New York Business and Commerce Grants

The ConnectALL Initiative is accepting applications for its Municipal Infrastructure Program to support the development of open-access and publicly owned and/or controlled last mile fiber broadband infrastructure to deliver reliable high-speed internet service to homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions across the state. Donor Name: ConnectALL Initiative State: New York County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/12/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The mission of the New York State Urban Development Corporation d/b/a Empire State Development (“ESD”) is to promote a vigorous and growing state economy, encourage business investment and job creation, and support diverse, prosperous local economies across New York State (“NYS”) through the efficient use of loans, grants, tax credits, real estate development, marketing, and other forms of assistance. To support broadband access for communities across the state, ESD’s ConnectALL Office (“CAO”), offers a Municipal Infrastructure Program (“MIP”) Request for Applications (“RFA”).  Through this RFA, CAO intends to establish the Municipal Infrastructure Program (“MIP”) to support the development of open-access and predominantly publicly controlled last mile fiber broadband infrastructure that will directly connect homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions to reliable high-speed internet service, using funding from the U.S. Department of Treasury Capital Projects Fund (“CPF”). The objective of this RFA is to improve broadband access in communities across the state facing connectivity challenges due to the lack of affordable, high-speed internet infrastructure. Funding Information Total funding available: $228 Million Grant size: $30 million max per award Eligible Uses of Funds Eligible uses for program funding include construction of new infrastructure or acquisition of existing infrastructure under the following categories:  Last mile fiber connections to address: Last mile infrastructure: The cabling, wires, necessary pole replacements and make-ready and/or radios that ISPs use to distribute the internet from local Internet Exchanges to network and/or customer endpoints.  Drops to a building: The cabling or wires necessary to make the connection from passing fiber or cable on a street pole or in-street conduit into a building structure.  Fiber connections to Internet Exchange Points or Data Centers:  Middle mile fiber: The fiber necessary to transport internet services to a local Data Center where an Applicant is connecting its CPF-funded last mile infrastructure.  Networking equipment: The routers, switches, and other equipment necessary to interconnect networks in a Data Center.  Acquisition of existing infrastructure assets and related agreements:  Acquisition: The purchase of network assets from a public or private entity for incorporation by an Applicant into a Project Area, and related legal agreements. Eligibility Criteria Public Entities: Municipalities (cities, counties, towns, villages); Tribal Nations; state and local authorities; entities established pursuant to Section 99-y of the NYS General Municipal Law; not-for-profit entities with authorization from public entities; and regional planning boards formed under the provisions of NYS General Municipal Law. Municipal Utilities: Local government entities, including those established by a municipality as nonprofit Utility Cooperatives Eligible Private Partner Applicants, fitting one or more of the following descriptions, may submit applications with letters of endorsement from an Eligible Public Applicant. Eligible Private Partner Applicants can have an ownership structure that may be in the form of public-private partnership, private or shareholder ownership, nongovernmental nonprofit, non-utility cooperative, or community trust. Internet Service Providers (ISPs): Entities providing internet services to consumers, not limited to providers of cable television or telephone services.  Managed Service Providers (MSPs): Entities operating networks and providing service to residents and businesses by using existing internet infrastructure or partnering with construction entities to build networks.  Broadband Infrastructure Builders: Entities that construct and/or deploy open-access broadband infrastructure assets.  Broadband Infrastructure Owners: Entities that own, operate, or hold last mile or middle mile fiber infrastructure. For more information, visit ConnectALL Initiative.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations for free public festivals and events in Syracuse that celebrate cultural diversity and artistic expression, enhancing community engagement and revitalization.

This grant provides funding to organizations and local governments to develop solar and energy storage projects that benefit low-to-moderate income households and affordable housing providers in New York.

