business plan grant application

How to Write a Grant Proposal for a Small Business

Like a business plan, it is a challenge to complete a winning grant proposal, but if you are passionate about your business, then it is a small hurdle to overcome. Each grant is different in its requirements, but most of them ask for the same basic things as follows.

What is a Grant Proposal?

A grant proposal is a formal written request that someone, typically a potential donor willing to give grant money to an organization or cause based on merit, gives you financial assistance. There are many kinds of small business grants: for social service organizations by local and state government agencies and private organizations, for research projects and public health initiatives, and even for business ventures.  

Steps To Write a Grant Proposal for Small Business

Below are the steps to guide you through the process:

1. Research Grant Opportunities:

Start by researching available grant opportunities that align with your small business’s industry, goals, and needs. Look for grants from government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private foundations that support businesses like yours.

2. Read Guidelines and Requirements:

Once you’ve identified potential grants, thoroughly read and understand their guidelines and requirements. Each grant may have specific eligibility criteria, funding amounts, application formats, and deadlines.

3. Define Your Project or Business Need:

Clearly articulate the purpose of your grant proposal. Describe the project or business need that the grant will support and how it aligns with your company’s mission and objectives.

4. Craft a Compelling Executive Summary:

Write an engaging executive summary that succinctly summarizes your grant proposal. This section should highlight the most critical points of your project, emphasizing its significance and potential impact.

5. Outline Project Goals and Objectives:

Outline the specific goals and objectives of your project. Clearly state what you aim to achieve through the grant funding and how it will benefit your small business and the community.

6. Explain the Methodology:

Detail the methods and strategies you plan to use to accomplish your project goals. Provide a step-by-step explanation of how you will execute the project and measure its success.

7. Create a Budget:

Develop a detailed budget for your project, including all the expenses you anticipate. Be thorough and realistic in your estimates. Some grants may have specific budget formats that you must follow.

8. Demonstrate Sustainability:

Show how your small business plans to sustain the project’s impact beyond the grant period. Grant providers often look for initiatives that can continue making a difference even after the funding ends.

9. Include a Strong Organizational Profile:

Highlight your small business’s history, achievements, and expertise in the field. Demonstrate your business’s capability to successfully implement the proposed project.

10. Emphasize the Impact:

Clearly communicate the potential positive impact of your project on your small business, the community, or the industry. Use data and evidence to support your claims.

11. Review and Edit:

Go through your grant proposal multiple times to check for errors, consistency, and clarity. Consider having someone else review it as well to get a fresh perspective.

12. Submit the Proposal on Time:

Submit your grant proposal before the deadline. Late submissions are generally not accepted, so make sure you allow enough time for any unforeseen delays.

13. Follow Up:

After submitting the proposal, follow up with the grant provider if you don’t receive a response within the expected timeframe. Some grants may have a specific review process, and it’s essential to stay informed.

Why Write a Grant Proposal?

Grant funding can be a great way to get the money you need to start or expand your business. They are typically less restrictive than small business loans, and the application process is usually simpler. In addition, if your grant proposal is accepted, you may have access to other resources such as mentorship, networking opportunities, and workshops.

Who Can Apply For a Grant?

Not every cause will be eligible for grant funding. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the grant proposal guidelines, which means that they must fit into a certain category.

For example, an organization offering free job training to people who are physically or mentally disabled would be instantly eligible for grants by many granting agencies if it could prove its work ethic, validity, and financial stability. However, a new business start-up would not be as easily funded, since it is difficult to judge the potential success or failure of a company that has yet to go into operation.

What Are the Requirements?

Every grant proposal has different requirements, but most ask for the same basic information. These typically include:

• The organization’s history and mission
• What the grant money will be used for
• A detailed budget
• The impact the grant will have
• The organization’s financial stability
• A cover letter

It is important that your plan clearly states the specific purposes for which grant funds were requested, along with all the details about how they will be used and how much money will be required. Your proposal should also contain some personal information about yourself or your company, as well as your contact information.

What is the Grant Proposal Process?

• Your first step is to identify the grant you want to apply for and read the guidelines carefully.
• Gather all the necessary information – this will typically include your business plan, financial statements, resumes, and letters of recommendation.
• Complete the grant application and make sure you submit everything on time.
• Wait to hear back – if you are successful, congratulations! If not, don’t be discouraged and reapply the next year.

Types of Small Business Grants Available

There are many different types of grants that small businesses can apply for. The most common are federal grants, state grants, and local grants.

Federal Grants : These grants are awarded by the United States government to eligible organizations and individuals to support specific programs and projects. There are many different types of federal grants, and the application process is typically very competitive.

State Grants : State grants are awarded by state governments to eligible organizations and individuals to support specific programs and projects. The grant application process for state grants is typically less competitive than for grants from the federal government, but the awards are typically smaller in size.

Local Grants : Local grants are awarded by local governments to eligible organizations and individuals to support specific programs and projects. These grants typically have less stringent qualifications than federal or state grants, but the application process is typically more intensive due to the smaller number of available funds.

How Can I Find Grants for My Business?

There are many ways you can find grants for your business. The first step is to conduct an internet search for “grants for small businesses.” This will yield a variety of results, including government websites, private grant-making organizations, and online directories.

The next step is to identify which grants are best suited for your business. The most important factor to consider is the eligibility criteria of the grant. Each grant has its own set of qualifications, so take the time to review these guidelines carefully.

The final step is to complete and submit your grant application form before the deadline has passed. Although it may seem intimidating, completing a grant requires only a few hours of work and can have substantial benefits for your business down the road.

How to Write a Grant Letter for Small Business?

Although there is no set standard for a successful grant proposal, it usually includes a combination of all or most of the same elements. Here are some tips for writing a grant proposal for your nonprofit or small business.

To write an effective grant proposal, you should include the following elements:

Cover Letter

Table of contents, executive summary.

• Needs Statement & Problem Statement

Project Description

• Methods, Project Management Plans & Timelines

A good cover letter introduces the grantor to the business and extols its virtues about why the business is ideal for the grant. Make sure to cater to the specific grant and not speak in generalities as if you are applying to every financing source under the sun (even if you are).

This section helps the grantor flip right through to the specific section he wants to see. Make the grantor’s life easier and display your professionalism and courtesy at the same time. Our non-profit business plan template includes each of the items to include in your Table of Contents.

The executive summary of a document summarizes the rest of it. In this document, you should pinpoint the main reasons the grant is needed and how it will solve the problems of the grantee. The amount of small business funding, as well as information about the venture, should also be listed. Use this part of the document to convince the grantor that funding your business is the greatest idea ever and they’ll continue reading the rest of the proposal.

Needs Statement & Problem Statement

In this section of the document, detail the needs and problems that the project or venture is fulfilling and solving. Conduct research and show that you have done your homework. Answer key questions: What is the scope of the problem? What will your business do that someone hasn’t or can’t easily do in the future? Show that you fill a void in the market and that you need the grant to do so. Be concise and to the point.

The project description section is the main section of the small business grant proposal. This section is written best by separating different issues and ideas into separate sections. This will make it easier for you to write the section by focusing on one idea at a time and make it easier on the reader as well since the section won’t jump all over the place.

Goals & Objectives

The project goals section doesn’t list anything in intense detail but gives the reader an idea of what the potential grantee is trying to achieve.

The objectives section includes measurable aspirations of the venture such as achieving a hold of a certain percentage of the estimated market. Break down objectives in a bulleted list so it’s easier to read.

Methods, Project Management Plans, & Timelines

This section will show the reader how objectives will be achieved. The methods, plans, and timeline of implementation for those methods and plans will also be shown. Visual timelines are best to show the reader exactly where everything fits into the scheme of things as well as when. This section shows the reader you not only have goals and objectives but that you also know how to achieve them using a detailed well thought out plan.

Many government grants will have stringent personnel requirements because they want you to create employment with the money that they are giving you. If the grant needs specific information or provisions regarding personnel, make sure your personnel planning matches those requirements. Also, make sure that your objectives match personnel planning. Aggressive objectives might have to be matched with substantial growth in employment in certain industries.

The process of writing a grant proposal can seem daunting, but with careful preparation and organization, it can be a relatively easy task. By following these simple steps, you can increase your chances of being awarded the grant money you need to help your small business grow.  

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A Guide to Writing a Small Business Grant Proposal

Last Updated on 

January 19, 2023

While there may be more opportunities for non-profit organizations when it comes to grant funding, grants for small business owners are not rare.

In fact, small businesses received more than $334 billion in total award obligations through the SBA in 2021 , spread across more than 9 million transactions and 7 million new awards. Over $254 million was spent through grants alone. The amount spent on grant awards has risen in 2022 as well, increasing to more than $455 million.

Federal contracts and financial assistance are out there. And that is without mentioning small business research grants and other types of non-governmental contracts and awards.

Grants for small businesses can often be a better option than a loan, as grants do not require repayment of any kind. The caveat? Your goals need to align with the goals of the organization or awarding agency you’re seeking a grant from.

Many grants are dedicated to supporting non-profit work or specific research initiatives. However, small business grants are dedicated to helping owners and founders achieve specific business goals or projects that align with a funding agency’s mission or a particular initiative.

This includes research grants designed to support businesses working on research and development that has a high potential for commercialization. As a biotech founder, CEO, or employee, this is most likely the exact type of grant you’re looking for.

Like non-profit grants, small business grants are offered through both government and non-government agencies. Furthermore, unlike loans, grants do not need to be paid back.

In this article, we’ll review small business grants, grant proposals, and how to write small business grant proposals. We’ll also review some best practices for grant writing, the differences between a “good” and “bad” proposal, the various types of grants available, and additional resources to help you write a small business grant.

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What Is a Small Business Grant Proposal?

A small business grant proposal, like a typical grant proposal, is a clear and concise presentation of what you’re proposing to do before it actually happens. It usually takes the form of a written document that you either prepare online or physically.

You send your proposal to a particular funding agency that’s providing a grant opportunity you’re interested in.

The presentation should thoroughly explain the reasons for your proposal and why you’re applying for grant funding from a specific funder. Explain the who, what, when, where, how, and why of your proposed project or program.

When you clearly and concisely explain your proposal in an organized and well-thought manner, you will have a better chance at receiving approval from the grant reviewers.

What Are the Steps to Developing a Grant Proposal?

There are several steps you should take to develop an effective proposal. First, begin with an idea, followed by planning, strategy, and success.

What is the idea you’re hoping to make a reality? It’s ideally something you’re already working on and are seeking additional funding to help continue developing, but it can also be something you’re planning on starting and need funding to begin that journey.

Once you know what you’re trying to accomplish, you need to start planning. Flesh out the details of what your program, project, or initiative is all about that you’re seeking funding for.

After planning, you’ll need to start forming a strategy. This involves detailing your approach and methodology regarding bringing your program or project to life. How will you effectively put your plan into action?

With a strategy in place for success, you’ll be able to show the funder how you will accomplish what you’re setting out to do and how you will evaluate your accomplishments, giving the funder confidence in you by showing them you’ve got a game plan.

From here, you will want to take some additional steps before you start researching grant and developing your proposal:

• Make sure your idea can be funded, as some things are not eligible for grant funding
• Read the grant application guidelines carefully, they will help you determine if you actually qualify or not
• Make note of the eligibility requirements and what the funder is requesting; you might not be eligible or have everything they’re asking for

Lastly, ask yourself:

• Is my proposal doable?
• Does it have a focused goal?
• Can you provide everything a funder is asking for in the application? (If you can’t, you’re putting yourself in a position to become disqualified, wasting time and effort)
• Is it in alignment with your own goals and, most importantly, with the goals of the potential funding agency?
• Is there a beginning, middle, and end? (Granting agencies do not fund projects forever; in fact, most grants only last a year or two, depending on who’s providing the grant)
• Can you meet the deadline? (Grants have deadlines; if you start too late, you’ll have to rush and that can lead to mistakes and disqualification)

Grant Proposal Review & Common Elements

Grant proposal guidelines and instructions vary from funder to funder. This means the required information and formatting may be different from proposal to proposal. To better understand the common elements, it can help to review grant proposal guidelines and instructions to get a sense of what will be asked of you.

In the guidelines that you can typically find on the funding agency’s website, you’ll see exactly what you need to do in order to apply for a grant. While following these guidelines and instructions does not guarantee you’ll get funding, it does increase the likelihood of getting approved.

If the guidelines provide a list of do’s and don’ts, take note. Funding agencies will have various requests for you that include things they’d like to see in your application and things they wouldn’t like to see.

There may also be a checklist for completed requirements. If that’s the case, you can use the checklist to track your progress and make sure you don’t miss anything. Budget your time to make sure you’ve got enough time to get everything together that is required of you before the deadline. You don’t want to rush. It can lead to mistakes, which will automatically disqualify you in most cases.

Similarly, if you don’t complete and submit the proposal by the listed due date, your application will automatically be denied. We can’t stress this enough—give yourself enough time!

You’ll also see in the guidelines that a grant proposal must include information submitted in a specific order. Make sure to do this, and follow the instructions for each section exactly. Funders will most likely reject your application if your proposal is not in the correct order.

There are additional requirements for proposals that can include submitting the proposal to a specific address or department, rules about how you can submit the application, and reporting leadership or major staffing changes after you’ve submitted your proposal.

Do your diligence and read the guidelines and instructions carefully. Grant proposal reviews can be the best way to learn what to expect. That said, there are some elements, or sections of information, seen across many different types of grant proposals. These can include:

• A cover sheet or letter of intent that allows the agency to estimate how many independent reviewers will be needed; it also helps the agency avoid potential conflicts of interest in the review
• A short executive summary, or “abstract” in the non-profit world, summarizing your grant proposal
• A table of contents; it should help the reviewer find what they need quickly and easily should they want to flip to a specific section
• A needs statement and problem statement describing the purpose of your project, the need you’re addressing, or problem you’re solving, and why the project is important
• A project description or narrative explaining the project you want to fund in greater detail; you can separate different ideas into sections to better explain each aspect of your project and review the expected outcomes; this description can sometimes be included in the executive summary
• A list of your goals; ideally you will pick SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timeline) goals
• A description of the methods you will use, in addition to project management plans and timeline, illustrating how you will achieve your goals and objectives
• A staffing list showing how you will staff your project
• A detailed budget explaining what the money will be used for
• A cover letter providing an introduction of yourself or your business as the grant seeker, in addition to a description of your ethos, professionalism, and proposed project or business goal

You will most likely need to include information about yourself and your business as well, including:

• Your business’s mission and history
• Your business’s financial health and stability
• Any additional support documents, usually in the form of appendices; additional records, endorsements, tax status information, personnel bios, letters of support, etc.

Including this information is not only important, it’s necessary. Without it, your application will be disqualified.

Remember, this isn’t the exact order for every grant proposal. Proposals vary from funder to funder, and each may ask for a different order that the information above should be included. It’s vital that you follow the grant’s instructions exactly and include everything that’s asked for.

Before You Start, Research

Before you start writing your grant proposal, you’ll want to research the grant or grants you are applying for and the organization to whom you are submitting your proposal. This is part of the pre-award phase, covered in more detail on grants.gov .

Also consider who your audience is, what the grant’s expectations are, and how you will achieve your goals if you secure funding. To properly prepare for your application, it’s important that you:

• Follow the steps for developing a grant proposal listed above; this means clearly defining what you want to do, why you want to do it, how you’ll do it, when you’ll do it, and who you’ll do it for—remember to be SMART when defining your goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.)
• Identify an awarding agency or organization that funds projects or goals like the one you have in mind and figure out if their goals align with your own.
• Identify a grant funding opportunity before you begin the application process; it’s important that you find a grant that matches your proposal and goals and a funder whose mission aligns with yours.
• Review the agency’s grant proposal guidelines, eligibility requirements, and instructions document to determine if you are eligible and have everything on hand that they’ll require.
• Register to apply for grants through websites like grants.gov and sbir.gov ; depending on the agency, you will have to go through several steps to register and may be required to complete different types of registration to receive all the necessary identification.
• Review any grant proposal samples you might have or can find in order to get a better understanding of what a good or bad proposal looks like.

Research will help you identify a grant you can actually apply for, an agency that will want to work with you, and a better feel of what the funder’s interests actually are. This will vary from funder to funder, but doing your research will help greatly.

How to Write a Small Business Grant Proposal

The grant writing process can be quite arduous. But, there are a variety of ways to approach it. The best way you can handle the writing process, in our experience, is to begin with great research, followed by developing an effective proposal that carefully follows all the instructions and guidelines a funding agency provides, including everything they ask for. It’s all about giving the information that is required, not pushing the information that you want.

After taking all the necessary steps, such as registering your business in the proper places, identifying a grant funding opportunity, and determining your eligibility, you’ll begin preparing your written application and developing your proposal.

Below we break down the basic approach to writing a small business grant proposal based on our own experience as a small business.

Keep in mind that this is a guide for you to learn how to write a proposal. We outline a general approach of how to write a small business grant proposal. It will help you be well-prepared to begin the writing process, but does not necessarily follow exactly how a funder will want you to put together your proposal. Remember to follow instructions carefully!

Be meticulous in your following of the proposal’s instructions. This means including all the necessary documentation, completing the required forms, and staying on top of deadlines.

Write Your Cover Letter

You can start by writing your cover letter. However, it may help to leave this till the end of your application, as you might have a clearer idea of the main parts of your proposal and their value.

That said, if you do start with your cover letter, make sure to keep it short but impactful—you need to capture the attention of the agency’s reviewers.

Say what you need without using too much fluff, being as direct as possible without missing the important parts. And make sure to connect your project and goals with the funding agency’s own. If you can make a connection between their mission, funds, and your proposed project, you will have a better chance of getting approval.

Write Your Executive Summary

Next, write your executive summary. This serves as an overview of why your organization wants the grant, what your funding needs are, and how you plan to follow through with the project. Be as engaging as possible, using short and clear sentences that concisely illustrate the main aspects of your proposal.

Introduce Your Business

You can introduce your business next. Share as much relevant information as you can about your infrastructure, history, mission, experience, etc.

Here you include a biography of key staff, your business track record (success stories), company goals, and philosophy; essentially, highlight your expertise.

Client recommendations, letters of thanks, feedback from customers and the general public are must-have things to write in a grant proposal.

Also include all valid industry certifications (ISO or Quality Certifications), licenses, and business and indemnity insurance details.

You need to show that your company or organization has the capacity and the ability to meet all deliverables from both an execution perspective but also meet all legal, safety, and quality obligations.

Write Your Needs & Problem Statements

Now, write your needs and problem statement. It should illustrate the problem you will solve and how the grant funds will help you do it. It will be important to convey the scope of the problem or need of addressing and what sets you apart from others trying to solve the same problem or need. It can be helpful to include any research you’ve done on this matter as well.

Don’t rush this section of the proposal. It’s a critical element. Craft your argument patiently, and make sure to use any supporting data and research you have to back up your argument and plan.

It’s important to keep the language simple as well, as there is a big chance the reviewer doesn’t have the same technical expertise you do. Keep jargon to a minimum, or fully explain what each term means, in order to keep things clear.

Write Your Project Description

Next, write your project description. Clearly explain your goals for the project, how you plan to achieve those goals, and how the grant funding will help. Stick to SMART objectives, ones that can be easily tracked and measured. Doing so will help you demonstrate your eventual successes to the grantor, an important part of the grant process later on.

When you explain how you plan to achieve your goals, it can help to include specific information about your project’s timeline, budget, staffing, the resources and community you’ll leverage, and why you’re in a strong position to tackle a problem or need. It can also help to explain how you will track your project and goals, evaluating your overall success.

