Best Economic Services Grants

The Local Government Emergency Housing Support Program (LGEHS) provides essential assistance to local governments and nonprofits in response to housing crises caused by disasters. This program ensures that communities affected by emergencies can access safe, temporary housing and stabilization services, fostering recovery and resilience. Applications for funding are accepted year-round and reviewed quarterly, emphasizing the importance of timely submissions for consideration.

The Local Share Account (LSA) funding program in Washington County, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, aims to enhance community and economic well-being. Established by the PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, this program allocates portions of local share assessments from licensed gaming facilities to support various local initiatives. Interested applicants should contact the Redevelopment Authority of Washington County for further details on the application process.

The Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites Program (PA SITES) aims to provide grants and loans for developing competitive sites, enabling businesses to relocate or expand within the Commonwealth. With a focus on planning and construction grants, the program helps cover development risks and supports strategic investments that enhance site viability. Applications are accepted year-round and are reviewed quarterly, ensuring timely funding for eligible projects that promote economic growth across Pennsylvania.

The Strategic Management Planning Program (STMP) assists local governments in Pennsylvania by providing grants for hiring financial consultants to develop comprehensive financial and economic strategies. This proactive approach aims to avert fiscal crises and ensure long-term fiscal stability. By facilitating the creation of three to five-year financial plans, STMP empowers municipalities to enhance their managerial and economic development capabilities, ultimately strengthening their financial health and service delivery.

The Indigent Cremation Reimbursement Grant, established in 2007 by the City of St. Louis Circuit Court, assists eligible foundations in covering the costs of indigent cremations in Missouri. The Community Foundation of the Ozarks manages this fund, reimbursing up to $600 for individuals without family to pay for burial. To qualify, the deceased must be cremated at county expense, and their remains will not be released to family members, ensuring dignity in death for those in need.

The Lightning Community Hero program honors grassroots heroes making a positive impact in the Tampa Bay community. Established in 2011, it has awarded $50,000 grants to selected heroes, benefiting various charities. With 634 heroes celebrated and over $34M distributed, the program inspires community involvement and showcases the diverse contributions of individuals. Nominations are open to those aged 13 and older, encouraging participation in making a difference through volunteerism and philanthropy.

The Great Lakes Federal Grant Navigation Program offers free assistance to local governments in accessing critical federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This program aims to simplify the grant application process, especially for smaller municipalities, by providing one-on-one support and facilitating collaboration among cohort members. By participating, cities can maximize the impact of federal dollars and strengthen their communities in the wake of economic challenges.

The Steven C. Leuthold Family Foundation Grants support 501(c)(3) non-profits in areas such as land conservation, environmental protection, human services, and animal welfare. Founded in 1991 by philanthropist Steven C. Leuthold, the foundation prioritizes organizations that align with its giving preferences. Applications are due by June 30, 2025, with grants distributed by December 2025. Note that incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Oklahoma Department of Commerce

Our job is to bring jobs, investment, and economic prosperity to the state of Oklahoma. Through dynamic partnerships and innovative collaborations with companies, universities, not-for-profit organizations, and government leaders, we are building a business environment that supports business growth and shared community prosperity.

Community Development Block Grant Programs

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program enables rural Oklahoma communities to finance a variety of public infrastructure and economic improvements and helps promote job growth as a result of these improvements. CDBG funds are provided by the federal government (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) and managed by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to help ensure Oklahoma’s most critical needs are addressed.

CDBG Small Cities

Oklahoma’s Small Cities program helps fund infrastructure and economic improvement projects for Oklahoma communities with a population between 15,000 and 50,000 and that are currently not HUD designated entitlement communities or a participant in the CDBG Urban County Designation for Tulsa County. Participating communities are allocated a percentage of the total amount of available funding depending on population and income levels.

