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Resources, Funding and Grants 

We believe “Innovation is for Everyone” and strive to design pathways that create true access for all. We have curated a list of resources that include funding and grants, amongst other opportunities. 

CONTRIBUTE

Resources, Funding and Grants

We believe “Innovation is for Everyone” and strive to design pathways that create true access for all. We have curated a list of resources that include funding and grants, amongst other opportunities.

Grants for Small Businesses funded by Verizon

 

  • On Monday, February 8th, LISC will launch the grant application that small businesses can use to apply for a $10,000 grant. Grants will be eligible for small businesses across the U.S., particularly in historically underserved communities hit hard by the pandemic.  Eligible expenses for the grant include: paying rent and utilities, meeting payroll, paying outstanding debt to vendors, upgrading technology infrastructure, and other immediate operational costs.  To subscribe to learn when the grant goes live, click here.

 

Citi Trends Grant

 

  • Black entrepreneurs with a confirmed selling history of their products in at least one of the following categories: Apparel, Beauty, Skin Care, Hair Care, Footwear, Home Décor, Bedding, Bath, Technology or Accessories are eligible for this grant.  Ten grants of $5000 each will be awarded.  (double check and make sure your U.S. state is on their eligible list)   Applications close on February 28, 2021.  For more information, click here.

 

2021 New Voices + Barefoot #WeStanForHer Grants

 

  • Grants of $10,000 each to five entrepreneurs will be made to Black women-owned businesses. The grants program also includes complimentary business coaching and mentoring from New Voices Foundationfor each grantee company.  Applications close on February 28, 2021. For more information, click here.

 

Merchant Maverick Opportunity Grant

 

  • This grant is open to for-profit businesses that are majority-owned by a Black woman (cisgender or transgender) or a Black femme-identified individual.   The program will award four grants of  $10,000 each.  Deadline to apply is May 1, 2021.  Learn more here. 

 

Bold.org – African-American Entrepreneurs Grant – Female Award

 

  • This grant will be awarded to a female African-American entrepreneur at any education level who is currently building or who aspires to build a new business and is currently enrolled as a student.  One reward of $1000 will be made (paid to the student’s college or university).  Deadline is February 11, 2021.  Learn more here.  

 

Emma Johnson Single Mother Grant

 

  • Every month, Johnson gives out $500 cash to one single mom, no strings attached.  The 2021 Kickass Single Mom Stimulus Grant has one goal: Give a hand to single moms struggling with money, health, stress, child care, illness and loneliness.  Qualifications are simple: 1. You’re a single mom. 2. You need the money right now.  Click here to learn more.

 

Women Who Tech

 

  • Open to North America-based, women-owned startups in tech that have already raised $50K in seed revenue or that are already generating revenue.  The organization awards equity-free grants to women-led tech startups on a rolling basis throughout the year. For each grant period, there is a different theme. For the first grant period of 2021, the theme is Emerging Tech; applicants should be focused on emerging technologies to solve systemic global problems.  The first place prize for the Women Who Tech Emerging Tech grant is $15,000, and the second-place awardee will receive $5,000.  Deadline is February 19, 2021.  More information can be found here.

 

Chicago Foundation For Women (CFW) – 2021 Spring Primary Cycle Process

 

  • CFW will be accepting applications for program or operating support in any of CFW three issue areas (economic security, freedom from violence, access to health) or grants to specifically address the epidemic of violence against women.  Grants will range between $10K-$30K.  Organizations must be a 501c3 and in the Chicago area.  Applications are due by February 17, 2021.  More info can be found here.   

 

Asian Women Giving Circle Grant

 

  • These grants will support Asian American women-led organizations and individual artists in NYC who are using arts and culture to: bring about progressive social transformation, raise awareness and catalyze action around critical issues that affect Asian American women, girls and families, and highlight and promote women’s central role as leaders, creators, developers and managers of these projects.  RFP is open to both 501(c)(3) organizations and individual artists.  5-8 project grants will be awarded, contingent on available funding. The maximum grant amount is $15,000.  Deadline to apply is March 12, 2021.  Learn more here.

