Best Economic Services Grants

Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs

The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs works with Indiana communities to build relevant and economically thriving places where people want to live, work and grow.

Mission: The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs works with local, state and national partners to provide resources and technical assistance to aid communities in shaping and achieving their vision for community and economic development.

CDBG Planning Grant - Downtown Revitalization Plan

The Planning Grant Program leverages Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to encourage communities to plan for long-term, holistic improvement. The Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) seeks applications from local units of government for programs funded through the State CDBG program. Eligible local units of government are counties, cities, or incorporated towns not located within an entitlement community. Unincorporated areas must apply through the county in which they are located. Eligible planning activities consist of all costs associated with data gathering, study, analysis, and preparation of plans and the identification of actions to implement such plans.

Downtown Revitalization Plan assesses current conditions, establish a vision, and prioritize actionable projects and strategies to revitalize the downtown economy, public spaces, buildings, infrastructure, and community engagement 

Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs

The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs works with Indiana communities to build relevant and economically thriving places where people want to live, work and grow.

Mission: The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs works with local, state and national partners to provide resources and technical assistance to aid communities in shaping and achieving their vision for community and economic development.

CDBG Planning Grant - Comprehensive Plan

The Planning Grant Program leverages Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to encourage communities to plan for long-term, holistic improvement.

The Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) seeks applications from local units of government for programs funded through the State CDBG program. Eligible local units of government are counties, cities, or incorporated towns not located within an entitlement community. Unincorporated areas must apply through the county in which they are located. Eligible planning activities consist of all costs associated with data gathering, study, analysis, and preparation of plans and the identification of actions to implement such plans.

Comprehensive Plan is a community-driven planning process that assesses assets and sets coordinated strategies for land use, services, economy, housing, infrastructure, environment, broadband, and historic resources. 

Massachusetts Downtown Initiative Capital Program

This competitive program increases downtown vitality through planning and capital implementation grants to municipalities.

The Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) is pleased to announce the MDI Capital Grant Program, through the FY27 Community One Stop for Growth.

The Massachusetts Downtown Initiative Capital Grant Program (“MDI Capital”) strengthens the economic and cultural vitality of the Commonwealth’s downtowns, village centers, and main streets by investing in vibrant, livable centers that attract residents, stimulate business activity, and promote equitable regional growth.

Building on the foundation of the original MDI Technical Assistance program, MDI Capital helps municipalities transform their downtowns into thriving, walkable, and inclusive destinations.

Through a combination of design and implementation grants, the program advances both local and statewide economic development priorities by reducing vacancies, increasing pedestrian activity, and fostering resilient, business-friendly districts that enhance quality of life and reinforce Massachusetts’ reputation as an exceptional place to live, work, and invest.

MDI Capital funds the following project types:

Planning:

• Downtown/Village Center Improvement Plan
• District Management Creation

Implementation:

• Public Realm & Streetscape Improvements
• Wayfinding & Signage Improvements
• Public Facilities & Gathering Spaces Improvements

Underutilized Properties Program

Targets underutilized, abandoned, or vacant properties.

The Underutilized Properties Program is part of the Community One Stop for Growth, a single application portal and collaborative review process of community and economic development grant programs that make targeted investments based on a Development Continuum. It is designed to allow applicants to apply for consideration of multiple sources of funding to support multiple phases and facets of a project. 

What makes a good project?

A good project provides public purpose in one or more of the following categories: creating jobs, driving innovation, eliminating blight, increasing housing production, supporting economic development projects, increasing the number of commercial buildings accessible to persons with disabilities, conserving natural resources through targeted rehabilitation, and/or reuse of vacant and underutilized property owned by the applicant.

While a particular application may not satisfy every criterion, application review is based on the totality of the facts and circumstances. Review criteria assesses the likelihood that the use of the requested funding will advance a project towards increased public benefits:

• Clarity, Purpose, and Users of the Space
• Ecosystem Analysis and Partnerships
• Goals of the Project
• Economic Impact
• Project Execution

Funding

No set maximum but typical awards are anticipated to range from $50,000 to $1,000,000 for Building Capital Improvements and up to $250,000 for Pre-Development.

