State Grants

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture invites applications for the Underserved Farmers Mini Grant, funded through the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service Specialty Crop Block Grant Program and the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. The program enhances the competitiveness of specialty crops in New Jersey by supporting projects led by underserved farmers, including socially disadvantaged, beginning, and military veteran farmers. Grants of up to 5,000 dollars may support activities such as researching new cultivars, outreach to youth and communities on specialty crops, targeted marketing, personnel, purchase of special purpose equipment, educational workshops, planting specialty crops, and distribution of promotional materials. Projects must conform to USDA AMS guidelines and general terms and conditions. Eligible applicants include qualified businesses and producers, as well as nonprofit and community based organizations developing projects that increase the production, marketing, and research of specialty crops in New Jersey. The grant period runs from June 1, 2024 through September 29, 2025. Applications are due May 3, 2024. Additional information is available from the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.

The Community Foundation of Louisville's Vogt Invention & Innovation Awards offers a significant opportunity for early-stage entrepreneurs in the Louisville metropolitan area. This program provides awards and prizes ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, with up to six businesses each receiving $25,000 annually. The initiative aims to propel businesses to the next level by fostering innovation and economic growth within the region. While the grant duration is not explicitly mentioned, the focus is on supporting businesses that are past the conceptual stage and have an early prototype of their technology. The primary beneficiaries are for-profit entities headquartered in the 13-county Louisville Metro area, encompassing specific counties in Indiana (Clark, Floyd, Washington, Scott, Harrison) and Kentucky (Bullitt, Henry, Jefferson, Nelson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, Trimble). Eligibility criteria also require businesses to be registered with either the Indiana or Kentucky Secretary of State and in good standing. The program targets businesses in their early stages, with customer revenue less than $250,000/year to date and a lifetime funding maximum of $500,000 (excluding founders' personal investments). The overarching impact goal is to stimulate innovation-led product and service development, creating customer demand and contributing to the economic vitality of the region. The Vogt Awards define innovation as a new idea or the invention of a new product or service that creates customer demand, aligning with the foundation's strategic priority to support groundbreaking advancements. Stronger consideration is given to applications that demonstrate leveraging technology for customer service, competitive advantage, or market evolution, and those that utilize technology in new or unique ways. This focus on technological advancement is a core tenet of the program's theory of change, believing that such innovation is key to sustainable business growth and regional prosperity. Additionally, the program prioritizes businesses with a protectable advantage (intellectual asset) in the market and a scalable business model that promises quick revenue growth and improving profitability. The exclusion of businesses requiring long regulatory approval cycles, such as new drug companies, further refines the focus to innovations that can more rapidly enter and impact the market. Expected outcomes include the successful development and scaling of innovative products and services, leading to increased customer demand and economic benefits within the Louisville Metro area. Measurable results would likely include the number of businesses successfully launched or expanded, job creation, and revenue generation by award recipients.

The Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous, and Tribal Populations (the Permanent Commission) is offering grants to develop and implement programs that address social drivers of health (SDOH) and build stronger community connections. This initiative aligns with the Commission's statutory mandate to improve public health outcomes, especially for racial, Indigenous, and tribal populations who have historically faced disproportionate chronic health and disease impacts, further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant program aims to deepen the Commission's relationships with Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and community leaders, invest resources directly in Maine communities severely impacted by COVID-19, and support innovative community-led approaches to addressing SDOH. The target beneficiaries of this program are communities located within Maine, particularly those with racial, Indigenous, and tribal populations that have been historically marginalized and disproportionately affected by health disparities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact goals include improving public health outcomes, increasing social capital, and fostering stronger community connections within these communities. This program recognizes that persistent disparities in SDOH require targeted and community-driven solutions to achieve equitable health and well-being. The program prioritizes supporting CBOs in creating new and innovative community-led approaches to addressing SDOH for their communities. A key focus is on increasing social capital in historically marginalized communities by supporting community-building activities within Maine. Eligible applicants must be CBOs as defined by the RFA, meaning they are driven by and accountable to the community they serve, have a physical presence, and include community perspectives in determining priority issues and solutions. Proposed projects must specifically benefit communities within Maine. Expected outcomes include the establishment of stronger relationships between the Permanent Commission and CBOs/community leaders, direct investment of resources into severely impacted Maine communities, and the successful implementation of new, innovative, community-led initiatives addressing SDOH. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of CBOs partnered with, the reach of the programs, and indicators related to improved SDOH outcomes and increased social capital within the targeted communities. The total grant funding for this program is $300,000, with applicants able to apply for a minimum of $25,000 and a maximum of $75,000 over a contract period not exceeding 18 months or extending beyond December 2025. This funding supports the Commission's strategic priority of addressing health equity through community empowerment and direct resource allocation.