Tourism Capital grants support significant investments in visitor-generating projects such as theaters, museums, trails, and other major cultural and recreational attractions. Donor Name: Tompkins County State: New York County: Tompkins County (NY) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/26/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Information Grants range from $5,000 to $100,000. Uses of Funds The funds can be used for design, renovation, and new building projects; investments in unique permanent installations such as exhibits; and feasibility studies of potential capital projects. Supported Activities Past projects funded include the Dryden Rail Trail Stewart Park Inclusive Playground renovation of Discover Cayuga Lake’s charter boat for eco-cruises; Tompkins Center for History and Culture buildout visitor amenities for the Cayuga Waterfront Trail. What is Eligible for Funding? Capital Investment Projects New construction and renovation projects are eligible. The project may provide expansion or renovation to existing facilities or may be a new facility. Project will typically be valued at $75,000 or higher. Grant funds may contribute up to one-third (33%) of eligible costs that include: Acquisition of land Acquisition, construction, and renovation of buildings Acquisition of furnishings, equipment, permanent exhibitions, and other capital improvements designed to serve or promote tourism over a minimum of five years Design services for the project Feasibility Studies Studies should lead to a capital investment as described above. Eligible projects include: Concept-level design and determination of cost estimates Tourism plan for a capital project Business plan for a capital project. Eligibility Criteria Nonprofit organizations designated as 501(c)3. Municipalities within Tompkins County. Farmers Markets. For more information, visit Tompkins County.

Applications are now being accepted for the Schenectady Foundation Grant Program. Donor Name: The Schenectady Foundation State: New York County: Schenectady County (NY) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/21/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: In 2024, The Schenectady Foundation anticipates investing $2 million into programs that contribute toward impact in the community. This will include projects that address the goals of the Equitable Access to Healthy Food Initiative, Neighborhood Revitalization efforts, as well as Emergent Needs. Also included will be special project funds, smaller micro grants, and scholarships. Program Goals Equitable Access to Healthy Food Impact Statement: Increase food security, ensuring that all residents of the County have regular access to fresh, healthy food to nourish themselves and their families. Neighborhood Revitalization Impact Statement: Schenectady’s neighborhoods will thrive, becoming places where residents feel valued; as well as encouraged and empowered to make changes in their community. Funding Information  The projected total investment in each funding area is as follows: Equitable Access to Healthy Food – $900,000. Neighborhoods – $400,000. Deadlines Neighborhood Revitalization Grants: August 21st. Equitable Access to Healthy Food Grants: October 9th. Eligibility Criteria The Schenectady Foundation was established in 1963 as a charitable trust intended to improve the well-being of people who live or work in Schenectady County, NY. The following are requirements of grant applicants: Applicants must be non-profit corporations registered with the New York State Office of Charities Registration, and designated as a 501(c) 3 tax-exempt organization by the IRS. Organizations that do not have 501(c) 3 status may only apply if a qualified tax-exempt charity serves as fiscal agent for the grant. Applicants must primarily serve Schenectady County residents. Applicant organizations are in good standing with the IRS and NYS Charities Bureau. Current grantees must, at the time a new grant application is submitted, have substantially completed their grants and provided timely and informative progress reports that demonstrate their impact. The Foundation does not fund: Individuals seeking grants or loans. Private businesses seeking grants or loans. Requests to fund endowments or quasi-endowments. For more information, visit The Schenectady Foundation.

The Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development in New York is offering a matching grant of $10,000 to $100,000 for a duration of 3 years to not-for-profit organizations, schools, governmental agencies, businesses, and landowners for the development of tourism events and attractions, with a focus on increasing visibility and visitor numbers.

This grant provides funding to municipalities and organizations in Chautauqua County to develop tourism initiatives that enhance marketing, events, and attractions, requiring a matching contribution from recipients.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to New York municipalities to help local businesses create or retain jobs for low- and moderate-income residents, fostering economic growth and stability in smaller communities.

This opportunity invites midway operators to submit proposals for providing and managing rides, games, and concessions at the Great New York State Fair from 2025 to 2034.