Ideally, your project description provides a clear picture of your goals, how you will achieve those goals, what you plan to do with the funds, and how you will manage and measure your project’s progress. If you tie your goals into the funding agency’s mission or goal, you will build an even stronger case for your business.

Write a Detailed Budget

After that section, you will need to write about your budget. It’s critical that you provide a detailed project budget that outlines how you will use the funding and what your operational costs will be. This will also serve to explain your expenses and justify the amount of money you’re seeking.

Provide any financial documents you may have to back up your budget here, and try to stay within the funding limits the funding agency is offering. It’s important to neither overquote nor underquote yourself, because while you might secure the grant by underquoting, you may not walk away with enough funding for your project. Overquote and you may see your application rejected.

When we say provide a detailed budget, we mean it. Include information about all of the costs, whether they’re direct or indirect. This can include everything from personnel, materials and supplies, and equipment to travel costs, advertising, utilities, insurance, and more.

Remember to check your numbers. You want to ensure they’re accurate. Otherwise, your application might not make it through the review process. Simple errors like an incorrect decimal point or forgotten number can significantly distort your budget. If you need to, leverage a team member who is excellent with numbers.

Perform a Final Review & Have Your Team Help

After you’ve finished writing, attached all the necessary documentation, and completed the required forms, you need to review your application! Make sure you have:

• Followed all the instructions
• Stuck within the guidelines
• Included all the necessary documentation
• Completed the required forms
• Formatted your proposal correctly
• Eliminated simple spelling or math errors

It can help to have others review your application as well. They can bring a different perspective and fresh eyes to the proposal and catch things you may have missed. In fact, it can help to have as many people you trust review the proposal. When you’re confident there are no errors, it’s time to submit your proposal.

Properly Submit & Track Your Application

Depending on the funding agency you’re submitting your application to, there will be different instructions for submitting. Figuring out what these submission processes look like can sound a little daunting, but each group will provide clear instructions somewhere on their website on how to properly submit your proposal.

It will be important that, once you submit the application, you make sure to track it to address any errors that are flagged and view the assembled application to ensure it is 100% accurate.

Once you’ve submitted, you can check online that your application has all the correct information and hasn’t been flagged for errors. After making sure your proposal wasn’t flagged, all you can do is wait for a response from the funding agency.

If the review process goes well, you may be asked to provide additional information. The way this request is handled can vary from department to department. For example, the NIH uses the Just-in-Time (JIT) process, located in its eRA Commons .

If you’re selected to receive funding, you’ll be sent a notice that you have been selected for the award! In the case of the NIH and the SBIR/STTR programs, you’ll receive a Notice of Award (NoA) , the official grant award document the department uses to notify an awardee the grant has been made. From there, you will be able to access more information on how to manage the award, and what the post-award process and requirements entail.

In addition, you will gain access to a wide number of agency resources and programs, helping you maximize the benefits of your grant funding.

While the approval rating for grants has increased through 2022, grant funding is highly competitive, and there is a big chance your proposal will be rejected. Don’t give up! It’s important that you keep trying. If the review does not go well, you will be able to reach out to the program official to discuss next steps. You can review feedback, address the issues, and resubmit your application .

12 Tips for Writing A Successful Business Grant Proposal

Below are steps to writing award-winning grants that you can use to improve your proposal, potentially increasing your chances at writing a small business grant application that will get approved.

Develop a Game Plan

Create a game plan for where you’re headed. Don’t dive into effort without knowing exactly what you’re doing. You’re going to want some mode of operation to complete the grant writing process, and a game plan can help you do that. In fact, you’re already using a game plan right now: learning how to write grant proposals in an effective way.

Don’t Rush & Pay Attention to the Agency’s Goals

First and foremost, don’t rush your writing. Grant applications can be long and grueling, and it can be easy to make mistakes if you try to rush through the grant proposal writing process.

Hopefully you start early enough so that you can take your time writing before the deadline gets closer. Making mistakes can make it take even longer to complete your proposal, and will lead to a rejection.

Taking your time will undoubtedly make it easier to craft your story and proposal, leading to a more developed proposal narrative and project description before you start writing grant applications. Having a strong story and a detailed proposal will help you stand apart from other grant applicants, clearly explaining the what, why, and how of your proposal.

Use Rich Media When You Can

Use pictures, charts, and graphics if permitted. Using rich media can help your proposal come to life and convey important points in different ways. While this may be harder to do with certain applications, look for instances where you can add visuals.

Research Prior Winners

If there are previous grant winners for the specific grant you’re applying for, review their business and the project. There may be a connection or similarity between your business and a prior winner that you can integrate into your proposal.

Seeing what kinds of businesses are awarded a certain grant can help you narrow down if your business is a good fit, what you could do to increase your chances, and ultimately help you save time by not applying to a grant you’re unlikely to land.

Search Through Local Grants First

It might be easier to secure a local grant than a federal grant offered nationwide. While federal grants can be more appealing—the award is typically larger—local grants are sometimes less competitive. Start your search by looking at locally offered grants, and expand your search as you rule out grants you might be able to apply for through your city, the state and regional levels.

Apply for Grants of All Sizes

In addition to searching for local grants first, you should also pay attention to funding opportunities of all sizes. Smaller grants can sometimes be easier to secure, and doing so can even make your business more appealing to agencies offering larger grant funds. Showing the support you’ve already received can make you more attractive to grantors.

Use a Team Approach

It’s often helpful and more effective to assemble a team to write your proposal. Ideally you can include people who have review proposals before or someone who has experience as an editor. Your choices do not have to be limited to your business, you can find people outside your organization to help with the process.

Approach The Writing Process Like a Reviewer

It can help to think about your grant proposal like a peer reviewer, rather than a business owner. The funding agencies you’ll send your applications to always have long-term organizational goals and objectives that you will want to appeal to. If you can set your proposal apart from others by showing how your use of the grant funds will directly align with the funding agency’s mission, you may stand a better chance at securing approval.

Provide Up-To-Date Information & Complete All Requests

Provide relevant up-to-date information. If you provide out-of-date information, you will come across as dated. This relates to completing all requests. Remember to give the funder 100% of what they ask for. This means following instructions exactly. You want to provide the information they need, not push your information on them.

Include an Evaluation

Include an evaluation that clarifies how you will evaluate your project or program’s performance. Determine a way to evaluate the project you’ve just received funds before. Will it be internal or external? Funding agencies typically look at evaluations very favorably.

Try, Try, Try Again

Even people who have a lot of experience writing grant proposals face rejection. In fact, most applicants face rejection more than approval. That said, the grant writing process can be highly productive. You get to dial in your objectives, methodology, and more, clearly defining what problem you’re addressing, how you will achieve your objectives, and more.

Don’t let rejection stop you. Try again and incorporate whatever feedback you can get a hold of into your next proposal.

Think About Hiring a Grant Writer

It’s no secret that grant writing can be difficult. If it’s proving too difficult or time-consuming, consider hiring a grant writer to help you complete and submit your proposal. Although these professionals can be expensive to hire, it may be worth the money in the long term.

The writer will likely know the type of language to use to make your application stand out in addition to the correct formatting. Their expertise in grant writing can make the process much quicker as well.

What Makes a Good Proposal?

A good small business grant proposal has a number of identifiable characteristics. None of which are very surprising:

• Easy to understand; it doesn’t need to be sophisticated, it needs to be understandable
• Proposes something that is doable within a certain timeframe
• Clear and concise
• Details what will be done, when it will be done, and how it will be done
• Tells a compelling and exciting story; what led up to your business’s decision to go in this direction, and what benefits people will experience
• Has excellent flow and continuity
• Visually appealing
• Engages the reader and provides social proof

If your proposal has all of these characteristics, it doesn’t guarantee you will get approved. But, it does increase the likelihood you will secure the funding you need. Having a well-written and visually appealing proposal, in addition to compelling research and data, is essential.

What Makes a Bad Proposal?

Sure enough, bad grant proposals have some common traits as well. These include:

• Lacks clarity; make sure the funder knows what you’re proposing to do
• Loaded with errors; if you can’t take care of proposal, how will you treat the money you’re provided
• Unrealistic expectations
• No clear outcomes
• Lack of alignment; doesn’t match up with funder’s goals and how the funder wants to see the world
• Bores the reader; you want the proposal to excite the reader by proposing a brighter future

Bad writing, no matter the context, is just that: bad writing! Even if you believe your proposed project has all the marks of a winner, you will still need to make sure your grant proposal is well-written and thought out to help stand out from all the other applicants and make it easier for peer reviewers to understand your proposal.

Types of Grant Proposals & When to Use Them

There are several types of grants small business owners can apply for. Your eligibility for each type will depend on a number of factors. When to use each type will vary based on your proposed project and goals as well.

Federal Grants

Federal grants are a type of government grant or economic aid the US government provides from the funds made available through the general federal revenue. The government gives grants to stimulate the economy and draws from the U.S. general federal revenue. Grants can be funds for a portion of a certain project or organizational costs, or include complete funding for a project or research.

There are more than 1,000 different grant programs available to businesses and individuals that qualify, distributed by 26 grant-specific agencies across 21 distinct categories.

State Grants

State grants are need-based, state-specific awards that usually provide a smaller amount of funds than federal grants. As they are state-specific, there is often less competition, making them more attainable for small businesses. While they are smaller than a federal grant, state grants can provide the boost an organization needs to carry a project or program further, and demonstrate the project’s attractiveness to other granting agencies.

Local Grants

Local grants are awards issued by a city, county, or township, or any other local government department or agency. that stimulate the economy directly around them. Applicants are only eligible for local grants if they meet specific requirements, the most obvious being whether or not the county or city deems that the business is part of that area. This is typically true if the organization provides services to the city and its residents.

Corporate Grants

A corporate grant comes directly from a major corporation. Like federal grants, corporate grants will have various requirements, provide different amounts of funding, and be suited for specific or broad types of business or research. Companies generally set aside capital at the beginning of the fiscal year and host competitions to distribute the funds to qualified businesses.

Other Types of Grants: Nonprofits

In addition to the grants dedicated to for-profit businesses, there are four types of non-profit grants. These are dedicated to and designed for non-profit organizations and businesses.

It may not apply to you and your business, but it’s worth mentioning. The four types include: competitive grants, continuation grants, pass-through grants, and formula grants.

Competitive Grants

Nonprofits, universities, colleges, K-12 schools, and government organizations can apply for competitive grants. Occasionally, a small business may be eligible to apply as well. Competitive grants, like any grant, are submitted for approval and reviewed by a team of reviewers who make a decision to fund the proposed project or not.

Competitive grants simply mean the grant application is competitive and involves an approval process that is performed by a committee or board of directors, who base their decision on different criteria. This also means the grants are discretionary, and do not need to be awarded.

Formula Grants

Formula grants are non-competitive, and are typically awarded to support larger programs. Like a competitive grant, formula grants award funds that are distributed to businesses and organizations based on meeting specific criteria. Unlike a competitive grant, these awards are distributed to applicants based on a statistical formula and overseen by a legislative body.

All applicants that meet the criteria will receive funding, but the amount is based on certain benchmarks. This means formula grants are always awarded. Awardees can include states, local governments, territories, and other types of government organizations.

From there, states may be able to allocate money to organizations and businesses for a specific activity. The amount the awardee distributes can be based on the numbers an organization serves or the number of residents in the community.

Pass-through Grants

Like federal, state, and local grants, pass-through grants come from the federal government. The funding is distributed to a state or local government, who then passes on the funding to different organizations, institutions, and businesses. Eligible applicants can apply to states or municipalities for federal funds to stimulate the local economy and make an impact in a specific community or area.

Continuation Grants

Non-profit organizations can use continuation grants to renew a previously awarded grant for an additional amount of time. Without a continuation grant, the funding for the project would expire. These grant opportunities are also an opportunity for the awardee and funder to foster a relationship. While continuation grants are discretionary and mostly available to existing awardees, new applicants may be considered.

How to Find Grants for Small Businesses

There are different databases available online that you can access to search for various small business grants. Some are free, while others require a subscription.

Below we review government grant databases on the federal, state, and local levels, as well as corporate grants you can apply for and the databases you can use to search for private grants.

Federal Small Business Grants & Databases

Government agencies are among the biggest distributors of business grants, supporting a range of enterprises from environmental conservation to child care services. Applying may seem intimidating, but federal grants are great opportunities for small-business owners looking to grow.

Grants.gov allows you to search for grants based on category, eligibility, agency, and funding instrument type. It lists all of the grant opportunities currently available across more than a thousand different programs as well as closed and archived opportunities. It aims to simplify the grant search and application process.

SAM.gov is an official US government website. It is a central database for everyone who makes, receives, and manages federal grants and awards. Government contractors can use SAM, short for Systems for Award Management, to search for grants and contracts and view contract opportunity reports . To use the site and do business with the US government, you need to register your business. Learn more about the website’s requirements and features using its  help center .

USDA Biotechnology Risk Assessment Research Grants

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) offers a wide range of grant programs for agriculture- and agriculture science-based research and business initiatives. One such program,  the Biotechnology Risk Assessment Research Grants (BRAG) program , provides funding to support research that will help regulatory agencies make “science-based decisions about the effects of introducing into the environment genetically engineered organisms (GE).” This includes a wide range of organisms, from plants, microorganisms, fish, and birds to mammals and other animals.

Businesses can view BRAG’s Request for Applications (RFA) to learn more about the grants program, funding opportunity, award information, eligibility information, and more. Businesses can also apply for a grant directly on the agency’s website.

USDA Rural Business Development Grants

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) oversees and manages the Rural Business Development Grant program . It provides funding to strengthen and grow small businesses throughout rural communities.

In order to qualify for funding, businesses cannot have more than 50 new employees. Additionally, the business must have less than $1 million in gross revenue. It needs to also be located in an eligible rural area . Grant proposals are accepted only once per year through the local or state USDA Rural Development offices.

SBIR/STTR Programs

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs enable US-based, for-profit small businesses to become involved in federal research & development. The STTR also includes a partnership between the small business and nonprofit research institutions to formally collaborate in Phase I and Phase II.

These programs include a searchable solicitations database you can explore to find potential funding opportunities. These contract opportunities are available through different funding agencies, including the NIH, NSF, and more:

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has a funding database that allows researchers to search for different types of grants, contracts, and even programs that help repay loans. There is also research training and career development available. You can subscribe to their weekly email newsletter that summarizes the funding opportunities posted each week and stay up to date with what solicitations are currently open.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has an opportunities database that allows you to filter their opportunities according to different factors like award type, directorate, division, and education level. The database lists current, available opportunities with their respective due dates.

However, you can find the agency’s archived funding opportunities on its website as well. Reviewing the archived listings can give you a better idea of what the NSF has funded in the past, what they may fund in the future, and whether or not any of it applies to your R&D.

The US Department of Energy (DOE) lists funding opportunity announcements (FOAs) on their website according to offices within the department. You can search through its database based on program, fiscal year, and post date or close date. Additionally, the DOE lists Open Lab Announcements and Closed Lab Announcements as well.  

Through the Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP), the US Department of Defense (DOD) offers a number of grants, contracts, and funding opportunities for organizations and small businesses performing research and development.

OSBP manages a number of DOD programs, from the Mentor Protege Program and Indian Incentive Program to DOD small business program funding, market research, procurement goals, and contracting processes and activities. You can explore the various programs managed by OSBP and search for contract or grant opportunities on its website. These opportunities are mostly applicable to small businesses interested in commercializing their R&D.

State & Regional Small Business Grants & Databases

Economic development administration.

The Economic Development Administration (EDA) is an agency overseen by the Department of Commerce (DOC). It provides grants, resources and technical assistance to communities based on local business needs and conditions in order to stimulate and support economic growth and development while promoting entrepreneurship.

You can search the site for current and previous funding opportunities spread across the agency’s various programs. Additionally, you can search the economic development directory for regional offices and local resources.

State Business Incentives Database

The State Business Incentives Database is a database created by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) . With close to 2,000 programs from around the US, the database gives business owners, economic developers, business development professionals, and economic researchers a place to search for and compare various incentive programs.

Its site includes a map feature you can use to search for grants based on location, and provides information on tax credits and exemptions. To use the site, you must have an account. However, accounts are only available to members of C2ER.

California Grants Portal

The California Grants Portal was developed by the California State Library. It provides a central location for state grant opportunities, allowing state grant-making agencies to add and update their award information, and for grant seekers to search the database for opportunities. This makes it possible for all state grant opportunities to be searchable online.

Each listed grant includes a summary of what is needed to apply and how, along with links that businesses and organizations can follow to learn more. To the same effect, the California Grants Portal site includes an FAQ section .

State Trade Expansion Program

The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) , provides state and territory governments with funding to distribute to small businesses with export development.

Supported by the SBA, STEP helps small businesses cover the costs to start or expand into international markets. Funding and eligibility requirements vary based on your state, but the money can be used to participate in a variety of business activities.

California Office of the Small Business Advocate

The California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) supports economic growth and development in California, ensuring California-based small businesses and startups have the support and resources needed to search for programs and understand regulations.

CalOSBA’s many funding programs include the California Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program, California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program, California Dream Fund, and more.

Minority Business Development Agency Centers

The Minority Business Development Agency Centers (MBDA) is a nationally ran network of business development centers that support the growth and promotion of minority-owned small businesses. This includes helping businesses secure funding and contracts and compete in emerging markets.

Search for your local MBDA center and programs to apply for various types of funding, including state and local business grants and loans. The agency also typically holds a small-business grant competition annually. You can find contest updates on MBDA’s website.

Corporate/Foundation Small Business Grants & Databases

Many corporations and larger companies offer nonprofit and small-business grants. While some corporations work solely with nonprofits, others also provide funding to for-profit small businesses.

GrantWatch is a grant listing directory that currently features more than 28,000 grants, funding opportunities, awards, and archived grants—some of the archived grants will become available again as well. These grants come from a wide variety of sources: corporations, foundations, and government agencies on the federal, state, and local levels.

While GrantWatch can be an excellent database to search for grants , it does require that you become a member. With the free account, you gain access to a number of features and can search for grants using different dimensions, such as location and grant type.

However, if you want to get highly granular with your searches, access complete grant information, and access direct links to Requests for Proposals (RFPs) in order to apply, you’ll need to sign up for a paid account. The website also provides a wide range of resources, news, and more.

Sloan Foundation

The Sloan Foundation offers grants that support original research and education focused on science, technology, engineering, and more. The foundation’s funds are provided through the accumulated wealth of Alfred P. Sloan, and its mission is to use its funds and grantmaking abilities in the service of the public good.

The foundation selects projects to fund based on proposals submitted by both individuals and teams with original and innovative ideas. It is most interested in projects that have an expected return to society, show strong methodological characteristics, and do not yet have wide access to funding through government agencies, the private sector, or other foundations.

You can learn about the foundation’s grants , its grantmaking strategy, what it doesn’t fund, its grant application process, and more on its website. It also provides a searchable grants database you can use to see what’s currently available and archived.

GrantForward

GrantForward is a funding opportunity database and recommendation service created by academics for researchers. You can search for grants using a specific keyword, however, in order to get complete use of the site and additional searches, you’ll need to create an account. Free trials are available.

GrantForward uses a search algorithm alongside a team of specialists to continuously add new and up-to-date funding opportunities to its database, making sure your searches are as relevant and current as possible. It also provides search filters that make it easy to quickly find a funding opportunity that fits your needs.

