State Grants

The 2024 Texas Rural Woman Grant, offered by Texas Woman's University, aims to foster economic development in rural Texas by empowering woman-owned small businesses to undertake innovative projects. This grant aligns with the university's mission to support women entrepreneurs and stimulate economic growth in underserved areas of the state. The program seeks to address the unique challenges faced by rural businesses, contributing to the overall economic well-being of Texas communities. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are existing rural, woman-owned small businesses in Texas. These businesses must be at least 51% directly owned and controlled by one or more U.S. citizen women who also reside in Texas. The grant focuses on for-profit corporations, partnerships, LLPs, LLCs, or sole proprietorships located and operated within eligible rural Texas counties. The impact goal is to encourage and enable these businesses to undertake new and innovative projects, thereby creating greater economic development activity in rural Texas. The grant prioritizes projects that involve the purchase of machinery, equipment, or technology; farm implements or machinery; the addition or acquisition of new inventory or raw materials; the purchase and installation of fixtures or display units; property improvements that will result in increased sales and revenue; and marketing or advertising campaigns. Any other business-related activity deemed aligned with the program's purpose by the Center for Women Entrepreneurs (CWE) is also eligible. This focus ensures that funding directly supports tangible growth and operational enhancements for the recipient businesses. The expected outcomes and measurable results include the successful implementation of new projects by ten woman-owned businesses, each receiving a $5,000 grant. Recipients are required to complete a small business training course, engage in three hours of small business advising/mentoring, and submit an approved business plan with three years of financials. These requirements are designed to not only provide immediate financial support but also equip business owners with the knowledge and resources for sustainable long-term success and growth, leading to increased sales and revenue for their businesses.

The Lincoln & Gilbert Small Business Relief Grants are designed to support Black (MBE) employer firms in Cincinnati, Ohio. The primary mission of this initiative is to significantly increase the number of Black employer firms in Cincinnati, aiming to reach over 1,000 within five years. This aligns with a strategic priority to foster economic development and empower minority-owned businesses in the region. The target beneficiaries for these grants are small, medium, and large Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) that are based on revenue. Additionally, the grants are open to MBEs and individuals who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19, or those that predominantly serve businesses disproportionately affected by the pandemic. The impact goal is to provide crucial financial relief and support for these businesses, helping them to stabilize and grow during challenging economic times. The program prioritizes businesses based on their revenue tiers, offering different grant amounts accordingly. There are three applicant tiers: businesses with $10,000 to $75,000 in revenue are eligible for a $2,500 grant; those with $75,000 to $250,000 in revenue can receive a $5,000 grant; and businesses with $250,000 to $1.5 million in revenue are eligible for a $15,000 grant. This tiered approach ensures that businesses of varying sizes can access appropriate levels of support. The expected outcomes of the Lincoln & Gilbert Initiative include a substantial increase in the number of Black employer firms in Cincinnati. Measurable results will be tracked by monitoring the growth of these firms and their contributions to the local economy. The strategic theory of change is that by leveraging the knowledge and expertise of established economic development organizations—such as the Urban League of Greater Southwest Ohio, The Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce, the Cincinnati Chamber USA Minority Business Accelerator, the Greater Cincinnati Microenterprise Initiative (GCMI), MORTAR, and Lightship Foundation—the program can effectively provide the resources and support necessary to achieve its ambitious growth targets for MBEs.

The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) is offering the 2024-2025 Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) American Rescue Plan (ARP) Supplemental Funding Grant. This grant aims to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19, with a specific focus on increasing access to COVID-19 testing, vaccines, and mobile health units to mitigate the virus's spread and enhance support for domestic violence survivors and their dependents. The program aligns with the mission of supporting community-based projects that effectively aid victims of family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are domestic violence shelters, domestic violence programs, culturally specific organizations, tribes, rural communities, racial and ethnic specific communities, and limited English proficient (LEP) individuals, as well as domestic violence survivors and their dependents. The impact goals are to eliminate barriers to COVID-19 testing and supplies, provide resources for onsite testing, ensure access to rapid testing, maintain and increase testing efforts, expand access to testing for underserved populations, and broaden COVID-19 mitigation activities. The grant prioritizes several key areas, including COVID-19 testing (viral and antibody tests, planning, training, reporting, and supply procurement), COVID-19 mitigation (reducing transmission, case investigation, contact tracing, screening, education, and referrals), and COVID-19 vaccine access (administration, outreach, education, appointment assistance, and transportation). Additionally, the grant supports mobile health units for testing, vaccine administration, and preventative health services, along with workforce expansions, capacity building, and personnel support to ensure the continuity of domestic violence services. Expected outcomes include increased access to COVID-19 testing and vaccines, reduced spread of the virus, and enhanced support systems for domestic violence survivors. Measurable results will likely involve the number of individuals tested, vaccinated, and reached through mobile health units, as well as improvements in survivor services. The ICJI's strategic priority is to give special emphasis to community-based projects carried out by nonprofit private organizations that operate shelters or provide counseling, advocacy, and self-help services to victims of family violence. The theory of change suggests that by providing these supplemental funds, ICJI can strengthen the public health response to COVID-19 while simultaneously supporting and sustaining the advocacy workforce dedicated to preventing and responding to the needs of domestic violence survivors during the ongoing public health emergency.

