Grants for For profit organizations other than small businesses - Capacity Building

This grant provides financial support to business associations and groups of businesses to improve their commercial districts and foster local economic growth through various enhancement projects.

This program provides financial support to destinations for hosting regional and national meetings or conventions, helping cover facility rental and transportation costs to boost local economies.

This funding opportunity is designed to help individuals establish new licensed child care facilities in high-needs counties, increasing access to child care services for families in those areas.

This initiative provides financial support to small businesses and entrepreneurs in Southern California that are historically underserved, helping them access resources and grow their community impact.

This grant provides financial support for businesses and nonprofit organizations to develop and improve commercial and cultural spaces in underserved neighborhoods of Chicago.

This initiative provides funding to community organizations and partners in Massachusetts to develop and implement clean energy solutions that benefit low-income and underserved populations facing high energy burdens.

This program provides funding to Maryland local governments and nonprofit organizations to increase spay and neuter services for pets in low-income communities and to manage free-roaming community cats, ultimately reducing animal overpopulation and euthanasia rates.

This program provides financial and technical support to beginning farmers in Massachusetts to help them develop sustainable and commercially viable agricultural enterprises.

This grant provides financial support for educational, medical, human services, and community development projects in Lyon, Coffey, and Osage counties in Kansas.

This funding opportunity is designed for U.S.-based organizations to help partner nations develop their artificial intelligence capabilities, aligning with U.S. standards and fostering local expertise while countering authoritarian influences.

This program provides financial assistance to municipalities, authorities, and private entities in Pennsylvania for improving water quality and infrastructure related to drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater management.

This program provides funding to interdisciplinary teams working on innovative projects that enhance public access to research data and promote open science through collaborative cyberinfrastructure initiatives.

This funding initiative supports early-stage collaborations among researchers, data management professionals, and libraries to improve public access and open science through innovative data infrastructure projects.

This grant provides financial support to licensed child care program owners in high-needs counties to expand their facilities by increasing capacity or relocating, thereby improving child care availability in their communities.

This funding opportunity supports organizations that provide services to Alaskans facing mental health challenges and related conditions, enabling projects that directly benefit these individuals and promote their well-being.