The database includes a wide range of grant types you can search through, from fellowships to post-doctoral to equipment, facility, and organization grants. In addition to searching for grants, you can find pre-solicitations and awarded projects as well. However, you’ll need an account to complete these searches.

Instrumentl

Nonprofits and professional grant writing consultants rely on Instrumentl to match with the right funders, identify trends, and track and manage grants.

While Instrumentl works most closely with nonprofits, helping match grant writers with private and corporate grants their organizations can use to achieve specific goals, it also provides an extensive database for other opportunities. This includes federal and state grant funding opportunities.

You can search the website’s grant database by focus area, location, or foundation . In addition to its databases, you can leverage Instrumentl’s educational resources to better understand how to use Instrumentl, improve your grant writing, and more.

Visa Everywhere Initiative

The Visa Everywhere Initiative is a grant competition that offers funding to tech-forward startups across five different regions around the globe. Applicants must show how they’ve developed a product or service that creatively involves Visa’s products.

Visa will select the top five finalists in each region — and these businesses will move forward to a global finals event. The overall winner of the competition is awarded a $100,000 small-business grant. Additional grants are awarded to second- and third-place finalists, audience favorites, as well as regional and local winners.

FedEx Small Business Grant

FedEx’s annual grant competition awards more than $250,000 to 10 small businesses. This includes $4,000 in FedEx print and business services and a $50,000 grant to its three grand prize winners. While the 2022 contest has closed, it opens up again each year. Dates are posted to the company’s website once they are finalized.

The FedEx small business grant, as one would expect, is available to US-based, for-profit small businesses that have been in operation for a minimum of six months. Businesses can have no more than 99 employees. You can visit the site’s FAQs to learn more about eligibility requirements and more.

fundsforNGOs

fundsforNGO provides a wide range of resources and services for countless industries . It works to improve access to resources and enable a more sustainable environment. The organization accomplishes this by researching, developing, and curating content that supports the growth and sustainability of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and individuals working specifically in poverty alleviation and sustainable development.

Its many features include business intelligence, training, publications, and networking. However, most importantly for you, it also provides searchable databases of grants, donors, and proposals aimed to help NGOs find the information they need and track funding opportunities. In addition to its databases, fundsforNGOs also assists with grant writing, helping you plan and create your proposals.

Additional Resources

There are additional resources you can rely on to help with your search for grant funding. This includes various organizations that provide free help for your business. Many sources you can find through sba.gov and sbir.gov, however, you can also review the agencies below.

Small Business Development Centers

Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) offer support to small businesses and entrepreneurs. There are local, regional, state, and national offices located across the country, so it can help to find one closest to you.

Some SBDCs are associated with local universities or a state’s economic development agency, as well, and can help connect you with small business grants, federal grants, and business financing opportunities. SBDCs generally offer training, counseling, and technical assistance in addition to support with grant funding.

For example, an SBDC can usually help you create a compelling business plan and pitch for your business, and help you understand how you’ll want to use the grant money you’re seeking out.

This also includes navigating the grant process. SBDC advisors have a lot of visibility locally and can help connect you with small business grants.

SCORE is a nonprofit organization supported by the SBA. It provides free entrepreneurship training, tools, and mentorship to US-based small business owners. Like SBDCs, SCORE is a free online resource entrepreneurs can access when they need help.

You can use SCORE to connect with a wide range of experts based on zip code for free. You can also request a match, search for a business mentor, or find your local chapter to get the advice or expertise you’re looking for. The SCORE mentor you’re matched with will hopefully be able to identify local grant opportunities for you and review your pitch or proposal to ensure it’s compelling and well-written.

In addition to mentorship, you can access a variety of workshops online and in-person. Browse through SCORE’s library of webinars , on-demand courses , and local workshops to find a class that can help you improve. Live classes are also available if you can’t attend workshops in person.

Grant Resources Center

The Grants Resource Center (GRC) is part of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. This subscription service helps college/university offices secure more funding from federal and private groups.

It provides publications on a fixed schedule, management resources , funding resources , and a database where you can search for grants . Searching for a grant requires an account with GRC.

Procurement Technical Assistance Centers

P rocurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) provide assistance to businesses looking to work with the US government, Department of Defense, and other federal, state, and local government agencies. Most of the assistance provided by your local PTAC is free.

If you need to determine if your business is ready for government contracting, eligible for small business certifications, register in the correct place to begin the process, or assistance with researching past contract opportunities, then your local PTAC can help. You can search the SBA PTAC database to find a center near you.

You can also work with a procurement center representative (PCR) if you need help securing government contracts. Because PCRs are able to see government procurement strategies before they’re announced, they are in a good position to help you in touch with a small business opportunity.

Additionally, PCRs also help carry out SBA policies and programs, assist small businesses with payment issues, conduct market research, and provide counseling with the contracting process.

Small Business Grant Proposal Templates

There are many free online grant proposal templates to choose from. A template can help you put together a visually appealing proposal or give you an idea of how to format your own proposal.

We suggest you use a template as a study guide or reference point rather than your actual proposal only because the grant you are applying for may require different formatting or information. That said, here are some resources that provide small business grant proposal templates:

• PandaDoc grant proposal template
• Jot Form grant proposal PDF templates
• Wise free grant proposal template
• Sample.net small business grant proposals in PDF
• Technical Writer HQ grant writing templates
• SampleTemplates grant proposal samples & small business grant proposal templates
• Template.net grant proposal word templates

Conclusion: Applying For a Small Business Grant With Confidence

As a small business owner, things can feel pretty daunting at times. Being able to cover costs, push ahead on new programs or initiatives, and keep everything going requires significant cash flow. Luckily, there are a number of grant funding sources available to small businesses in the US.

Knowing what the grant writing process looks like and how to write a grant proposal before you get started can be a great help, reducing the amount of time, energy, and effort required to put together a winning grant proposal. This guide can serve as the first step toward building the knowledge and confidence needed when applying for a grant, and will make it easier to secure the funding you need to bring your idea to light.

Excedr has worked with a number of clients who secured grant funding in order to fund research and development, specific business initiatives, and provide services to the communities around them.

In some cases, that grant funding was available to use to lease lab equipment. By leasing the lab equipment they needed, our clients were able to extend their funding and save more for their research and development efforts.

In other cases, the grant funding was able to cover a client’s R&D or business costs, freeing up more room in their budget for equipment procurement and other initiatives.

Rather than put all that extra money into purchasing a few pieces of equipment, our clients leased instead, saving money on upfront costs and spreading out payments via manageable and consistent payments. If you’re interested in learning more about our leasing program , our team will be happy to provide you with more details. Contact us and let us know how we can help with your leasing needs.

Good luck on your grant writing journey. Securing grant funding can be an amazing moment and opportunity to accomplish great things!

Small business grants: 20 options to apply for free funds for your business

No matter what kind of small business you own, there are grants available to help your business grow. Read on for details on grant options and databases.

Ready to start your business? Plans start at $0 + filing fees.

by   LegalZoom staff

Read more...

Updated on: February 15, 2024 · 14 min read

• What are small business grants, and who is eligible to receive one?

Grants for starting a small business

Small business grants for women, small business grants for minority groups, business grants for veterans, business grants for startups, applying for a small business grant: 4 process tips.

Looking for a little financial assistance to help launch or grow your small business? Check out these grant opportunities—including LegalZoom’s Fast Break for Small Business grant program.

Small business grants offer funds to grow your business in a variety of ways. In many cases, you can use grants for things like operations, marketing, or expanding your team. Finding out which grants you may be eligible for is crucial so that you can start applying.

In this article, we'll cover the basics of grants and give you tips about how to score more of them.

What are small business grants, and who is eligible to receive o ne?

Small business grants are amounts of seed money given to entrepreneurs  to build their businesses. Grant money is considered “gifted," and you are not required to pay it back. Sometimes, you may need to pay taxes on the amounts received, so please consider this and talk to a tax professional.

To secure a grant, you may have to do things like:

• Meet eligibility requirements
• Submit applications
• Go through interviews

In exchange, you could be awarded financial resources to  build your brand , team, and operations.

Government entities or private businesses establish most grant programs because they want to help others succeed.

Tip:  Search grant databases, such as  GrantWatch , to find available grants in your industry. GrantWatch is an online hub for more than 26,000 grants in the United States and Canada in which you can browse various funding opportunities easily by filtering your specifications.

Grants vs. loans: What's the difference for entrepreneurs?

A  loan  is funding you must pay back to the creditor who loaned you the money. In contrast, a grant is “gifted" money you don't need to pay back.

You will have to apply for both grants and loans, but a loan application considers your ability to repay the money, while a grant application considers your merit as it applies to the rules of the grant.

If you’re considering a loan, LegalZoom’s Fast Break for Small Business grant fund administrator, Accion Opportunity Fund , is an inclusive Community Development Institutions Fund (CDFI) dedicated to helping small business owners. They provide support through affordable small business loans, coaching, educational resources, networks, webinars, and policy advocacy. 

4 types of grants available to small businesses

Grants of many types are available to small business owners and are grouped into four main categories. Your eligibility for these grants will depend on your products and services, how you own your business, and your business's mission.

The four types of grants available to business owners are:

• Federal grants : The government gives grants to stimulate the economy. These grants are drawn from the U.S. general federal revenue.
• State grants : These can be smaller than federal grants, but because of their state-specific requirements, the competition is often slimmer. This makes them more attainable for many organizations. Even though they may be smaller than a federal grant, they can still be a much-needed financial boost.
• Local grants : Small establishments are the main focus of these grants that directly stimulate the community around them.
• Corporate grants : These grants, given out by corporations, can have various requirements, come in different amounts, and be suited for specific or broad types of businesses. In most cases, companies set aside money at the beginning of the fiscal year and host competitions to distribute funds.

There's plenty of grant money available for entrepreneurs. Look into funding from the following sources to help your business. These grants were available at the time of publishing and may not still be available.

1. LegalZoom’s Fast Break for Small Business grant program

Together with the NBA, WNBA, and NBA G League, LegalZoom is offering $3 million in grant funding and services to small business owners and emerging entrepreneurs, with a $6 million commitment over three years. Apply today through Sept. 15, 2024, for your chance at a $10,000 small business grant and/or up to $500 in LegalZoom products and services.

• Award amount : $10,000 for established businesses, $500 in products and services for emerging entrepreneurs
• How to apply : Apply on Accion Opportunity Fund’s website .  

2. Grants.gov

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources created Grants.gov in 2002. It's a government program operated by the Office of Management and Budget. The program provides resources and assistance for grant seekers to find and receive funding.

• Award amount:  Varies
• How to apply:  Visit grants.gov for details on specific grants.

The website allows you to search for federal grants and check your eligibility before applying for one. You can also track your grant applications once submitted.  

3. Local chamber of commerce

Start by researching grants within your community—your local Chamber of Commerce is a great place to start.

• How to apply:  Reach out to your local  Chamber of Commerce  for information.

Although some grants have stipulations like industry, business type, size, and location, your local chamber of commerce should be able to connect you with grants that fit your situation. Their team can also provide your small business funding services, tips, and resources.

4. Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)

The Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) is a competitive grant program for small businesses. This program helps fund entrepreneurs in the research and development industry to support scientific and technological innovation.

• Award amount:  Phase 1, $50,000–$250,000 for six months or one year; Phase 2, $750,000 for two years (only available for businesses who previously received a Phase I grant).
• How to apply:  Apply with a  specific solicitation  if you meet industry requirements.

A  solid business plan  is a must before you apply. A plan will clarify your business's direction and how it can benefit your community.

5. Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR)

Small Business Technology Transfer Programs are similar to SBIRs but focused on the technology industry. This grant is issued to businesses in the technology industry.

These grants help fund innovative technological advancement in many fields with the intention of boosting the economy.  

6. FedEx Small Business Grant

FedEx hosts a small business grant contest to provide funding for ambitious entrepreneurs. The contest has tough competition, with nearly 18,000 applicants for the grant in 2022.

• Award amount:  Up to $30,000
• How to apply:  Visit the  FedEx website  for specific application details.

This grant is open to small business models with a story “worth telling," so if you plan to apply, pinpoint what makes your business unique.

7. National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grant

The  National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grant  was established in 2006. Over the years, NASE has awarded roughly $1,000,000 to entrepreneurs to help grow small businesses.

• Award amount:  Up to $4,000
• How to apply:  Visit NASE's  website  for information on the grant and how to become an NASE member.

You must be a member of NASE to apply for this grant, but winners can receive up to $4,000 to go toward marketing, team growth, and other needs.

Several small business grants are available exclusively to women, and more arise every year to tackle inequality in funding.

8. Amber Grant Foundation

WomensNet founded the  Amber Grant Foundation  in 1998. Its mission is to help aspiring  female small business owners  fund their dreams in honor of Amber Wigdahl, the grant's namesake.

• Award amount:  $10,000–$25,000
• How to apply:  Visit WomensNet's  website  for details on monthly and annual grant gifts. This grant has a $15 application fee.

In the first week of every month, $10,000 is awarded to a woman pursuing her entrepreneurial passions, from “scientific inventors to bakers," according to the WomensNet site. At the end of each year, the foundation also grants one woman $25,000.

9. Live Your Dream Award

Each year, the  Live Your Dream Foundation  grants $2.1 million in educational funds to women on behalf of Soroptimist International. This foundation focuses on women who have survived sexual violence or other traumatic events.

• Award amount:  $1,000–$10,000
• How to apply:  Visit Soroptimist's website  for more information.

The Live Your Dream Foundation offers programs and funding that help women build confidence, advance their careers, and overcome unexpected situations. 

10. Cartier Women's Initiative Award

This grant program is for eco-friendly and sustainable women-owned businesses around the world. Cartier offers three funding types:  regional awards ,  diversity, equity, and inclusion awards , and  science and technology pioneer awards .

• Award amount:  $30,000–$100,000
• How to apply:  Visit the  Cartier Women's Initiative website  for more information on various awards.

11. American Association of University Women (AAUW)

The American Association of University Women not only offers academic and research grants but also grants for career development for women looking to change careers or reenter the workforce.

• Award amount:  $2,000–$20,000
• How to apply:  Visit the  AAUW website  for a timeline and eligibility requirements.

In addition to grants for individual career betterment, the AAUW also grants funds for projects that encourage and jump-start young girls' careers in technical fields.

12. Stacy's Rise Project

Stacy's Snacks is a women-led brand that launched the Rise Project to help women grow their businesses in the food industry. The project offers funding in addition to mentorship and opportunities for community and networking.

• Award amount:  $25,000
• How to apply:  Visit the  Stacy's website  for grant information

Past winners have received more than $450,000 to grow their products with mentorship.

13. Tory Burch Foundation Fellowship Grant

Designer Tory Burch has a fund with the goal of mentoring and uplifting women entrepreneurs across all walks of life.

• Award amount:  $5,000
• How to apply:  Visit the  Tory Burch website  for details on the fellowship program and the foundation itself.

In addition to a monetary grant, the fellowship program offers a yearlong education model with mentorship tailored to your needs. The foundation also offers a peer network of other recipients and a trip to Burch's New York office.

Many small business grants celebrate this diversity by offering grants specifically for minorities to help you and your business grow.

14. Sephora Accelerate

Sephora is a makeup retailer that launched its  Accelerate  grant program to uplift minority business leaders. Each fall, this program helps fund and mentor entrepreneurs in the beauty industry.

• Award amount:  This is a non-monetary award that offers mentorship and a potential Sephora-exclusive product launch
• How to apply:  Visit  Sepora Accelerate  for more information on eligibility and selection criteria.

Though rewards for this grant aren't monetary, they do involve a hefty financial advantage. Winners receive access to a six-month boot camp and are eligible to launch their products directly with Sephora.

16. National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)

The  National Minority Supplier Development Council  is a top corporate membership organization that offers business services and networking opportunities to connect you with investors and build your practice.

• How to apply:  Visit the  NMDSC website  for more information on offerings and one-off funding and grant opportunities.

Although grant opportunities run the gambit, access to the NMSDC's roster of mentors and community small business advisors is top-notch.

17. Operation Hope Small Business Empowerment Program

The  Small Business Empowerment Program  from Operation Hope offers eight and 12-week entrepreneurship training programs with funding opportunities.

• How to apply:  Visit   Operation Hope  for details and other entrepreneurial growth opportunities.

18. SBA Funding Programs

The  SBA grant program  offers a few funding options—research and development, exporting, and associate rewards. Grants vary by year, and eligibility may differ depending on each grant offering.

• How to apply:  Visit SBA  for more information on grant offerings.

The SBA also offers a Veterans Business Outreach Center services for veterans to help assist in operations, funding, and other business needs.

Thanks to certain organizations, veterans are on the receiving end of many small business grants and programs.

19. The Second Service Foundation

The Second Service Foundation's mission is to inspire and support military entrepreneurs. It grants businesses funding, shares educational content, provides mentorship and coaching, and hosts networking events.

• Award amount:  $4,000–$15,000
• How to apply:  Visit the  Second Service Foundation  for more information on grant offerings.

Since 2016, the foundation (formerly The StreetShares Foundation) has built a strong community of over 85,000 members and helped more than 5,000 entrepreneurs build their businesses.

20. VA VR&E Business Ownership Track

If you're a veteran with a disability and an entrepreneurial passion, reach out to the  VR&E Self-Employment Track program . This program helps coordinate services to build your business—starting with your business plan. Team members assist in small business operations, marketing, and finances.

• Award amount:  Non-monetary. Assistance with planning and growing a business.
• How to apply:  Visit the  VA.gov  for more information on program benefits.

While the program isn't a monetary grant, the resources provided to recipients are valuable for planning and scaling a business as a veteran.

In all likelihood, you'll need funds to take your business model to the next level. Instead of taking out a business loan, consider these startup grants.

20. Economic Development Administration (EDA) Grants

The Build to Scale (B2S) Program seeks to build regional economies by funding scalable startups through various grant competitions. Total funding stands in the millions, with $45 million in federal funds available to startups in 2022.

• How to apply:  Visit EDA.gov  for details on grant competitions.

The B2S program accepts applications for three different competitions: Venture Challenge, Capital Challenge, and Industry Challenge.

Small business grants come in many forms and have various requirements. While there's nothing you can do to guarantee you get a grant, there are some things that can increase your likelihood of getting picked for one.

1. Start local

Nationwide grants can be appealing due to their large awards. Before you spend countless hours preparing submissions for nationwide grants, consider starting locally.

Look for any small grants offered by your town or city. Then, branch out to the state level and regional level. These grants may not be as big as some of the ones offered to the entire country, but you'll also be competing with a smaller pool and have a greater chance of winning funding.

2. Research previous winners

If you've found a grant that looks like a good fit for your business, do some digging and see who the previous winners were. Note any patterns you see between the business.

Seeing what kinds of businesses are awarded a certain grant can help you narrow down if your business is a good fit, what you could do to increase your chances, and ultimately help you save time by not applying to a grant you're unlikely to land.

3. Take your time with applications

Grant applications can be long and grueling. Take it slowly when filling them out, and don't let yourself get overwhelmed by trying to rush them. A mistake on the application could cost you the grant, so make sure it's time well spent by filling out the forms the right way.

Similarly, take your time developing your story before you start writing grant applications. Many grants may ask entrepreneurs to appeal to emotion in their applications, wanting to hear about the “why" behind your motivation to grow a business besides financial gain. A confident story can be a great asset before embarking down a path of grant applications.

4. Consider hiring a grant writer

Grant writing is an art, so consider hiring a grant writer. A grant writer will know what kind of language to use to make your application stand out, which can make quite an impact when you're competing.

