Economic Empowerment Grants Coming Up in August
August brings a cluster of opportunities for nonprofits working on worker ownership, small business growth, workforce development, and microenterprise support. If you've been thinking about deepening a funder relationship in any of these corners, this month has real deadlines worth marking. Here's what's on the table.
James S. McDonnell Foundation: Grant for Employee Ownership Financing & Technical Support Organizations
JSMF is looking for one lead organization or consortium to deploy capital, coordinate technical assistance, and build regional infrastructure around employee ownership models like ESOPs and other worker-owned structures. The work centers on business conversions to employee ownership, preserving locally rooted businesses, and creating sustained wealth for workers. Funds are flexible across financing, technical assistance, and ecosystem building. This is a $1M opportunity with a deadline of August 4. Apply here
U.S. Small Business Administration: Grant for Organizations Supporting Small Business Supply Chain Development
The SBA is funding organizations that deliver accelerator programming, technical assistance, and industry engagement to help small businesses address supply chain constraints and increase production in strategically important industries. You'll be supporting small businesses across advanced manufacturing, defense, energy, food, and transportation. The program awards 20 grants over two years, with a $500K ceiling per award. Deadline is August 7. Apply here
GSK: Grant for Nonprofits Expanding STEM Access for Youth
GSK supports local nonprofits that increase children's access to culturally relevant STEM education and strengthen pathways into quality STEM careers. The focus is on building students' STEM identity, confidence, and connection to real-world career opportunities. This grant is part of a long-term commitment to expanding STEM access and economic mobility. Deadline is August 7. Apply here
GitLab Foundation: Grant for Workforce Development Nonprofits
GitLab Foundation backs nonprofit organizations connecting workers with stable, high-quality careers in skilled trades and high-demand industries such as clean energy, advanced manufacturing, construction, and infrastructure. The fund emphasizes employer partnerships, work-based learning, and sustainable career pathways that improve job quality and long-term worker earnings. Your project must demonstrate active collaboration with employers, labor unions, or industry associations. Award ceiling is $500K. Deadline is August 12. Apply here
Small Business Administration: Grant for Microenterprise Development Nonprofits and Tribal Organizations
The SBA funds nonprofit microenterprise development organizations, government microenterprise programs, and Indian tribes to provide technical assistance and guidance to disadvantaged microentrepreneurs. Recipients may operate individually or as part of a collaborative, and must have a demonstrated record of delivering microenterprise services. The program supports capacity building and direct assistance to help low-income entrepreneurs start and grow small businesses. Award ceiling is $400K. Deadline is August 12. Apply here
Administration for Children and Families: Grant for Nonprofits Providing National Training and Technical Assistance on Poverty Programs
This cooperative agreement funds a single national organization to provide training and technical assistance to states, tribes, territories, and local eligible entities on Community Services Block Grant statutory and regulatory requirements. The recipient will help strengthen program elements such as community needs assessments and tripartite boards, and ensure compliance to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse. This is a three-year project with an initial planning phase followed by implementation and evaluation. Award is $600K. Deadline is August 24. Apply here
If you're working to strengthen a relationship with any of these funders or want Funding Findr to keep an eye on a specific funder relationship this quarter, reply and let us know. We're here to help you stay close to the money that moves your work.
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