Use of Funds

The CDBG Small Cities Program funds a broad array of projects and activities listed in Section 105(a) of the Federal Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. Such projects could include but are not limited to the following:

• Water and wastewater system improvements
• Fire protection
• Streets
• Senior citizen centers
• Gas and electrical system improvements
• Removal of architectural barriers associated with handicapped areas
• Storm water drainage improvements 

Oklahoma Department of Commerce

Our job is to bring jobs, investment, and economic prosperity to the state of Oklahoma. Through dynamic partnerships and innovative collaborations with companies, universities, not-for-profit organizations, and government leaders, we are building a business environment that supports business growth and shared community prosperity.

Community Development Block Grant Programs

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program enables rural Oklahoma communities to finance a variety of public infrastructure and economic improvements and helps promote job growth as a result of these improvements. CDBG funds are provided by the federal government (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) and managed by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to help ensure Oklahoma’s most critical needs are addressed.

CDBG Economic Development Infrastructure Financing (EDIF)

Oklahoma’s program is designed to provide infrastructure financing to eligible units of local government for the benefit of new or expanding industries. Eligible units of local government sponsor applications for public infrastructure financing on behalf of private businesses that will create new jobs resulting from the improvements.

Oklahoma Department of Commerce

Our job is to bring jobs, investment, and economic prosperity to the state of Oklahoma. Through dynamic partnerships and innovative collaborations with companies, universities, not-for-profit organizations, and government leaders, we are building a business environment that supports business growth and shared community prosperity.

Community Development Block Grant Programs

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program enables rural Oklahoma communities to finance a variety of public infrastructure and economic improvements and helps promote job growth as a result of these improvements. CDBG funds are provided by the federal government (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) and managed by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to help ensure Oklahoma’s most critical needs are addressed.

Capital Improvement Planning (CIP)

This grant opportunity provides funding for units of general local government (cities, towns, and counties) to undertake a comprehensive inventory of all governmentally owned assets. Based on this inventory a 5 year strategic capital improvement plan is developed and all assets placed on GIS mapping.

Granite United Way's Community Response Grants provide essential short-term funding to nonprofits in New Hampshire and Windsor County, Vermont. Aiming to strengthen community well-being, these grants address pressing needs like homelessness and education gaps. By supporting general operations and service continuity, GUW empowers organizations to respond rapidly to emerging challenges. Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000, fostering resilience and positive change within local communities. Together, we can create lasting impacts and uplift those in need.

CDBG Public Services

Funding Opportunity Details

Approximately $1,210,432 in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds are available to cities and counties through the state of Iowa’s Public Services Program. All incorporated cities and all counties in the State, except those designated as HUD entitlement areas, are eligible to apply for and receive funds under this program. The Applicant will establish a subrecipient agreement with the participating nonprofit entity (“Subrecipient Partner”) for implementation of the program. Additionally, all Applicants & Subrecipient Partners must work with a Grant Administrator that complies with IEDA’s Certified Grant Administrator Policy (typically council of government or IEDA-approved consultant) to submit the application and conduct grant administration / project delivery.

The purpose of the Public Service Program is to support essential service providers, Homelessness Service Providers and Food Pantries, that address the most urgent and persistent needs of low- and moderate-income households in Iowa. By focusing resources on these high impact service areas, the program aims to support local safety nets, access to nutritious food, and individuals and families experiencing housing instability to improve community resilience. These investments complement broader CDBG goals by ensuring vulnerable Iowans receive the immediate services necessary to achieve long-term housing, health, and economic stability. 

CVS Health Foundation: Hometown Fund

The CVS Health Foundation’s Hometown Fund was created to support local nonprofits across Hartford, Connecticut, and the state of Rhode Island – places where our CVS Health teams live, work and care deeply about community health. Through this fund, we support organizations that are making a real difference by expanding access to health care and addressing the everyday factors that shape people’s well‑being, like nutritious food and stable housing.

In 2025, the Hometown Fund awarded $2 million in general operating support grants – $1 million to 20 organizations in Greater Hartford and another $1 million to 20 organizations across Rhode Island. These investments continued our commitment to improving local health and strengthening community support systems, bringing the amount of Hometown Fund grants awarded since 2022 to $8 million. 