This notice is subject to availability of funding. A. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy Belgrade, announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a project that will establish a network of researchers, analysts, business leaders, and/or journalists in the Western Balkans, who promote responsible trade and foreign direct investment. This includes considerations for stewardship of the environment, development of human capital, advancement of long-term prosperity built on a market- and rule of law-based system, and engagement with Euro-Atlantic commercial and analytical partners. This network of diversified stakeholders will investigate the current effects of trade and FDI on economic growth in the six Western Balkan states (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia), evaluate free trade agreements, promote Euro-Atlantic trade, and create mechanisms to maintain this network to promote economic reform that interests key stakeholders, including governments, civil society, the private sector, and academia.Please follow all instructions below. A.1 BackgroundThe six Western Balkan countries Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia can be considered small, open economies that have varying degrees of reliance on trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) for growth.The qualities that allow a country to trade and to attract FDI, however, do not always promote long-term prosperity. Economic reforms aimed at (i) improving resource allocation by eliminating market-distorting policies, (ii) minimizing the regulatory burden on business, (iii) reducing FDI volatility by increasing political and economic stability, and (iv) removing natural resource dependence by diversifying the economy can benefit the Western Balkan countries and induce growth in the long run. Moreover, continued integration with Euro-Atlantic commercial and academic institutions, including through trade and investment, often can enhance long-term prosperity in the Western Balkans.A.2 GoalsThe first goal of this project is to establish a network of researchers, analysts, business leaders, and/or journalists in the Western Balkans, who promote Euro-Atlantic trade, responsible foreign direct investment, stewardship of the environment, development of human capital, long-term prosperity built on a market- and rule of law-based system, and engagement with Euro-Atlantic commercial and analytical partners. This network of diversified stakeholders will investigate the current effects of trade and FDI on economic growth in the six West Balkan states and promote Euro-Atlantic integration through a trade and investment forum as well as through public discourse. A second goal is to create mechanisms to maintain this network, which will promote economic reforms that interest key stakeholders, including the government of Serbia, the Serbian civil society and private sector, in addition to the Serbian academic society.A.3 Expected ResultsIllustrative examples of anticipated program outcomes include: Publicly accessible information on the current effect of free trade agreements and FDI on economic growth in the six West Balkan states. In particular, this should emphasize the positive impacts of Euro-Atlantic trade and investment in the Western Balkans, A significant trade and investment forum to promote Euro-Atlantic commercial relations with the Western Balkans, Greater public awareness of and expert attention to the environmental effects of FDI, Greater public awareness of and expert attention to FDIs effects on human capital, for example the creation of jobs overall as well as the creation of high-level, high-wage employment in leadership and management positions of foreign-owned companies in the Western Balkans, Development and/or implementation of local, national, or European Union-led strategies to mitigate risks associated with existing FDI in infrastructure, mining, auto and battery production sectors. These risks might include the potential for exploitation of cheap labor and resources and the risk of cultural clashes and political instability.A.4 Main ActivitiesIllustrative examples of program activities include: Development of a public trade and FDI portal and creation of a mechanism to ensure it continues beyond the two-year program of the grant, Organizing and hosting a trade and investment forum in the Western Balkans and creation of a mechanism to ensure the forum has long-lasting spillover effects, commercial, political, and/or analytical, Articles and op-eds published in local languages and/or English discussing trade and FDI and emphasizing, when possible, the positive impact of Euro-Atlantic investment and trade, Roundtable discussions in covered countries, organized by local partners, to publicize findings and galvanize responses.A.5 Performance IndicatorsThe project should aim to have an impact that leads to measurable increases in public awareness of trade and FDI, increased public attention regarding the positive impacts of EU and transatlantic commercial ties and investment, and evidence of continuing networking on relevant issues in the Western Balkan region. A catalog of the number of media stories with such an emphasis could be an indicator of success. New and widely publicized data regarding positive impact of Euro-Atlantic trade and investment on job creation, especially high-wage managerial positions, would be another indicator as would an increase in such job creation, though the latter would take several years to produce. In accordance with the Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Underserved Communities, programs should implement strategies for integration and inclusion of individuals/organizations/beneficiaries that can bring perspectives based on their religion, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, national origin, age, genetic information, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, political affiliation, or veterans status. Programs should be demand-driven and locally led to the extent possible. All programs should be non-discriminatory, and implementers should include strategies for nondiscrimination of individuals/ organizations/beneficiaries based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, marital status, parental status, political affiliation, or veterans status.Priority Region: Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia)B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: Up to 36 monthsNumber of awards anticipated: 1Award amount: $500,000Total available funding: $500,000Type of Solicitation: Open CompetitionType of Funding: FY23/24 AEECA Funds under the Foreign Assistance ActAnticipated program start date: Your project should start no earlier than October 1, 2024, and no later than September 30, 2025.Funding Instrument Type: GrantProgram Performance Period: Proposed program activities should be completed in 36 months or less. (This includes the time for assessment and evaluation, as well as the drafting of the final report.)The Department of State may entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION 1. Eligible Applicants: The following entities, from one of the six Western Balkan countries or from the United States, are eligible to apply: Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks, business associations, universities, and civil society/non-governmental organizationsIndividuals may not apply for this program.2. Cost Sharing or Matching.Cost sharing is allowed but not required and will not impact funding decisions.While filling out the application, you will be required to tell us whether you are also receiving funding from other donors for your project. Please be aware, however, that you must be able to carry out all the activities described in your application with the funding you receive, even if the contributions from other donors or other funding sources fail to materialize.3. Other Eligibility Requirements.In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.If an applicant has already received a grant from the U.S. Embassy the grant period for the new project will overlap with the existing one, or if an organization has submitted more than one project proposal, please use section y in the application form to explain how you will manage more than one project and describe your capacity to do so.4. Funding Restrictions.You may NOT apply for this grant if your project: involves partisan political activity; involves charitable activities and/or the distribution of humanitarian aid; is a fundraising campaign; is commercial in nature, i.e., you or a project partner are making money from this project, or the activity supports a current or future business or entrepreneurial venture. involves the provision of health care or services, childcare, food subsidies, or other social services to populations.This funding opportunity aims to support specific projects with objectives which can be achieved within a set timeframe. We will not accept applications which are aimed more broadly at supporting your organizations usual or typical daily activities and operations. Those will be deemed technically ineligible and will not be considered for funding by the review committee.For this particular NOFO, grant funding can be used to cover the cost of international travel as an essential part of the project.As a general rule, participants or audiences should not be charged for taking part in any the U.S. Embassy Belgrade-funded activity. If you envisage that your project activity will not be free for some reason, please contact the U.S. Embassy Belgrade while you are in the process of completing the application to see whether that could be allowed. Depending on the funding source, the U.S. Embassy Belgrade might be able to support your project, but only if you can demonstrate how the revenue generated will be used to support the larger objectives and explain that your organization will profit from the modest entrance fee.See also Guidelines for Budget Justification under Section H in the full text of the NOFO for more information on budget items.D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Requesting the Application Package Application forms required below are available at https://rs.usembassy.gov/grants-programs/ and www.grants.gov.2. Content and Form of Application SubmissionPlease follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible.Please ensure that: The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity All documents are in English All budgets are in U.S. dollars All pages are numbered All documents are formatted to 8 x 11 or A4 paper, and All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12-point Calibri font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins.The following documents are required:a. SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance organizations)b. SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs)c. SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) if the applicant is an organization whose registration in SAM.gov is still pending.d. the U.S. Embassy Belgrade Grant Application Form for Fiscal Year 2024. Note: Detailed directions for filling out the grant application are included with the form.e. Budget Justification Narrative (Excel Spreadsheet): After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use the Excel spreadsheet template to describe and explain each of the budget expenses in detail. See section H. Other Information: Guidelines for Budget Submissions below for further information.f. Attachments 1-page CV or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner, if applicable. Official permission letters, if required for program activities. Proof of SAM registration. If you still have not completed SAM.gov registration, a screenshot from SAM.gov reflecting that you have started the process.Please follow all the instructions when filling out the Application Form. 3.Required Registrations:All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration with the SAM.gov. A UEI is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards.The 2 CFR 200 requires that sub-grantees obtain a UEI number. Please note the UEI for sub-grantees is not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or directed to a sub-grantee. Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible.4. Submission Dates and Times: Applications are due no later than August 28, 2024.5. Other Submission Requirements: All application materials must be submitted by email to [email protected] the U.S. Embassy Belgrade does not receive a complete project proposal at the above address by the deadline, it will be considered technically ineligible and will not be considered for funding. 6. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates: The U.S. Embassy Belgrade anticipates that final funding decisions will be made by September 13, 2024. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTSIf you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: [email protected] detailed information please see the full text of the Notice of Funding Opportunity in the Related Documents tab ..