The California Energy Commission (CEC) is offering a grant to evaluate the feasibility of using existing underground gas storage facilities to store clean renewable hydrogen in California. This project aligns with the CEC's mission to advance California's clean energy goals by exploring innovative solutions for energy storage. The overarching goal is to assess the technical and economic viability of converting these facilities for hydrogen storage, contributing to the state's renewable energy infrastructure. The grant specifically targets projects that will benefit California Gas Investor Owned Utility (IOU) ratepayers. The project focuses on developing comprehensive technical and economic assessments of storing and retrieving hydrogen blends and/or pure hydrogen. Key priorities include engaging with local communities and Community Based Organizations (CBOs) around selected sites to assess awareness and support for underground hydrogen storage, and leveraging this feedback to inform experimental design. The project also emphasizes studying the characteristics of at least two existing underground gas storage facilities, conducting experiments to assess the impacts of hydrogen introduction on well integrity and reservoir dynamics, and proposing necessary mitigation measures for safety and reliability. Expected outcomes include quantitative risk assessments and techno-economic analyses for converting selected facilities, comparing costs and risks of various use cases, and estimating levelized costs of hydrogen storage, capital costs, and operations and maintenance costs. The project will also develop recommendations for Gas IOUs, CBOs, policymakers, and relevant stakeholders to guide decision-making on the future role of underground hydrogen storage in California. Optional but desired elements include comparing the levelized cost of hydrogen storage and life-cycle emissions with alternative storage options and examining the potential of storing hydrogen in saline aquifers. The CEC's strategic priority in offering this grant is to support the integration of clean renewable hydrogen into California's energy mix. The theory of change is that by thoroughly assessing the feasibility, risks, and economic implications of underground hydrogen storage, the state can make informed decisions about deploying this technology, thereby accelerating the transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy system. The grant, with a funding range of $2.5 million to $3 million and a duration of three years (November 1, 2024 – September 30, 2027), aims to produce actionable insights that can directly influence future policy and infrastructure development in California's hydrogen economy.

The Rancho Cucamonga Community & Arts Foundation (RCCAAF) offers Community Arts Grants designed to support and enhance arts programs, events, and activities within Rancho Cucamonga. The foundation's mission, though not explicitly stated as a "mission statement," aligns with fostering community engagement and providing accessible arts experiences for residents. The grant program directly serves this purpose by funding initiatives that bring art to the community, thereby enriching the cultural landscape of Rancho Cucamonga. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program include community-based non-profit organizations, local schools, and individual artists or groups. The overarching impact goal is to provide arts programs, events, and activities that benefit Rancho Cucamonga residents, or anyone seeking arts experiences within the city's borders. This broad scope ensures that a wide range of individuals and groups can access and participate in artistic endeavors. The program prioritizes a variety of arts-related projects. These include one-time arts projects such as murals, art installations, public art contests, and exhibits. It also supports start-up for new arts organizations, clubs, and performance groups, as well as new school-based arts programs that expand student experiences and provide community benefit. Additionally, the grant funds programs, events, or performances available to the public, the purchase of equipment or supplies to enhance arts programs, and community-accessible arts events like festivals. Expected outcomes and measurable results are addressed through the selection criteria, which include evaluating the proposal's project goals and objectives, community need and benefit, future funding to sustain the program, and an estimated project line-item budget. While specific quantitative metrics for "measurable results" are not detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on a project timeline and evaluation method suggests an expectation of tangible progress and successful implementation of funded initiatives. The grant's duration of one year and project period from July 1, 2024, to June 1, 2025, indicate a focus on short-to-medium term impact.

