:00 PM. Registration is required via the provided link.

The New Mexico Science & Technology Business Startup Grant, offered by the New Mexico Economic Development Department, is a competitive state-funded initiative designed to foster economic growth and innovation within the state. This grant program aligns with the broader mission of supporting local businesses and technological advancement, aiming to strengthen New Mexico's position in key industry sectors. By providing financial resources to early-stage companies, the program directly contributes to the state's strategic priorities of stimulating research and development and promoting the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies. The target beneficiaries of this grant are New Mexico-based, for-profit science or technology companies, particularly those engaged in research and development with the potential to commercialize their technology. The program specifically assists early-stage companies that are developing unique products and demonstrate strong growth potential. The impact goal is to provide these companies with the necessary resources to develop and commercialize their technology, thereby creating new jobs, diversifying the state's economy, and establishing a robust innovation ecosystem. The grant prioritizes companies operating within specific industry sectors deemed crucial for New Mexico's economic future. These include aerospace, biosciences, advanced computing, intelligent manufacturing, and sustainable and green energy. The focus is on supporting business development expenses, enabling recipients to overcome the financial hurdles often faced in the early stages of commercializing innovative technologies. This strategic focus ensures that the grant funds are directed towards areas with the highest potential for long-term economic benefit and technological leadership. The expected outcomes of the New Mexico Science & Technology Business Startup Grant include the successful commercialization of new technologies, the growth of promising early-stage companies, and the creation of high-value jobs within the state. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the program's theory of change suggests that by investing in innovative science and technology businesses, New Mexico will see an increase in its economic competitiveness and a more resilient, diversified economy. The ultimate goal is to cultivate a dynamic environment where technological advancements can flourish and translate into tangible economic benefits for the state and its residents.

The Bitsie Clark Fund for Artists (The Bitsie Fund), housed at the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, aims to support individual artists in pursuing new work and achieving specific creative and career goals. This aligns with the Foundation's broader mission to foster a thriving community by supporting local talent and development. The fund's focus is on individual artist development, rather than community development, signifying a strategic priority to invest directly in the artistic growth of residents within the Foundation's service area in Greater New Haven. In 2024, The Bitsie Fund will award two $5,000 grants, one specifically for a Black artist and another open to all eligible artists. This targeting reflects a commitment to equitable support within the artistic community and addresses potential disparities. The grant's impact goals are centered on enabling artists to tackle major artistic development goals, take risks on new directions in their work, or advance their careers. The expected outcomes include a more vibrant artistic community with empowered individual artists. The fund prioritizes individual artists at a significant point in their personal development, encouraging both established artists with a substantial body of recent work and those emerging in their field to apply. This inclusive approach to eligibility ensures a broad reach within the artist community. The focus is on supporting a wide array of creative disciplines including dance, music, theater, visual arts, design, craft, literary arts, voice, poetry, playwriting, composition, and film. Measurable results would be evidenced by artists successfully utilizing the funds for approved uses such as purchasing materials, compensating for time spent developing projects, hiring others, covering performance or touring costs, travel for proposals, renting studio space, and production expenses. Ultimately, the Bitsie Fund's theory of change posits that by directly supporting individual artists in these ways, it will contribute to their personal and professional growth, thereby enriching the cultural landscape of Greater New Haven.

This program provides funding to agricultural and rural electric cooperatives in Minnesota to develop facilities that produce eco-friendly nitrogen fertilizers using renewable energy and green hydrogen.

