California Business and Commerce Grants

The goal of the Façade Improvement Grant Program (FIGP) is to be a catalyst for improving the exterior of business-use properties that result in quality improvements and enhancements that benefit the business and the City. The improvements must enhance the appearance of the property and the environment in which the property is located. The FIGP has been established as a one-time program to provide grant funding for business owners and/or property owners of retail, commercial, industrial and office properties in the focus area to complete exterior improvements to business-use properties. The grant is not intended for new “ground up construction” but for improvement of existing large scale commercial buildings and the property around them. Funding Information The City anticipates awarding funds to 4-6 projects. Any awarded funding $100,000 and over will require a 10% match in private investment and a public hearing before the City Council. For example, if an applicant is awarded a grant for $150,000 in eligible improvements, the applicant is required to match $15,000 (10% of $150,000). In this example, a business or property owner can realize a total of $165,000 in improvements with a $15,000 investment. Private investment may exceed the matching grant portion of the project if, for example, interior improvements are included in the scope of work even though they are not eligible for the grant.  Purchase of the materials and services shall be funded in whole or in part by a grant from the U.S. Treasury and as such the recipient shall be required to abide by certain Federal provisions and requirements. The procurement regulations and guidelines require that all agreements with sub-recipients for projects using these funds adhere to all applicable requirements relating but not limited to non-discrimination, equal employment opportunity, training and business opportunity, and non-segregated facilities. Eligible Activities  The purpose of the FIGP is for significant and impactful façade improvements and renovations that includes improvements or renovations of existing buildings. For example, a cumulative number of eligible activities that may include a combination of several of the following: structural façade improvements, paint, awnings, signs, addition of architectural detail to façade, façade tile or stone accents, decorative entry walkway area, outside dining with decorative features, irrigated landscape/flower planters or pots, outside decorative lighting, and/or new windows. Eligible Applicants  Small Business – has no more than 500 employees or, if applicable, the size standard in number of employees established by the Administrator of the Small Business Administration for the industry in which the business concern or organization operates; and (2) Is a small business concern as defined in section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632). Non-profit – a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.  Impacted Industry – an industry or businesses within an “impacted” industry that experienced a negative economic impact during the pandemic including tourism, travel, and hospitality. If the industry is outside of travel, tourism or hospitality sectors, the industry is impacted if: 1) The industry experienced at least 8 percent employment loss from pre-pandemic levels, or 2) The industry is experiencing comparable or worse economic impacts as the tourism, travel and hospitality industries as of the date the ARPA Final Rule (published 12/6/2022).

This program provides financial assistance to small businesses in San Mateo County that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, helping them cover operating expenses and recover from revenue losses.

The United States Department of States Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs (WHA) announces a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Caribbean United for Women's Economic Empowerment (CUWEE) project. This initiative aligns with the broader mission of advancing gender equity and equality, specifically in the Caribbean economy, utilizing FY 2023 Gender Equity and Equality Action (GEEA) Economic Support Funds (ESF). The project is expected to be executed as a cooperative agreement, with one award issued not to exceed $1,973,359, for a project period of up to three years, administered by WHA's Office of Policy Planning and Coordination (PPC). The primary impact goal of the CUWEE project is to address systemic barriers and socio-cultural attitudes that challenge gender equity and equality in the Caribbean economy. Target beneficiaries include women and adolescent girls aged 16 and older, with the aim of building their economic resilience and skills capacity to enable them to enter the labor force and obtain economic security. The strategic focus is on strengthening local civil society support actors engaged in advancing women's economic security across the region, thereby contributing to overall economic gender equity and equality in the Caribbean. The program priorities and focus areas involve a two-pronged approach. First, the potential grantee must include plans to identify problematic country-specific and/or regional systemic barriers and socio-cultural attitudes. Second, they must outline how they will work with local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to effectively address these identified barriers. A key component is supporting a competition designed to promote local CSOs in developing and implementing pioneering solutions to overcome the local systemic barriers to economic security for women in their country or region. The expected outcomes include strengthening the regional Caribbean network of local CSOs engaged in women’s economic security. This is to be achieved through providing a training curriculum that builds the capacity of these CSOs. The measurable results will be demonstrated by the success of proposals that show how the grantee will strengthen these local civil society support actors to help provide economic gender equity and equality, ultimately enabling women and adolescent girls aged 16 and older to obtain economic security.