 

Looking for Support but Not Necessarily Funding?

 

  • Here is a list of “21 Accelerators, Incubators, Programs and More for Female Founders”.  Lots of great resources on that page!

 

 

Rhode Island Small Businesses 

 

The primary source of funding during COVID-19 are the U.S. Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loans and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). You can learn about those here.

Below are non-SBA funding resources to assist small businesses in the wake of economic challenges presented by the pandemic. Bookmark this page and check back often for updates. Please scroll down to see all programs.

 

Providence Commercial Corridor Micro-Business Loan Program

Links / Enlaces

City Council’s Website about the program

 

Microenterprise (MicroE) Stabilization Grant Program

To determine if your business is in one of the participating towns, please reach out directly for more information on how to apply here.

 

LISC Small Business Relief Grants

Para leer esta información en español, haga click aquí.

Click here to visit the LISC Site (Local Initiatives Support Corp.) website to learn about Small Business Relief Grants and apply.

 

Neighborhood Development Fund

 

The Rhode Island office of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and its Neighborhood Development Fund (NDF) is inviting proposals from Rhode Island community based organizations that have the development of affordable housing as a primary line of business to apply for up to $100,000 in funding. Proposals are due by close of business May 14, 2020. Learn more and apply here.

 

For nonprofits

 

Rhode Island nonprofit organizations at the forefront of COVID-19 response can apply for grants from the Rhode Island Foundation/United Way COVID-19 Response Fund here or here in Spanish.

 

Grants for arts and culture workers

 

The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts has established an artist relief fund which will award grants of up to $1,000 to help artists, teaching artists, arts administrators and other freelance arts and culture workers. Learn more here.

 

For businesses in East Providence

 

If you’re a business in East Providence, the East Providence Economic Development Commission is offering two different loans, each for up to $5,000.

 

The COVID-19 Job Retention Loan Program is for businesses with fewer than five employees able to show that jobs would have been lost without assistance. View the application here.

 

The COVID-19 Small Business Assistance loan is available for businesses with fewer than 10 employees. View the application here.

 

For businesses in Pawtucket

 

If you’re a business in Pawtucket, the Pawtucket Business Development Corporation is offering low-interest financing. Under the program, businesses with 25 or fewer employees negatively affected by the COVID-19 outbreak are eligible to apply for up to $10,000. Read more about the loan and view the full application here.

 

For businesses in Providence

 

If you’re a business in Providence, the Providence Business Loan Fund has announced temporary modifications to its fund to provide access to capital for eligible small businesses and immediate relief for existing borrowers. The modifications include smaller dollar amounts, working capital loans, closing cost caps, adding fees to loan balances, zero interest on loans for up to 12 months, and no payments for 6-12 months. Learn more and apply here.

 

Restore RI Small Business Grant Program

 

What is it?

 

In early August, Rhode Island Commerce officially unveiled the Restore RI Small Business Grant Program, a $50 million initiative designed to support local small businesses that were most severely impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

 

The program was expanded in October with increased eligibility and larger potential grant awards. The current individual grant cap is $30,000.

 

  • OVERVIEW: Restore RI Grant Program (Rhode Island Commerce)
  • WATCH: Restore RI Small Business Webinar (Rhode Island Commerce)

 

Since its launch, the Restore RI Small Business Grant Program has distributed funding to more than 1,400 businesses totaling more than $11 million.

 

Who’s eligible?

 

The program’s original eligibility requirements limited Restore RI funding to businesses with 10 employees or fewer that can prove they’ve lost significant revenue during the pandemic. However, the initiative has since expanded.

 

Restore RI grants are now available to:

 

  • Businesses with 50 employees or fewer (including businesses with no employees)
  • Sole proprietors
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Child-care businesses

 

In order to ensure these funds are received by the most at-risk communities, Restore RI applicants must be able to demonstrate a 30% or higher revenue drop in one month between March and July of 2020, compared to the same month in 2019.

 

Full eligibility requirements can be found by clicking here.

 

How can I apply?