Support for Targeted Opportunities provides funding for creative performance residencies, subsidized rehearsal spaces for all performing art forms, and folk arts apprenticeships. Donor Name: New York State Council on the Arts State: New York County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Valuing artists and creative expression, the New York State Council on the Arts offers support which further enhances artistic diversity across New York State. For FY2025 the following special opportunities are open for application: Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeships Rehearsal and Studio Space for Performing Arts Performing Arts Residencies Funding Information Awards will be $10,000. Eligibility Criteria Is your organization A nonprofit organization either incorporated in or registered to do business in New York State, with a location in New York State and recognized as tax-exempt under the Internal Revenue Code section as a 501 (c) 3; or a State- or Federally-recognized Native American nation; or A unit of local or federal government in New York State? If the answer to any of these is “yes,” you may continue with this set of guidelines and this application. Is your organization an LLC? Organizations that have an LLC designation are not eligible to apply to NYSCA either directly or through a fiscal sponsor. This includes Limited Liability Company (LLC), Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), or business corporation. For more information, visit NYSCA.

The Farm and Food Growth Fund (FFGF) is the administrator for a portion of New York State’s Department of Agriculture and Markets USDA Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) grant program with a focus on enhancing, growing and improving the mid-channel of the food supply chain. Donor Name: Farm and Food Growth Fund (FFGF) State: New York County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/28/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funded under the American Rescue Plan (ARP) of 2021, and with allocations made to all 50 states plus districts and commonwealths, the goals are to expand each state’s middle-chain capacity and infrastructure for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transporting, wholesaling, or distribution of targeted local and regional agricultural food products. Meat, poultry, cannabis, animal food and forage, fiber, and wild caught seafood products are not considered under this program. The RFSI program will make infrastructure awards to businesses and organizations operating in the middle-of-the-supply chain. Successful projects will focus on increasing the supply of New York-sourced food products available in New York markets. Competitive project applications must benefit multiple producers and multiple markets, and may be collaborative applications. The grant program is to fund projects that expand statewide capacity and infrastructure for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transporting, wholesaling, or distribution of targeted local and regional agricultural food products (excluding meat and poultry products). Successful projects will focus on increasing the supply of New York-sourced food products available in New York and regional markets. Competitive project applications will benefit multiple producers and multiple markets. Priorities and Objectives Support infrastructure development to expand business’ capacity for processing, aggregation, storage and distribution. Target development of infrastructure projects to the dairy, fruit and vegetable, and organic industries to support the development of new value-added products. Create greater market access to intermediaries such as food hubs, aggregators, wholesalers, and distributors with the goal of increasing local food sales to institutions such as schools, hospitals, and correctional facilities. Funding Information Infrastructure Grants: This competitive opportunity is focused on funding infrastructure for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, or distribution of locally produced agricultural food products (excluding meat and poultry products). Applications may be submitted for projects ranging from $100,000 – $3,000,000. Applications must include match funds of 50% or 25% for historically underserved groups. Eligible Activities  Construction Hiring term-limited personnel to assist with project implementation activities. Purchasing special purpose equipment to benefit multiple producers through middle-of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation, distribution or targeted agricultural product. Analyzing potential facility upgrades and changes to meet regulatory requirements, obtaining design and/or architecture services. Planning for Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) or other food safety or worker safety measures or equipment recommendations. Upgrades to new facilities for processing specific agricultural products, such as: On-farm post-harvest processing, preservation, and storage/cold storage. Post-harvest cleaning and grading. Aggregator warehouse and storage, including cooperatives. Purchase of freezing equipment, freezer, or cold storage. Processing, canning, preserving and pasteurization. Preparation and packing. Drying, hulling, shelling and milling. Cooking, baking, juicing, distilling, fermenting Retail related activities can include creating distribution channels to new retail opportunities, or expanding processing and packaging capacities, including adding product types, increasing production volumes, and supporting new retail product lines. Eligibility Criteria  Who is eligible? New York State agricultural producers or processors, or groups of agricultural producers and processors Nonprofit organizations Local government entities Tribal governments Institutions such as schools, universities, or hospitals bringing producers together to establish cooperative or shared infrastructure or invest in equipment that will benefit multiple producers middle-of-the-supply-chain activities. What is eligible? Projects that expand processing capacity, including product type, increased production volume, and supporting new wholesale/retail product lines, modernize equipment or facilities through upgrades, repairs or retooling, purchase installation of specialized equipment, modernize manufacturing, tracking, storage, and information technology systems, enhance worker safety through adoption of new technologies or investment in equipment or facility improvements, construct new facilities, increase packaging and labeling capacities, increase storage space, develop, customize, or install climate-smart equipment, modernize equipment or facilities to ensure food safety, and train on the use of new equipment and new processes. Some examples include: Expanding processing capacities, including adding product types, increasing production volumes, and supporting new wholesale/retail product lines; Modernizing equipment or facilities through upgrades, repairs, or retooling; (e.g., adapting product lines for institutional procurement or adding parallel processing capacity); Purchase installation of specialized equipment, such as processing components, sorting equipment, packing, and labeling equipment, or delivery vehicles; Modernize manufacturing, tracking, storage, and information technology systems; Enhance worker safety through adoption of new technologies or investment in equipment or facility improvements; Increasing packaging and labeling capacities that meet compliance requirements under applicable laws; (e.g. sealing, bagging, boxing, labeling, conveying, and product moving equipment); Increasing storage space, including cold storage; Develop, customize, or install climate-smart equipment that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, increases efficiency in water use, improves air and/or water quality, and/or meets one or more of USDA’s climate action goals; Modernize equipment or facilities to ensure food safety, including associated Hazard, Analysis, and Critical Control Points (HACCP) consultation, plan development and employee training; Training on the use of all equipment purchased under the grant and associated new processes. For more information, visit FFGF.

