October 2026: Economic Empowerment Grants Coming This Month

October brings a solid month of funding for nonprofits working on economic advancement, rural development, and workforce pathways. These opportunities span from community-wide initiatives to highly specialized support for farmworkers and alternative fuel transitions. If you're building relationships with funders who care about the same communities you do, this month has several worth your attention.

APS Community Impact Grants for Arizona Nonprofits Serving Communities

Arizona Public Service is accepting applications for community impact grants that respond to diverse needs across Arizona, with particular attention to under-resourced populations. Funding supports programs in education and employment, small business and entrepreneurship, arts and culture, human services, environment, and community development. This is a limited submission opportunity through ASU, meaning only one application per institution. Deadline: October 1. Apply here

Laura Jane Musser Fund Grant for Rural Community Nonprofits and Local Governments

The Musser Fund supports collaborative, participatory projects in rural communities focused on civic improvement. Economic development, arts and humanities, public space improvements, and education are all funded priorities. Grants support both planning and implementation phases, and projects must demonstrate broad community involvement, matching support, and measurable outcomes within 18 months. Up to $25,000 available. Deadline: October 1. Apply here

Chicago Bears Grant for Chicagoland Nonprofits Addressing Community Needs

The Chicago Bears recognize nonprofits making a meaningful difference across Chicagoland through this annual grant program. The foundation prioritizes health equity, economic advancement, education, and community safety. Recipients are selected with input from the Chicago Bears Season Ticket Holder Committee and formally recognized at a home game. Up to $107,000 available. Deadline: October 1. Apply here

Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut Grant for Nonprofits Serving Women and Girls

This foundation supports programs that advance equity and well-being for women and girls throughout Eastern Connecticut. Funded priorities include enrichment and mentoring for girls, domestic violence prevention, family economic security, women's health and reproductive health access, public policy advocacy, and services for older low-income women in New London. Deadline: October 2. Apply here

California Employment Development Department Grant for Nonprofits and Organizations Serving Farmworkers

California is funding projects that provide essential skills training and upskilling for farmworkers to advance within agriculture or transition to other sectors. Funded programs offer wrap-around support including referrals to health, housing, educational resources, and career and financial coaching. Projects must demonstrate a track record of workforce outcomes and serve farmworkers at a regional level. Up to $1,000,000 available. Deadline: October 12. Apply here

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Grant for Alternative Fuel Vehicle Transition

Pennsylvania's DEP is supporting the transition to cleaner fuel transportation through funding for alternative fuel vehicles, fleet refueling infrastructure, and related technologies. Eligible projects include vehicle retrofits, alternative fuel vehicle purchases, refueling equipment installation, and research or demonstration of next-phase alternative fuel technologies. Deadline: October 7. Apply here

If you're tracking a funder relationship in economic empowerment that you'd like Funding Findr to keep an eye on, reply and let us know. We're here to surface the opportunities that matter to your community.

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