 

Applicants can apply online for Restore RI funding by clicking here. To complete the application, you’ll need to gather some information and documents, including:

 

  • Most recent tax return, ownership information and Business EIN/Tax ID
  • Revenue records for one month between March-July 2020, and the same month in 2019
  • DUNS number (If you don’t have it, request your DUNS number by clicking here)
  • Records of your eligible expenses and information about state or federal funding you’ve already received
  • Owner information, including driver’s license and social security number

 

Rhode Island Commerce has established a website with all the information you need on the Restore RI Small Business Grant Program. Catch up by clicking here.

 

Take It Outside Initiative

 

What is it?

 

Officially unveiled by Governor Gina Raimondo’s Administration in early September, Rhode Island’s Take It Outside initiative is a “statewide effort to encourage and increase outdoor activities for all Rhode Islanders.”

 

As part of the program, Gov. Raimondo originally set aside $1 million to provide grants to intermediary organizations that present plans to create or enhance outdoor activities in Rhode Island. Due to heavy demand, the Take It Outside budget was increased. So far, more than $6.1 million in funding has been distributed across more than 100 intermediary organizations.

 

Individual grants are capped at $150,000.

 

Who’s eligible?

 

Take It Outside grants are available to:

 

  • Non-profit organizations, chambers of commerce, municipalities, merchant associations, downtown improvement districts, tourism regions, arts & cultural institutions and other intermediaries operating in Rhode Island.
  • All applicants must be registered with the Rhode Island Secretary of State, conduct operations within the state of Rhode Island, and have a location that can reasonably accommodate outdoor expansion opportunities.

 

How can I apply?

 

Rhode Island Commerce has already announced the list of intermediary organizations that have been awarded Take It Outside funding, which included several Rhode Island cities, towns and municipalities as well as many local chambers of commerce.

 

Several awardees are now going through the process of creating their own application portals to disburse their share of state funding to local businesses under their respective jurisdictions.

 

Our best advice: If you own a small business that could use assistance setting up outdoor activities, review the list of intermediary organizations that have received funding by clicking here.

 

Hotel, Arts & Tourism Grant Program

 

What is it?

 

The Rhode Island Hotel Arts & Tourism Grant Program (HArT, for short) was announced in late October with a launch date of November 2. It’s a $20 million competitive grant program that “aims to prevent the closure of arts, culture, hospitality and tourism businesses and institutions while also building resilience to shifts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

 

  • Overview: HArT Recovery Grant Program (Rhode Island Commerce)

 

Of the $20 million total price tag, $10 million will be earmarked to support what’s known as Engagement, Service and Resiliency (ESR) activities. According to state officials, ESR activities encompass anything designed to “spur economic activity” and increase access to “artistic and tourist-friendly opportunities.” The program’s remaining $10 million will be distributed in the form of direct financial support for eligible organizations.

 

Who’s eligible?

 

HArT Recovery Grant Program funding is available to Rhode Island-based businesses, sole proprietors or non-profit organizations operating in the arts, culture, event, entertainment, or hospitality/hotel sectors.

 

All applicants must:

 

  • Show a year-over-year revenue loss for Q2 and Q3 of at least 30 percent
  • Be open for business or have a plan to reopen in the coming months
  • Demonstrate documented efforts to reduce costs, secure outside funding or otherwise adjust their business in the wake of the pandemic
  • Commit to maintaining or increasing their current employment

 

Additional industry-specific requirements can be found by clicking here.

 

How can I apply?

 

Online applications will be accepted from Monday, November 2 through Monday, November 9. All awarded funds must be spent by December 30, 2020.

 

***

 

Our team at blumshapiro is working every day to provide you with the latest information pertaining to the individual industries in which you operate.