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (the “Department”) is pleased to announce the availability of funds for the 2024 Farm- to-School Competitive Grants Program. Donor Name: New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets State: New York County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/27/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: Farm-to-School is the promotion and use of foods produced by New York State farmers in meals served in cafeterias of K-12 schools. Associations between farms and schools through the cafeteria and classroom can enhance the quality of food served. With over 700 school districts in New York State, there is the opportunity to foster relationships among New York State farmers, food hubs, producers, processors, and distributors to benefit school-age children. While serving New York State produced food in school cafeterias may seem simple, developing Farm-to-School connections highlights several challenges, particularly the lack of an established infrastructure or network of stakeholders that includes all the necessary parties: farmers, food service directors, food service contract management companies, food distributors, processors, agricultural organizations, and commodity organizations. Other challenges include: Seasonality: Farmers plan their crops in January, long before schools make purchasing decisions and place bids for products in the summer. In addition, the summer growing season is when schools are not in session. Inconsistent quality, quantity, and sizing: schools require produce to be served in standard units and meet specifications. Processing and packaging: schools require vegetables and fruits to be processed and packaged in standard units. Bidding: sending and reviewing bids from individual farmers can be time-consuming and complex for school procurement and fiscal staff. Delivery/pick up: distribution can be complicated when purchasing from multiple growers. Lack of equipment and skills to store, prepare and serve fresh produce procured for school meals programs. Connecting diverse populations with their culturally appropriate foods. Lack of training and workforce development for culinary staff. The New York State Farm-to-School Competitive Grants Program began in 2015 to increase school’s purchase of New York specialty crops by building relationships between schools and New York farm product suppliers. Secondary goals of the program include increasing agricultural education opportunities for students, improving nutrition and exposing students to new, local, culinary experiences. The objective of Farm to School projects must be to increase the volume and variety of New York State farm products purchased by schools/districts and served in school meal programs. Applicants are encouraged to include other objectives including agricultural and nutrition education gardening activities and relationship building with local agricultural food businesses and farmers. Projects that partner with producers or food processors are strongly encouraged. Applicants may include partners in their project budget as contractors Funding Information A total of $1,500,000 is available for the Farm-to-School Competitive Grants Program. This year, $300,000 will be set aside for first-time recipients. Grant awards may range from $50,000 to $100,000. Applicants may apply for only one grant per funding period. Applicants must apply for $50,000 to $100,000. Project Duration Proposed projects must be completed within two years of the contract start date. Contract term will be 9/1/2024 to 8/31/2026. Eligible Applicants  Eligible applicants include: K-12 School Food Authorities Charter schools Not-for-profit organizations Indian tribal organizations. For more information, visit NYSDAM.

