Grants for Business Owners: Purpose-Driven Business Models
Purpose-driven business models enrich communities by manufacturing eco-friendly alternatives, advancing scientific research, and reducing waste. For example, such models focus on end-of-life (EOL) product design to minimize global waste. Transitioning to a purpose-driven model can be costly, but grants can help cover the expenses of these eco-friendly upgrades.
Verified business grants are available for industries like agriculture, electronic manufacturing, mental wellness, green building initiatives, environmental services, and more. Above all, purpose-driven businesses tackle critical issues vital to our society. To support these efforts, GrantWatch lists grant funding opportunities daily, empowering business owners to make a difference.
So why not explore grants today?
During a “sting” operation conducted by BAN between July 2014 and February 2016, the organization followed the journey of 205 electronic items from initial drop-off at recycling centers to their final destinations. GPS tracking devices hidden in these e-waste items revealed that 66 of them (32 %) were exported illegally…Large e-waste producers and exporters, like the U.S., will have to strengthen national and state laws…In the meantime, designers can do their part to ensure there is more profit in responsibly dismantling end-of-life products than dumping it on poorer countries.
Mike McLeod – End-of-life Design
What Exactly is a Purpose-Driven Business?
To wit, a purpose-driven business model benefits society while operating a profitable business. The mission and impact are put before the profit to ensure sustainable impact by minimizing environmental impact, reducing waste, and conserving resources. Additionally, purpose-driven companies support their communities by funding research and driving improvements in industries like women’s health, social justice law, transportation, elderly care, PTSD therapy, eco-friendly inventions, autism therapy, and more. While consumers have a role in making wise choices, designers and engineers bear the initial responsibility of implementing sustainable practices. For example, does recycling your product consume more energy than producing it? How does your business measure its social and environmental impact? Change toward a business model is bound to present staffing and funding obstacles. However, it is never too late to make improvements and create a purpose-driven culture for your business.
Patagonia’s dedication to environmental sustainability and social responsibility exemplifies how purpose can drive business success. The company’s “Don’t Buy This Jacket” campaign, launched during Black Friday, encouraged consumers to consider the environmental impact of their purchases. By advising against buying one of their popular jackets due to the environmental costs associated with its production, Patagonia reinforced its commitment to sustainability and responsible consumption.
Paul Mackman
How Important is a Healthy Organizational Culture for Your Purpose-Driven Business?
An inclusive organizational culture is important for a purpose-driven business to stay on mission. Teams with a core understanding of the mission and a work environment conducive to productivity will achieve goals with more passion and accuracy. Furthermore, a business known for inclusion, on-the-job training, and a fair living wage will attract more talent. In truth, investing in employee wellness increases your bottom line. Once a healthy organizational culture is established it must be maintained. Check-in regularly with your team to see how you can empower the team.
Learn How to Apply for Grants
Purpose-driven business are encouraged to utilize categories like Operating Support, Entrepreneurs and Startups, In-Kind Support, Workforce, and Capital Funding to find grants by using the SMART Grant Search tool. Then, add the grants of interest to your Grant Calendar using the calendar icon the grant detail page. To view a foundation’s mission statement, grant recipients and more use the Foundation Search tool. By navigating a nonprofit’s 990 reports grant-seekers can quickly determine if a grant is suited for their project. To apply for a grant, click the button labeled “Full Grant Text RFP.” In your grant application, provide a mission statement, and present a sustainable plan to maintain it. Below are verified funding opportunities to help kickstart your grant-seeking journey for your purpose driven business in 2025.
Grants for Purpose-Driven Business Models
Grants to USA Food Businesses in Multiple States to Build Capacity
Grants to Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado businesses to build capacity to strengthen and expand local and regional non-commodity markets for climate-resilient grains, pulses, and pseudo cereals to support historically underserved farmers and food businesses.
In-Kind Energy-Related Support & Funding to Business Startups
Grants and in-kind support to Massachusetts business startups to assist emerging companies that align with one of the following areas of interest: clean transportation, offshore wind, high-performance buildings, and net zero grids. Successful applicants will also receive regular meetings with a technical support consultant.
Funding Awarded to USA Businesses for Educational Research
Support to all of the USA and all territories IHEs and research institutions for training programs related to educational research. The specific purpose of IES-supported training programs is to further the training of education researchers, including state and local education agency staff. Above all, consideration will be given to business solving significant education problems relevant to the teaching and learning needs of the population of the United States.
Grants to Film Production Companies for Holocaust-Related Films
Grants to USA, Canada, and International organizations, filmmakers, and production companies for the creation of Holocaust-related films with educational value and broad distribution potential. Applications should include a strong distribution plan for non-educational platforms as well as a plan for educational distribution. Funding may be requested for development, production, or post-production.
Agricultural Operation Grants to New Hampshire & Vermont Farms
Grants of up to $20,000 to New Hampshire and Vermont farms. Funding is for the purchase equipment, infrastructure, packaging and labeling, design needs, farmland conservation, and more. Specifically, to expand sustainable food production for wholesale markets and contributing to the vitality of the local farming economy.
Grants to South Carolina for Environmental Initiatives
Grants of up to $20,000 to South Carolina nonprofit, community, and neighborhood organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, and commercial entities for environmental protection projects to improve water quality, preserve natural resources, and enhance active living through trails. Innovative solutions such as low-impact development or green infrastructure activities, and educational programs that promote conservation and environmental awareness, are eligible.
Grants to Businesses to Employ Workers for Arts and Culture Projects
Grants to Alberta businesses to employ local workers for audio and video projects. Businesses that employ Alberta talent and use Alberta labor on post-production, visual effects, and digital animation projects are eligible. Specifically, to encourage activity in the post-production, visual effects, and digital animation sectors to help create and sustain jobs.
Funding for Electric Vehicle Infrastructure to Reduce Gas Emissions
Grants to Michigan for-profit entities to enhance the infrastructure to support electric vehicles throughout the state. The purpose of the program is to install electric vehicle charging sites in designated areas to help the state reach its 2030 transportation goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Awards to Businesses to Recognize Community Cleanup Contributions
Awards to Mississippi businesses, governmental agencies, educational institutions, youth groups, and nonprofit organizations to recognize efforts to enhance and upgrade local communities. The awards aim to acknowledge work by organizations and businesses in litter cleanup, beautification, and recycling. Specifically, to recognize entities with achievements in beautification, recycling, and litter cleanup and that take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment.
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