 

You can find real-time updates within the following links:

 

  • Food & Beverage: Resources >>
  • Manufacturing & Distribution: Resources >>
  • Non-Profit: Resources >>
  • Education: Resources >>
  • Government: Resources >>
  • Technology, Life Sciences and Clean Energy: Resources >>
  • Dealerships: Resources >>
  • Real Estate: Resources >>

 

RI Equity Resources:

Alliance to Mobilize Our Resistance (AMOR)

Alliance of Rhode Island Southeast Asians for Education

Center for Leadership and Educational Equity

Direct Action for Rights and Equality (DARE)

Diversity Talks

EduLeaders of Color Rhode Island

NAACP Providence Branch

Nonviolence Institute

Parents Leading for Educational Equity

Providence Student Union

Providence Youth Student Movement (PrYSM)

Rhode Island Black Business Association

Rhode Island Black Heritage Society

Rhode Island Coalition of Black Women 

Rhode Island for Community & Justice 

SISTA FIRE (network of Rhode Island women of color)

 

 

Federal Funding: City of Boston

 

CITY of BOSTON

The Funding Update

To subscribe to The Funding Update, or review archived issues, select the FUNDING tab on the Intergovernmental Relations webpage.  

FEDERAL FUNDING

Be sure to begin your application at www[dot]grants[dot]gov to check for updates that affect deadlines, contacts, submission requirements, and other important information.

 

Department of Education

Assistance for Arts Education, 3/16/2021
Grants will support professional development, instructional materials, educational programming, and outreach activities that strengthen and expand partnerships. ED expects to award 25 grants from total funding of $16.5M.

Department of Commerce


Market Development Cooperator Program, 5/25/2021

Grants help underwrite the start-up costs of new foreign market development projects that industry organizations are often reluctant to undertake without federal government support. Commerce expects to make 7 awards in the range of $50,000 to $300,000.

 

Housing & Urban Development

Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 is a federal law designed to promote economic opportunities for low-income public housing and area residents.  Businesses that are owned by, or employ public housing residents and low-income individuals, are also invited to participate in Section 3 opportunities. 

Locally, the Boston Housing Authority defines a “Section 3 resident” as either a resident of BHA housing or a low-income Boston area resident. 

Those seeking work can fill out the application at this link in order to be listed in a database that will be shared with employers.  

Eligible businesses can register their firm at the HUD Section 3 link. 

Learn more

Health & Human Services

CDC Grants to Address Local Drug Crises, 4/1/2021
Funding goal: to prevent opioid, methamphetamine, and/or prescription drug use/misuse among youth ages 12-18 in communities throughout the United States. CDC expects to award 60 grants of $50,000 each.

Justice

OJJDP Second Chance Act: Addressing the Needs of Incarcerated Parents and Their Minor Children, 3/5/2021
This program will promote and expand services in detention and correctional facilities to incarcerated individuals and their minor children, and provide services to children of incarcerated parents. OJJDP estimates there will be 10 awards; max: $750,000.

Check this webpage for a schedule of FY21 grant announcements from DOJ.

Writing a Federal Grant Budget

Download the “RFA Guidelines” pdf on this page for a detailed description of how to categorize and calculate allowable costs.

STATE GRANTS

Massachusetts Technology Collaborative

Opportunities include cybersecurity mentorship for college students, internet connectivity for unemployed Massachusetts residents, accelerator program and pitch competition to promote economic recovery, Learn More

CITY OF BOSTON GRANTS + COVID-19 RESOURCES

Health & Human Services resources for Boston Residents.

Boston Rental Relief Fund is still accepting applications.

Boston Local Development Corporation provides a wide variety of loan and technical assistance services to small businesses and nonprofits.

Office of Financial Empowerment
Financial Navigators can assist Boston residents with:
– Prioritizing daily living expenses, like housing, food, and insurance
– Maximizing income, by sharing referrals that offer benefit eligibility services, emergency cash assistance, and emergency loans
– Managing debt, from credit cards to student loans to child support
– Avoiding predatory scams
– Accessing other social services
– Budgeting for future loss of income

Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement

Seeking an Administrator for the Dreamers School Year Fellowship Program. Applicants must have a proven record of serving immigrant populations in the City of Boston, and demonstrate connections to an existing network of immigrant-serving organizations that already administer programs and services for Dreamers. A single award of $210,600 will cover Fellowships for 100 youth, plus administrative and overhead costs for the Administrator and host organizations. Deadline: 2/15/2021

FOUNDATION GRANTS

 

Arts

Creative Capital, 3/1/2021
Annual awards provide up to $50,000 in funding for bold new projects. 