Site Readiness Program

The 2021 Economic Development Bill authorizes $15M for the Commonwealth Site Readiness Fund, to be administered by MassDevelopment, for the purpose of funding “for site assembly, site assessment, predevelopment permitting and other predevelopment and marketing activities that enhance a site's readiness for commercial, industrial or mixed-use development; provided, that a portion of the funds shall be used to facilitate the expansion or replication of successful industrial parks; and provided further, that funding shall be awarded in a manner that promotes geographic equity” B. FY 2027 Information

The Site Readiness program is part of the Community One Stop for Growth, a single application portal and collaborative review process of community and economic development grant programs that make targeted investments based on a Development Continuum. 

Maximum Award

• No set maximum but typical awards range from $50,000 to $500,000.

What makes a good project?

MassDevelopment will be accepting applications for funding in the eligible use categories described in the program guidelines and summarized below: 

• Site Preparation 
• Site Concept Plans – Including feasibility and planning studies in addition to concept-level master planning.  
• Site Market Studies – Including broker consultation, market analysis, and development of marketing materials. 
• Site Acquisition and Related Tasks – Including costs of property acquisition, title analysis, surveying, and legal fees.  
• Demolition
• Construction of Site-Related Upgrades – Including utilities and roadways. 

The Distressed Cities Technical Assistance (DCTA) Program provides competitive funding for eligible applicants to deliver technical assistance to local governments serving economically distressed communities of 50,000 or fewer residents. Selected awardees collaborate closely with HUD to enhance the capabilities of UGLG officials and staff, ensuring they effectively address community needs. Applicants may focus on broad HUD jurisdictions or specific areas as specified in the program's NOFO.

Iowa Department of Transportation

In 1974, the 65th Iowa General Assembly created the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT), albeit through a long legislative process. It placed other modal agencies, including an Aeronautics Commission, under the department’s responsibility to promote more orderly and effective planning and funding of programs, and to achieve a more balanced transportation system. In 1974, the legislature also created the Iowa Transportation Commission, consisting of seven members. Members are appointed by the governor and subject to Senate confirmation. No more than four persons can represent the same political party. Serving four-year terms, members are responsible for periodically reviewing programs of the department and making all major investment policy decisions.

For more than a century, the IHC and Iowa DOT have promoted the growth and betterment of Iowa’s transportation system. Still headquartered in Ames, the agency continues to serve the transportation needs of Iowa and its citizens.

Revitalize Iowa's Sound Economy (RISE) Program - Local Development

Projects funded by the RISE program promote economic development in Iowa through the establishment, construction, and improvement of roads and streets. The RISE program is targeted toward value-adding activities that feed new dollars into the economy and provide maximum economic impact to the state on primary or secondary roads, and city streets open for public use. While all counties and incorporated cities in Iowa are eligible to apply, funding is generally limited to industrial, manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and professional office developments, with few exceptions.

This funding opportunity supports local economic development but do not require an immediate commitment of funds (e.g., industrial parks, tourist attractions), or do not meet the Immediate Opportunity criteria. Projects are evaluated using the following five factors:

• Development potential
• Economic impact
• Local commitment and initiative
• Transportation need
• Area economic need

The East Boston Foundation

The foundation was formed in 1998 to administer a generous $9.6 million commitment from the Massachusetts Port Authority as part of community mitigation and to offset the impacts associated with Massport's $4.4 Billion Logan Airport Modernization Program.

Categories of Grants

The Board of Trustees of the East Boston Foundation has identified the following categories of grants, which in the discretion of the Board may be amended from time to time. Grant requests and applications shall be grouped into various categories and identified as follows:

Mini-grants

The Foundation recognizes the need for supporting programs and initiatives in the community, which may qualify for one of the above stated categories, but seeks an amount which is considered nominal by the Foundation.

Each year the Foundation will allocate an amount towards funding of the mini-grant program.

The Foundation will accept requests for these grants on an informal basis and may exercise discretion and control over the disbursement of such funds by making either a direct vendor type payments on behalf of the organization or a payment to the organization itself. An organization seeking a mini-grant shall submit a request to the Foundation at least ten (10) days prior to the stated deadline on its own letterhead and signed by an authorized representative of the organization. The request shall include an itemized list of items for which the Foundation is being asked to fund. If approved, the Foundation will then make a direct payment on behalf of the organization to the specific vendor, up-to the awarded amount.

The Foundation will not make payments to individuals.

The East Boston Foundation

The foundation was formed in 1998 to administer a generous $9.6 million commitment from the Massachusetts Port Authority as part of community mitigation and to offset the impacts associated with Massport's $4.4 Billion Logan Airport Modernization Program.