The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) Support for Organizations provides flexible general operating and programming funding for non-profit organizations. Donor Name: New York State Council on the Arts State: New York County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Applications will be evaluated according to the following three criteria:  Creativity Programming reflects a clear artistic / cultural vision that meets organizational mission. Programming which is well designed, distinctive, and relevant. Significant and creative contribution to the field/artists and/or public. Public Service Organization meets priority service to historically underrepresented communities and demonstrates being conscientious in removing barriers.  Organization demonstrates a clear understanding of service area, reinforced by demographic data and geographical context.  Marketing/advertising is inclusive of diverse audiences.  Active and mutual connection with a local or artistic community. Managerial & Financial Staff and board possess skills/experience to lead.  Sound financial management. Best practices in governance. Clear information about artist compensation, if applicable. Funding Information Awards will be between $10,000-$49,500. Eligiblity Criteria Please read through all the following questions to determine if your organization (or fiscally sponsored applicant) is eligible to apply:  Is your organization (or your fiscally sponsored applicant) an LLC? Did your organization (or your fiscally sponsored applicant) have annual expenses of more than $20,000 in your Fiscal Year Ending in 2023 as shown by your organization’s Statement of Activities (Income Statement showing both revenue and expenses)? If your organization offers arts/cultural programming open to the public, is it: A nonprofit organization either incorporated in or registered to do business in New York State, with a location in New York State and recognized as tax-exempt under the Internal Revenue Code section as a 501 (c) 3; or  State or Federally recognized Native American nation; or  A unit of local or federal government in New York State. If your organization offers arts/cultural programming open to the public, is it:  Not yet incorporated; or  Not recognized as tax-exempt under the Internal Revenue Code section as a 501(c)3;  A distinct program within a parent organization – such as a public arts entity within a university or other nonprofit organization. For more information, visit NYSCA.

This grant provides funding for the rehabilitation of historic properties in small rural communities along the Erie Canal in New York, aiming to enhance local tourism and economic development.

The Intentional Development Group is proud to announce The Small Business Boost Grant, a program designed to empower local entrepreneurs and strengthen the City of Youngstown’s economic landscape. Donor Name: Department of Agriculture and Markets State: New York County: All Counties Type of Grant: Program Deadline: 06/24/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Small Business Boost Program, managed by The Intentional Development Group with funds provided by the City of Youngstown, will help boost the economic impact of Small Businesses within the City of Youngstown. Funds are available for projects that mitigate the impact of agriculture on climate change and enhance the on-farm adaptation and resiliency to projected climate conditions. Applications must be for ONE of the following: Track 1A: Livestock Management: Alternative Waste Management and Precision Feed Management; Track 1B: Cover and Flare Projects Track 2: Adaptation and Resiliency; Track 3A: Healthy Soils NY (Systems and BMPs that support soil health and agroforestry); Track 3B: Soil Health Systems; OR Track 4: Agricultural Forest Management. Funding Information Total Available Funding: $28,750,000 Track 1A: Livestock Management: Alternative Waste Management & Precision Feed Management: $4,500,000 State Funds Track 1B: Cover and Flare Projects $7,000,000 Federal Funds Track 2: Adaptation & Resiliency $5,000,000 State Funds Track 3A: Healthy Soils NY (Systems & BMPs that support soil health and agroforestry: $4,500,000 State Funds Track 3B: Soil Health Systems: $7,000,000 Federal Funds Track 4: Agricultural Forestry Management (carbon sequestration): $750,000 State Funds. Eligibility Requirements  Proposals for funding will be accepted from NYS Soil and Water Conservation Districts (Districts). Proposals may be for multiple projects and/or on multiple farm operations but must be for one Track only. Districts may submit more than one application, including separate applications for multiple Tracks on the same farm operation. For more information, visit Department of Agriculture and Markets.