About Us

The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources is charged with oversight and management of Vermont's natural environment on behalf of the people of Vermont. We endeavor to draw from and build upon Vermonters' shared ethic of responsibility for our natural environment, an ethic that encompasses a sense of place, community and quality of life, and an understanding that we are an integral part of the environment and that we must all be responsible stewards for this and future generations.

Combined Sewer Overflow Program

The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation will issue grants from our ARPA allocations to municipalities to accelerate CSO elimination projects, allowing these projects to progress on a faster schedule and with more affordability to the ratepayers. The allocations have been outlined in the State Fiscal Year 2023 Intended Use Plan and will be able to be used towards CSO abatement projects submitted for the project priority list.

Equity Considerations

ARPA funds will help disadvantaged communities address the public health and economic crises caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and help protect them from future crises. ARPA funding will be prioritized to help CSO communities. CSO communities carry higher debt burdens than communities that have separate stormwater systems and this creates a hardship for ratepayers and the development of other necessary infrastructure projects.

154075 - Nuisance/Abandoned Property Remediation Fund

Funding Opportunity Details

The Nuisance Property and Abandoned Building Remediation program provides financial assistance to communities to remediate residential nuisance buildings and structures.

The administrative rules for the Nuisance Property and Abandoned Building Remediation program can be found in Iowa Administrative Code, section 216- Chapter 22. Please refer to these rules as necessary for more information regarding program requirements.

Rates and Terms

Assistance under the Nuisance Property and Abandoned Building Remediation program will be in the form of a short-term loan. Interest rates will be set at 0%. Terms will be a maximum of five years.

Communities may make loan payments to IEDA on a quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis.

The Economic Development & Entrepreneurship Fund, managed by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, provides up to $1.25 million in CDBG assistance for impactful economic projects. Eligible recipients are non-entitlement local governments, which may partner with nonprofits and other entities. These projects must create jobs or support significant business expansions. Interested applicants are encouraged to seek guidance from DHCD staff to enhance their proposals, ensuring the strongest competitive applications.

About

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is committed to creating safe, affordable and prosperous communities to live, work and do business in Virginia. Find out more about DHCD, including locations, mission and about our director.

CDBG Project Grants

CDBG Project Grants are awarded competitively to aid eligible localities in implementing projects that will most directly impact the greatest needs of the community. There are four primary project types under this funding source: Housing Rehabilitation, Infrastructure, Economic Development, and Public Services.

Localities with potential projects that have activities applicable to more than one of these project types should contact DHCD for technical assistance

About

The Advancing Communities grant program helps communities across Nebraska and southwest Iowa develop or enhance spaces that are inviting to all citizens, enabling connection through social, recreational, historical and civic engagement. By supporting capital projects that make great community assets — from libraries and youth rec centers to parks, trails, museums and more — we encourage our neighbors to get out and explore.

Advancing Communities Grant

Projects for consideration should align with the following themes:

• Shared spaces such as libraries, parks, trails and community centers — that encourage engagement and make towns more vibrant places to live, work and gather.
• Innovative ideas and forward-thinking approaches that engage multiple generations, introduce new ideas or bring fresh energy into existing community spaces.
• Community-led efforts, including partnerships among public, private and nonprofit sectors, with priority given to initiatives that demonstrate collaboration, local investment and community-driven vision.
• Sustainable, ready-to-launch projects that have secured at least 60% of their total funding and show clear plans for long-term maintenance, sustainability and measurable community benefit.

Grant amounts:

Applicants may request up to $250,000 for one time capital support.

Deadlines:

Applications for this program can be submitted at any time.

Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.

Transformative Art for Public Spaces (TAPS) Grant

The Transformative Art for Public Spaces (TAPS) Grant supports initiatives that enhance public infrastructure to drive economic growth and community vitality. This grant invests in projects that leverage creative placemaking to attract visitors, support local businesses, and strengthen regional identity. All organizations and individuals are welcome to apply. 

Priority will be given to communities that have not received Commerce funding within the past three years, ensuring broader access to resources and maximizing statewide impact.

Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.