The Indiana Office of Community & Rural Affairs (OCRA) is seeking applications for its Building Socially Connected Communities Program, a grant initiative designed to address concerning public health statistics in Indiana through a community and economic development lens. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance community resilience and foster economic growth across the state. By investing in initiatives that build social connections, strengthen community bonds, and enhance the overall quality of life for Hoosiers, OCRA aims to strategically counter social isolation and loneliness, which diminish social capital and impact individual and community well-being. The program targets all counties in Indiana and aims to benefit individuals experiencing social isolation and loneliness, local businesses affected by decreased community engagement, and communities striving for greater economic vibrancy and social cohesion. The impact goals are to improve individual health outcomes, enhance community well-being and social capital, foster community engagement, support local businesses, and contribute to the overall economic health of Indiana’s communities. The program's priorities and focus areas include Community Infrastructure Enhancement (e.g., community centers, meeting spaces), Social Clubs & Interest Groups tailored to older adults, Community Well-Being Programs (e.g., mental health awareness, loneliness stigma reduction, accessible resources), Local Business Support (e.g., creating inviting spaces for social interactions), Transportation Accessibility in rural areas, and Intergenerational Initiatives. These focus areas reflect the foundation's strategic priority to create strong, connected communities. Expected outcomes and measurable results include increased social connections, stronger community bonds, enhanced quality of life, greater community engagement, improved economic vibrancy through local business support, and increased access to community events and essential services. The foundation's theory of change posits that by strategically investing in these areas, communities will experience a positive shift in social fabric, economic health, and overall well-being, contributing to Indiana’s statewide development goals. Funding information includes a total of $200,000 available. Applicants can apply for either Quick Action projects (maximum $5,000, minimum $1,000, 1:1 match with 30% in-kind) or Large Impact projects (maximum $50,000, minimum $5,001, 1:1 cash match). Eligible applicants are local government, non-profit organizations, and community groups. Ineligible activities range from plants and Wi-Fi to one-time use products, permanent public restrooms, taxes, food/drink, gaming, illegal/political/unsanctioned activities, demolition, salaries, administration fees, and pre-award expenses.

This funding provides financial support to Pennsylvania counties, cities, and local governments to aid in COVID-19 response, economic recovery, and public health improvements.

This grant provides a $6,000 honorarium to a Kentucky writer selected as poet laureate, supporting their efforts to promote the literary arts in the state over a two-year term.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to legal clinics and law firms that offer essential legal and social work services to low-income families in the District of Columbia at risk of child welfare intervention.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for community organizations to educate and assist underserved communities in Illinois with accessing clean energy programs and initiatives.

This program provides funding to Oklahoma local governments and state agencies to upgrade their indoor and outdoor lighting systems for improved energy efficiency and cost savings.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to eligible contractors for developing renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that benefit low-income communities and promote workforce training in Illinois.

The City of Seattle Office of Arts & Culture's 2024-25 Artists at the Center Grant program aims to fund individual artists, groups, and organizations for pop-up performances at Seattle Center between October 2024 and September 2025. This initiative is designed to support vibrant arts communities by introducing emerging and established artists to a revitalized Seattle Center campus, while broadening arts and cultural experiences in the Uptown Arts & Cultural District. The program's mission aligns with fostering cultural diversity and providing unique performance opportunities for artists. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are individual artists, groups, and community-based organizations located in or regularly presenting work in Seattle. The program targets a diverse range of artistic genres, including music, dance, theater, demonstrations, and multi-disciplinary work. The impact goals include providing artists with technical production support, connecting them with new audiences, and offering a platform to showcase their talents, ultimately enriching the cultural landscape for visitors to the Seattle Center campus and surrounding neighborhood. The program prioritizes performances that are free and open to the public, last 90 minutes or less, and have event insurance. Eligible applicants must have a Federal Tax ID number and be based in Seattle or have active programming within the city. Groups are not required to be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or use a fiscal sponsor. A key focus is on ensuring a diverse representation of artists that reflect the city's cultural makeup. Awardees from the 2023-2024 season are not eligible for the 2024-2025 season, encouraging new participation. Expected outcomes include increased public access to diverse artistic performances at Seattle Center, enhanced visibility and opportunities for local artists, and a more vibrant and engaging cultural district. Measurable results will likely involve the number of performances staged, the number of artists and groups supported, and the engagement of new audiences. The funding levels, ranging from $2,000 to $6,000 based on artist/group size and scope complexity, along with in-kind production support, demonstrate a strategic approach to resource allocation that aims to maximize artistic output and reach within the community.

This program provides funding to local workforce organizations in Illinois to enhance job quality and training in key industries like healthcare and manufacturing, ultimately benefiting workers and employers alike.

The Washington State Arts Commission is offering a non-competitive Tribal Cultural Grant Program, providing funding up to $18,000 per application for Federally-recognized Tribes in Washington State to support and enhance their arts and culture, covering expenses such as artist fees, museum support, rent, travel, materials, administrative costs, and cultural classes.

This funding opportunity provides $10,000 to individual artists in Illinois to support their professional development and enhance community engagement through their creative practices.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit organizations, community groups, and educational institutions in Charleston, West Virginia, to develop projects that benefit low- to moderate-income individuals and address community needs.

This program provides funding to Maryland-based organizations and businesses to develop educational and training initiatives that prepare the workforce for careers in the offshore wind industry.