The NYSCA/GHHN Conservation Treatment Grant is an opportunity under the NYSCA/GHHN Conservation Grant Program partnership between the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and Greater Hudson Heritage Network (GHHN) that provides funds for treatment procedures to aid in stabilizing and preserving objects held in collections of museums, historical, and cultural organizations in New York State. Donor Name: Greater Hudson Heritage Network State: New York County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/03/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The work must be performed by, or under direct supervision of, a professional conservator. Additional funding from the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation supports projects from Long Island and New York City. Funding Priorities The NYSCA/GHHN CONSERVATION TREATMENT GRANT embraces the widest spectrum of cultural expression and artistic pluralism and encourages organizations to demonstrate a holistic and comprehensive DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion, and access) commitment. They believe the objects an organization choose to conserve tells a story of what is valued. The funding priorities value objects and stories that tell a more inclusive narrative of New York State. Therefore: The NYSCA/GHHN Conservation Treatment Grant will consider all eligible 3D objects for conservation, however they encourage requests for support of objects involving historically marginalized and underrepresented communities.  For the purposes of this grant, historically marginalized and underrepresented communities may include: African American/Caribbean, Latino/Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, Native American/Indigenous; LGBTQIA and people with disabilities. Additionally, objects that interpret the stories of New York State are strongly encouraged for conservation. Funding Information Individual grant awards will not exceed $7,500. No match is required. Uses of funds  Support is available for conservation treatment of paintings, works on paper (including individual drawings, watercolors, prints or photographs), textiles (including costumes, domestic textiles, and upholstery), furniture, frames, sculpture, historical, ethnographic, and decorative objects. Frames are an integral part of a painting and applicants must address frame condition and treatment when applying for painting conservation. Support is also available for treatment costs for supports, stands, and mounts that are integral to the treatment of the object. Grants will support in-state transportation costs for the objects and/or the conservators, and the cost of insurance for the work(s) to be treated. Requests for treatment of outdoor sculpture must include the description of an​ on-going maintenance program already in existence, or one to be implemented, at your institution. An engineer’s report may be required for some sculptures. Eligibility Criteria  Any nonprofit organization including museums, historical organizations or other cultural institutions incorporated in or registered to do business in New York State, that own, care for and exhibit collections to the public may apply. Proof of non-profit status may be requested. Applicant organizations must not have in-house conservation staff with expertise in the area for which support is requested. Projects must be performed by, or under the director supervision of a professional conservator. Applicant organizations must be open to the public; by appointment only does not suffice. Organizations may submit only one request, which may involve a single object or a group of related objects, all owned by the applicant institution. Collections owned by state agencies and religious institutions are ineligible for grant support. Federal and municipal museums and historic sites who are interested in applying must contact the Conservation Treatment Grant administrator to discuss eligibility. Eligible institutions of all sizes are welcome to request support from this   state-wide program; those with small budgets are encouraged to apply. If granted, funds from this program shall adhere to New York State Education Law Section 3.27, Rules of the Board of Regents regardless of whether the applicant is a museum or not For more information, visit GHHN.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, food pantries, schools, and farmers markets in Columbia County, New York, to improve access to fresh and healthy food for low-income households and address food insecurity.

This initiative provides crucial support to small businesses recovering from the pandemic enabling them to thrive and serve our community. Additionally, it acts as financial assistance to attract new businesses into the Downtown Business District. PROGRAM ELEGIBILITY Grant funding is available to small business owners and owners of mixed-use and commercial properties in the Downtown Business District: In good standing with the City of Mount Vernon – i.e. not delinquent on real property, personal or school district taxes) Own a small business or property with ground floor commercial space in Downtown Business District. Business owner must have at least three (3) years remaining on their commercial lease. An active City of Mount Vernon Business Registration number. Demonstrate commitment to program requirements. Own a home-based business and plan to occupy a ground floor commercial space in the Downtown Business District.