Supporting Innovative Growth through New Signage (SIGNS)

Recognizing that downtown buildings are critical economic assets in rural communities, the SIGNS Grant is designed to strengthen local economies by improving the visibility and marketability of retail and commercial businesses through high-quality storefront signage. By supporting multiple signage projects within each community, the program helps create a cohesive, attractive commercial environment that draws customers, supports small-business revenue growth, and reinforces the long-term economic vitality of rural downtowns. The grant encourages property owners and business tenants to collaborate with skilled designers and local artists to develop creative, distinctive signs that enhance business identity while respecting standard guidelines and the historic character of Kansas downtowns. Through matching funding and design support, the program elevates the visual appeal and competitiveness of locally owned businesses, contributing to stronger commercial districts and more vibrant, economically resilient communities.

Match Requirement: 50% - if the population is less than 50,000; 25% - if the population is less than 2,500

Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.

Industrial Renovation for Opportunity & New Economic Development (IRONED) Grant

Purpose

The IRONED pilot grant was created to preserve and bring new economic activity to underutilized, vacant, or dilapidated industrial and manufacturing buildings in rural communities, stimulating local economies and supporting business growth. This grant is meant to be gap financing for projects that need one last piece of their funding stack to get the project across the finish line.

Eligible Projects

Renovation of industrial or manufacturing facilities for projects that are ready for implementation and need gap financing. Renovation must be completed within 12 months of award and the tenant operating in the space must be in place within 18 months. 

Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. 

HEAL Amendment Request

If your organization is needing to make a change/amendment to your approved Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grant project, please complete thie request form.

It will be reviewed and you will be notified via email once your change/amendment is approved or denied. 

ADECA Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 

The Community Development Block Grant program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the State of Alabama has administered the program since 1982.

The program is available to all non-entitlement communities (those not receiving direct funds from HUD) that meet applicable thresholds

All projects must meet one of the three national objectives:

• Benefit at least 51% low and moderate income persons
• Aid in the prevention or clearance of slum and blight
• Meet an urgent need

The State is required to write an action plan each year for approval by HUD that shows how the State intends to distribute the funds. Since the beginning, Alabama has distributed the majority of funds through competition among communities.

Economic Development Fund (ED)

The ED Infrastructure Fund is available to all eligible communities for projects supporting the creation or retention of jobs. Applicants for ED assistance should have a commitment from the business to create or retain 15 or more jobs. The business should fall within the SIC codes 20-39 or provide a significant economic benefit. Projects must not include intrastate relocation. The program is available on a continuous funding cycle. A 20 percent local match is required, and construction cannot begin prior to grant award or release of environmental conditions.

Grant Ceiling:

• $400,000 (can be waived)

Typical activities: water, sewer, or road improvements; rail spurs, docks, etc.

• Economic Development Incubator ($400,000)
• Economic Development Float Loans ($10 million)

The Courageous Innovation Award, presented by the Santa Fe Community Foundation, celebrates nonprofits that utilize bold and innovative strategies to tackle persistent issues in northern New Mexico. Nominations are open to all community members, including nonprofit staff and volunteers, until May 8, 2026. This prestigious award reflects the Foundation's commitment to fostering positive change and supporting organizations that align with its funding priorities, such as Arts, Education, and Health.

Inatai Foundation

Inatai Foundation is a 501(c)(4) serving and accountable to leaders and organizations with bold visions who are building power in racially diverse communities across Washington state. Our vision begins with them: their ideas, solutions, and dreams for transformational change.

As a foundation, we channel the funding, influence, and information we have to the leaders and organizations rooted in and led by the communities we answer to, so they have the resources, power, and opportunity they need to bring their visions to life.

Infrastructure Opportunities Grants

Infrastructure Opportunities grants provide support for specific power-building efforts that have been highlighted as essential by Washington nonprofits and community leaders.

The Infrastructure Opportunities Fund explores power-building efforts around specific issues that community leaders and community-based organizations have told us are integral to building community power and transforming systems and structures. They include:

• 501(c)(4) Community Power-Building: If your organization has decided that you would like to form a 501(c)(4), this grant can help you with that next step. This opportunity is designed for organizations wanting to expand the tools necessary to get more involved in activities like endorsing political candidates, advocating for ballot measures, influencing policies, and lobbying legislators.