It's worth noting that grant writers can be expensive. So, if you're strapped for cash, you may want to hold off and consider taking some  free grant writing courses  instead.

Before applying to grant programs, ensure you've  covered all your business's legal bases  and have a story to tell along with a business plan to show.

When you’re ready to take your business to the next level, LegalZoom will be there to help you every step of the way.

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Small Business Grants: Your Guide to Finding Funding

Small business grants provide financial aid without the burden of repayment, but obtaining them may be competitive. Federal and state agencies, corporations and industry-specific organizations may offer grant funding.

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Updated: March 15, 2024

• Small Business Grant
• Federal & State Grants
• Corporate & Private Grants
• How to Apply
• Specialty Grants
• Alternative Funding

Additional Resources

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Starting a small business is rewarding, yet securing initial funding is a common hurdle. Grants provide financial support without the obligation of repayment, but the allure of 'free money' typically results in stiff competition. As an entrepreneur, understanding the various types of grants, their advantages and limitations and the application process will help you secure grants that align with your business needs and increase your chances of acceptance.

What Is a Small Business Grant?

Small business grants are funds designed to support ventures that may not appeal to conventional lenders yet offer significant community value. These grants, sourced from government entities, private corporations and philanthropic organizations, are unique because they do not require repayment. The amount awarded can vary significantly, with some grants as modest as a few hundred dollars and others providing substantial support well over $10,000.

Grants vs. Business Loans: Key Differences

Grants may seem the ideal choice due to their non-repayable nature, but they come with their own challenges and stipulations. On the other hand, while requiring repayment, business loans can offer more flexibility and may be more accessible.

Federal and State Small Business Grants

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is a primary source for federal small business grants, providing various funding opportunities. These include grants and loans available through its Small Business Development Centers , many targeting businesses that focus on research and rural economic development. Numerous other federal and state agencies also offer specialized grant programs for small businesses.

Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)

The SBIR program is a competitive grant initiative targeting small businesses engaged in research and development. Its goal is to stimulate scientific and technological innovation. The program is structured into three phases, each designed to serve distinct objectives and advance participants to the next stage of development.

Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR)

Like the SBIR, the STTR program emphasizes collaboration between research institutions and small businesses. A key feature of the STTR program is its requirement for the small business awardee and its associated institution to formulate an intellectual property agreement.

USDA Rural Business Development Grant

Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Rural Business Development Grant program aims to bolster small businesses in rural communities. It focuses on stimulating job creation and economic development and providing financial assistance to businesses that are pivotal in rural growth.

The USDA provides two grant types: Opportunity and Enterprise. Opportunity grants are limited to up to 10 percent of the total annual grant funding. Enterprise grants are for projects that benefit small and emerging businesses in rural areas, as specified in the application. To learn more about how these grants can be used, visit their website .

Program for Investors in Microentrepreneurs (PRIME)

The PRIME program offers federal grants to microenterprise development organizations. These organizations also assist disadvantaged microentrepreneurs.

State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)

The STEP program supports small businesses aiming to expand their reach into international markets. This program grants businesses involved in exporting, assisting them in participating in foreign-market trade shows and other global expansion opportunities.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Grants

The EPA Grants provide grants for small businesses striving to enhance the environment. These grants support innovative solutions and initiatives that address concerns such as air and water quality, pollution prevention and overall environmental quality.

Economic Development Administration (EDA) Grants

The EDA provides various programs, funding opportunities and grant competitions. Note that the EDA doesn't provide direct grants; you can review their funding options and apply accordingly.

National Institute of Food and Agriculture Grants

The NIFA provides grants to support small businesses within the agriculture and food sectors through three primary funding mechanisms: competitive, capacity and non-competitive. Competitive grant programs utilize a peer review process to select the best proposals from various institutions. Capacity grant programs help maintain research and extension capabilities within the Land-Grant University System. Non-competitive grant programs, mandated by Congress, support designated institutions in research, education or extension activities vital to state or regional needs.

Corporate and Private Grants for Small Businesses

Corporations and large companies often offer small-business grants as part of their philanthropic efforts. Some of these grants cater exclusively to nonprofits servicing industries. A significant number are also available to for-profit companies as well. While the application process might be more competitive, the potential rewards make it a valuable avenue for businesses seeking financial support.

How to Apply for Small Business Grants

Grant programs typically operate on annual cycles, announcing recipients well after applications are submitted. Given the fierce competition and precise eligibility criteria, it's helpful to understand the distinct requirements of each grant thoroughly. Using the steps below, you can start crafting a strategic application that effectively highlights the value and potential of your business.

Craft a Solid Business Plan

Many grants have specific application windows. Mark these dates and set reminders to ensure you start the application process well in advance. Set up alerts or regularly check grant websites to ensure you take advantage of new opportunities. Prepare a detailed business plan outlining how the grant funds will benefit your business.

Tailor Your Application

Review businesses that previously secured grants to gauge your chances. Avoid using a one-size-fits-all approach. For each grant, customize your application to address each grant's specific requirements and objectives.

Verify Eligibility

Have all necessary documents ready. This includes your EIN, DUNS number and revenue history. Also, double-check that you meet all the grant's eligibility criteria. This ensures your efforts are directed at viable opportunities.

Consider Professional Help

Local business organizations can guide you on grant applications. For substantial grants, consider hiring a professional grant writer. Their expertise can help articulate your vision and increase your chances of success.

Emphasize Innovation, Growth and Alignment

Focus on your business's innovative aspects and growth potential in your application. Highlight emerging technologies and how your business aligns with the grantor's mission.

Specialty Small Business Grants

Specialty small-business grants cater to distinct segments of the entrepreneurial landscape, ensuring that specific groups receive the support they need. These grants recognize their targeted demographics' unique challenges and offer tailored financial assistance. You can access resources that align closely with your needs by tapping into these specialized funds.

Small Business Grants for People From Racial Minority Groups

Entrepreneurs from racial and ethnic minority groups often face challenges in securing funding. Grants tailored for them aim to bridge this gap, offering recognition and financial support.

Small Business Grants for Veterans

After serving our nation, many veterans start a business . For veterans looking to kickstart or expand business ventures, the Veterans Business Outreach Center can be a valuable resource for finding support and assistance.

Small Business Grants for Women

Women entrepreneurs are making waves in business. There are grants tailored specifically for women-owned small businesses, aiming to bridge the funding gap and foster growth. Beyond these grants, local Women's Business Centers , with over 100 locations across the United States, offer invaluable resources and guidance. These centers can direct women entrepreneurs to additional grant opportunities or alternative funding avenues.

Alternative Funding Options for Small Businesses

Small business grants aren't always the most feasible or immediate solution for every entrepreneur. If you find yourself outside the grant eligibility circle or need quicker access to funds, there are several alternative avenues to explore.

Here are some resources that provide additional support and tools to bolster your business's success:

• General Services Administration : This independent agency provides resources to help businesses understand government contracting opportunities and how to market their contracts.
• Small Business Development Center (SBDC) : SBDCs ​​are corporate efforts that offer many services, including connecting businesses with potential small-business grants. Beyond grant assistance, they provide counseling, training and technical guidance on various business topics, from digital advertising to cybersecurity.
• State Business Incentives Database : This national database offers a user-friendly map feature, enabling business owners to select their state and instantly view available grants, tax credits and exemptions. Access is exclusive to members of the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). A basic C2ER membership, which grants access to the database, is priced at $362 annually.
• Small Business Digital Alliance : This co-sponsorship agreement between the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Business Forward, Inc. provides a library of tools and resources for small businesses. They offer personalized resources for businesses.
• USBusinessGrants.org : This platform offers information on federal government grants with opportunities for various companies. The site emphasizes the limited small business grants provided by SBA.gov at the federal level.
• U.S. Department of the Treasury Small Business Resources : This platform provides links for reference and information related to small business programs. It does not endorse any non-government websites but offers a comprehensive list.

About Nathan Paulus

Nathan Paulus is the Head of Content Marketing at MoneyGeek, with nearly 10 years of experience researching and creating content related to personal finance and financial literacy.

Paulus has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of St. Thomas, Houston. He enjoys helping people from all walks of life build stronger financial foundations.

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• National Black MBA Association, Inc. . " 2023 NBMBAA® Scale Up Pitch Challenge ." Accessed September 20, 2023 .
• SBIR.gov . " The SBIR and STTR Programs ." Accessed September 20, 2023 .
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• Tory Burch Foundation . " The Fellows Program ." Accessed September 20, 2023 .
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• U.S. Department of Agriculture . " Rural Business Development Grants ." Accessed September 20, 2023 .
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• U.S. National Institute of Food and Agriculture . " Apply for a Grant ." Accessed November 20, 2023 .
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• Veteran Affairs . " VR&E Self-Employment Track ." Accessed September 20, 2023 .
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• WomensNet . " Apply Today for a $25,000 Amber Grant for Women ." Accessed September 20, 2023 .

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• Building Your Business

How To Find and Get Small Business Grants

Learn how grants work and the ways in which to receive them

How Small Business Grants Work

How to find small business grants, types of small business grants, how to apply for grants for your business, frequently asked questions (faqs).

PixelsEffect / Getty Images

Small business grants are sums of money awarded to businesses for various purposes such as economic development, job creation, or disaster relief by government and nonprofit organizations.

Grants essentially are free money, providing businesses of all types, sizes, ages, and industries with the resources to grow without requiring anything in return. Learn what grant opportunities are perfect for your business, including what types are available, how to find them, and how to apply for them.

Key Takeaways

• Small business grants are sums of money given for a particular purpose by government or nonprofit organizations for economic and business development.
• Grants don't require equity (a stake in your company), which means nothing is expected in return other than your time and effort to acquire them.
• Grants do not need to be repaid; however, your business must meet requirements to receive funding.
• You can find small business grants by browsing the websites or calling the offices of local, state, federal, and nonprofit organizations in your area.

Small business grants can be divided into two categories: those from the government (local, state, or federal) and those from private organizations. Many different types of small business grants are available, but not all grants are the same. Most grants are first come, first serve and based on need, so as long as you fulfill the requirements, you have a shot at receiving funding. Unlike traditional loans , which are available for any kind of business, your business must be eligible and match requirements for the specific grant you are applying for to receive funding.

How Much Funding Can You Expect to Receive?

Federal agencies, including the Small Business Administration (SBA), award billions of dollars every year in small business loans and grants to help fund startups, keep existing businesses thriving, and create jobs.

In 2021 alone, the SBA distributed nearly $416.3 billion in emergency relief aid through various grant programs to more than 6 million small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Small business grants can range from a few thousand dollars to a few million. Government programs from federal down to state and local can provide small business owners with grant funding, tax credits, free training, no-interest loans, and other financial perks. Private organizations such as nonprofits function similarly but on a smaller scale, and can provide grants, equity investments, no-interest loans, and patent protections to business owners.

Do You Have To Pay It Back?

As a small business owner, knowing the rules and regulations surrounding your grant funding, including what you need to do after receiving a small business grant, is essential. The short answer is no. Grants do not need to be repaid once you receive them from a government or nonprofit organization. Grants are free sums of money awarded to businesses in need.

There is no need for monthly repayments or interest charges; however, you are still responsible for any associated taxes that come with accepting the grant.

How Difficult Is It To Get Small Business Grants?

Many factors can complicate the process of applying for grants, including the grant itself, the level of competition, the longevity of the business, and how well you detailed your purpose for the grant. However, the SBA and most nonprofit grant organizations have resources to help guide you through the process. If you still run into difficulties, you can always turn to an attorney, business mentorship network SCORE, or nonprofit guide for help.

There are many ways to find small business grants. One way is to research online for funding opportunities. Government sites such as Grants.gov are excellent places to start your search because they offer the most variety of programs. However, there are also non-governmental sources where you can find grant programs.

One option is to ask your local chamber of commerce or other small business associations in your area about grant opportunities and where you can apply. Depending on your location, you can check out local and regional grant programs that focus on specific industries, such as manufacturing or tourism.

There are various ways to find small business grants, depending on the type of grant you are looking for. Local, state, and federal government agencies receive funding and offer resources to small business owners expressly for this purpose.

It can be helpful to reach out to these agencies about the grants available in your area or for your business type or demographic. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is also a helpful resource for locating grants that fit your business’s needs.

If you're looking to get support for your small business, keep in mind that there are many avenues to explore. Some funds are issued directly by the federal government, while others are distributed through state and local governments or private organizations such as nonprofits. After the funds are distributed, organizations then can use their funding to provide technical or educational assistance on a regional level.

Below are some examples of resources across government levels.

Local Grants

Since local grant programs generally have less competition than state and federal ones, they are excellent places to start. Search online for your local small business development center (SBDC) or economic development center. SBDC websites and SBA local chapter websites should have information on grants available for your business. Additionally, you can contact your district's elected officials' offices about grant funding in your area.

State or Regional Grants

You can find out if your business qualifies for any state or regional grants by checking out the SBA’s website and exploring its information on available grants and funding programs. Another place to check is your state’s economic development websites. You can also contact your elected state officials’ offices for more information on grant funding available. State grants generally have more competition than local grants, so apply early and make sure you meet eligibility requirements. For example, there is:

• U.S. Small Business Administration State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) : STEP offers financial assistance to small businesses seeking to export products. This grant program distributes federal funds through state agencies. Small businesses that meet the criteria set by each state can use the funds to participate in foreign trade shows, facilitate entry to foreign markets, develop websites, create products, and design international marketing campaigns.
• Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) grants : The MBDA is an agency subsidiary of the Department of Commerce and provides grants to promote the growth and competitiveness of minority-owned businesses .

Federal Grants

These grants can be the most competitive to apply for, but are available for a wide variety of recipients. Grants.gov is a great place to start while looking for federal grant programs for your industry or demographic. Federal grant programs include:

• Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) : SBIR and STTR are federal grant programs from the SBA that encourage small businesses to engage in research and development with the potential for commercialization and socioeconomic benefit.
• Boots to Business (B2B) : The B2B program provides entrepreneurship training, curriculum updates and program management support services for active military members, veterans, and their spouses.

Private Grants

The government is not the only provider of small business grants. Nonprofit organizations often provide funding for entrepreneurs starting or growing their business ventures. Private organizations, demographic-specific grants, and emergency economic development grants are also options. The type of small business grants available to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses vary greatly and include grants for women-owned businesses, minority-owned businesses, and veteran-owned businesses. Examples include:

• Fast Break for Small Business : LegalZoom has partnered with the NBA, WNBA, G League, and Accion Opportunity Fund to help out small business owners by offering $10,000 grants and up to $500 in LegalZoom services for small business owners. Applications are open twice a year.
• National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) : The NASE offers up to $4,000 for business development through its Growth Grants program.
• Amber Grants : Grants are awarded monthly in the Amber Grants program to women who want to fulfill their entrepreneurial dreams. Previous grant recipients have ranged from bakers to inventors.

What’s involved in the typical small business grant application process? The process for obtaining a small business grant has three main phases.

• The pre-award phase : Grant applicants look for and apply for funding opportunities, then wait as their applications are reviewed.
• Award phase : Grant organizations make award decisions and notify the recipients.
• Post-award phase : Grant funds are utilized, any required reporting is submitted, and the grant organization closes the application.

Applying for a small business grant as a sole proprietor can be daunting and varies in time and effort depending on the type of grant and the funding organization's requirements. However, in general, the following steps are taken: c

• Determine which grants are a good match for your business needs and goals. Research government grant programs and reach out to specific organizations that might be interested in funding your business.
• Gather the information and documentation the funding organization needs to evaluate your application, including your pitch, financial statements, employer identification number (EIN) , and business plan.
• Fill out the application form or submit your online application.
• Wait for a response from the funding source.
• Repeat this process until you receive the funding amount needed for your business.
• If required, report back on how your business used the funding.

Is a Grant Right for You?

With the vast number of options available for this kind of funding, many applicants can find a grant that suits their business needs. However, there are potential downsides to seeking grant funding, including the competition and the time it takes to acquire it.

If you own a small business, need funding, meet grant eligibility requirements, and have time to be patient, then grant funding is right for you. For businesses unable to meet eligibility requirements for government or private grants, or who can’t wait for funding, there are better options, such as small business loans or lines of credit , worth looking into for financing.

How do I qualify for a small business grant?

You can qualify for a small business grant if you are a small business owner looking to start and grow your business, and meet the granting organization's criteria. The organization granting the funds will often specify what it is looking for during the application process. Call its office or review its website for more information about grant eligibility requirements.

How long does it take to get a small business grant?

The length of time it takes to get a small business grant will depend on what type of funding you're applying for and which organization is supplying it. Grant approval and funding, whether from government agencies or  private foundations, can take several months to as long as a year. Keep in mind that some grants have eligibility windows that applicants can't miss. Find out the average wait time for the grant you are applying for and plan accordingly.

U.S. Small Business Administration. “ FACT SHEET: The U.S. Small Business Administration Is Delivering Support to America’s Small Businesses, Helping Them Recover From the COVID-19 Pandemic .”

U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “ 52 Grants, Loans and Programs To Benefit Your Small Business .”

Grants.gov. " Grants 101 ."

Grants.gov. “ How To Apply for Grants .”

Fifth Third Bank. “ 3 Steps To Apply for a Small Business Grant .”

New York State, Empire State Development. “ Meet Me in New York Grant Program .”

GetFundid. “ How Long Does It Take To Get a Business Grant? ”

The Ultimate Grant Writing Guide (and How to Find and Apply for Grants)

Securing grants requires strategic planning. Identifying relevant opportunities, building collaborations, and crafting a comprehensive grant proposal are crucial steps. Read our ultimate guide on grant writing, finding grants, and applying for grants to get the funding for your research.

Updated on February 22, 2024

Embarking on a journey of groundbreaking research and innovation always requires more than just passion and dedication, it demands financial support. In the academic and research domains, securing grants is a pivotal factor for transforming these ideas into tangible outcomes. 

Grant awards not only offer the backing needed for ambitious projects but also stand as a testament to the importance and potential impact of your work. The process of identifying, pursuing, and securing grants, however, is riddled with nuances that necessitate careful exploration. 

Whether you're a seasoned researcher or a budding academic, navigating this complex world of grants can be challenging, but we’re here to help. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps of applying for grants, providing expert tips and insights along the way.

Finding grant opportunities 

Prior to diving into the application phase, the process of finding grants involves researching and identifying those that are relevant and realistic to your project. While the initial step may seem as simple as entering a few keywords into a search engine, the full search phase takes a more thorough investigation.

By focusing efforts solely on the grants that align with your goals, this pre-application preparation streamlines the process while also increasing the likelihood of meeting all the requirements. In fact, having a well thought out plan and a clear understanding of the grants you seek both simplifies the entire activity and sets you and your team up for success.

Apply these steps when searching for appropriate grant opportunities:

1. Determine your need

Before embarking on the grant-seeking journey, clearly articulate why you need the funds and how they will be utilized. Understanding your financial requirements is crucial for effective grant research.

2. Know when you need the money

Grants operate on specific timelines with set award dates. Align your grant-seeking efforts with these timelines to enhance your chances of success.

3. Search strategically

Build a checklist of your most important, non-negotiable search criteria for quickly weeding out grant options that absolutely do not fit your project. Then, utilize the following resources to identify potential grants:

• Online directories
• Small Business Administration (SBA)
• Foundations

4. Develop a tracking tool

After familiarizing yourself with the criteria of each grant, including paperwork, deadlines, and award amounts, make a spreadsheet or use a project management tool to stay organized. Share this with your team to ensure that everyone can contribute to the grant cycle.