This grant provides financial and volunteer support to nonprofit organizations in the Sacramento area that focus on youth development and promote diversity, equity, and community empowerment.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to individuals, organizations, and businesses looking to improve the community of Rancho Cordova through various projects and programs.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture is offering a grant of over $1 million for the implementation of dairy digesters on California dairy farms, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by converting methane into renewable energy, with a focus on projects that use at least 80% dairy livestock manure as feedstock.

The City of Vallejo received American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to establish a grant program aimed at supporting local small businesses severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative directly aligns with the city's commitment to economic recovery and resilience, seeking to mitigate the negative financial repercussions experienced by its business community. The program's core mission is to provide crucial financial assistance, specifically targeting security improvements, thereby fostering a safer and more stable operating environment for eligible businesses within Vallejo. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are for-profit and non-profit brick-and-mortar businesses situated in Vallejo. To qualify, businesses must possess a valid Vallejo business license, employ 20 or fewer individuals, and provide receipts for purchases made between January 1, 2023, and September 24, 2024. The program's impact goals are focused on enhancing the physical security of these businesses, thereby reducing vulnerability to crime and creating a more secure commercial landscape. The program prioritizes funding for security improvements, with grants available up to $3,000 for items such as cameras, locks, and window enhancements. This focus addresses a critical need for small businesses that may lack the resources to invest in such protective measures independently. The expected outcomes include a tangible increase in the security infrastructure of participating businesses, leading to a safer environment for employees, customers, and business assets. Measurable results will be directly tied to the utilization of grant funds for approved security upgrades. Success will be determined by the number of businesses receiving grants, the types of security improvements implemented, and potentially, a reduction in reported incidents related to security vulnerabilities among grant recipients. The City of Vallejo's strategic priority through this program is to strengthen its local economy by supporting its small business sector, recognizing that a resilient business community is vital for overall city prosperity and recovery from the pandemic's economic downturn. The underlying theory of change is that by providing targeted financial aid for essential security enhancements, the city can empower small businesses to protect their assets, maintain operations, and contribute to the broader economic stability and revitalization of Vallejo.

This funding program provides financial support to local artists and nonprofit arts organizations in Los Angeles County to create engaging cultural arts projects that benefit the Burbank community.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and local government agencies in Arizona, California, and Nevada to create jobs, provide job training, and assist low-income entrepreneurs and at-risk communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Sacramento-based nonprofit cultural organizations and for-profit creative businesses to develop workforce training and internship programs for underserved youth and young adults aged 16-24.

The City of Indian Wells’ Grants-in-Aid program is designed to provide funding to tax-exempt, non-profit organizations under Section 501(c)(3) that have been in business for at least five years. The program aims to support community assistance and services within the Coachella Valley. The City recognizes the crucial role community-based organizations play in providing various services or education, and this grant program serves as a financial aid mechanism to support these efforts. This aligns with the City's broader mission to foster a supportive and well-served community by backing organizations that possess expertise in offering valuable services that the City itself does not provide. The primary target beneficiaries of this program are the residents of Indian Wells and the Coachella Valley at large. The program specifically seeks to address identified community needs within this region. The impact goals are centered on enhancing the availability and quality of essential community services, education, and support. The City prioritizes funding for initiatives that expand existing service programs, add new services or special projects, or facilitate the purchase of specific items necessary for service delivery, excluding start-up, administrative, overhead, or fundraising costs. The program focuses on organizations that demonstrate a clear community need, are not duplicating services already funded by the City, and do not rely solely on community assistance funding for viability. The City aims to support services that would be more costly if provided directly by the municipality, emphasizing efficiency and leveraging external expertise. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of new or expanded community programs, increased access to vital services for residents, and a stronger network of community support within the Coachella Valley. Measurable results are expected through the submission of compiled year-end reports, including project completion by June 30 of the funded year, and accurate accounts of all receipts and expenditures. Funding is awarded on a single-year basis, and proof of adequate insurance coverage may be required. The City's strategic priority is to invest in community-based groups, non-profit social agencies, or area service providers that directly benefit its residents, thereby enhancing the overall well-being and quality of life in Indian Wells and the wider Coachella Valley.

This grant provides funding for individual artists, arts organizations, and small businesses in Chula Vista to create free cultural events and projects that promote community engagement and inclusivity in various artistic disciplines.