Categories of Grants

The Board of Trustees of the East Boston Foundation has identified the following categories of grants, which in the discretion of the Board may be amended from time to time. Grant requests and applications shall be grouped into various categories and identified as follows:

Business /Enhancement Grants (BDE)

The Foundation is committed to preserving initiatives, which are beneficial to the continued economy of the East Boston community and recognizes that the promotion of business objectives within the community, especially as they may relate to and benefit from the airport will help to serve as a means of minimizing various economic impacts that might be associated with the operations of Logan International Airport.

The Foundation will consider applications for business enhancement, which meet the following criteria:

• The proponent identifies an issue affecting the business community which specifically relates to enhancing business opportunities in all of East Boston’s business districts, including opportunities relating to Logan Airport;
• The proponent develops a plan to address the needs of the business community created by this issue and which is designed to provide education, assistance, and resources to the business community at large;
• The proponent receives at least 50% of its funding from sources other than the East Boston Foundation; (e.g. matching funds) and the Grant sought from the Foundation shall not exceed 50% of the applicant’s average total cash revenue (excluding in kind support) for the two (2) years preceding the application as demonstrated by the Applicant’s 990/990EZ filing or Form PC filed with the Massachusetts Attorney General
• The allocation of the Foundation’s grant money may be used for expenses related to salaries, wage benefits, and professionals, however the amount allocated may not exceed 50% of the amount granted.
• The applicant adequately demonstrates an ability to generate the remaining revenue as contemplated under its proposed budget

The USDA SBIR/STTR programs aim to enhance scientific excellence and technological innovation through federal funding, fostering a robust national economy. By supporting small businesses in addressing federal research needs, these programs encourage the commercialization of federally funded research. Specifically, the STTR program promotes partnerships between small businesses and research institutions, such as universities and federal laboratories, to advance cooperative research and development efforts.

West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) enforces state and federal environmental laws in West Virginia to help protect our air, water, and land. With the enactment of Senate Bill 217 during a special session of the West Virginia Legislature, the Division of Environmental Protection was established in October 1991. Following years of restructuring and reorganizing, the Division was elevated to a cabinet-level agency in 2001, and thus the Division of Environmental Protection became the Department of Environmental Protection.

The WVDEP’s mission is to promote a healthy environment. To do this, the agency uses more than 800 employees in nine locations around the state to administer programs that allow industry and the environment to coexist.

Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization Program

The WVDEP’s Office of Abandoned Mine Lands and Reclamation (AML) administers funding for economic development projects through its AMLER Program. This program helps projects located in communities which have been impacted by legacy coal mining.

An advisory committee comprised of representatives from the WVDEP, State Departments of Commerce, Tourism, and Transportation, and the Governor's Office, is responsible for selecting the projects. Since 2016, the AMLER Program has committed over $268 Million in grant funding to assist projects all across the West Virginia coalfields.

South Carolina Department of Commerce

From site selection to infrastructure improvement, we are here to help grow new and existing businesses.

SC Commerce promotes economic opportunity for individuals and businesses through initiatives like workforce training. As a national leader in foreign direct investment, the state extends its global reach with offices in Europe and Asia that help existing companies in developing export markets.

South Carolina Community Development Block Grant

The South Carolina Community Development Block Grant (“State CDBG Program”) is designed to aid units of general local government in improving economic opportunities and meeting community revitalization needs, particularly for persons of low- and moderate-income. The State CDBG Program has been funded through the State since 1982 by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended (Title I). 

CDBG Program Goals and Outcomes

The SC Department of Commerce seeks to improve the well-being of all South Carolinians in a manner that supports and enhances a high quality of life. The State CDBG Program supports the agency’s efforts to strengthen communities through revitalization and improvement of neighborhoods, public infrastructure, and the local economy. 

The three overarching goals of the HUD CDBG program are to provide decent housing, economic opportunities and a suitable living environment. Within the context of these goals, each project funded by the State must also meet one of three outcomes identified by HUD: affordability, accessibility, or sustainability. 

Local Match/Leveraging

CDBG projects are expected to leverage other public and private investments and serve as a catalyst for future development.

There must be a 10% match of the total CDBG request, unless otherwise approved, which can come from a variety of committed sources including other grants, loans, waiver of fees, public or private investments, and documented volunteer or in-kind contributions. Matching funds must be immediately available for the project at the time of application. 

