Best Economic Services Grants

The Merrill Community Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations in Merrill and surrounding areas with a focus on enhancing community well-being and prosperity. Grants are available for diverse projects in arts, education, health, and more. Eligible applicants include registered nonprofits and local organizations that align with the Foundation's mission. The review process evaluates project feasibility and alignment with community needs, ensuring impactful contributions to local development.

The Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant Program supports collaborative marketing initiatives to enhance tourism in Wisconsin. By partnering at least three municipalities, projects can access funding for promotional activities, research, and strategic marketing efforts. The program is designed to boost local economies through increased visitor traffic and job creation. Nonprofits can apply for grants to cover up to 75% of eligible costs, with a maximum award of $10,000 per municipality, fostering impactful tourism campaigns.

The Philadelphia FY 2021 – FY 2023 EDA Planning and Local Technical Assistance program focuses on enhancing economic development in distressed areas. Through grants, it supports planning efforts that lead to job creation and private investment. Eligible recipients, including local organizations and Indian Tribes, can develop strategic economic goals via Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS). This initiative aims to guide local economies towards resilience and prosperity by funding essential planning activities.

The Austin FY 2021 – FY 2023 EDA Planning and Local Technical Assistance program, funded by the US Department of Commerce, aims to enhance economic development in distressed areas. This initiative supports local organizations in creating strategic economic development plans, fostering job creation, and attracting investments. It includes Partnership, Short-Term, and State Planning awards to develop Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS) that prioritize regional economic goals and promote resiliency through effective planning and technical assistance.

The Denver FY 2021 – FY 2023 EDA Planning and Local Technical Assistance program focuses on fostering economic development in distressed areas of the U.S. It provides funding for regional planning efforts aimed at creating jobs and attracting investments. The program supports local organizations in developing strategies that enhance economic resilience and improve job opportunities, particularly for the unemployed and underemployed. This initiative is crucial for enhancing economic stability and growth in underserved regions.

The Seattle FY 2021 – FY 2023 EDA Planning and Local Technical Assistance program, managed by the US Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration, aims to support economic development and job creation in distressed areas. It offers planning awards to eligible recipients for developing regional economic strategies that enhance local capacities and promote job retention and creation, particularly for the unemployed. This initiative includes local technical assistance to strengthen organizations through impactful projects.

The Atlanta FY 2021 – FY 2023 EDA Planning and Local Technical Assistance program aims to boost economic development in distressed areas of the U.S. by providing investments for planning and local technical assistance. This initiative supports eligible recipients in creating regional economic development plans, enhancing capacity, and guiding strategic goals through comprehensive economic strategies, ultimately fostering job creation and private investment.

The Dale Hileman Legacy Fund, in collaboration with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, provides annual grants to public and nonprofit organizations aimed at fostering economic growth across 16 counties in eastern Ohio. This initiative honors Dale Hileman's commitment to community development, promoting collaboration among local entities to improve quality of life. Counties eligible for funding include Athens, Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Tuscarawas, and Washington.

The WCCF Capacity-Building Grant Cycle II provides funding from $5,000 to $50,000 for projects enhancing operational, programmatic, and organizational maturity of nonprofit organizations in Washington County. Eligible projects include arts, community development, education, health, and environmental initiatives. Nonprofits must apply for specific capacity-building projects and cannot combine requests. Previous grant funds must be fully utilized before applying for new grants, ensuring effective use of resources to strengthen community services.

The Mellon Foundation's Economic Development Grant Program aims to address economic disparities in Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania by enhancing workforce skills and creating job opportunities. The program focuses on talent development, workforce systems, and community building, advocating for innovative education and training that aligns with future job markets. It seeks proposals that promote 21st-century skills, foster entrepreneurship, and support underrepresented groups, ultimately driving economic independence and community vitality.

The Health Foundation of South Florida Grants aim to enhance the health of South Florida communities, particularly for vulnerable populations. The foundation invites nonprofit organizations and government agencies to submit proposals that align with its mission, focusing on access to care, social needs, and thriving communities. Preference is given to projects that demonstrate clear needs and measurable outcomes, especially those serving low-income and disadvantaged communities. Funding can support innovative collaborations and systems changes to improve healthcare access and outcomes.

The First Federal Community Foundation, established in 2015, focuses on enhancing community life through impactful grants. With over $7.3 million awarded, the foundation prioritizes community support, affordable housing, economic development, and community development in Clallam, Jefferson, Kitsap, Whatcom Counties, and Bellevue, WA. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government units. The foundation aims to benefit marginalized communities and supports projects that foster collaboration and sustainable development.

The CFNA: Elk County Development Grants aim to enhance the economic and community wellbeing of Elk County through support for innovative community development initiatives. The Foundation encourages non-profit organizations to apply for funding that meets broader community needs, rather than individual interests. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations serving Elk County and surrounding areas, ensuring that projects have a lasting impact on the community.

