Government Startup Grants for Your Nonprofit

Attention entrepreneurs: This is one of the few industries in which you may be eligible for a government grant to get your business started!  I cannot tell you how many prospective small business owners I talk to think there is all this free money out there to start a business of any type.  There are many government programs providing financial assistance to small business owners, but it’s not all free money, and most of the opportunities available have very specific requirements and sometimes apply to specific geographic areas.  There are loans, training, surplus equipment, and of course the “free money” golden ticket: grants.  The good news is, if you are looking to start a non-profit organization, there may actually be free money available to you through the federal government.

How does my business qualify for a grant?

The following types of organizations can be considered for government grants:

Education Organizations

      Independent School Districts

Public and State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education

Private Institutions of Higher Education

Public Housing Organizations

Public Housing Authorities

Indian Housing Authorities

Non-Profit Organizations

Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education

Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education

Does your organization fit into one of the categories above? 

Great, now we are ready to search for available grants.

Once you have identified the grant or grants you think you have a good shot at being awarded, you will have to register with Grants.gov.  If you are applying for more than one grant, make sure to cater your application to that particular group’s specifications.  This grant could mean the ability to start the non-profit of your dreams and start making an impact, so take the time and effort now to stand out.  One great application will trump 10 carbon copy applications any day.

Does your organization not fit into one of the categories above?

Do not fret.  You are in the majority of the entrepreneur category and there still may be financial assistance you can take advantage of from the government.  The Federal Government offers many programs to assist you in starting a business. There are a few programs which offer direct loans or guaranteed/insured loans for specific purposes but there are many more programs offering a wide variety of services directed at enhancing business and commerce and aid to small businesses.

Additional Government Resources for Non-Profit Organizations:

www.business.gov/guides/non-profits