Community Development Block Grant Categories

There are three broad grant program categories: Community Development, Business Development, and Regional Planning. The Community Development Program is further broken down into several subcategories to address infrastructure, community facilities, and local priorities.

Regional Planning Program

This program is designed to provide CDBG funds to Councils of Governments to assist local governments in developing plans and building local community development capacity. This assistance will build capacity to effectively determine community needs, long-term goals and short-term objectives, and develop plans for carrying out effective strategies to address community needs. Specific activities related to the State’s Consolidated Plan may be required. The planning assistance is not limited to the jurisdiction of the applicant and will include both regional and local planning and technical assistance activities. However, planning activities should only be conducted in non-entitlement communities.

Requirement

One applicant from each regional planning district may apply for this assistance. Each of the counties within a regional planning district must enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement to apply for and implement regional planning assistance grants. This Agreement will designate a lead county to apply for the grant to comply with all requirements of the application and grant, and it should be reviewed each year and updated as necessary to make sure it reflects current officials and jurisdictions.

South Carolina Department of Commerce

From site selection to infrastructure improvement, we are here to help grow new and existing businesses.

SC Commerce promotes economic opportunity for individuals and businesses through initiatives like workforce training. As a national leader in foreign direct investment, the state extends its global reach with offices in Europe and Asia that help existing companies in developing export markets.

South Carolina Community Development Block Grant

The South Carolina Community Development Block Grant (“State CDBG Program”) is designed to aid units of general local government in improving economic opportunities and meeting community revitalization needs, particularly for persons of low- and moderate-income. The State CDBG Program has been funded through the State since 1982 by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended (Title I). 

CDBG Program Goals and Outcomes

The SC Department of Commerce seeks to improve the well-being of all South Carolinians in a manner that supports and enhances a high quality of life. The State CDBG Program supports the agency’s efforts to strengthen communities through revitalization and improvement of neighborhoods, public infrastructure, and the local economy. 

The three overarching goals of the HUD CDBG program are to provide decent housing, economic opportunities and a suitable living environment. Within the context of these goals, each project funded by the State must also meet one of three outcomes identified by HUD: affordability, accessibility, or sustainability. 

Local Match/Leveraging

CDBG projects are expected to leverage other public and private investments and serve as a catalyst for future development.

There must be a 10% match of the total CDBG request, unless otherwise approved, which can come from a variety of committed sources including other grants, loans, waiver of fees, public or private investments, and documented volunteer or in-kind contributions. Matching funds must be immediately available for the project at the time of application. 

Community Development Block Grant Categories

There are three broad grant program categories: Community Development, Business Development, and Regional Planning. The Community Development Program is further broken down into several subcategories to address infrastructure, community facilities, and local priorities.

Business Development Programs

This program provides financial resources for local governments to pursue opportunities that create new jobs, retain existing employment, stimulate private investment, and revitalize or facilitate the competitiveness of the local economy. Funding will be prioritized based on the following order:

New or expanding businesses tied to job creation

Area economic development activities not associated with job creation

New or expanding local businesses that provide essential goods and services in predominately LMI communities 

South Carolina Department of Commerce

From site selection to infrastructure improvement, we are here to help grow new and existing businesses.

SC Commerce promotes economic opportunity for individuals and businesses through initiatives like workforce training. As a national leader in foreign direct investment, the state extends its global reach with offices in Europe and Asia that help existing companies in developing export markets.

South Carolina Community Development Block Grant

The South Carolina Community Development Block Grant (“State CDBG Program”) is designed to aid units of general local government in improving economic opportunities and meeting community revitalization needs, particularly for persons of low- and moderate-income. The State CDBG Program has been funded through the State since 1982 by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended (Title I). 

CDBG Program Goals and Outcomes

The SC Department of Commerce seeks to improve the well-being of all South Carolinians in a manner that supports and enhances a high quality of life. The State CDBG Program supports the agency’s efforts to strengthen communities through revitalization and improvement of neighborhoods, public infrastructure, and the local economy. 

The three overarching goals of the HUD CDBG program are to provide decent housing, economic opportunities and a suitable living environment. Within the context of these goals, each project funded by the State must also meet one of three outcomes identified by HUD: affordability, accessibility, or sustainability. 