• Civil Rights: Unjust and discriminatory policies, violence against marginalized groups, threats to our democracy, and other dangers to the well-being and safety of communities are civil rights violations. This grant is designed to support organizations with a clearly defined strategy and response to civil rights violations in your community.

• Immigrant Justice: Regardless of immigration status, people deserve to be treated equally. Whether that’s through safe working conditions, fair wages, access to healthcare, education and economic opportunities, language access, and protections from cruel and unjust immigration and justice enforcement (ICE) activity, this grant ensures you have the support to safeguard immigrant communities from discrimination or harm.

• Wealth & Asset Creation: A community’s well-being for generations to come often depends on the ability for organizations today to acquire assets like land and buildings and pay off capital debt. This grant supports those who are engaged in tipping power through asset development and projects that promote community ownership and visibility.

• Voter & Civic Engagement: Civic engagement is critical for battles toward equity and racial justice. This grant ensures you have the support to engage your community in the democratic process, from voter registration drives, get-out-the-vote campaigns, election protection programs, and more.

• Youth & Student Organizing: Youth organizing helps communities act on issues now while also preparing for the future. Whether you are advocating for youth priorities, bringing young people together, or offering youth leadership development opportunities, this grant supports your work to mobilize the next generation of leaders. Inatai defines youth as up to 30 years old.

Hudson River Valley Greenway

Established in 1991, the Hudson River Valley Greenway works to celebrate preserve and enhance the Hudson River Valley through regional planning, natural and cultural resource protection, heritage and environmental education, economic development, and public access.

McHenry Community Planning Grants

The Hudson River Valley Greenway works to celebrate and protect the region’s ecological, scenic, cultural, historic, agricultural, and recreational treasures.

HRVG’s McHenry Community Planning Grant Program provides financial assistance for local and regional planning projects in the Greenway Area. To be considered for a Greenway Community Grant or a Compact Community Grant, projects must incorporate Greenway Criteria – Natural and Cultural Resource Protection, Regional Planning, Economic Development, Public Access to the Hudson River, Heritage and Environmental Education.

In 2025, the program was renamed in honor of Hudson River Valley Greenway Communities Council Founding Chairman Barnabas McHenry. 

Greenway Communities

Municipalities located within the Greenway Area can become a Greenway Communities. This includes most municipalities in the counties that surround the Hudson River from New York County to Washington and Saratoga Counties.

To become a Greenway Community, a municipality must adopt a resolution committing to HRVG’s resource protection, regional planning, economic development, public access, and education criteria. After the resolution is adopted, municipalities can access funding for municipal and intermunicipal projects.  

Compact Communities

All counties located within the Greenway Area can become Compact Counties. Currently, Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Orange, and Dutchess are the only Compact Counties. However, counties as far north as Washington County can join by adopting a Compact Plan - a regional strategy that identifies how a county will integrate Greenway Criteria into its planning work.

To become a Compact Community, a municipality must adopt its county’s plan. After the plan is adopted, municipalities can access higher levels of funding for municipal and intermunicipal projects. 

Greenway Community Grant: Municipal Projects

The Hudson River Valley Greenway’s Greenway Community Grant promotes the economic development of designated Greenway Communities while respecting local decision making. Planning projects funded through this program preserve, enhance, and develop the scenic, natural, historic, cultural, and recreational resources in the Hudson River Valley.

Greenway Communities can apply for Greenway Community Grants up to $20,000 for municipal projects. To be considered for a Greenway Community Grant, applicants should incorporate the Greenway Criteria.

Eligible projects include, but are not limited to:

• Comprehensive or master planning
• Zoning and subdivision ordinance updates
• Natural resource inventories and protection plans
• Open space inventories and conservation strategies
• Cultural and historic resource planning initiatives
• Waterfront revitalization planning along the Hudson River and its tributaries