The City of Ventura offers Special Event Grants to support events and festivals that enhance public spaces and boost visitor spending. The program aims to champion community celebrations that draw in both residents and visitors, reinforce Ventura's cultural identity and economic vitality, and foster an entrepreneurial spirit alongside innovative public-private partnerships. While the document does not explicitly state a "foundation mission alignment," the grant's objectives align with broader municipal goals of community enrichment, economic development, and cultural promotion within the city. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are City of Ventura-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status, or those with a City of Ventura-based fiscal agent that holds 501(c)(3) status. The grants are intended to increase the number of free and affordable community events, thereby benefiting residents and visitors by providing accessible cultural and entertainment opportunities. The impact goals include strengthening Ventura’s cultural identity, enhancing economic vitality through increased visitor spending, and promoting collaboration between sectors. The program's priorities and focuses revolve around activating public spaces and celebrating community. Specifically, the annual funding through the Special Event Grant Program aims to support events that attract residents and visitors, strengthening the city's cultural and economic fabric. This year, there is an additional focus, approved by the Ventura City Council in their 2023-24 goals, to award one-time funding to specifically increase free and affordable community events throughout the city. Expected outcomes and measurable results, while not explicitly detailed with specific metrics, can be inferred from the grant's objectives. These would likely include an increase in the number of free and affordable events, a rise in visitor spending attributable to these events, enhanced community engagement and participation in local celebrations, and a strengthened sense of cultural identity within Ventura. The grant also seeks to promote innovative partnerships, suggesting an outcome of increased collaboration between private sector and public agencies. The "theory of change" underpinning this program is that by funding special events, the city can achieve its broader strategic priorities of community development, economic growth, and cultural enrichment.

This program provides funding to community groups and local organizations in Santa Rosa for projects that improve neighborhoods and foster community engagement, such as clean-ups, public art, and gardens.

The District of Columbia Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) invites applications for funding to support community-based organizations in implementing place-based initiatives. The overarching goal is to improve the well-being and stability of families through community-driven efforts. This aligns with a mission to empower local communities by providing resources and services that directly address their specific needs and strengths, fostering self-sufficiency and improved family outcomes. The grant program aims to establish and support Family Success Centers, which will serve as accessible hubs for neighbors to utilize computers, access various resources and services, and participate in classes and trainings. Each center is designed to be unique, reflecting the specific strengths and goals of its community, ensuring that the support provided is relevant and impactful. This model focuses on localized solutions, recognizing that effective family support is best achieved when tailored to the community it serves. Target beneficiaries for these initiatives are families within the District of Columbia, with a particular focus on those who can benefit from enhanced access to resources and services that improve well-being and stability. The impact goals include fostering stronger, more resilient families and communities by addressing multiple aspects of family life. This approach seeks to create a network of support that is easily accessible and responsive to the evolving needs of residents. The program prioritizes non-profit, community-based organizations that can demonstrate their ability to meet identified needs and commit to implementing program measures over the grant period. Eligible organizations include non-profit, private, public, and faith-based entities. Partnerships between organizations are encouraged to facilitate comprehensive service delivery. Expected outcomes include increased access to vital resources, improved family well-being, enhanced community stability, and the development of sustainable, community-led initiatives. Measurable results will likely include metrics related to service utilization, program participation, and indicators of family and community stability and well-being. Funding information indicates that eligible organizations can receive up to $325,000 in the 12-month base year, with the potential for an additional $325,000 per year for up to four option years, for a maximum grant duration of five years. This sustained funding is intended to support the long-term implementation and impact of these place-based family support initiatives. The strategic priority is to invest in local organizations that are deeply embedded within the communities they serve, thereby leveraging existing community strengths and relationships to achieve lasting positive change.

The Innovation Fund by Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors in California offers grants over $1 million to stimulate innovative public service projects and programs in areas like equitable access to services, economic vitality, and environment, available to IRS tax-exempt organizations operating in Contra Costa County, with application deadline on 10/07/2024.

This funding opportunity provides financial support and resources to help immigrants and individuals with limited English proficiency in California start or grow small businesses that address social challenges in their communities.

The Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) is offering the 2023-2024 Public-Space Activation Fund (PAF), a grant program aimed at supporting activities that revitalize public spaces within the City of Los Angeles, California. This initiative aligns with the DCA's mission to enrich the cultural life of the city by fostering community engagement and providing accessible cultural experiences. The grant seeks to fund projects that transform public areas into vibrant hubs of activity, reflecting a commitment to broad public benefit and cultural accessibility. The primary beneficiaries of the PAF are the residents and visitors of Los Angeles, particularly those who participate in or attend the various public events and activities supported by the fund. The impact goals include enhancing community cohesion, celebrating cultural diversity, and providing opportunities for cross-cultural learning. By supporting a range of accessible events, the fund aims to improve the quality of public life and create inclusive environments for artistic and cultural expression. The PAF prioritizes projects falling under four main categories, with specific emphasis on International Festivals & Intercultural Foods (IFIF). IFIF grants, typically ranging from $7,500 to $10,000, are designed for pop-up or festival-style events such as community picnics, outdoor festivals, block parties, and food/food-truck festivals. Additionally, creative enhancements to farmers' markets that incorporate live performing arts and cultural activities are highly encouraged. These projects are expected to embrace multicultural themes and feature entertainment suitable for family-friendly, street-adjacent spaces like public parks, schoolyards, and parking lots. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in public attendance at cultural events, greater community participation in organized activities, and a visible enhancement of public spaces. The success of IFIF projects, for instance, will be measured by their ability to promote opportunities for cross-cultural learning and engage diverse audiences through multicultural entertainment. The DCA's strategic priority is to activate public spaces, and this grant program serves as a direct implementation of that theory of change, believing that by funding accessible cultural events, they can foster a more connected and culturally rich urban environment.

The City of Twentynine Palms is launching its 2024-2025 Community Event Grant program, aiming to support events that celebrate the city's unique character, diversity, and history, while fostering community engagement and showcasing its vibrant culture. This program aligns with the city's mission to enhance the quality of life for its citizens by promoting a lively cultural scene and bringing people together through public events. The target beneficiaries are primarily the citizens of Twentynine Palms, with a focus on enhancing their quality of life. The impact goals include increasing community engagement, celebrating local culture and history, and providing accessible public events. Events should not be exclusive or celebrate small groups, but rather be open and beneficial to the broader community. The program prioritizes events that showcase Twentynine Palms’ character, diversity, or history. There is a strong focus on inclusivity, with a requirement for events to be held at ADA-accessible venues. While residency is not mandatory for applicants, events must occur within the city limits. Free attendance is encouraged, ensuring broad public access. Expected outcomes include a more vibrant community, increased civic pride, and a wider array of cultural and historical celebrations. Measurable results could include the number of events supported, attendance figures, and feedback from community members on the quality and impact of the events. The funding structure, providing 75% upfront and 25% upon completion, ensures accountability and successful execution of the proposed activities.

Saint Paul – Ramsey County Public Health (SPRCPH) is offering grants to support activities, programs, and initiatives that address public health issues within the community. The core mission of this grant program is to improve community health, aligning with SPRCPH's broader commitment to public well-being. This initiative directly supports building capacity, planning, developing, implementing, or evaluating work that addresses the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) priorities. The target beneficiaries are organizations registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State or those working with a fiscal agent, who are actively engaged in addressing public health concerns in Minnesota counties. The impact goals are to significantly improve health outcomes by focusing on critical CHIP priority areas. These include Racial and Health Equity; Healthy Eating, Active Living, and Tobacco-Free Living; Access to Health Care Services; Mental Health and Well-being; and Violence Prevention. The grant program prioritizes activities within four key categories: Capacity Building, Planning and Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. Capacity Building examples include start-up costs, resources and supplies, and client or community relationship development. Planning and Development encompasses community outreach, program design, service launch, and training. Implementation focuses on programs, services, and activities related to identified CHIP priorities, while Evaluation involves designing evaluations, satisfaction surveys, and process and outcome evaluations. SPRCPH anticipates awarding up to eight grants, with each grant being up to $30,000, for a total of approximately $240,000. These grants are intended to support 12 months of activities. The expected outcomes include strengthening public health infrastructure, developing innovative programs, and directly addressing the identified CHIP priorities to create healthier communities. Measurable results will be determined through evaluation activities, assessing both the process ("How much did we do?") and the ultimate impact ("Is anyone better off?"). The strategic priorities and theory of change are centered on investing in community-led initiatives that directly tackle the root causes of health disparities and promote holistic well-being across Ramsey County.