Local Match/Leveraging

CDBG projects are expected to leverage other public and private investments and serve as a catalyst for future development.

There must be a 10% match of the total CDBG request, unless otherwise approved, which can come from a variety of committed sources including other grants, loans, waiver of fees, public or private investments, and documented volunteer or in-kind contributions. Matching funds must be immediately available for the project at the time of application. 

Community Development Block Grant Categories

There are three broad grant program categories: Community Development, Business Development, and Regional Planning. The Community Development Program is further broken down into several subcategories to address infrastructure, community facilities, and local priorities.

Community Development Programs

Description

This program is designed to produce outcomes that improve citizens’ quality of life and create a competitive environment for jobs and investment by addressing priority community development needs. Activities should contribute to healthy, safe and sustainable neighborhoods and communities. These grants are designed to improve the quality of life for distressed and LMI communities. Community Development projects will compete within the following subcategories that have the same general submission requirements, except that the Ready to Go Program will not be funded in a competitive funding round.

Community Development Program Categories: Community Infrastructure; Community Enrichment; Local Priorities Program; and Ready to Go Program

Ready To Go Program

Outcome

This program is designed to stimulate the local economy by addressing urgent or compelling community needs. Funding may also be used for pilot projects which have been developed in coordination with, and have been approved by, the State CDBG Program. The goal is encouraging innovation, the timely implementation of CDBG eligible projects, and cost effectiveness. The project requires an upfront investment of local and other funds for planning, project design and permitting that is substantially equivalent to the required 10% local match.

The project must be an eligible public facility improvement under the Community Infrastructure, Community Enrichment, or Local Priorities program. All required project activities leading up to bidding must be complete prior to submission of the application including but not limited to project design, environmental review, acquisition and permits. CDBG funds may only be used for construction or demolition. 

The Region 4 Small Business Transportation Technical Assistance Center (SBTTAC) aims to empower small businesses by providing essential technical assistance and business development support. Funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation, this initiative will facilitate access to capital resources, connect businesses with key transportation agencies, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. The program is dedicated to minimizing barriers for small enterprises while fostering a robust support system in the transportation sector.

Virginia Humanities offers Community Action Grants to support local organizations in enhancing public humanities engagement through festivals and events. These grants, with a maximum funding of $1,500, aim to lower barriers for participation and encourage first-time applicants. Rolling applications are accepted, with funding decisions made every two months. Successful projects will foster dialogue and shared learning, connecting Virginians with their rich history and culture.

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is offering grants to support the development of new and existing cooperatives in Wisconsin, with a goal of fostering the success of current and future cooperatives by supporting planning and exploratory research in advance of making a large investment.Applicants may use the funds to cover consulting fees for business planning, feasibility studies, legal services, and accounting services to help new or existing cooperatives become established or further develop. 

Wyoming Department of Workforce Services

At the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS), we are committed to building stronger communities and empowering Wyoming’s workforce. We uphold legal employment practices, enforce labor laws, and promote safe and healthy working conditions. But our impact goes beyond policies—we support businesses, connect people with opportunities, and serve a diverse range of individuals, including employers, employees, job seekers, individuals with disabilities, veterans, families, healthcare providers, and more.

Our mission: To collaborate to support a thriving workforce and economy.

Workforce Development Training Fund

Unlock the Potential of Your Workforce with the Wyoming Workforce Development Training Fund (WDTF)

The Wyoming Workforce Development Training Fund (WDTF) is here to empower businesses and employees across Wyoming by providing professional development opportunities to enhance skills and foster growth.

The Workforce Development Training Fund (WDTF) is a unique Wyoming-based program that connects employers with professional development opportunities to increase employee skill attainment.

Before You Apply

Please ensure your business meets the following requirements to avoid delays in the registration process. 

Good Standing: Your business must be registered and in good standing with:

• Wyoming Unemployment Insurance (UI)
• Workers’ Compensation (WC)
• Wyoming Secretary of State (SoS)
• Workforce Development Training Fund (WDTF)

HireWyo: Your business must also be registered and in good standing with HireWYO. This process may take an additional 1-2 weeks, especially if your WC or UI accounts need to be updated.

