10 Grants from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce
Photo Credit: Oklahoma Department of Commerce
Are you a visionary entrepreneur or business owner looking to kickstart your next big project in 2024? The Oklahoma Department of Commerce has a treasure trove of grants and programs ready to fuel your dreams. In this InFocus blog post, we'll delve into the diverse range of opportunities offered by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. These grants cater to various aspects of economic development and growth, making it easier for local businesses to thrive and prosper.
Here are some of the exciting grant programs available for you to explore:
1. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG):
Funding: $100,000,000
Application Deadline: January 8, 2024
Contact: embodiedcarbon@epa.gov
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program supports diverse community development activities, including infrastructure, economic development, public facilities, housing rehabilitation, community centers, and more. By addressing various needs, from microenterprise assistance to code enforcement, the program aims to build resilient and stronger communities.
2. The Educational Component of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program:
Application Deadline: January 12, 2024
Contact: Amber Brazil (abrazil@usgs.gov)
This program supports a broad range of geologic mapping activities and aims to enhance research and educational capacities in Earth science programs. As of 2023, EDMAP has funded over 1,440 students from 173 universities.
Funding: $980,000,000
Application Deadline: January 23, 2024
Contact: Matt Rogotzke (Tbcpnofo2@ntia.gov)
The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP), a $3 billion initiative, aims to support Tribal nations in constructing broadband infrastructure, along with enhancing health and education services.
4. WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects:
Application Deadline: January 24, 2024
Contact: Christina Munoz (bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov)
The WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program is set to offer cost-shared funding for collaborative projects focused on studying, designing, and constructing aquatic ecosystem restoration initiatives. This program targets states, Tribes, and other entities, emphasizing projects with widespread regional benefits that enhance the health of fisheries, wildlife, and aquatic habitats.
5. Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Program: Implementation Grants:
Funding: $4,300,000,000
Application Deadline: April 1, 2024
Contact: CPRG@epa.gov
The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program allocates $5 billion in grants to states, local governments, tribes, and territories with the goal of creating and executing ambitious plans to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollutants.
6. WaterSMART Planning and Project Design Grants:
Application Deadline: April 2, 2024
Contact: Karen Shubert (kshubert@usbr.gov)
Recognizing the fundamental importance of adequate and safe water supplies to the nation's health, economy, and security, the WaterSMART initiative led by Reclamation focuses on collaborative efforts with states, tribes, and local entities.
7. State and Jurisdictional Humanities Councils General Operating Support Grants:
Funding: $50,000,000
Application Deadline: May 1, 2024
Contact: Office of Federal/State Partnership (fedstate@neh.gov)
This program offers general operating support grants to humanities councils across the United States and its jurisdictions. Tailoring their initiatives to the specific needs, resources, and interests of their respective states or jurisdictions, these councils extend the impact of NEH-funded projects and reinforce the agency's ties to local communities.
8. Program Year 2023 Planning Guidance for National Farmworker Jobs Program:
Funding: $90,032,000
Application Deadline: June 16, 2024
Contact: Sharon Porter (Porter.Sharon.D@dol.gov)
The National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP) supports migrant and seasonal farmworkers through Career Services and Training grants for skill development and job advancement. Housing grants address housing needs for improved economic outcomes.
9. USDA Forest Service Inflation Reduction Act Forest Landowner Support:
Funding: $150,000,000
Application Deadline: August 21, 2024
Contact: USDA Forest Service, Cooperative Forestry, Forest Landowner Support (SM.FS.LandownerIRA@usda.gov)
The Inflation Reduction Act Forest Landowner Support program offers financial assistance grants to enhance the involvement of underserved and small-acreage forest landowners in emerging private markets focused on climate mitigation and forest resilience.
10. WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program Phase I:
Application Deadline: September 3, 2024
Contact: Christina Munoz (bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov)
The Cooperative Watershed Management Program (CWMP) supports the WaterSMART strategy by offering competitive funding to watershed groups. These projects, developed by diverse stakeholders within a watershed group, aim to meet water users' needs, prevent conflicts, and contribute to sustainable water management. Reclamation administers this program, encouraging local solutions for water management challenges.
11. WaterSMART: Title XVI WIIN Act Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects:
Application Deadline: September 30, 2024
Contact: Diana Blake (dmblake@usbr.gov)
Reclamation supports water recycling and desalination as crucial strategies to maximize water resources in the Western United States. Cost-shared funding is competitively offered for planning, design, and construction of projects through initiatives such as the Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program, the Desalination Construction Program, and the Large-Scale Water Recycling Program.
12. WaterSMART: Desalination Construction Projects Under the WIIN Act:
Funding: Amount not specified
Application Deadline: September 30, 2024
Contact: Diana Blake (dmblake@usbr.gov)
The WIIN Act grants Reclamation the authority to establish a desalination construction program, paving the way for federal funding for ocean or brackish water desalination projects. Feasibility studies for these projects, meeting Reclamation Manual Directives and Standards WTR 11-01, have been completed, and findings have been reported to Congress through the WIIN Desalination Project Feasibility Study Findings Report.
13. WaterSMART: Large-Scale Water Recycling Projects:
Funding: $180,000,000
Application Deadline: September 30, 2024
Contact: Diana Blake (dmblake@usbr.gov)
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), P.L. 117-58, empowers Reclamation's Large-Scale Water Recycling Program through Section 40905, providing $450 million over five years. Projects in Reclamation states with a total cost exceeding or equal to $500 million are eligible, with a 25% Federal cost share and no per-project maximum.
These grants cover a broad spectrum of needs, from environmental conservation to technological innovation. Whether you're a startup looking to make your mark or an established business seeking to expand, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce grants offer a pathway to success. Take advantage of these opportunities and make 2024 a year of growth, progress, and achievement.