Here are a few popular grant management tools to try: 

• Jotform : spreadsheet template
• Airtable : table template
• Instrumentl : software
• Submit : software

Tips for Finding Research Grants

Consider large funding sources : Explore major agencies like NSF and NIH.

Reach out to experts : Consult experienced researchers and your institution's grant office.

Stay informed : Regularly check news in your field for novel funding sources.

Know agency requirements : Research and align your proposal with their requisites.

Ask questions : Use the available resources to get insights into the process.

Demonstrate expertise : Showcase your team's knowledge and background.

Neglect lesser-known sources : Cast a wide net to diversify opportunities.

Name drop reviewers : Prevent potential conflicts of interest.

Miss your chance : Find field-specific grant options.

Forget refinement : Improve proposal language, grammar, and clarity.

Ignore grant support services : Enhance the quality of your proposal.

Overlook co-investigators : Enhance your application by adding experience.

Grant collaboration 

Now that you’ve taken the initial step of identifying potential grant opportunities, it’s time to find collaborators. The application process is lengthy and arduous. It requires a diverse set of skills. This phase is crucial for success.

With their valuable expertise and unique perspectives, these collaborators play instrumental roles in navigating the complexities of grant writing. While exploring the judiciousness that goes into building these partnerships, we will underscore why collaboration is both advantageous and indispensable to the pursuit of securing grants.

Why is collaboration important to the grant process?

Some grant funding agencies outline collaboration as an outright requirement for acceptable applications. However, the condition is more implied with others. Funders may simply favor or seek out applications that represent multidisciplinary and multinational projects.

To get an idea of the types of collaboration major funders prefer, try searching “collaborative research grants” to uncover countless possibilities, such as:

• National Endowment for the Humanities
• American Brain Tumor Association

For exploring grants specifically for international collaboration, check out this blog:

• 30+ Research Funding Agencies That Support International Collaboration

Either way, proposing an interdisciplinary research project substantially increases your funding opportunities. Teaming up with multiple collaborators who offer diverse backgrounds and skill sets enhances the robustness of your research project and increases credibility.

This is especially true for early career researchers, who can leverage collaboration with industry, international, or community partners to boost their research profile. The key lies in recognizing the multifaceted advantages of collaboration in the context of obtaining funding and maximizing the impact of your research efforts.

How can I find collaborators?

Before embarking on the search for a collaborative partner, it's essential to crystallize your objectives for the grant proposal and identify the type of support needed. Ask yourself these questions: 

1)Which facet of the grant process do I need assistance with:

2) Is my knowledge lacking in a specific: 

• Population?

3) Do I have access to the necessary:

Use these questions to compile a detailed list of your needs and prioritize them based on magnitude and ramification. These preliminary step ensure that search for an ideal collaborator is focused and effective.

Once you identify targeted criteria for the most appropriate partners, it’s time to make your approach. While a practical starting point involves reaching out to peers, mentors, and other colleagues with shared interests and research goals, we encourage you to go outside your comfort zone.

Beyond the first line of potential collaborators exists a world of opportunities to expand your network. Uncover partnership possibilities by engaging with speakers and attendees at events, workshops, webinars, and conferences related to grant writing or your field.

Also, consider joining online communities that facilitate connections among grant writers and researchers. These communities offer a space to exchange ideas and information. Sites like Collaboratory , NIH RePorter , and upwork provide channels for canvassing and engaging with feasible collaborators who are good fits for your project. 

Like any other partnership, carefully weigh your vetted options before committing to a collaboration. Talk with individuals about their qualifications and experience, availability and work style, and terms for grant writing collaborations.

Transparency on both sides of this partnership is imperative to forging a positive work environment where goals, values, and expectations align for a strong grant proposal.

Putting together a winning grant proposal

It’s time to assemble the bulk of your grant application packet – the proposal itself. Each funder is unique in outlining the details for specific grants, but here are several elements fundamental to every proposal:

• Executive Summary
• Needs assessment
• Project description
• Evaluation plan
• Team introduction
• Sustainability plan 

This list of multi-faceted components may seem daunting, but careful research and planning will make it manageable. 

Start by reading about the grant funder to learn:

• What their mission and goals are,
• Which types of projects they have funded in the past, and
• How they evaluate and score applications.

Next, view sample applications to get a feel for the length, flow, and tone the evaluators are looking for. Many funders offer samples to peruse, like these from the NIH , while others are curated by online platforms , such as Grantstation.

Also, closely evaluate the grant application’s requirements. they vary between funding organizations and opportunities, and also from one grant cycle to the next. Take notes and make a checklist of these requirements to add to an Excel spreadsheet, Google smartsheet, or management system for organizing and tracking your grant process.

Finally, understand how you will submit the final grant application. Many funders use online portals with character or word limits for each section. Be aware of these limits beforehand. Simplify the editing process by first writing each section in a Word document to be copy and pasted into the corresponding submission fields.

If there is no online application platform, the funder will usually offer a comprehensive Request for Proposal (RFP) to guide the structure of your grant proposal. The RFP: 

• Specifies page constraints
• Delineates specific sections
• Outlines additional attachments
• Provides other pertinent details

Components of a grant proposal

Cover letter.

Though not always explicitly requested, including a cover letter is a strategic maneuver that could be the factor determining whether or not grant funders engage with your proposal. It’s an opportunity to give your best first impression by grabbing the reviewer’s attention and compelling them to read further. 

Cover letters are not the place for excessive emotion or detail, keep it brief and direct, stating your financial needs and purpose confidently from the outset. Also, try to clearly demonstrate the connection between your project and the funder’s mission to create additional value beyond the formal proposal.

Executive summary

Like an abstract for your research manuscript, the executive summary is a brief synopsis that encapsulates the overarching topics and key points of your grant proposal. It must set the tone for the main body of the proposal while providing enough information to stand alone if necessary.

Refer to How to Write an Executive Summary for a Grant Proposal for detailed guidance like:

• Give a clear and concise account of your identity, funding needs, and project roadmap.
• Write in an instructive manner aiming for an objective and persuasive tone
• Be convincing and pragmatic about your research team's ability.
• Follow the logical flow of main points in your proposal.
• Use subheadings and bulleted lists for clarity.
• Write the executive summary at the end of the proposal process.
• Reference detailed information explained in the proposal body.
• Address the funder directly.
• Provide excessive details about your project's accomplishments or management plans.
• Write in the first person.
• Disclose confidential information that could be accessed by competitors.
• Focus excessively on problems rather than proposed solutions.
• Deviate from the logical flow of the main proposal.
• Forget to align with evaluation criteria if specified

Project narrative

After the executive summary is the project narrative . This is the main body of your grant proposal and encompasses several distinct elements that work together to tell the story of your project and justify the need for funding. 

Include these primary components:

Introduction of the project team

Briefly outline the names, positions, and credentials of the project’s directors, key personnel, contributors, and advisors in a format that clearly defines their roles and responsibilities. Showing your team’s capacity and ability to meet all deliverables builds confidence and trust with the reviewers.

Needs assessment or problem statement

A compelling needs assessment (or problem statement) clearly articulates a problem that must be urgently addressed. It also offers a well-defined project idea as a possible solution. This statement emphasizes the pressing situation and highlights existing gaps and their consequences to illustrate how your project will make a difference.

To begin, ask yourself these questions:

• What urgent need are we focusing on with this project?
• Which unique solution does our project offer to this urgent need? 
• How will this project positively impact the world once completed?

Here are some helpful examples and templates.

Goals and objectives

Goals are broad statements that are fairly abstract and intangible. Objectives are more narrow statements that are concrete and measurable. For example :

• Goal : “To explore the impact of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance in college students.”
• Objective : “To compare cognitive test scores of students with less than six hours of sleep and those with 8 or more hours of sleep.”

Focus on outcomes, not processes, when crafting goals and objectives. Use the SMART acronym to align them with the proposal's mission while emphasizing their impact on the target audience.

Methods and strategies

It is vitally important to explain how you intend to use the grant funds to fulfill the project’s objectives. Detail the resources and activities that will be employed. Methods and strategies are the bridge between idea and action. They must prove to reviewers the plausibility of your project and the significance of their possible funding.

Here are some useful guidelines for writing your methods section that are outlined in " Winning Grants: Step by Step ."

• Firmly tie your methods to the proposed project's objectives and needs assessment.
• Clearly link them to the resources you are requesting in the proposal budget.
• Thoroughly explain why you chose these methods by including research, expert opinion, and your experience.
• Precisely list the facilities and capital equipment that you will use in the project.
• Carefully structure activities so that the program moves toward the desired results in a time-bound manner.

A comprehensive evaluation plan underscores the effectiveness and accountability of a project for both the funders and your team. An evaluation is used for tracking progress and success. The evaluation process shows how to determine the success of your project and measure the impact of the grant award by systematically gauging and analyzing each phase of your project as it compares to the set objectives.

Evaluations typically fall into two standard categories:

1. Formative evaluation : extending from project development through implementation, continuously provides feedback for necessary adjustments and improvements. 

2. Summative evaluation : conducted post-project completion, critically assesses overall success and impact by compiling information on activities and outcomes.

Creating a conceptual model of your project is helpful when identifying these key evaluation points. Then, you must consider exactly who will do the evaluations, what specific skills and resources they need, how long it will take, and how much it will cost.

Sustainability

Presenting a solid plan that illustrates exactly how your project will continue to thrive after the grant money is gone builds the funder's confidence in the project’s longevity and significance. In this sustainability section, it is vital to demonstrate a diversified funding strategy for securing the long-term viability of your program.

There are three possible long term outcomes for projects with correlated sustainability options:

• Short term projects: Though only implemented once, will have ongoing maintenance costs, such as monitoring, training, and updates.

(E.g., digitizing records, cleaning up after an oil spill)

• Projects that will generate income at some point in the future: must be funded until your product or service can cover operating costs with an alternative plan in place for deficits.

(E.g., medical device, technology, farming method)

• Ongoing projects: will eventually need a continuous stream of funding from a government entity or large organization.

(E.g., space exploration, hurricane tracking)

Along with strategies for funding your program beyond the initial grant,  reference your access to institutional infrastructure and resources that will reduce costs.

Also, submit multi-year budgets that reflect how sustainability factors are integrated into the project’s design.

The budget section of your grant proposal, comprising both a spreadsheet and a narrative, is the most influential component. It should be able to stand independently as a suitable representation of the entire endeavor. Providing a detailed plan to outline how grant funds will be utilized is crucial for illustrating cost-effectiveness and careful consideration of project expenses. 

A comprehensive grant budget offers numerous benefits to both the grantor , or entity funding the grant, and the grantee , those receiving the funding, such as:

• Grantor : The budget facilitates objective evaluation and comparison between multiple proposals by conveying a project's story through responsible fund management and financial transparency.
• Grantee : The budget serves as a tracking tool for monitoring and adjusting expenses throughout the project and cultivates trust with funders by answering questions before they arise.

Because the grant proposal budget is all-encompassing and integral to your efforts for securing funding, it can seem overwhelming. Start by listing all anticipated expenditures within two broad categories, direct and indirect expenses , where:

• Direct : are essential for successful project implementation, are measurable project-associated costs, such as salaries, equipment, supplies, travel, and external consultants, and are itemized and detailed in various categories within the grant budget.
• Indirect : includes administrative costs not directly or exclusively tied to your project, but necessary for its completion, like rent, utilities, and insurance, think about lab or meeting spaces that are shared by multiple project teams, or Directors who oversee several ongoing projects.

After compiling your list, review sample budgets to understand the typical layout and complexity. Focus closely on the budget narratives , where you have the opportunity to justify each aspect of the spreadsheet to ensure clarity and validity.

While not always needed, the appendices consist of relevant supplementary materials that are clearly referenced within your grant application. These might include: 

• Updated resumes that emphasize staff members' current positions and accomplishments. 
• Letters of support from people or organizations that have authority in the field of your research, or community members that may benefit from the project.
• Visual aids like charts, graphs, and maps that contribute directly to your project’s story and are referred to previously in the application. 

Finalizing your grant application

Now that your grant application is finished, make sure it's not just another document in the stack Aim for a grant proposal that captivates the evaluator. It should stand out not only for presenting an excellent project, but for being engaging and easily comprehended . 

Keep the language simple. Avoid jargon. Prioritizing accuracy and conciseness. Opt for reader-friendly formatting with white space, headings, standard fonts, and illustrations to enhance readability.

Always take time for thorough proofreading and editing. You can even set your proposal aside for a few days before revisiting it for additional edits and improvements. At this stage, it is helpful to seek outside feedback from those familiar with the subject matter as well as novices to catch unnoticed mistakes and improve clarity.

If you want to be absolutely sure your grant proposal is polished, consider getting it edited by AJE .

How can AI help the grant process?

When used efficiently, AI is a powerful tool for streamlining and enhancing various aspects of the grant process.

• Use AI algorithms to review related studies and identify knowledge gaps.
• Employ AI for quick analysis of complex datasets to identify patterns and trends.
• Leverage AI algorithms to match your project with relevant grant opportunities.
• Apply Natural Language Processing for analyzing grant guidelines and tailoring proposals accordingly.
• Utilize AI-powered tools for efficient project planning and execution.
• Employ AI for tracking project progress and generating reports.
• Take advantage of AI tools for improving the clarity, coherence, and quality of your proposal.
• Rely solely on manual efforts that are less comprehensive and more time consuming.
• Overlook the fact that AI is designed to find patterns and trends within large datasets.
• Minimize AI’s ability to use set parameters for sifting through vast amounts of data quickly.
• Forget that the strength of AI lies in its capacity to follow your prompts without divergence.
• Neglect tools that assist with scheduling, resource allocation, and milestone tracking.
• Settle for software that is not intuitive with automated reminders and updates.
• Hesitate to use AI tools for improving grammar, spelling, and composition throughout the writing process.

Remember that AI provides a diverse array of tools; there is no universal solution. Identify the most suitable tool for your specific task. Also, like a screwdriver or a hammer, AI needs informed human direction and control to work effectively.

Looking for tips when writing your grant application? 

Check out these resources:

• 4 Tips for Writing a Persuasive Grant Proposal
• Writing Effective Grant Applications
• 7 Tips for Writing an Effective Grant Proposal
• The best-kept secrets to winning grants
• The Best Grant Writing Books for Beginner Grant Writers
• Research Grant Proposal Funding: How I got $1 Million

Final thoughts

The bottom line – applying for grants is challenging. It requires passion, dedication, and a set of diverse skills rarely found within one human being.

Therefore, collaboration is key to a successful grant process . It encourages everyone’s strengths to shine. Be honest and ask yourself, “Which elements of this grant application do I really need help with?” Seek out experts in those areas.

Keep this guide on hand to reference as you work your way through this funding journey. Use the resources contained within. Seek out answers to all the questions that will inevitably arise throughout the process.

The grants are out there just waiting for the right project to present itself – one that shares the funder’s mission and is a benefit to our communities. Find grants that align with your project goals, tell your story through a compelling proposal, and get ready to make the world a better place with your research.

The AJE Team

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Grant Writing for Small Business: A Step-by-Step Success Guide

• Post author By awesome
• Post date September 5, 2023

Grant writing for small businesses involves identifying relevant funding opportunities and crafting compelling proposals that demonstrate the business’s need, viability, and potential impact.

Successful grant applications require a clear understanding of the business’s goals, a well-researched and persuasive narrative, detailed budgets and timelines, and strict adherence to the grant provider’s guidelines and submission requirements.

Understanding Grant Proposals

Proposal components.

Grant proposals are crucial for securing funding. They must include a cover letter, an executive summary, project description, game plan, eligibility requirements, specific programs, and budget. Each component, including specific programs, specific business, team, and technical assistance, serves a unique purpose in making a strong case for support.

The executive summary introduces the business and its goals. The project description outlines how objectives will be achieved. The budget details financial needs and allocations. Tailoring these elements to meet specific funder guidelines, including eligibility for grant funding and formula grants , is essential for success in the grant writing process .

Key Elements

Cover letter.

A personalized cover letter is your first impression. It should introduce your business and outline the grant amount requested, specifying if it’s for formula grants or local grants, and the project’s impact, serving as a game plan for applicants. Keep it concise and aligned with the funder’s mission to make a strong initial connection, following instructions for grant funding support during the grant writing process.

Executive Summary

The executive summary summarizes your proposal’s main points, including objectives, methods, and expected outcomes, vital in the grant writing process for following instructions and securing grant funding. It should be compelling to encourage further reading. Clarity, brevity, and effective use of resources such as information and instructions are key in the writing process of presenting your business case effectively.

Types Explained

Federal grants.

Federal grants, offering resources and information, award significant opportunities for small businesses in need, especially in research and development. Navigating federal grant applications requires understanding of compliance requirements. Use federal databases and their website information to find suitable grants, get help, and ensure alignment with your business goals by following the provided instructions.

Corporate Grants

Corporate grants award funding opportunities for small businesses and startups, with instructions and information available on their website. Understand corporate grantmakers’ goals and align your proposal accordingly. Networking and building relationships with small business corporations can open doors to valuable funding sources , help with grant writing, and award opportunities.

Preparing Your Proposal

Research first.

Before diving into writing, thorough research is crucial . It ensures your proposal aligns with the funder’s mission. Look into past award winners and review their grant funding proposals for valuable insights and information, following the provided instructions. This can help give you a clear idea of what information you need to succeed in grant funding.

Check the eligibility criteria and grant objectives meticulously. Every grant has specific requirements. Meeting these increases your chances of success.

Team Collaboration

Involving a diverse team in the grant writing process brings numerous benefits, including help for small businesses that need information. Different skills contribute to a stronger proposal. Assign roles based on expertise, such as financial planning or project management, to help use information on grant funding.

Hold regular meetings to discuss progress. This ensures everyone stays aligned with the proposal’s objectives. Collaboration fosters creativity and innovation, essential for a standout proposal that can help secure grant funding for a small business with the right information.

Writing Process

Needs statements.

Crafting a compelling needs statement is vital. It should outline the problem clearly, the need for help, and how the grant will address it by using the information. Use data and research to back up your claims.

Link this need directly to the funder’s priorities for a stronger connection, emphasizing how grant funding can help meet this need with information beneficial to small businesses. This shows you understand what they value and how your project aligns with their goals, demonstrating the need for grant funding and how this information can help.

Project Description

Detailing your project’s objectives, methodology, timeline, and personnel involved is next, which will help provide the information small businesses need. Demonstrate its feasibility and potential for success clearly. Funders want to invest in projects that show promise.

Highlight how the project aligns with the funder’s goals. This reinforces your understanding of their mission and how your project contributes to it, by providing information, help, grant, and the need.

Budgeting Strategies

Detailed budget.

A clear and justified budget is crucial in grant writing to help small businesses in need of information. It should outline all project costs and funding sources. Accuracy is key. Make sure your budget aligns with the funder’s guidelines. This shows you understand their requirements.

A budget narrative is equally important. It explains why each cost item is necessary. This transparency builds trust with funders. They see where their money goes.

Financial Planning

After crafting your proposal, focus on the project’s future. A solid financial plan demonstrates sustainability post-grant. It reassures funders that their grant investment has a lasting impact, providing the information and help they need.

Include a plan for future funding or revenue generation . This shows you’re thinking ahead. Detail your financial management practices too. Funders need to know you’ll spend responsibly.

Submission Guidelines

Final review.

A thorough final review of your small business grant proposal is crucial if you need help. It ensures the proposal’s coherence, completeness, and compliance with the submission guidelines, helping small businesses in need to secure grant funding. This step should never be overlooked. It ties directly to the budgeting strategies outlined previously, as any discrepancies between the budget and project description can lead to rejection, especially when the need for a grant to help a small business is involved.