Grant Opportunities Designed for Your Needs: 1) Apprenticeship Training Grants; 2) Business Training Grants; 3) Internship Grants; 4) Pre-Hire Economic Development Grant; 5) Pre-Obligation Grant

Pre-Obligation Grant

Request obligation of funding to attract business and industry to Wyoming. This grant allows Wyoming Economic Development Entities to obligate training funds for businesses or industries interested in expanding in Wyoming.

• Pre-Obligation of Training Funds is available for Wyoming Economic Development Entities to request the obligation of training funds for businesses, serving as an incentive for companies relocating to Wyoming or for existing Wyoming businesses expanding their workforce.

• Funding Options: Approved funds can be used toward the Pre-Hire Economic Development Training Grant, Business Training Grant, or both.

• Funding Limits: The number of trainees eligible for funding is capped at 200, with the specific grant amount determined by the parameters of the applicable- Pre-Hire Grant or Business Training Grant

Downtown Revitalization Fund

The Downtown Revitalization Fund brings together IEDA’s Commercial Facade and Streetscapes programs under a unified strategy to strengthen the economic and social vitality of Iowa’s downtown districts. Supported by the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, these initiatives help communities reinvest in core commercial areas through coordinated improvements to both private building fronts and the public realm. Together, the programs advance HUD’s community development objectives by improving essential public facilities, enhancing local infrastructure, and supporting commercial revitalization within eligible downtown areas. Through targeted façade rehabilitation and transformative streetscape upgrades, the Downtown Revitalization Fund helps communities create safer, more inviting, and economically resilient downtown environments that benefit residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

Iowa Tourism Grants

The Iowa Tourism Marketing Grant program provides funding for tourism partners around the state to market Iowa's places, attractions and events to out-of-state audiences. The grant may not be used for infrastructure and is not intended to pay expenses associated with the implementation of an event. 

Successful applicants are executing marketing campaigns and initiatives that benefit both the state and local economies. Preference is given to applications that support the overall marketing plan of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, especially in terms of target audience and messaging. The Administrative Rules that govern the program and provide further guidance are in Iowa Administrative Code 261.42.

In September 2025, the Iowa Tourism Office received FY26 applications from private and public tourism-related entities across the state. Thirty-three grants, totaling $299,800, were ultimately awarded funding for implementation of campaigns and projects in calendar year 2026. Individually and collectively, the projects will elevate Iowa on the world stage, increase Iowa’s ability to recruit visitors, strengthen Iowa’s economy and make Iowa a destination. They will also help Iowa recruit a workforce that is exploring new employment opportunities and relocation options while traveling.

Iowa Economic Development Authority

Mission

Strengthen economic and community vitality by building partnerships and leveraging resources to make Iowa the choice for people and business. Through two main divisions – business development and community development – IEDA administers several state and federal programs to meet its goals of assisting individuals, communities and businesses. IEDA works to achieve its mission and goals to benefit Iowans while maintaining a high level of transparency. 

Opportunities and Threats Fund

A portion of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds are reserved for communities facing an imminent threat to the public requiring immediate assistance. These funds may also be used by communities seeing an opportunity to demonstrate sustainable community activities.

The program is funded through the federal CDBG program. The goal of this program is to provide economic opportunities for people, especially those of low- and moderate income.

Opportunity for Sustainable Community Activities

• Must meet one of the three national objectives of the CDBG program
• Consistent with sustainability and smart growth principles
• Provides a beneficial impact on the standard of living and quality of life of proposed beneficiaries
• Ready to proceed and be completed in a timely manner
• Leverages the maximum amount of local funds possible
• Will continue to remain viable after CDBG assistance
• Meets funding standards established by the minimum funding criteria set forth in the rule
• Applicants provide adequate information to Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) on total project design and cost, as requested
• Innovative and could be replicated in other communities
• Meets or exceeds the minimum building and site design criteria established by the IEDA

Iowa Economic Development Authority

Mission

Strengthen economic and community vitality by building partnerships and leveraging resources to make Iowa the choice for people and business. Through two main divisions – business development and community development – IEDA administers several state and federal programs to meet its goals of assisting individuals, communities and businesses. IEDA works to achieve its mission and goals to benefit Iowans while maintaining a high level of transparency. 

Community Attraction and Tourism Grant

The Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) program provides grant funds to assist projects that provide recreational, cultural, entertainment and educational attractions. The funds help communities create transformational projects that enhance the vitality of a region and the state overall. The CAT Grant Program is designed to assist communities in the development and creation of multiple-purpose attractions and tourism facilities. Funds must be primarily used for vertical infrastructure (land acquisition and construction, major renovation and major repair of buildings and recreational trails.)