The City of Vancouver's Community and Neighborhood Grants Program aims to foster stronger community connections, encourage partnerships among groups, and empower residents to take meaningful action within their community. This initiative aligns with a broader mission of civic engagement and local empowerment, providing financial support to grassroots efforts that enhance the social fabric of Vancouver. The program is designed to be accessible to various community-led initiatives, from small-scale events to larger, ongoing programs that address specific neighborhood needs and opportunities. The grants target a wide range of beneficiaries within the Vancouver city limits or urban growth area, including residents, community-based organizations, nonprofits, neighborhood associations, clubs, parent-teacher groups, and informal collaboratives. The primary impact goals are to build community, facilitate collaboration, and enable residents to lead positive change. By supporting a diverse array of projects, the program seeks to improve overall community well-being, promote inclusivity, and enhance the quality of life for residents, particularly in historically underserved areas. The program prioritizes projects and initiatives that strengthen community connections, encourage partnerships, and empower residents. Funding is divided into two levels: Level One Microgrants, offering up to $500 for smaller events like block parties, cultural celebrations, or arts activities, and Level Two Grants, providing up to $10,000 for larger-scale projects and ongoing programs such as after-school programs, neighborhood beautification, safety improvements, or food assistance. A key focus is on improving equity, accessibility, and inclusion, ensuring that the grants reach a broad spectrum of community needs. Expected outcomes include more vibrant and connected neighborhoods, increased resident participation in community affairs, and the successful implementation of projects that address local challenges. Measurable results could include the number of community members engaged, the diversity of partnerships formed, the successful completion of projects, and the demonstrated positive impact on target beneficiaries. The program's strategic priority is to invest directly in community-led solutions, operating under the theory of change that by empowering local groups and residents with financial resources, sustainable and impactful community development will naturally follow, leading to a more resilient and inclusive Vancouver.