The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office administers the Farmland Preservation Grant program to purchase development rights on farmland so that it remains available for agriculture into the future. The program is part of the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program and was expanded by the Legislature in 2005 to include significant farmland preservation. Funding supports acquisition of conservation easements and related incidental costs, along with eligible enhancement and restoration that improve agricultural viability, and stewardship planning. Typical projects acquire easements on farmland threatened by development. Enhancement and restoration elements may not exceed one half of total acquisition costs including match, and farm stewardship plans may not exceed 10,000 dollars. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, nonprofit nature conservancy corporations or associations, and the State Conservation Commission. Ineligible activities include short term rights under 25 years, acquisition of land already owned by government, property obtained through condemnation, consumable supplies except for a one time application as part of restoration, elements not considered fixtures or capital items, cleanup of illegal activities, indoor facilities, operating or overhead expenses, purchase of maintenance equipment or supplies, restoration conducted before grant agreement, and transfer of development rights. Applications are due May 1, 2024 through the state’s process. Grant limits are not otherwise specified. Further details are available from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection administers the Community Based Deer Management Grant Program to assist local communities and nonprofits in addressing overabundant deer in urban landscapes. Funding supports planning, implementation, and support activities that facilitate safe and effective deer management. Eligible initiatives include signage for community based hunting programs, deer population density estimates or surveys, forest health surveys, and support for venison donation programs. For signage, the department contracts for production and delivery rather than providing direct financial awards. Deer must be processed at health inspected facilities and donated to New Jersey food banks in the venison donation initiative. Eligible applicants include county and local government units within New Jersey, including municipal park systems, and local nonprofit organizations recognized under Section 501(c)(3) that are authorized to operate in the state. Applicants may seek support for one or more initiatives, and awards are subject to department discretion and available funds. Applications are due May 3, 2024. Grant duration is not stated. Additional information is available from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office manages the Land and Water Conservation Fund in Washington to preserve and develop public outdoor recreation resources. The federal program, created by Congress in 1965, provides financial assistance for acquisition and development of parks, trails, and wildlife lands. Typical projects renovate community parks and build facilities such as skate parks, tennis courts, swimming pools, trails, and athletic fields, while protecting habitat where appropriate. Eligible activities include land acquisition and development or renovation of outdoor recreation areas. Grant limits range from 200,000 to 2,000,000 dollars. Eligible applicants include local agencies, special purpose districts such as park and recreation districts, Native American tribes, and state agencies. All communities may compete for funding. Applications are due May 1, 2024 through the state’s process. Grant duration is not stated. Official program details are available from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office.

The Transportation Alternative and Recreational Use FY25 Grant, administered by the Maryland State Highway Administration, aims to fund transportation alternative and recreational use projects within the state. This federal grant offers 80% reimbursable funds, requiring a 20% match from project sponsors. Projects should enhance the intermodal transportation system or support recreational trails and amenities. Approximately 60% of the funds are allocated to projects within the jurisdictions of three Maryland Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs): The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board, National Capitol Region Transportation Planning Board, and Wilmington Area Planning Council. Eligible sponsors include local governments, regional transportation authorities, transit agencies, natural resource and public land agencies, school districts, tribal governments, and 501c(3) non-profit agencies. Project sponsors are responsible for all aspects of their project, including design, management, construction, and maintenance.

Aimed at supporting the acquisition, development, and maintenance of carry-in boat launches, this grant opportunity is offered by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands. It seeks to enhance public access to Maine's waterways for carry-in recreational boating. A key requirement for project eligibility is a pre-approval site inspection by state staff. The funding cap for eligible carry-in project costs is $25,000.

The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) is offering a grant opportunity to provide intranasal naloxone kits to first responders in rural counties of Indiana. The grant, funded in part by the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) under the First Responder Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, aims to enhance the capacity of first responders to address opioid-related incidents. Eligible first responders include professional and volunteer firefighters, law enforcement officers, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and other recognized volunteer organizations. Grant recipients are required to administer naloxone as needed, report usage via an online survey, and refrain from selling or distributing the naloxone doses. The grant period runs from October 2023 through September 2024, with a total funding amount of $287,500 available. Non financial aid, only Naloxone kits