The Black Equity & Excellence Fund supports community-based projects for the Black community of Central New York that promote and encourage self-sufficiency and improve the physical and economic conditions that affect quality of life. Donor Name: Central New York Community Foundation State: New York County: Madison County (NY), Onondaga County (NY) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Foundation encourages dialogue that will strengthen race-related matters and support social and educational growth in the community. Types of Projects Projects must benefit the Black community or build upon the capabilities of your organization. Projects that focus on one of the following interest areas would qualify for a Black Equity & Excellence grant: Black Creatives Black Leadership + Advancement Black LGBTQIA+ Black Mental Wellness Black Legacy + Generational Wealth Black Business Black Maternal Health Black Civic Engagement Black Youth + Students Black Tech Funding Information Project funding levels are as follows: Grassroots Organizations/Businesses with a Fiscal Sponsor: $10k and under Pilot programs or small projects: $11k-$25k Expansion of existing projects: $26k-$55k Large capital projects or renovations: $56k-$75k Eligibility Criteria To be eligible, prospective applicants must meet all of these requirements: Have Black leadership in the senior executive position. Have at least 51% Black membership on their Board or steering committee. Seek to explicitly serve the Black community by targeting any of the focus areas listed below 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, publicly supported organizations such as schools and municipalities, or organizations using a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. The use of a fiscal sponsor from a non-Black organization is permitted. Organizations serving residents of Onondaga or Madison counties. Projects Not Supported The Foundation does not make grants for the following: Annual operating budgets, except when it is “seed” or “bridge” funding Endowments Religious purposes Loans or assistance to individuals Medical or academic research (except where requested by a donor) Activities that occurred before the Community Foundation’s decision date For more information, visit CNYCF.

Are you looking to create an impact in your community with a new project or offering? If yes, then apply for the 2024 Community Connections Fund. Donor Name: Naturally Lewis State: New York County: Lewis County (NY) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/13/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Community Connections Grant Fund is seeking creative proposals that strengthen ties within the community, to develop relationships, and to spur economic growth and development through the creation and enhancement of public gathering places or services. The aim of the Community Connections Fund is to strengthen ties within the community, to develop relationships, and to spur economic growth and development through the creation and enhancement of public gathering places and services. The Community Connections Fund is seeking programs or projects that create a “good sense of place” and contribute to Lewis County placemaking efforts. Funding Information Two $30,000 Awards OR one $60,000 Award. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must be a 501c3 non-profit organization, municipality or school in Lewis County, NY. Applicants must demonstrate a need for a program or project that creates a “good sense of place” and contributes to Lewis County placemaking efforts. The program or project must contribute to at least one of the following placemaking facets that contribute to “making a great place:” Access & Linkages – Access and linkages projects would look to create an accessible and well-connected public space, considering visual appeal, pedestrian safety, inclusivity, and transportation options. Comfort & Image – Comfort and Image projects would look to create or enhance a comfortable and visually appealing public space, considering first impressions, seating options, cleanliness, safety, and opportunities for engaging experiences. Uses & Activities – Uses and activities projects would look to create a vibrant and dynamic public space, considering user engagement, diversity, group interactions, variety in activities, and effective space management. Sociability – Sociability projects would look to create or enhance opportunities for in-person interaction and collaboration including creation of sociable and welcoming public space, considering friendliness, group interactions, community engagement, positive social dynamics, inclusivity, and community care. The program or project must strengthen ties within the community, develop relationships, and spur economic growth and development through the creation and enhancement of public gathering places. Program or project must demonstrate a new, creative approach to connecting the greater community; cannot fund existing projecting or operations. Applicants must demonstrate sustainability of the project or project in future years given this is a one-time grant. Funding cannot be rewarded for retroactive projects or projects that have already started. Evaluation Criteria Applicant must be a non-profit organization (501c3), municipality or school in Lewis County, NY. Project or program contributes to at least one of the following placemaking facets that contribute to “making a great place:”: Access & Linkages, Comfort & Image, Uses & Activities, and/or Sociability. Applicant clearly demonstrates a new, creative approach that will enhance the quality of life for the benefit of the greater community (cannot fund existing projecting or operations). Applicant should demonstrate a plan to engage with the community and a clear need for their project or program. Applicant demonstrates how their proposal strengthens ties within the community. Applicant demonstrates how their proposal aims to further develop community relationships by demonstrating any collaborations or partnerships that will positively impact the residents, businesses and organizations in the community. Applicant demonstrates how their proposal spurs economic growth and development with the addition of their program or project. Applicant clearly defines a timeline for completion of the program or project. Project must be completed within 1 year. Project must demonstrate feasibility and sustainability. For more information, visit Naturally Lewis.