Seeking external feedback is highly beneficial. Reach out to peers or mentors who have experience in grant writing to help your small business if you need it. Their insights can provide invaluable perspectives and help that you might have missed, especially for small businesses seeking to grant opportunities. They can help spot weaknesses in your argument or suggest improvements that make your small business grant proposal more compelling.

Proofreading is another essential step in the final review process. Look for grammatical errors and ensure your ideas are clear and concise. A well-written grant proposal not only communicates professionalism but also makes it easier for reviewers to understand your objectives and how you plan to achieve them, thereby offering help to small business.

Tracking Applications

Once your small business grant proposal is submitted, setting up a system to help track its progress is vital. This helps manage multiple applications efficiently for small business grants, ensuring you meet all deadlines and follow up appropriately.

Maintain detailed records of all grant submissions and correspondence with funders to help small business. This includes dates of submission for grant help, responses received for small business assistance, additional documents requested, and any other relevant interactions. Such records are invaluable for tracking your small business grant application’s status and preparing for future communications with the funder, which can help.

Analyzing unsuccessful small business grant applications offers a golden opportunity for learning and improvement, which can help. Identify areas where your business proposal may have fallen short by comparing it against the eligibility criteria and instructions provided by the grant funders to help you. Use these insights to strengthen future applications.

Enhancing Writing Skills

Strategic game plan.

Developing a long-term strategy for grant seeking is crucial to help your business. It involves targeting specific grant opportunities that align with your business’s needs and planning your submissions well in advance. This approach ensures you’re not just throwing darts in the dark but aiming with precision in your business grant strategy.

Setting realistic goals and timelines for each business grant application can significantly increase your chances of success. It’s important to allocate enough time for research, writing, and revision stages in the business grant process. Rushed applications are rarely successful.

Continuously refining your strategy based on outcomes and feedback is key. If an application is unsuccessful, learn from it. Adjust your approach accordingly for future submissions.

Using Rich Media

Incorporating images, videos, or infographics can make your business grant proposal stand out. These elements should not be added just for the sake of visual appeal but must be directly relevant to the business grant proposal. They should enhance the narrative and help explain complex ideas more simply.

Ensure any media used is professional and high-quality. Poorly presented visuals can harm credibility more than help it. Visuals must complement the written content in a business grant application, providing a cohesive and compelling application.

Research Winners

Studying successful grant proposals offers invaluable insights. It allows you to see what worked for others in the business and grant sectors and how you can adapt those strategies to fit your proposal. Look for patterns or common elements among business grant winners that could be applied to your own strategy.

Reaching out to past grant winners for business tips and advice can also be beneficial. They may offer practical suggestions or highlight pitfalls to avoid in business or grant applications based on their personal experiences.

Analyzing winning strategies isn’t about copying them verbatim but understanding why they were effective. Adapt these strategies to suit your unique business proposition and grant objectives.

Applying Strategically

Local grants first.

Starting with local grant opportunities for your business can be a wise move. These grants often come with less competition and are more accessible to small businesses. By focusing on these business grant opportunities, you increase your chances of success.

It’s beneficial to build relationships with local grantmakers. Understanding their business goals for community impact can give you an edge in grant applications. They look for business projects that align with their vision, making your grant application stand out.

Leverage your local networks and resources for support. Many communities have organizations dedicated to helping small businesses thrive, often through grant assistance. They can offer invaluable business advice and assistance throughout the grant application process .

Grants of All Sizes

Applying for business grants of various sizes is crucial in diversifying your funding sources. It’s a business strategy that balances risk and opportunity, ensuring a steady flow of resources and grant opportunities.

Small grants should not be overlooked. Despite their size, business grants can add up and often come with less competition. They might also require less comprehensive business grant applications, saving you time and effort.

Balancing efforts between large and small grant applications is key. Consider the potential return on investment (ROI) for each business grant opportunity. This approach ensures that you’re not putting all your eggs in one basket but rather spreading your efforts wisely in business and grant applications.

After Submission

Common mistakes.

After submitting a grant proposal, many small businesses wait anxiously for a response. However, this period can be used to reflect on the business grant application process and identify any potential errors that could have been made. Common mistakes in business grant applications include missing deadlines , which immediately disqualifies the proposal. It’s crucial to double-check all business grant submission dates in future applications.

Another pitfall in the grant application process for businesses is failing to follow the funder’s instructions or submitting incomplete applications. These oversights can lead to an automatic rejection. Businesses should ensure every question is answered and every required document, including grant applications, is included before submission.

Using overly technical language can also be detrimental. It might obscure the grant proposal’s objectives, making it hard for reviewers to understand the project’s value. Instead, aim for clarity and simplicity in describing your grant project’s goals and how they align with the funder’s priorities.

Lastly, not tailoring the grant proposal to directly address the funder’s criteria is a missed opportunity. Reviewers look for grant proposals that closely match their interests and objectives. Therefore, understanding and reflecting these grant priorities in your application is key.

Requirements Post-Grant

Understanding post-grant requirements is as important as securing the grant itself. Small businesses must prepare for reporting and audits that come with most grants. They should familiarize themselves with these grant requirements early on to ensure compliance throughout the project duration.

Maintaining good communication with the funder cannot be overstated. It builds trust and may pave the way for future grant funding opportunities. Regular updates on project progress demonstrate your commitment and responsibility towards the grant-funded project.

Setting up internal processes for monitoring and reporting on grant project progress is essential. This includes establishing clear roles within your team for who will handle reporting duties and how data on project outcomes will be collected, analyzed, and grant-related information managed. Such measures ensure you meet all post-grant requirements efficiently.

Additional Resources

Finding grants, federal databases.

Federal databases, such as Grants.gov, are treasure troves for finding government grant opportunities. They offer a comprehensive list of available grants across various sectors. Small businesses should dive deep into these resources . Familiarizing oneself with the search features is crucial. It helps in narrowing down the vast options to those most relevant.

The application processes on these platforms can be intricate. Hence, it’s advisable to understand them well ahead of time. Regular checks for updates and new grant announcements are essential. This ensures businesses don’t miss out on timely opportunities.

Corporate Databases

Corporate grant databases and websites are equally valuable for finding private funding opportunities. Many companies run corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives that include grants for small businesses. Researching these can open up new avenues for support.

Creating alerts or subscribing to newsletters from these entities can keep you informed about new grant opportunities as soon as they arise. This proactive approach can give businesses an edge in the competitive grant application process.

Grant Proposal Templates

Using templates can significantly ease the process of structuring grant proposals. They serve as a solid starting point for a grant, ensuring all fundamental aspects of a proposal are covered. However, customization is key. Each grant funder has specific requirements and guidelines that your proposal needs to meet.

It’s beneficial to review multiple grant templates to find the one that best suits your proposal’s needs. This not only saves time but also increases the chances of your grant proposal standing out.

Final Remarks

Navigating the world of grant writing for your small business can seem daunting, but armed with the right knowledge on proposal understanding, budgeting strategies, and submission guidelines, you’re set for success. Remember, enhancing your writing skills and applying strategically for grants are key steps. Don’t let the grant process after submission deter you; use it as a learning curve. The resources provided are there to guide you further.

Taking this journey can significantly impact your business’s growth, sustainability, and grant opportunities. It’s all about making smart moves, leveraging available opportunities, and utilizing grants. So, dive in, apply what you’ve learned, and remember—the effort you put in now can lead to substantial rewards down the line. Ready to make your mark? Start crafting that winning proposal today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i start writing a grant proposal for my small business.

Begin by understanding the grant requirements thoroughly. Then, outline your project’s goals, objectives, and how it aligns with the grantor’s mission. This initial step is crucial for a successful proposal.

What are key elements to include in my grant proposal?

Your grant proposal should clearly articulate your project description, objectives, target population, budget details, and the impact it will have. Transparency and specificity are key to standing out.

How can I create an effective budget for my grant proposal?

Start by itemizing all project costs realistically and justify each expense for the grant. Ensure your budget aligns with the project’s goals and the grant funder’s guidelines. Clarity and accuracy in this section are vital.

What are some tips for submitting a grant proposal?

Carefully follow the grant submission guidelines provided by the funding agency. Double-check your grant proposal for completeness and compliance with all requirements before submitting it on time.

How can I improve my grant writing skills?

Practice regularly, seek feedback from experienced grant writers , and consider attending workshops or courses on grant writing. Reading successful grant proposals can also provide valuable insights.

Is there a strategic approach to applying for grants?

Yes, research extensively to find grants that closely match your business needs and goals. Tailor each grant application to reflect how your project aligns with the funder’s priorities. Applying selectively but thoughtfully increases your chances of success.

What should I do after submitting a grant proposal?

Follow up with the grant funding agency if they allow it, but be patient as grant review processes can take time. Use this period to gather additional data or refine project plans that could strengthen future proposals.

• Tags Financial and Operational Management , Specialized Industry Strategies

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Free Grant Proposal Templates

By Andy Marker | February 1, 2018

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With grant proposals, individuals and organizations can solicit funds from foundations, government entities, corporations, and other sources for projects such as scientific research, humanitarian programs, academic study, social services, and professional development. Since grant funding can be a critical component for financing an organization or allowing research to progress, crafting an effective grant proposal is key. Whether you’re creating a lengthy proposal for a government agency, using a letter format for a private foundation, or entering info into an online application, a grant proposal helps potential funders understand the importance of your project and what you plan to achieve.

To help guide you through this process, a number of grant writing templates are available below, including proposal, application, and budget forms. These free, printable templates can provide structure, offer a professional presentation, and save you time and money. You’ll find templates in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PDF formats, all of which you can customize to suit your organization and project.

Grant Proposal Templates

Generic grant proposal template.

Use this template as a guide for preparing a grant proposal. It includes typical sections, such as a statement of need, project description, goals and objectives, and budget. There’s also room to add a detailed timeline. This template provides a basic outline that you can easily modify for a range of proposals.

Download Generic Grant Proposal Template

Word  |  PDF

Nonprofit Grant Proposal Template

Many nonprofit organizations rely on grants to pay for operating expenses and provide community services. This grant proposal template for nonprofits includes sections for adding organizational background information, details about the community or population that will be served, measurable goals, and more. Remove or add sections as needed to create a customized template.

Download Nonprofit Grant Proposal Template

Research Grant Proposal Template

Present your hypothesis, literature review, research plans, and projected outcomes with this research grant proposal. This template could be adjusted to suit a scientific research proposal or academic grant application. Depending on the application requirements, you may be able to submit this document as a formal proposal, or you can use it to compile and organize all of the information that will go into your final proposal.

Download Research Grant Proposal Template

Technology Grant Proposal Template

This technology grant proposal template is geared toward teachers and schools seeking funding for technology to use in the classroom. You can use the template to describe educational goals, technology needs, program sustainability, and budget requirements. The proposal also includes a timeline section to add a detailed schedule.

‌ Download Technology Grant Proposal Template

Grant Budget Templates

Grant proposal budget template.

Create an itemized grant proposal budget that shows income and expenses over the course of a given time period. Enter funding sources and amounts along with specific costs, and the template will automatically calculate the totals. You can use this template for planning purposes, or submit it as part of a larger grant proposal.

‌ Download Grant Proposal Budget Template

Grant Budget Revision Template

If you need to request a budget revision, this template is designed to show how funds will be adjusted by reducing the amounts allotted to one or more categories and increasing funds to others. Some grant makers require a revised budget so that they can approve how funds will be used. This template also includes room for adding organization and grant details.

‌ Download Grant Budget Revision Template

Nonprofit Cash Flow Projection Template

Nonprofits can use this cash flow template for financial planning over a 12-month period. The template shows revenue and expenses on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis. The template also lists common funding sources along with operating costs, which can be edited to accommodate any type of organization.

‌ Download Nonprofit Cash Flow Projection Template

Grant Application Templates

Grant application template.

This template is intended for grant makers who want to create a grant application. It has sections for collecting applicant contact information, organizational details, and a thorough proposal, including a budget. Customize the application to cover whatever questions and information need to be reviewed to accurately assess a proposal.

Download Grant Application Template

Excel  |  PDF

Grant RFP Template

Grant makers can follow this outline to create a request for proposal template. Include submission instructions, agency background information, the timeline for reviewing proposals, and any requirements for proposal content and formatting. Applicants will also want to know what criteria will be used for evaluating proposals.

‌ Download Grant RFP Template - Word

Grant Report and Evaluation Templates

Grant proposal checklist and evaluation form.

Once you have completed a proposal, use this checklist to ensure that all application requirements have been met and to evaluate the proposal’s quality and effectiveness. Consider soliciting feedback on your proposal from stakeholders or others who may be less familiar with the project and, therefore, more objective. Taking a moment to review a proposal may help reduce errors or omissions that could cost more time and money in the long run.

Download Grant Proposal Checklist and Evaluation Form

Excel    |    PDF

Grant Report Template

Grantees may be required to submit an interim or final report describing the progress and outcomes of a project. This simple template provides an outline for creating a comprehensive report, including a financial update that shows how funds have been spent. Grant makers can provide this form to grantees so they have a template to follow for creating a narrative report.

‌ Download Grant Report Template

Grant Applications and Eligibility

Grant writing varies across disciplines, and proposals range from lengthy reports to brief letters that summarize project details. A science grant proposal might be 50 pages long and include a thorough literature review, background information for key personnel, research methodology, and more. The National Science Foundation, for instance, has extensive guidelines for grant applications, and its policies and procedures are outlined in a comprehensive guide for grant applicants.

An application for a global grant from the Rotary Club, on the other hand, is much shorter, and the information required depends on the type of project to be funded. The scope of a project, the amount of funding being awarded, the type of grant maker, and other factors influence what is required from grant seekers.

Businesses are generally not eligible for grants unless they qualify for funding through local government initiatives or are involved in research and development projects that are relevant to federal programs. Some states offer small-business grants to woman- or minority-owned businesses as well as for certain industries. If your company qualifies for federal or state funding, creating a business grant proposal would entail following the guidelines for a specific grant.

Some organizations will accept a common grant application form, which allows for a standardized proposal that saves time for both grant makers and grant seekers. When researching grant opportunities, it is important to understand and follow the application requirements so that your efforts aren’t undermined by technical errors, missing information, or mistakes in the submission process.

Mastering the Grant Writing Process

Writing grants may seem to adhere to a series of linear steps, but unless you are applying for a one-time grant and will not use grant funding in the future, grant writing is a circular process that follows a funding cycle. The process begins with a goal or need that gets translated into a proposal, which is reviewed by the agency or foundation supplying the grant, and then accepted or rejected.

Whether the proposal is accepted or not, the grant writing process continues into the next funding cycle as you revise and resubmit earlier grants or apply for new ones. Nonprofit organizations, ongoing research studies, and other groups that rely on grants as a primary funding source may need to keep a calendar and dedicate a writer to planning and securing grants.

To write an effective proposal, it is helpful to not only find grant opportunities that are relevant to your project, but also understand the funding source and gear your proposal to that audience. If a funder is available to meet in person prior to your organization submitting a proposal, that can go a long way toward providing a more personal context to your project and developing an ongoing relationship. Above all, the proposal should describe a project that can realistically be carried out by the applicant based on experience, qualifications, and financial resources.

As stated earlier, grant proposals vary widely and the content is largely dictated by the application requirements of a particular funder. However, there are commonalities among grant proposals. Here is a look at some of the information typically included:

• Cover Letter: Unless you have already had a face-to-face meeting or other contact with a funder, the cover letter is the first impression of your organization and project. Provide a brief summary that emphasizes your vision and objective.
• Proposal Summary: Although included at the beginning of a proposal, an abstract or executive summary section is often written last. It provides a brief overview of a project, including how the project fits with funding criteria.
• Literature Review: Academic and scientific research grants typically include a literature review that lists and evaluates sources of preliminary research that are related to the project.
• Statement of Need: The need statement is your opportunity to show a funder why your project is important. It explains the issue, and also provides background information and relevant research or evidence to support your proposal. You present the argument for why your project should be awarded funding over other proposals.
• Organization Description and Staff: Organizational history, background and qualifications for key personnel, and a program’s mission and track record for similar projects may all be important to illustrate a trustworthy reputation and your ability to successfully implement the proposed project. You may need a separate section to outline specific roles and responsibilities.
• Project Narrative: This is where you would include a lengthier project or program description, providing a detailed look at what the project entails, specific goals, and other information. You may include some of the sections listed here, such as personnel information, objectives, and measurements for success.
• Goals and Objectives: Breaking down goals into definitive and measurable results outlines the vision for a project as well as tangible outcomes. Grant proposals from nonprofits and other organizations involved in community projects may also include a description of the community being served, information on how it will benefit, and research on the potential for community involvement.
• Methods and Strategies: Grant makers will want to see how you plan to achieve goals and objectives. You may decide to include a logic model, which offers a condensed version of your proposal outline, to provide a visual representation of the key elements of your project and how they will lead to the intended outcomes. Clarify connections among methodology, objectives, and outcomes.
• Project Timeline: A timeline for your action plan can help funders visualize the stages of your project. This may be especially useful for research projects carried out over the course of several years. You may also want to include a budget timeline.
• Evaluation: Create an evaluation plan and describe what metrics will be used to assess a project’s effectiveness or impact.
• Sustainability Plan: If a project will continue into the future, create a plan for ongoing sustainability after grant funds have been used — doing so shows funders that a project is viable for the long term.
• Other Funding: Grant makers may want to see what other sources of funding you expect to receive for your project.
• Budget: The proposal budget shows estimated expenses along with sources of revenue. It provides an itemized look at how funds will be allotted and utilized.
• Appendix: References and additional materials can be included in the appendix.

Before submitting a completed proposal, grant writers can do their own review to ensure that the proposal meets the necessary criteria and application requirements. Grant makers will in turn conduct their review process and select which proposals to fund. Once funding is awarded, the grant maker and the grantee sign an agreement that describes the terms of the grant.

There are many sample grant proposal templates online that provide examples of successful applications. For instance, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) offers a variety of sample proposals for scientific research, as well as small-business funding for research and development.

Top 5 Grant Writing Tips

If you are new to grant writing, here are some tips to keep in mind as you develop your proposals:

• Give yourself plenty of time. Researching grant opportunities and gathering the information needed for an effective proposal can be a time-consuming process. Start earlier than you think you need to, and create a schedule to keep your grant writing process on track.
• Keep trying. If your proposal is rejected, revise it and apply again. Persistence can pay off, and you don’t need to wait for the results of one application before applying for a different grant. Sending proposals to a diverse selection of funders may also increase your chances of being selected.
• Details matter. Be specific about how funding will be used, goals will be achieved, and data will be collected, as well as your timeline of action steps. Grant makers want to know exactly how their money will be used, what impact the project or program will have, and why the project is important.
• Follow the rules. Follow grant application guidelines exactly, including answering required questions, providing requested information, and sticking to a submission timeline.
• Pay attention to formatting. The format of your proposal may be dictated by grant guidelines or a preset application, but make sure it is organized with clear headings. Information should be easily accessible and appropriate for the given audience.

One final tip: Create a reusable template that can be adjusted for a variety of grant applications.

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How to Start a Grant Program from Scratch

Start a grant and make a real impact that lifts up your community.

Creating a grant and becoming a grant funder may take some effort, but it can be incredibly rewarding and impactful if you do it right. 

It can also—no exaggeration—change the world.

Giving back to your community through starting a grant program is an admirable act of altruism that ensures your resources will be used on specific projects, consistently over time, and in line with your interests, passions, and goals.  