Social Justice + Public Interest

 

Social Venture Partners, 2/19/2021
The Equity Track supports early-stage nonprofit organizations led by a person of color, elevating them within the Boston funder networks. Grantees receive one year of pro-bono consulting, $10,000 in general operating support, and a community of nonprofit organizations and Greater Boston professionals.

Swett Foundation, 2/28/2021
This small, family foundation offers grants of up to $50,000 for efforts that have a pivotal impact on people’s lives. Populations of interest include disadvantaged youth, orphans or foster children, and people experiencing homelessness.

Unitarian Universalist Funding Program, 3/15/2021
Fund for a Just Society grants (up to $15,000) support non-Unitarian Universalist groups engaged in community organizing to bring about systemic change.

AARP Purpose Prize, 3/31/2021
Eligible applicants should be the founder of a nonprofit organization. Five winners will receive $50,000 each + a year of technical support; ten Purpose Prize Fellows will receive $10,000 for their nonprofit organizations in addition to technical support.

Economic Mobility

LISC Boston, Open
The Massachusetts Equitable PPP Access Initiative is a coalition formed to provide timely and equitable access to forgivable federal loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration under the Paycheck Protect Program for underbanked businesses and historically disadvantaged and underserved demographic groups. Register for an info session. 

New Voice Foundation, 2/28/2021
Grants of $10,000 will be awarded to five entrepreneurs to support and celebrate their unique journeys as Black-women owned businesses. Grantee companies will also receive complimentary business coaching and mentoring. 

Bank of America Charitable Foundation, Multiple Deadlines
Funding categories: Economic Mobility/Individuals and Families (1/25 to 2/19/2021); Economic Mobility/Communities (5/31 to 6/25/2021)

 

Health + Youth

Seed Money, 2/28/2021
Arnold/Brownberry/Oroweat Organic Spring Planting Grants ($5,000) for public food gardens.

Autism Speaks, 3/5/2021
Norma and Malcolm Baker Recreation Program grants support summer camp programs, adult service programs, employment programs, physical fitness and sports programs, and swimming and water safety programs. Awards to be announced by 3/31/2021.

Thrasher Research Fund, 3/16/2021
Early career grants of up to $25,000 support clinical, hypothesis-driven research that offers substantial promise for meaningful advances in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of children’s diseases.

Whole Kids Foundation, 3/31/2021
Grants ($3,000) for edible gardens at K-12 schools.

Disabled Veterans National Foundation, 3/31/2021
Capacity Building grants are awarded to organizations around the country that address the mental and physical recovery of veterans through supports such as service dogs, equine therapy, yoga, art therapy, and recreational therapy. Max award: $25,000. 

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation, 5/10/2021
Grants of up to $20,000 support programs for children & youth. 

The Lenny Zakim Fund, Open
General operating and program grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000

The Resource Table

Asking the Right Person for the Right Amount
Courtesy of the Nonprofit Quarterly

Worst Days to Hold a Fundraiser
Courtesy of American Fundraising Foundation

How to Host a Virtual Fundraising Event: A Step-by-Step Guide for Nonprofits
Webinar: February 9, 2021 at 1pm Eastern
Presented by MobileCause

Federal Resources for Creative Community Development
Webinar: February 9 at 4pm Eastern
Courtesy of the Mel King Institute

Building Resiliency in Digital Growth and Engagement
Beginning 3/1/2021 at 2pm Eastern
Free virtual 12-month program for nonprofits to amplify how using technology and social media to reach a wider audience. The BRIDGE program will show you how to future-proof your digital strategy and develop your fundraising skills.
Courtesy of Candid and Lightful

Additional Resources Can Be Found Here: blogs, research, reports, and more.

 

 

PR Contact​:
Nikki Claudine
press@innovationstudio.org