The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) of Lawrenceville, Georgia, has launched the Façade Grant Program to revitalize its downtown area. This program aligns with the DDA's mission to serve as a resource to the City Council for downtown revitalization through strategic land use planning, land banking, business recruitment and retention, and the execution of the community's vision for a vibrant and inclusive urban center. The grant specifically targets businesses within the Downtown Entertainment District, aiming to encourage and support exterior renovations that enhance the aesthetic appeal and overall vitality of the area. The primary beneficiaries of this program are businesses located within the Downtown Entertainment District. The impact goals are centered on improving the physical appearance of downtown buildings, stimulating economic activity, and fostering a more attractive and inclusive urban environment. By offering reimbursement for façade renovations, the DDA seeks to reduce the financial burden on businesses, thereby encouraging investment in property improvements and contributing to a more appealing downtown. The program prioritizes projects that enhance or update the exterior of buildings, including activities such as painting, restoration, stabilization, awning additions, and improved signage. Eligibility criteria dictate that projects must be within the Downtown Entertainment District, and reimbursement is solely for expenses incurred during exterior façade renovations. Furthermore, all projects must comply with applicable building, development, and zoning regulations, and properties on the National Historic Register require a preservation review. Expected outcomes include a visibly improved and more attractive downtown area, increased business investment in property aesthetics, and a boost in overall community pride and engagement. Measurable results for the program include the number of businesses participating, the total amount of grant funds disbursed, the types of renovations undertaken, and the completion of approved work within the stipulated twelve-month timeframe. The reimbursement structure, covering half of the total project cost up to $2,500 per grant, provides a tangible incentive for businesses to participate.

This funding initiative provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and not-for-profit entities in Pennsylvania to enhance community well-being through job creation, infrastructure improvements, and business development in the Appalachian Region.

The Spirit of Humanity Award, offered by the Legacy Foundation, recognizes individuals, civic groups, organizations, or groups of individuals who inspire the Foundation's vision through their leadership and action. This annual award aligns directly with the Legacy Regional Community Foundation's mission: "creates a stronger future for our area by building endowments, providing informed leadership & connecting donors to critical needs of the region." The award seeks to honor those whose contributions reflect this core mission, thereby reinforcing the Foundation's strategic priority of fostering community betterment through leadership and impactful initiatives. The target beneficiaries of this award are individuals or groups residing in or around the Cowley/Sumner County area who have demonstrated uncommon leadership or action within the past 12 months. The impact goal is to celebrate and highlight those who embody the Foundation's values, inspiring others to contribute to the region's strength. By recognizing these efforts, the Foundation aims to cultivate a stronger sense of community and encourage ongoing engagement in addressing critical local needs. The program prioritizes actions that genuinely reflect the Foundation's mission, emphasizing leadership and contributions that may or may not be financial. This broad definition ensures that a wide range of impactful activities are considered. The focus is on inspiring positive change and demonstrating a commitment to the well-being of the community, aligning with the Foundation's theory of change that recognizing exemplary community service fosters a more engaged and resilient region. Expected outcomes include increased public awareness of the Legacy Regional Community Foundation's mission and values, a stronger sense of community pride, and the encouragement of further civic engagement. Measurable results would include the number of nominations received, the visibility of the awardees' stories in the Foundation gallery, and the anecdotal evidence of inspired community action following the award. The award serves as a tangible expression of the Foundation's commitment to informed leadership and connecting donors to critical needs, ultimately contributing to a more robust future for the area.