But where do you start when you start a grant? Even if you already have funding secured, launching a grant opportunity can be intimidating and daunting, especially if you’ve never done it before. 

Starting a grant without taking the proper steps can create tax issues, waste resources, or decrease the impact of your final program. 

Launching a grant the right way takes significant planning, research, and thoughtfulness. Here’s how to start a grant one step at a time, to get you from idea to implementation. 

1. Choose your focus and mission 

The issue your grant program addresses should be specific, but not so specific that you’ll have trouble finding applicants. 

Grantmaking goals tend to fall into one or more the following broad categories: 

• Help marginalized groups 
• Educate 
• Save the environment 
• Work toward equality 
• Forward science/knowledge 
• Provide basic needs 
• Spread humanity 

Within one or more of those goals, identify a specific angle for your organization’s mission. Your grant may center on funding housing for the homeless in your city, bankrolling science classes for African-American girls in middle school, or creating more habitats for spotted owls. 

If you don’t have a clear idea for your organization’s focus or mission, consider funding a project based on your passions and interests. For example, do you spend a lot of time outdoors, or do you play music professionally? That could guide your community grant. 

Also consider what helped you find success: perhaps it was an arts program that made you less shy, or an after school math team program that helped you find your strengths. 

Next, make certain that the community actually needs what you want to offer by conducting a needs analysis. There may already be similar programs or grants in place; your grant wouldn’t create much of an impact in that case. Referencing a grant report that outlines existing programs in your area can save you a lot of time and help you focus your grant on real needs. 

Bottom line: when you start a grant, choosing a mission should be a careful consideration of your areas of interest and the needs of those you want to help. 

2. Determine whether you need to set up a foundation 

Private foundations often fund grants from one source—like an individual, an estate, or a corporation. They are tax-exempt and managed by a director or a board of trustees and allocate their money to nonprofit organizations who apply for funds. 

If you have private funds with which to establish your grantmaking program, you’ll likely want to establish an incorporated private foundation. 

If you’re planning to fund your grants via a fundraising plan and public donations, you’ll likely need to establish a public charity, community foundation, or nonprofit organization. These organizations are also tax-exempt and are funded by public donations or grants from larger entities. 

If you don’t care about the tax benefits of offering grants, your options are wide open as long as you have funding secured. You can distribute your money as you’d like, and focus on the nitty gritty of determining your mission and how you will collect, review, and accept proposals. 

However, the vast majority of people and groups establishing grants definitely want to take advantage of the tax benefits. 

Because foundations involve significant start-up costs and efforts, you may consider running your grant through an already established foundation, charity, nonprofit, or other organization. This is a good option if you:

• Don’t mind working with a larger group
• Are comfortable giving up some control
• Can locate an organization that shares your mission and goals
• Don’t wish to run your own foundation

If this option sounds best to you, begin by researching possible organizations to work with and contacting their leaders with your grant idea. In this case, you’ll want to skip down a few steps and firmly establish your grant’s funding, focus, and mission before you go any further. 

Otherwise, continue to the next step to learn more about starting your own grantmaking foundation.

3. Consult with legal and tax professionals 

You’ll want to consult with an attorney, accountant, and/or financial advisor to validate your decision to set up and incorporate a foundation (or not). 

These professionals can also help you with the following documents and forms: 

• Articles of incorporation
• Foundation bylaws 
• Tax-exempt status (IRS Form 1023)

While incorporating and achieving tax-exempt status are not required, they are highly recommended for most people who wish to start a private foundation. 

Having tax-exempt status saves you from having to pay the government for your charitable endeavors and increases the impact of your grant program. 

Incorporation allows your foundation to become its own legal entity, which ensures that it can continue even after your involvement ends. It also ensures that you will not be personally liable if legal issues arise.

4. Assemble a Board of Directors 

Once you’ve created your grantmaking entity, it’s time to put together a Board of Directors or panel of trustees. The size of this group can vary, but every one should have a few things in common: 

• Passionate about the mission of the grant 
• Available to dedicate time and energy to your cause
• Knowledgeable about some aspect of your grant program or mission 

It’s completely acceptable to add friends or acquaintances to your board. But it’s also important to achieve diversity: not only is it the right thing to do, but it will help your foundation to have a board with a wide range of experiences and knowledge. 

Consider an application process for your board. You can even use Submittable to collect, review, and select board member applications much in the same way you’d use it with grant proposals. 

5. Determine grant funding details

Finally, with the assistance of your new board, it’s time to dig into the details of your grant funding. 

Depending on your goals, your mission, and the funds you have available, you need to make decisions about both time and money. More specifically, you should focus on three questions: 

What’s the best size for your grant program? 

Do you want to give a very large amount of money to one large organization, like some federal grants and government grants do? Or do you want to give a series of microgrants to dozens, hundreds, or thousands of grantees, as you would with small business grants or small business loans? 

Depending on your program, one avenue could have a much larger impact than the other. 

What’s the best duration for your grant program? 

Different grants have different lifecycles. Some run annually, some run seasonally, and others run continuously. 

Which grant lifecycle gives you enough time to execute on administrative tasks while also allowing your money to make a difference?

How will grant funds be used? 

As the one awarding funds, you get to decide exactly how grant funds can be used by grantees. 

You can be as strict or lax as you’d like—although in recent years, the trend in philanthropy has been to give grantees more leeway to spend their grant money on general operating costs or adjacent expenses. 

Remember: these funding details are not set in stone and you can make changes as you learn. When you start a grant program, you will make mistakes and require adjustments (and that’s okay!).

6. Write a business plan 

Next up: your business plan. Specifically, when you start a grant program, your business plan should include details on how you’ll allocate the program’s funds, and what resources you’ll need to make the program efficient and effective. 

You want to strike a smart balance between spending on grants versus administrative and operational costs. After all, effective grant management requires having sufficient resources. 

Luckily, your board of directors will be there to help you through each part of this step, from allocating spending to hiring. 

7. Write a marketing plan 

Branding and marketing are your next project. You’ll need a logo and tagline, and you’ll need to establish your tone and voice. You’ll need a website and social media accounts, too. 

You’ll also need to start thinking about brand awareness and your marketing budget for advertising and PR. 

Be sure to reserve part of your marketing budget for advertising your call for grant proposals.

8. Establish the grant’s terms

Writing out a grant’s guidelines at this point should be pretty straightforward since you’ve already determined your mission, your focus, your funding details, and your lifecycle. 

The grant’s terms and guidelines should include absolutely everything that a grant writer would need to know to apply, including: 

• All important deadlines 
• All grant requirements 
• All application requirements 
• The grant’s goal/mission 
• The amount of the grant
• The grant’s timeline 
• The grant’s reporting requirements 

Once you have your guidelines, format them so that they’re easy to read and accessible on a landing page. 

Make certain that your landing page is branded and easy to find for grant writers and grant seekers. Submittable’s grant management system makes it easy to set up your branded landing page and guidelines. 

Want to speed up your grant management process?

Submittable simplifies even robust grant review processes to save you time.

9. Set up an application process 

It’s finally time to set up your grant application online so you can start accepting grant proposals.

With the help of your grant administrators, use a grant management platform like Submittable to build your application form. 

When creating your grant application form , find a happy medium between asking for too much information (which creates a barrier to applying) and not asking for enough information (which makes it hard to pick the best applications). 

The length of your application should also reflect the size and heft of your grant. A grant writer will put more time and effort into a government grant or federal grant worth millions, but less time into a small business grant that is for a few hundred or a few thousand dollars. 

Submittable’s form builder has the fastest implementation of any platform by a long shot, and our features make it easy to create responsive, accessible forms with logic and conditions that fit your exact needs. 

Plus, Submittable’s eligibility quizzes save you and applicants time by screening out unqualified candidates before they even get to your application.

10. Organize a review process and post your call for proposals 

Assemble a review board and a process for reviewing grant applications and picking successful grant proposals. 

Considerations for your review board: 

• How many people will you need to review grant proposals? 
• Will any or all of these people need specific expertise? 
• How will they be compensated? 
• How much time will they need to dedicate to you? 
• Where will your reviewers be located? Will they be remote? 
• What kind of training will your reviewers require? 
• How will you ensure diversity and inclusion on your board? 

Considerations for your review process: 

• What will your scoring rubric be? 
• How many rounds of review will you require? 
• Will you engage in anonymous review, or keep any fields hidden? 
• How will you minimize bias during your process? 
• How long will this process take? 
• Will you share review comments or notes with your grant applicants? 
• How will you determine the final decision? 

Submittable makes it easy to systematize almost all of these considerations, making your review process more efficient, more effective, and less prone to bias. 

One of Submittable’s many review features includes multiple rounds of review, so that you can easily divide and conquer even the largest and most complex grant application processes. 

Welcome to the world of giving 

Establishing a grant the right way takes time, resources, effort, and care. But even small business grants and grants for individuals can change lives and shape the world we live in. A grant award of any size can make your community better.  Start a grant, change the world.

Once you establish your foundation, create your board, and turn your thoughts into a mission, Submittable can help you with every detail of collecting and reviewing grant applications.

Making a grant is work, but it doesn’t have to be quite as much work as it used to be. 

Sarah Aswell is an editor and content strategist at Submittable. She’s also a writer and stand-up comedian who gets rejected via Submittable all the time. You can read her comedy criticism at Forbes , follow her on Twitter , or learn more about her creative work on her website .

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About Submittable

Submittable powers you with tools to launch, manage, measure and grow your social impact programs, locally and globally. From grants and scholarships to awards and CSR programs, we partner with you so you can start making a difference, fast. The start-to-finish platform makes your workflow smarter and more efficient, leading to better decisions and bigger impact. Easily report on success, and learn for the future—Submittable is flexible and powerful enough to grow alongside your programs.

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Run » business financing, 65 grants, loans and programs to benefit your small business.

When you know where to look, help for your small business is there for the taking.

Whether you’re starting a new small business or looking to grow the one you already own, finding funding can be a challenge for businesses of all sizes. If you’re looking for a small business loan or grant, CO— is here to help.

Each week, we update this list of loans, small business grants, or other opportunities to connect with programs and organizations that can help you with your business. Come back often to see the latest. And, if your organization has a program or grant you’d like to see listed here, email us at [email protected] .

If you’re not sure of the difference between a loan and a grant, check out our explainer here . You can also learn more about all funding options in our small business financing guide here .

Government grants

Begin your search for a grant from the federal government at Grants.gov . This government site offers the most comprehensive database of funds the government is going to give away. There are thousands of grants to apply for, with opportunities for companies from all backgrounds.

Keep in mind that not all assistance flows directly from the federal government to small businesses. Some funds are distributed to state and local governments and agencies, nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher learning. These entities, in turn, distribute the funds or use them to provide technical or educational assistance on a local level.

In addition to the programs listed here, be sure to check with your state and local governments and use the resources listed below. When searching through grant and contracting options, note that you may qualify for more than one program.

As illustrated by the following sampling of grants, the assistance available to you from the government will vary, depending on your specific situation.

• The Blueprint Medtech Small Business Translator Grant. This is a government grant for small businesses working on creating medical devices to treat nervous system disorders. It supports activities like making prototype devices, safety testing, and clinical studies to get approval from the FDA. The grant is a cooperative program where the NIH helps plan and monitor the research. It also provides funding and access to experts for things like regulations, patents, and manufacturing. Small businesses with their device ideas or collaborations with manufacturers can apply for this grant to advance their projects. The next deadline to apply is June 20, 2024.
• Employee Retention Credit. The Employee Retention Credit (ERC), sometimes called the Employee Retention Tax Credit, is a stimulus program established by the CARES Act. This refundable tax credit functions as a grant that helps businesses impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligibility guidelines are available on the IRS website .
• Illinois Infrastructure Grants. In 2020, Governor Pritzker launched an initiative to improve Illinois' infrastructure. $3 billion of this was allocated for capital grants through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) . These capital grants, part of Illinois' $45 billion infrastructure initiative, are designed to support various projects that benefit local communities and businesses. The DCEO maintains a transparent list of these grants, which can be either general or specific project grants. You can find more information about these grants on the GATA website .
• The Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program (ELP). ELP is an initiative aimed at supporting the growth of Minnesota businesses owned by minorities, low-income individuals, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities. The program provides grant funds to nonprofit lenders across the state, which in turn offer loans to startup and expanding businesses. These loans not only foster business development but also aim to create jobs for minority and low-income individuals, strengthen minority-owned enterprises, and boost economic growth in disadvantaged areas. To participate in the program, eligible businesses must apply through certified nonprofit lenders, with DEED assisting in lender identification if needed, and loans are subject to DEED's approval.
• National Institute of Health Grants . The National Institute of Health (NIH) is currently funding grant opportunities related to COVID-19 research. These grants are reserved for small businesses that develop and research biomedical technology. There are multiple grants available with deadlines throughout 2024 and beyond.
• NIDILRR's SBIR program . The SBIR program aims to support organizations to help advance technology and research, as well as support the social/economic benefits for the nation. The SBIR will be backing the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) through the Administration for Community Living (ACL) to provide 10 grants that support the improvement of the lives of those with disabilities. The total grant funding is estimated to be $1 million, and an outline of the available grants under this program can be found on the ACL website.
• San Francisco Accessibility Grant. Small business owners in San Francisco can apply for a grant to enhance accessibility in their establishments. The grant can cover expenses like accessible equipment, construction to remove ADA barriers, CASp inspections, design services, and relevant permit fees, with a maximum grant amount of $10,000. Eligible businesses must be registered in San Francisco, have less than $2.5 million in gross revenue for a single location, and employ an average of 100 or fewer employees. The application process is fast, and applicants can expect a response within 15 days of submission. Upon approval, they will need to provide proof of payment and photos showcasing accessibility improvements.
• Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) . The SBIR offers grants to small businesses so they can participate in federal research and development with the potential for commercialization. It’s a highly competitive awards-based program that helps businesses achieve scientific excellence and technological innovation. To qualify for SBIR grants, you must operate a for-profit company and satisfy other requirements.
• Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) . Similar to SBIR, the STTR program focuses on funding research in the R&D arena. However, what separates the STTR is the requirement that the small business has a formal collaboration with a research institution. To qualify for STTR grants, you must operate a for-profit company and satisfy other requirements.
• State Small Business Credit Initiative. The State Small Business Credit Initiative Investing in America Small Business Opportunity Program (SBOP) is a $75 million competitive grant program aimed at providing technical assistance, including legal services and financial management guidance, to very small and underserved businesses. The next application deadline is June 3, 2024. There is a maximum limit of $10 million per applicant.
• Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF). The Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) offers "deal-closing" grants to companies competing with out-of-state sites for new projects in Texas. These grants are based on performance, encouraging significant capital investment and job creation. Eligible companies must meet criteria related to job creation, capital investment, financial stability, and local support. Once approved, grantees sign contracts committing to job and wage targets, with clawback provisions in case of non-compliance. The application process includes a thorough screening, and unanimous support from top state officials is required for approval.
• U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Business Programs. The USDA’s Rural Development Business Programs provide financial support and technical assistance to promote rural business growth. They offer loans, grants, and guarantees with the goal of enhancing economic opportunities and job creation in rural communities; deadlines and eligibility requirements vary by program.
• U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) . Targeted grants and loans designed to aid minority-owned businesses are offered throughout the year. Minority-owned businesses can find information about local MBDA Business Centers at MBDA.gov .
• U.S. Department of Education (DOE) Grants. The U.S. DOE has various grants available to small businesses in the education sector. Each grant has unique eligibility criteria, with some opportunities set aside for public schools, state agencies, or nonprofit organizations; however, others allow applications from for-profit private sector companies. Deadlines for currently available DOE grants run through September 12, 2024.
• U.S. Small Business Administration State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) . Intended to assist small businesses desiring to export product, this program distributes federal funds through state entities . Small businesses that meet the criteria set by each state can use the financial assistance to participate in foreign trade missions and shows, obtain entry to foreign markets, develop websites, and design international marketing products or campaigns.
• U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) . The EDA is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce and offers ongoing funding opportunities for projects that support regional and national economic development. Applicants can apply for a variety of rolling-basis EDA investments that fund projects in construction, non-construction, planning, technical assistance, research and evaluation, higher education, and more.

As you would expect, acceptance of free money from the government comes with a fair amount of paperwork. Applying for a grant can be time-consuming and technical. You want to make sure, therefore, that you are eligible before applying. In addition to the legal and administrative prerequisites, there are ongoing reporting and auditing requirements.

Government contract assistance

The federal government spends billions of dollars on goods and services each year. A lot of that money is spent through a competitive bidding process. Programs have been put in place to assist some small businesses with the process, allowing them a better chance to compete for those federal dollars.

• Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program . The federal government seeks to award at least 3% of all federal contracting dollars to veteran-owned businesses annually, so this program helps with meeting that target. This federal contracting program offers assistance to small business owners who are service-disabled veterans . Eligible small businesses must be over 50% owned/controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans, have day-to-day operations and long-term goals managed by at least one service-disabled veteran and have a service-connected disability.
• Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program . The federal government seeks to award at least 5% of federal contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses annually. Through this SBA program , the Office of Women’s Business Ownership provides support to women entrepreneurs by offering business training, counseling, federal contracts and access to credit and capital. Their goal is to offer equal opportunities for all women in business.
• 8(a) Business Development Program . The purpose of this program is to assist small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged entities. This is achieved by limiting competition for certain government contracts to businesses participating in the 8(a) business development program. To participate a business must be certified as an 8(a) entity.
• HUBZone Program . This program aids businesses in underutilized business zones by making them more competitive in regard to some government contracts. Businesses that join the HUBZone program can compete for set-aside contracts as well as receive preference on others, including a 10% price evaluation preference in open contract competitions.

Natural Resource Sales Assistance Program

In addition to the billions of dollars spent purchasing goods and services, the federal government also sells large amounts of natural resources and surplus property. The SBA Natural Resource Sales Assistance Program sets aside a percentage of these goods for bidding by small businesses only. In addition, federal agencies sometimes divide surplus materials into smaller parcels, making it easier for small businesses to purchase. The five categories are:

• Timber and related forest products.
• Strategic materials.
• Royalty oil.
• Leases involving rights to minerals, coil, oil and gas.
• Surplus real and personal property.

The program also provides training for small businesses on government sales and leasing.