The TCF4CC Foundation Grants aim to enhance the quality of life in Crawford County through impactful philanthropic initiatives. Established in 1984, the foundation supports community projects in education, health, and the arts, among others. It prioritizes tax-exempt organizations, including schools and municipalities, ensuring that grants address defined community needs. With a commitment to long-lasting investments, the foundation fosters collaboration and innovation to benefit residents for generations to come.

The Knight Fund Grant Program, managed by the Community Foundation of Grand Forks, aims to enhance connections between the University of North Dakota and the Downtown area through the University Avenue Corridor. This initiative focuses on improving community engagement, enhancing public spaces, and building on local assets to foster economic mobility and entrepreneurship. The fund specifically targets projects that unite diverse communities and support civic infrastructure, while excluding certain non-program expenses and individual applications.

The Union County Community Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations and institutions focused on education, arts, health, social services, and more. They support creative programs that address community needs in Union County, aiming to encourage philanthropy through a permanent endowment. Grants are primarily awarded to 501(c)(3) organizations, with specific exclusions for political and religious purposes. Their mission is to invest in and distribute resources according to donor wishes, enhancing community welfare.

The Union County Public Trust Mini-Grant aims to support nonprofit organizations and public institutions in Union County, Arkansas. It seeks to address significant community needs through charitable funding while encouraging philanthropy. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt and in good standing with the IRS. The grant focuses on education, arts, health, social services, and more, fostering collaboration to enhance community welfare and dreams. It is managed by the Union County Community Foundation, a private funder dedicated to local development.

The BHACF Community Action Grant provides up to $50,000 to nonprofits with an endowment fund at the Black Hills Area Community Foundation. This grant aims to support innovative projects that leverage community partnerships and sustainable practices. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) public charities and schools within specific counties. However, requests for capital campaigns or activities that discriminate against protected groups are not allowed. The grant fosters diverse proposals in arts, education, social services, and more.

The Washington County Riverboat Association Grant Program offers funding through its Competitive Fund, distributing 75% of donations from the Riverside Casino and Golf Resort. The program prioritizes community development, economic growth, education, arts, and human needs, aiming to enhance livability and support innovative projects. Eligible applicants include governmental and charitable organizations, while ineligible entities include those benefiting individuals or engaging in political activities. The foundation encourages leveraging additional funding sources for project completion.

BOK Charitable Contributions aims to enhance community life and economic wellbeing across several states, focusing on four key pillars: United Way, economic development, education, and basic needs. The foundation supports organizations that address poverty, education, and community health. Their strategic approach ensures impactful contributions, and they welcome grant applications year-round. BOK Financial's commitment is evident in its partnerships with local nonprofits, fostering sustainable growth and development in the regions they serve.

The Douglas County Disaster and Welfare Fund, managed by the Boreal Waters Community Foundation, provides essential financial support ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 to nonprofit organizations. This funding aims to assist Douglas County residents during disasters by addressing critical needs such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and serve the local community, ensuring targeted aid during challenging times.

Impact100 Metro Denver offers a transformative $100,000 grant aimed at empowering Denver-area non-profits to enhance their mission and community impact. With a focus on underserved populations, this initiative encourages innovative solutions across various sectors, including arts, education, health, and social services. By fostering a community of informed women philanthropists, the program not only provides funding but also promotes engagement in local needs, ensuring that the grant supports sustainable and meaningful projects.

The Morgan Fund Grant Program aims to enhance economic development and civic pride in the Twin Ports area of Duluth and Superior. Grants up to $10,000 support initiatives that directly benefit the public, such as documentaries, youth-adult partnerships, website upgrades, public art, and aquarium exhibits. Eligible organizations must be classified as charitable under federal tax codes and serve the local community. Preference is given to projects that benefit both Duluth and Superior.

The LaBounty Family Fund supports projects aimed at economic development in the Two Harbors area. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations or have a qualified fiscal sponsor and serve the local community. The fund prioritizes initiatives that directly benefit the public, including business assistance, public land improvements, and social welfare projects. However, funding is not available for endowments, political activities, or individual requests, ensuring resources are directed towards community-enhancing efforts.

The WaterStone Bank Foundation, established in 2002, actively supports community initiatives through charitable giving. With a focus on education, women and children, community development, and veterans, the foundation aims to strengthen its local ties and enhance the well-being of the communities it serves. Nonprofits are encouraged to apply for funding, ensuring they meet specific criteria, including being a registered 501(c)(3) organization and aligning with the foundation's core giving categories.

The Michigan Coastal Management Program Grant aims to foster resilient coastal communities by funding projects that protect sensitive resources and promote biodiversity. With approximately $1,000,000 available, the grant encourages initiatives that enhance public access, mitigate coastal hazards, and support diversity and equity within communities. It emphasizes the importance of community engagement and technical training to address climate change impacts and improve resilience through innovative solutions.

The Univest Local Philanthropic Giving Program has a rich history of supporting local communities for over 150 years. With a focus on youth education, health services, economic development, and arts, Univest empowers registered nonprofits in Greater Philadelphia and beyond. Their commitment is evident through employee volunteerism and financial contributions, ensuring stronger community ties. This program primarily supports Univest customers, reinforcing the belief that a strong business is rooted in a thriving community.