The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) has opened applications for the 2024–2025 Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) American Rescue Plan (ARP) Supplemental Funding Grant. This initiative provides essential financial support to organizations serving victims of domestic and family violence across Indiana. With funding ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, the program aims to strengthen emergency services, provide housing and advocacy, and enhance recovery support for victims and their dependents. The grant also specifically addresses the ongoing and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on both survivors and the organizations that serve them. The FVPSA program serves as the nation’s cornerstone funding source for shelters and supportive services for victims of domestic and family violence. The ARP supplemental funds expand that mission to include the prevention of COVID-19 transmission, preparation for future public health challenges, and direct response to victims affected by the pandemic. ICJI emphasizes support for community-based, nonprofit organizations whose core mission involves operating shelters or providing advocacy, counseling, and self-help services for victims and their families. The funding seeks to ensure that these organizations can continue providing safe, stable, and accessible services despite the evolving challenges of public health and social crises. Under the “Prevent” category, eligible projects may include emergency housing through shelters or hotels, outreach to underserved populations, the purchase of PPE and health supplies, and technology for mobile advocacy. The “Prepare” category focuses on building organizational resilience, including conducting assessments and developing contingency plans to maintain operations during future surges. Meanwhile, the “Respond” category funds direct assistance such as counseling, advocacy, youth support services, civil legal aid, rental and utility assistance, and programs that promote victims’ economic empowerment, such as transportation, childcare, job training, and financial literacy initiatives. Approximately $350,000 in total funding is available for this grant cycle, covering a 12-month period from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. Eligible applicants include local public agencies and nonprofit private organizations—such as faith-based, community-based, tribal, and charitable organizations—with proven experience assisting victims of domestic or family violence. Applicants must demonstrate a strong record of delivering effective, survivor-centered services and must align their proposed activities with the grant’s prevention, preparation, or response focus areas. Through this FVPSA ARP supplemental grant, ICJI continues its commitment to protecting survivors, strengthening community-based response systems, and addressing the intersection of domestic violence and public health. By empowering organizations with the resources they need to adapt and sustain critical services, this program ensures that victims across Indiana can access safety, stability, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives free from violence.

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is accepting applications for its **2024 Small City Allotment (SCA) Grants**, a competitive funding opportunity designed to support critical local transportation improvements in Oregon’s smallest cities. The program provides annual allocations of state funds to help incorporated cities with populations of **5,000 or fewer** address infrastructure needs on streets that are either unsafe or inadequate for current traffic capacity. By investing in essential transportation upgrades, ODOT aims to enhance safety, connectivity, and quality of life across rural and small-town communities throughout the state. Each project submitted through the SCA program is evaluated and scored based on the condition of the existing infrastructure and the proposed improvements. Projects compete regionally, ensuring fair consideration among communities with similar needs and resources. Eligible projects can include a wide range of improvements such as **resurfacing, storm sewer installation, curbs, gutters, walkways, curb ramps, bike lanes, multi-use paths, bridge work, and right-of-way enhancements**. The flexibility of eligible project types allows small cities to focus on their most pressing transportation challenges while promoting safer and more accessible public spaces for residents and visitors. The maximum grant award for each project is **$250,000**, and the grant period extends up to **two years**, giving municipalities sufficient time to complete construction and administrative tasks. However, cities that wish to apply must meet all program requirements, including the completion and final reimbursement of any previously awarded SCA projects by **September 1, 2024**. Applications from cities that fail to meet these deadlines—or do not receive project acceptance from ODOT by **November 1, 2024**—will be removed from consideration. The department encourages cities that are close to meeting eligibility thresholds to apply, as the program prioritizes readiness and commitment to project completion. Certain types of expenditures and projects are not eligible under the SCA program. These include the construction of new streets, paving of parking lots, right-of-way purchases, utility relocations, or improvements outside of public rights-of-way. Additionally, administrative expenses, equipment purchases, or any costs incurred before the agreement’s execution or after its termination date are excluded. The focus remains on tangible, high-impact improvements to existing public infrastructure that directly enhance road safety and usability. Through the Small City Allotment program, ODOT continues its commitment to supporting Oregon’s smaller communities with targeted investments in transportation infrastructure. By addressing deteriorating road conditions and safety hazards, the program ensures that even the state’s most rural areas benefit from reliable, modern, and safe transportation networks. The next round of funding is expected in **2025**, providing ongoing opportunities for small cities to plan and implement vital local projects that keep Oregon connected.

This funding opportunity supports projects aimed at reducing nonpoint source pollution in Pennsylvania's watersheds, particularly in Environmental Justice Areas, by improving water quality through initiatives like agricultural runoff control and urban stormwater management.

The Southern STEM Network Grant VI, administered by the Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation, and Technology (OSIT), aims to support innovative initiatives that help develop an educated, skilled, and diverse STEM workforce in Southern Nevada. Projects should address increased participation in high-quality STEM programs from underserved groups, raise awareness about STEM opportunities, and ensure high-quality STEM education with engaged business partners across all counties, cities, and districts. Funding is available up to $50,000, with applications due by June 28, 2024. Eligible projects include pilot programs, scaling up existing programs, or extending successful initiatives from other regions.