Amounts or percentages from cities, counties, and private sources will vary by project, there is no minimum amount or percentage required.

Eligible projects must have 65% of financing/fundraising secured at time of the application. 

No more than 50% of the project can be funded by state dollars, including the amount awarded with CAT Fund funding.

Virginia Economic Development Partnership

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership is the Commonwealth of Virginia’s official economic development authority and has offices in Virginia, Germany, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea. Since 1995, VEDP has served as a professional, nonpartisan public authority with a long-term focus on strengthening Virginia’s economy across administrations. Working with state, regional and local partners, VEDP supports business expansion, attraction and investment through services that span site readiness, incentives, global trade and strategic planning. 

Virginia Economic Development Incentive Grant (VEDIG)

The Virginia Economic Development Incentive Grant program (VEDIG) assists and encourages companies to invest and create new employment opportunities by locating significant headquarters, administrative, or service sector operations in Virginia. There must be an active and realistic competition between Virginia and another state or country for attracting the project.

The amount of each VEDIG grant is determined by the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, based in part on the Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s (VEDP) Return-on-Investment analysis and recommendation, and is subject to the approval of the Governor.

Highlights

The program offers cash grants to qualified applicants. Grants are paid in five equal annual installments beginning in the first year after the capital investment and job creation or retention are achieved. There are no restrictions on expenditure of the grant proceeds.

Minimum capital investment, new job, and wage thresholds are based on the area of Virginia in which the company is located.

Battle Creek Community Foundation

Our Mission: The Battle Creek Community Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to expand opportunity and create lasting community benefit for today and tomorrow.

Athens Area Community Foundation

Established in 1994 in Athens, Michigan – For good. Forever. For all.

Mission: To build permanent endowment funds that enrich and enhance the quality of life and support services in the Athens area.

Grants

The Athens Area Community Foundation supports nonprofit organizations who impact the organizations and residents in the greater Athens area. Organizations that are recognized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or have a fiscal sponsor that is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and serve the greater Athens area residents, are eligible to apply for grants.

The following are the current areas of focus for AACF grants:

• Arts & Culture
• Community/Economic Development
• Education
• Environment
• Health & Wellness
• Human Services
• Youth

Onward! A Legacy Foundation

We are your local community foundation providing scholarships and grants to non-profits. We also collaborate with regional non-profits by investing their endowment funds and earn market rates of return. Onward! currently manages 170+ funds with total assets over $9.7 million. The foundation's guiding principles:

• Invest donor funds responsibly to preserve capital, provide growth, and earn income for grant making.
• Create and encourage methods for philanthropic giving to meet financial goals for a variety of donors.
• Identify, improve, and assist in addressing the needs of the Four Corners' communities.
• Foster understanding and cooperation among diverse cultural and ethnic groups.

Onward! Grant

Onward! A Legacy Foundation, in our dedication to the philanthropic health of Southwest Colorado, is opening our enhancement grant cycle for another year. 20+ years of careful work and dedication has created a foundation where investors can easily and safely make philanthropic donations to investment funds which grow and provide income for non-profit efforts, Onward! continues to enrich the four corners community.

Onward! will consider grant proposals that make significant contributions to the health and quality of life for the residents of Southwest Colorado. This may include but is not limited to programs and projects that contribute towards: social, emotional, or physical well-being, youth, diversity, economic enhancement, civic beautification, arts and culture, leadership development; in order to support any organizations that target the specific needs of our diverse community. 

The Jewish Community Engagement Fund - Fall Cycle aims to empower collaborative efforts among three or more organizations or individuals to foster a vibrant Jewish community in Washtenaw County. With grants of up to $3,000, the fund encourages innovative programming that connects and engages the community. Eligible partnerships must submit letters of intent and focus on projects consistent with the Federation's mission, promoting sustainability for any ongoing initiatives.

The Jewish Community Engagement Fund - Winter Cycle supports collaborative initiatives that strengthen the Jewish community in Washtenaw County. Grants of up to $3,000 are available for projects that promote engagement and sustainability through partnerships among at least three collaborators. Applications must outline innovative programming aligning with the Federation's mission, including plans for financial sustainability for ongoing efforts. The fund excludes costs for staff time and non-collaborative funding.