State Business and Commerce Grants

Grants are available through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to support initiatives aimed at enhancing the livability and economic potential of communities in Maryland. The Community Safety Works grant opportunities are designed to make targeted investments in crime prevention that will contribute to improving community safety. Community Health and Safety Works ​​​​​Overview​ The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) administers Community Health and Safety Works grant opportunities to improve the livability and economic potential of Maryland communities through targeted investments in the physical environment that impact health and safety. Who Can Apply Eligible Applicants: 501c3 Nonprofits and Local Governments. Eligible Activities: Awards will be competitive in the four categories below. Applicants may apply only once in each category. Projects should be located in Baltimore City or within designated Sustainable Communities Areas​ elsewhere in the state. Community Placemaking: Collaborations that engage artists and designers to create lovable spaces for community use. Communities will be asked to engage artists and/or designers to facilitate community engagement and project design and implementation. Grants up to $100,000. Environmental Health and Justice: Collaborations to eliminate predatory and unhealthy practices such as illegal dumping, litter and traffic hazards and address urban heat islands and other conditions related to climate change. Grants up to $100,000. Crime and Violence Prevention and Intervention: Collaborations to remove illegal and dangerous activities from communities in one of two ways: Grants up to $100,000 for lighting and camera surveillance strategies and related community safety services. Grants up to $250,000 for place-based comprehensive outreach and case management services that directly connect at-risk individuals to safe, restorative pathways. Technical Assistance for CHSW Initiatives: Individual and teams of nonprofit providers that will provide project design and implementation support to the awardees of CHSW project funding. Nonprofit applicants must be Maryland-based and have a record of assistance to community-driven projects. Grants up to $100,000 for nonprofit providers to assist multiple CHSW projects. How to Apply The FY24 application is expected to open in January 2024. More Information Eric Borchers ​​Project Manager ​​Division of Neighborhood Revitalization ​​Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development ​​2 North Charles Street, Suite 450 ​​Baltimore, Maryland 21201 ​​E: [email protected]

This program invites nominations to honor individuals, organizations, and communities in Kansas for their outstanding contributions to the arts, celebrating creativity and cultural enrichment in the state.

This grant provides financial support to Illinois artists and non-profit organizations for various arts-related projects, programming, events, and professional development opportunities.

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 supports community organizations in Washington, D.C. to implement innovative strategies that reduce gun violence and enhance safety in specific neighborhoods through intervention, mentorship, and collaboration.

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.

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.

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