This funding opportunity supports community-based programs in Pennsylvania that aim to prevent child abuse and neglect by engaging families and caregivers through evidence-based, long-term interventions.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Nevada to develop and expand STEM training programs that meet industry needs, helping to prepare workers for well-paying jobs in the growing economy.

This funding opportunity supports partnerships between high schools, postsecondary institutions, and STEM employers in Nevada to develop training programs that prepare students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The Rural STEM Network Grant VI, administered by the Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation, and Technology (OSIT), aims to support innovative initiatives that help develop a diverse workforce in Rural Nevada with the skills and education needed by STEM industries. Projects should address increased participation in high-quality STEM programs from underserved groups, raise awareness about STEM opportunities, and ensure high-quality STEM education with engaged business partners across all counties, cities, and districts. Funding is available up to $50,000, with applications due by June 28, 2024. Eligible projects include pilot programs, scaling up existing programs, or extending successful initiatives from other regions.

This grant provides financial support to local governments in Pennsylvania to enhance their recycling programs based on the amount of materials recycled and their recycling rates.

This grant provides funding to Nevada public and charter elementary school educators and administrators to enhance STEM education through hands-on learning experiences, particularly for underrepresented students.

The Northwestern STEM Network Grant VI, administered by the Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation, and Technology (OSIT), aims to support innovative initiatives that align with the objective of developing a diverse talent pool to meet the employment needs of Northwestern Nevada’s evolving STEM industries. Projects should address equity in STEM, raise awareness about STEM opportunities, and ensure high-quality STEM education with engaged business partners across all counties, cities, and districts. Funding is available up to $50,000, with applications due by June 28, 2024. Eligible projects include pilot programs, scaling up existing programs, or extending successful initiatives from other regions.

The United States Department of Energy’s (DOE) Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program was originally created by the Federal Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 and expanded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). New funding wBIL as allocated to the program in 2021 under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) with the broad goals to reduce carbon emissions and energy use, improve energy efficiency, and increase community investment and local workforce development. IIJA funding made available in 2021 under the EECBG (2021 EECBG) allocated funds directly to state and certain local jurisdictions that met program criteria, with approximately $4.5 million allocated to the State. Of the funds allocated to the State, $4,070,070 are available for the LGBDC.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to designated STEM schools in Nevada for professional development, educator stipends, and materials to enhance high-quality STEM education.

The Monterey Peninsula Foundation awards grants to nonprofit organizations to benefit the community within specific focus areas: arts & culture, community & environment, education, health & human services, and youth. This aligns with the Foundation's mission to address the community's most pressing and unmet needs by fostering creative responses and building local support for essential services. The Foundation's strategic approach emphasizes identifying and funding initiatives that demonstrate strong management capacity, clear project evaluation plans, and a commitment to collaboration among service providers. The target beneficiaries of these grants are residents of Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties, served by eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, public K-12 schools, and public agencies. The impact goals are centered around providing quality services and programs, supporting important community resources, and strengthening infrastructure across whole communities. The Foundation seeks to achieve measurable results through robust project evaluation and outcome measurement, ensuring that funded initiatives effectively address identified community needs. The Foundation prioritizes applications that offer innovative solutions and show promise for sustained local support. They look for organizations with a broad base of funding support, indicating community engagement and financial stability. Their theory of change is rooted in empowering effective organizations to deliver impactful services and build resilient communities. Exceptions to the one-grant-per-applicant rule are considered for emergencies or one-time significant community-wide benefits, highlighting the Foundation's responsiveness to critical needs. The types of support offered include operating support, program support, and capital support, providing flexibility for organizations to deliver services, run programs, or invest in infrastructure. The grant period for a single-year grant is October 1 to May 31 (8 months). The Foundation is committed to supporting organizations that uphold principles of non-discrimination and financial accountability, excluding funding for activities solely promoting religious doctrine, academic research, endowments, fundraising campaigns, political purposes, or organizations that have been in operation for less than three years.

The North Dakota Council on the Arts offers the Community Arts Access Tier 1 & 2 grant, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, to support arts activities such as festivals, exhibitions, and performances by eligible North Dakota-based nonprofit and public entities, with the aim of enhancing programming quality, expanding audiences, and promoting arts appreciation within the state.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to various public and nonprofit entities for replacing outdated diesel marine engines with cleaner technologies and for training programs that prepare individuals for careers in zero-emission transportation.

The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) offers the GO TEXAN - Event Grants as part of the Marketing Enhancement Grant Assistance Program. These grants aim to support Associate-level GO TEXAN partners who organize public events such as festivals and farmers markets, promoting Texas-made products and businesses under the GO TEXAN program. Eligible events must focus on advertising expenses and can only include one event per applicant within the designated timeline. Applications are accepted until May 16, 2024, and the projects can run from October 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025. Grant awards are determined based on the event’s adherence to GO TEXAN participation and program recognition, with funding available up to $20,000 depending on past participation and the extent of promotional activities.