The Florida Department of State's Cultural Facilities Grant program provides funding for the renovation, new construction, or acquisition of cultural facilities. This program is designed to support organizations whose core mission involves arts and cultural programming across various disciplines. The grant aligns with the state's strategic priority to enhance and sustain Florida's cultural infrastructure, thereby fostering a vibrant arts and culture sector that benefits communities statewide. The theory of change suggests that by investing in cultural facilities, the state can improve access to arts and culture, strengthen cultural organizations, and contribute to local economic development and quality of life. The program targets organizations dedicated to arts and cultural programming. These include single-use facilities like theaters, performance centers, museums (including aquariums, botanical gardens, history centers, and zoos), and art centers. It also supports multi-purpose facilities such as community centers, recreation centers, civic centers, and municipal buildings, provided their projects are directly related to arts and cultural activities. The impact goals are to ensure the continued availability and improvement of spaces where cultural activities can thrive, serving a broad public audience across all counties in Florida. The grant prioritizes projects that directly conduct arts and cultural programming and demonstrate clear plans for facility use. Specific focuses include ensuring legal status of the applicant, unrestricted use of property (evidenced by a 10-year restrictive covenant or surety bond), and ownership retention of improvements. For leased properties, eligibility is restricted to leases with public or not-for-profit entities as lessors. Additionally, applicants must provide documentation of financial support, matching funds, current architectural plans, budget estimates, and local official support. A critical focus is also placed on historical structures, requiring a determination letter from the Division of Historical Resources if a facility is 50 years or older. Expected outcomes include improved and expanded cultural facilities capable of hosting diverse arts and cultural programming, increased community engagement with the arts, and enhanced organizational capacity for cultural institutions. Measurable results will include the number of facilities renovated or constructed, the percentage of time facilities are used for arts and cultural purposes, and the total public served by these improved facilities. The program also aims to ensure long-term sustainability of cultural infrastructure, evidenced by the 23-month grant duration and a policy encouraging applications every other year for grantees with ongoing projects. The maximum grant amounts of $500,000 for purpose-built facilities and $200,000 for multi-purpose facilities reflect a strategic allocation of resources to achieve these outcomes.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and schools in Idaho to conduct public arts projects and events, requiring a match and compensation for professional artists.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) is offering grants under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program. This program aims to transform the food system by increasing options, improving access, and creating new and better markets for small and mid-size producers. The core mission is to build a more diversified, distributed, and local food system to enhance its resilience and benefit consumers, producers, and rural communities. The RFSI program targets a broad range of beneficiaries, including agricultural producers and processors (or groups thereof), nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, local government entities, tribal governments, and institutions such as schools, universities, or hospitals. The primary impact goal is to strengthen the middle of the food supply chain in Pennsylvania. Expected outcomes include increased production capacities for food processors, improved storage for produce and grains, and enhanced aggregation points like food hubs and farmer cooperatives. Funding priorities are aligned with addressing critical gaps in Pennsylvania's middle food supply chain. Specifically, the program prioritizes projects that establish or enhance aggregation points, improve food processing infrastructure (including equipment upgrades and moves to licensed spaces), and expand storage facilities, particularly cold storage in urban areas and storage for identity-preserved grains and dry beans. The USDA also encourages projects that benefit underserved farmers and ranchers, new and beginning farmers, veteran producers, and businesses owned by socially disadvantaged individuals. The grant program offers Simplified Equipment-Only Grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, which do not require cost sharing or matching. These are fixed-price grants solely for equipment purchases, with funds to be awarded no earlier than July 1, 2024, and projects completed by June 30, 2026. This focused approach on equipment aims to directly support tangible improvements in the food system's infrastructure, enabling producers and processors to expand and diversify their operations.

This program provides financial assistance to rural and volunteer fire departments in Indiana to help them improve fire prevention and suppression efforts through training and equipment.

This program provides financial assistance to small rural hospitals with 49 or fewer beds to help them improve healthcare quality and meet Medicare data system requirements, including implementing new coding systems and enhancing patient care reporting.

This grant focuses on renovating existing trailered boat launches to improve public recreational boating access. Administered by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands, the grant aims to support the development and maintenance of facilities that provide primary recreational boating access to the general public. Projects must undergo a pre-approval site inspection to confirm eligibility. Available funding for trailered launch renovation projects is up to $75,000.

BWC uses the Trench Safety Grant (TSG) Program to partner with Ohio employers to substantially reduce or eliminate injuries associated with trenching operations. The TSG does not fund equipment purchases for technical rescue operations. The program is available to eligible Ohio employers who wish to purchase the following qualified/allowed items: Shoring: aluminum, hydraulic, or other types of supports to prevent soil movement and cave-ins. Shielding: trench boxes or other types of supports to protect against soil cave-ins. As part of our Safety Grant programming, the TSG Program is available only to Ohio employers that perform trenching and excavating. Review the complete program policy, otherwise, click on the appropriate link below for the specific information you want. Eligible employers may receive up to $12,000 for the duration of the TSG Program. This is a 4-to-1 matching grant, which means BWC will provide $4 for every $1 an employer invests in the intervention. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria at the time of application.

This funding opportunity supports registered animal shelters in Michigan to enhance sterilization, adoption, and public education programs for dogs and cats, while ensuring compliance with state animal welfare laws.