General small business grants

There are many nonprofit and corporate entities offering grants and other assistance to small businesses. Here are a few such programs that are open to qualifying small businesses in any industry:

• 500 Global Flagship Accelerator Program . Startups and small businesses seeking funding can do so on a rolling, year-round basis with the 500 Global Flagship Accelerator program . Since 2010, this program has offered businesses the opportunity for a four-month accelerator program based in San Francisco in addition to a $150,000 investment. Rules for applying can be found on the company's website.
• Awesome Foundation Grants. Each month, the Awesome Foundation awards grants of $1,000 to individuals and groups looking to fund various projects. The Awesome Foundation is made of 84 independently-run chapters, with members contributing to a micro-funding pool that goes towards grant projects. Though funding is not limited to businesses, startups, and small businesses have been among the recipients of the monthly grants. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
• Bizee Entrepreneur Grant . Bizee (formerly Incfile) offers two grants to support aspiring entrepreneurs and students. The "Young Entrepreneur Scholarship Grant" provides $2,500 to a high school senior, undergraduate, graduate, or trade school student in the U.S. with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and an interest in starting a business. The "Fresh Start Business Grant" offers $2,500 and Bizee's Gold plan for free to adult entrepreneurs (21 years or older) in the U.S. planning to start a new business or significantly grow an existing one. Though dates for the next round of funding are "coming soon," entrepreneurs can review eligibility and application criteria in the interim.
• Fast Break for Small Business. The Fast Break for Small Business grant program, in collaboration with the NBA, WNBA, and NBA G League, offers small business owners and entrepreneurs the chance to win a $10,000 grant and/or up to $500 in LegalZoom products and services. Awarding a monumental $3 million in total grants and services, the initiative, currently in its third run, has already aided over 3,150 small businesses. The application window closes on September 13, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. ET.
• The Freed Fellowship Grant. This grant offers a monthly $500 to qualifying business owners in the US. Applicants are evaluated based on a “5C Framework”, which assesses various aspects of applicants’ business. Along with the grant, applicants receive feedback on their business and a two-month free membership in the Freed Studio, a community of ambitious business owners. Grant recipients are also eligible for an end-of-year grant of $2,500.
• GoFundMe Small Business Relief Fund . GoFundMe’s Small Business Relief Fund will match $500 grants to qualifying small businesses that have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 and raise at least $500 through a GoFundMe campaign. The fund is backed by GoFundMe and corporations like Intuit QuickBooks, Yelp, GoDaddy, and Bill.com. Small business owners with existing campaigns can add the hashtag #SmallBusinessRelief to their campaign and fill out this form to confirm their business.
• Skip Monthly Grants. Small business aggregator Skip offers monthly grants for U.S.-based small business owners and entrepreneurs; grants are typically set at $1,000, though the exact amount varies by Skip’s monthly YouTube revenue. To be considered, you must have a Skip account and add the monthly grant to your Funding Assistant, as well as be subscribed to Skip’s YouTube channel. Applications for the $1,000 May Skip Grant will close on May 27, 2024.
• Skip $10K Small Business and Startup Grants. Whether you’re a new entrepreneur or have decades of experience, Skip has funding opportunities to support your business. Entrepreneurs at all stages can apply for a $10,000 grant from Skip: early-stage entrepreneurs can apply through the Startup Grant , while the Small Business Grant is open to all entrepreneurs. Small Business Grant applications are due by May 15, 2024; the Startup Grant for new entrepreneurs will close on May 31, 2024.
• Skip Instant Grants. Skip offers Instant Grants on a rolling basis, providing funding opportunities with shorter turnaround windows. These grants are announced a couple of days in advance and generally occur twice a month. Applicants are required to participate in Skip’s YouTube livestream during the selection process. Learn more about these ongoing funding opportunities by following Skip on social media.
• Small Business Digital Readiness Program. In partnership with Verizon, National ACE has developed a digital readiness program to help small business owners succeed in a digital world. The free online curriculum includes expert coaching, peer networking, and other resources to support your small business. Those who register for the program and take two courses are eligible for a $10,000 grant. This opportunity is rolling and you can learn more at the program’s webpage .
• Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program. Small businesses often feel the effects of a natural disaster the hardest. It can be difficult when starting a business to suddenly have to raise money to repair a roof or attend to flood damage. To help offset some of these concerns and costs, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and FedEx have teamed up to create the Small Business Readiness for Resiliency (R4R) Program. The program helps small businesses put plans in place to prepare for disaster and also provides immediate emergency funding when necessary. Businesses are asked to complete a four-step process to be eligible for funding opportunities.
• Walmart Spark Good Local Grants. Organizations can apply for the Walmart Spark Good Local Grants program provided by Walmart and Sam’s Club, which offers grants ranging from $250 to $5,000 to address the unique needs of local communities. Tax ID status determines eligibility, with 501(c)(3) charities, public entities, and educational institutions qualifying. Grant applications are accepted quarterly, with Q1 submissions being accepted through July 15; all organizations must be Deed verified and have a Spark Good account to apply.

Industry-specific and diversity small business grants and programs

Some small business grant programs are confined to a specific entrepreneur demographic or business profile and they often have an application process that is easier to navigate. This is a sample list, so be sure to check with nonprofits and large corporations in your geographic area or industry.

• 2024 Merchant Maverick Opportunity Grant for Kid Entrepreneurs. The 2024 Merchant Maverick Opportunity Grant for Kid Entrepreneurs supports young visionaries by providing five $2,000 grants to fuel their innovative business ideas. Open to U.S.-based businesses majority-led by individuals aged 10-18, this initiative empowers kids with the creativity and drive to make their business dreams a reality, supporting them where traditional financing may not. Applications are due May 31, 2024, with five winners to be selected in mid-July.
• Accion Opportunity Fund. The Accion Opportunity Fund grants small business loans ranging from $5,000-$250,000, along with educational resources, coaching, and support networks in both English and Spanish. This program offers mentorship programs, microloans, and a hubzone program for small business owners’ financial needs. Accion Opportunity Fund works with a clientele that is 90% diverse, has created and retained over 50,000 jobs, and has generated $1 billion in economic activity. Those interested in applying for a loan can do so here .
• Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator Program. If you're a seller in Amazon's store, you may be eligible for the Black Business Accelerator Program. Created to support Black entrepreneurs, the program offers financial support, mentorship, business advice, and promotional support. Eligible sellers will have access to free imaging services, cash grant opportunities, advertising credits, and money toward start-up costs. You can learn more about this opportunity at their website .
• Amazon Business Small Business Grant Program. Amazon Business’s third annual Small Business Grant Program is set to award over $250,000 this year to eligible U.S.-based small businesses. There will be one grand prize winner who will receive $25,000, along with four $20,000 finalists and 10 $15,000 semi-finalists. Grant recipients will also walk away with one year of free Business Prime membership, Amazon devices, and Amazon Basics products. Current Amazon Business customers with an annual revenue of $1 million or less are eligible to apply; applications are due on May 24, 2024, with winners announced on July 22, 2024.
• Amber Grant Foundation . With a simple goal of supporting women entrepreneurs, the Amber Grant Foundation was founded by WomensNet in 1998. The foundation awards a series of grants throughout the year, including the $10,000 Monthly Amber Grant, two $25,000 Annual Amber Grants, and $10,000 each quarter for The Startup Grant and The Non-Profit Grant, respectively. There are also 12 Business Category Grants — an additional $10,000 each month — with all eligible applications remaining active until the month of their specific category.
• America’s Seed Fund. America’s Seed Fund, sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF), offers up to $2 million for U.S.-based startups and small businesses that are developing innovative technology. Project pitches are accepted on a rolling basis, and official responses from NSF typically take one month.
• Beyond Open Small Business Grants. This competitive grant program supports diverse-owned small businesses in the Charlotte, North Carolina area, offering funds for capital assets such as equipment, technology, inventory, and real estate, with a total of $15 million being awarded across three rounds. In 2023, Foundation For The Carolinas selected 116 small businesses in Charlotte's Corridors of Opportunity, which “supports six underinvested areas in Charlotte,” to receive a total of $4.8 million in grants from the Beyond Open program's second round, aiming to enhance economic mobility. Those interested in the 2024 Beyond Open funding can subscribe for updates for the opening of the third round.
• Binc Foundation Emergency Financial Assistance. The Binc Foundation provides emergency financial assistance to bookstore owners, booksellers, and comic store employees and owners facing unforeseen financial needs. Eligibility criteria include specific employment durations and financial hardship resulting from qualifying life events. Binc's assistance process involves a confidential application and documentation verification, aiming to help individuals regain financial stability.
• Carhartt For the Love of Labor Grant. Carhartt, a popular workwear distributor, created the Love of Labor grant program to help connect workers with trade programs in their local communities during an unprecedented labor shortage. Awards will be distributed on a rolling basis to “like-minded organizations” that are dedicated to the education, training, and placement of workers into trade jobs. Organizations with interest in the program can apply by reaching out to Carhartt directly. Nominations are accepted as well.
• Cartier Women's Initiative. The Cartier Women's Initiative Awards , initiated by Cartier in 2006, empower women impact entrepreneurs worldwide in various sectors, focusing on social and environmental sustainability. The program offers three award categories: regional, diversity, equity and inclusion, and science and technology pioneer. Winners receive financial support, coaching, and peer learning opportunities, with the diversity, equity and inclusion category open to all genders. Applications aren’t open yet, but aspiring entrepreneurs can prepare for the 2024 awards, which will feature 13 categories supporting 39 impact entrepreneurs globally.
• Casper Accelerate Grant Program. The Casper Association aims to support the adoption of blockchain technology via Casper, a scalable blockchain network. To support innovation within the blockchain industry, Casper has opened the Casper Accelerate Grant Program. Those who want to build apps to support infrastructure, end-user applications, and research innovation are invited to apply. This $25 million grant program has a rolling application deadline, so you can apply anytime here .
• Comcast Innovation Fund. Each year, the Comcast Innovation Fund provides grants to support technology and research “for the betterment of the Internet.” Areas of interest for the 2024 grant year include open-source development, general and targeted research, and work that enhances the growth of the Internet. Applications will be accepted until all funds for 2024 are disbursed.
• The Emerging Technology Fund (ETF). ETF is a financial resource aimed at assisting growing companies in Massachusetts . It provides loans of up to $4,000,000 to technology companies for purposes such as acquisition, expansion, working capital, or equipment purchases. To qualify, companies must demonstrate strong management, technical advancements, market demand, and solid financial records, making it a valuable tool for businesses looking to take the next step in their development and contribute to the region's economic growth.
• eBay Up & Running Grant. eBay, in collaboration with Hello Alice, is offering over $500,000 to support small businesses through its eBay Up & Running Grant program. Through this initiative, 50 eBay business sellers will earn a $10,000 grant package, which provides cash, educational resources from eBay, and a $500 stipend for purchasing essential office technology from eBay Refurbished. To be eligible, applicants must be over 18 and legal residents of the U.S. Additionally, they must have been selling on eBay since at least December 1, 2023, and maintain a seller rating of "Above Standard" or "Top Rated." Applications are due June 7, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. ET, and the winners will be announced in September 2024.
• Etsy Emergency Relief Fund. If you’re an Etsy business owner, you may be qualified to apply for relief funding courtesy of a partnership with CERF+, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping artists prepare for and recover from emergencies and disasters. The partnership was established in 2017, and both companies continue to provide up to $2,500 in funding through the grant program. To apply, you must have been a registered Etsy business for at least one year and have been affected by a natural disaster. This grant opportunity is rolling.
• Foundation for a Just Society Grants . Foundation for a Just Society offers grants to local, national, regional, and global organizations and networks that support the rights of women, girls, and LGBTQI individuals. Grants are issued four times each year (March, June, September, and November), with invitations for proposals extended two months prior.
• Fund Her Future. Block Advisors, part of H&R Block, recently introduced the new grant initiative Fund Her Future , which allocates $100,000 to support female entrepreneurs in small businesses. The program will award one grand prize of $50,000 and four additional grants of $12,500 each to U.S.-based, majority women-owned businesses. Plus, all recipients will receive a year of complimentary business services including tax filing, bookkeeping, payroll, and business structure analysis. The deadline to apply is May 26, 2024. Grant recipients will be announced in June 2024, followed by a three-month period during which H&R Block will evaluate the grants' impact on the recipients’ success and business growth.
• Galaxy Grants. Galaxy Grants is on a mission to support women and minority entrepreneurs with their small businesses by offering valuable resources, tools, funding, and knowledge. They are running a $3,750 Galaxy Grant Giveaway , sponsored by Hidden Star, a 501(c)(3) organization, with a quick 30-second entry process. The deadline to enter is June 30, 2024, and winners will be announced the following week. Plus, there's an opportunity to win for both you and a friend, as each of you could receive a $3,750 grant if your friend wins, subject to the Terms and Conditions.
• Giving Joy. Giving Joy is a charitable organization that empowers women across the world to dream big and create positive change in their communities through grants. These grants, ranging from $250 to $500, are available to those with businesses in any sector and can be used to start or expand businesses, nonprofits, non-governmental organizations, or community projects that focus on benefiting women, girls, and families. Any woman over 18 is encouraged to apply. Applications for the next grant cycle will open on June 1, 2024.
• Grow-NY. The Grow-NY competition aims to attract food and agriculture startups from around the world, inviting them to join the region's growing ecosystem. This initiative welcomes businesses engaged in the food, beverage, and agriculture sectors, focusing on those that demonstrate potential for growth, sustainable and health-conscious practices, and a commitment to innovation across the agri-food value chain. The competition is open to established for-profit entities, and applications can be submitted until May 15, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. EST.
• HerRise MicroGrant. The HerRise MicroGrant offers financial aid to U.S.-registered businesses that are majority-owned by women of color, with a focus on businesses with innovative community solutions that are still struggling to obtain funding. Applications are reviewed monthly, with winners announced during the subsequent month's HerSuiteSpot First Friday Mixer. Nonprofits, franchises, direct sellers, authorized resellers, and independent consultants are ineligible to apply.
• Hivers and Strivers Investment Program. As an angel investment group, Hivers and Strivers works to provide capital to qualifying businesses. Specifically, the investment group funds projects submitted by veteran-owned and veteran-led businesses. Funding opportunities can range from $250,000 to $1 million. Those who qualify can apply for funding for a business idea on a rolling basis, but businesses reliant on government contracts are not eligible to apply.
• IFundWomen Universal Grant Application. This is a resource for female entrepreneurs seeking grants . Through partnerships with brands like Visa, Caress, and Comcast, IFundWomen has deployed over $170 million in grants to entrepreneurs. Applicants gain priority access to funding opportunities and resources within the IFundWomen community.
• Jobber Grants Program. The Jobber Grants program is awarding $10,000 grants to support 15 home service businesses that display excellence in their industry. Eligible businesses include those that provide one-time or recurring maintenance or repair in industries such as landscaping, car detailing, and pool maintenance, among others. Businesses across the U.S. and Canada (excluding Quebec) can apply. Applications only take five minutes to complete and are due on June 12 at 5:59 p.m. MT.
• #MomsMeanBusiness. ZenBusiness, a company that helps others launch and run their own businesses, has created the #MomsMeanBusiness campaign to recognize the resilience of moms and celebrate their accomplishments. To help mothers take the first step toward entrepreneurship, ZenBusiness is covering business formation costs and will help entrepreneurs form an LCC, track expenses, secure a business name, and more. All mothers are eligible and costs will be covered for “every mom in America.” The program is rolling and you can sign up here .
• The National Black Business Pitch. The National Black Business Pitch is a competition aiming to connect Black-owned businesses with corporations looking to diversify their supply chain. It seeks to go beyond offering just a seat at the table by focusing on opening doors and fostering long-term relationships that can lead to sustainable contracts. The selected 30 finalists will pitch to corporate procurement and supplier diversity professionals, with three companies receiving cash prizes of up to $10,000 to promote business growth and opportunity. Applications are due by June 3.
• National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grants . According to its website, the NASE has distributed over $1,000,000 in grants to its members. Its growth grants provide up to $4,000 to assist with training, marketing, and more. You must be a member for 90 days before you are eligible to apply.
• Patagonia Corporate Grant Program . Patagonia’s corporate grant program offers between $10,000 and $20,000 of funding to nonprofits with missions to protect and preserve the environment. If you meet the grant requirements, you can apply today.
• Rebuild The Block. Rebuild The Block was created with the sole purpose of supporting Black entrepreneurs. Through its grant program and donations, the company provides monetary support to Black businesses to help them connect with community members on a larger scale. Their popular grant program is open right now, but don’t wait to apply — the application form only accepts 90 applicants per three-month cycle. To apply, Black-owned businesses must detail how they’ve been affected by COVID-19 and/or looting destruction. More requirements can be found on the grant page .
• RTC Women in Tech Fund. Rewriting The Code (RTC) works to support college and early-career women in tech by providing them with opportunities to help disrupt gender and racial inequality in the industry. The RTC Women in Tech Fund provides financial resources to women enrolled in undergraduate tech programs to help cover costs that may be an obstacle to education. There are three different grants available depending on each applicant’s specific financial needs. All applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
• StartOut Scholarship Program . StartOut offers scholarship opportunities to LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs who wish to participate in their Founder Program and become a Giving Member. The initiative provides a 12-month membership for those LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs who have been underrepresented, underserved, and underestimated within their community.
• The United States-Brazil Climate/Inclusive Education Grant Competition. The 100,000 Strong in the Americas Innovation Fund promotes educational partnerships between the United States and Brazil, focusing on study-abroad initiatives that support student accessibility, mobility, and engagement. The U.S.-Brazil Climate/Inclusive Education Grant Competition invites U.S. minority-serving institutions to collaborate with Brazilian educational bodies to develop initiatives centered on climate action and inclusive education. Proposals must outline clear implementation strategies and address student exchange challenges. Seven grants of up to $40,000 will be awarded; applications are due July 31, 2024.
• The Wish Local Empowerment Program. This program brought to you by the e-commerce brand, Wish, assists Black-owned small businesses by dedicating a $2 million fund to support approximately 4,000 Wish Local partners. Recipients can receive financial assistance ranging from $500 to $2000, with flexibility in fund allocation. Eligible businesses must meet criteria such as having a Black-owned business with 20 or fewer employees and an average annual revenue under $1 million. Successful applicants will also join Wish Local, gaining access to its consumer base through various partnership opportunities.

Additional resources

The programs listed above are a good start when it comes to grants and funding. You may find additional resources available by following the links below.

• Agricultural Justice Project (AJP) , a program offering free resources and guidance for owners of farms and food businesses.
• Challenge.Gov , part of the General Services Administration's Technology Transformation Services, aids federal agencies in utilizing prize competitions and crowdsourcing to advance their goals. Hosting over 1,300 challenges since 2010, Challenge.Gov facilitated 105 in 2021 alone, totaling a prize pool of over $60 million alongside non-monetary rewards.
• Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund , a government agency that offers financial support to certified lenders serving low-income communities. The CDFI is broken up into several different program areas, including Native Initiatives that provide training and assistance to Native communities, and the Capital Housing Fund that delivers affordable housing for low-income communities.
• Fearless Fund , a venture capital firm that actively invests in businesses led by women of color across the United States. Concentrating on early-stage investments in various industries, the fund looks for companies at the Pre-seed, Seed, or Series A financing stages, offering up to $3 million in exchange for a minimum equity stake of 10%.
• Funding options for Black-owned businesses , including venture capital firms and programs offering financing to Black entrepreneurs.
• Funding options for LGBTQ+-owned businesses , including resource networks and organizations that offer grants to LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and those from other underrepresented backgrounds.
• Funding options for Hispanic-owned businesses , including funding sources and organizations aimed at supporting Latinx and Hispanic entrepreneurs.
• Funding options for minority-owned businesses , including multiple grants, funding sources, and low-cost loans that are intended to help minority-owned businesses grow.
• Funding options for women-owned businesses , including ten programs, agencies and organizations that are helping women entrepreneurs be better represented in the ranks of American business owners.
• GrantsForWomen.org , an online directory that provides a comprehensive database of grants for women globally, along with valuable advice on securing grants and information on relevant events and workshops for female business owners. The grants featured in the directory are sourced from reputable organizations, foundations, and venture capital funds, covering both nonprofit organizations and for-profit businesses.
• Resources and funding opportunities for AAPI-owned businesses , including accelerator programs, grants for AAPI entrepreneurs, and networking groups.
• SBA Small Business Development Centers , which can help companies of all kinds locate additional funding opportunities at the national and local level.
• SCORE , which can assign a volunteer business mentor who can provide guidance on numerous topics, including funding and operations.
• Tory Burch Foundation Funding Finder , a tool for founders that provides personalized funding recommendations and resources based on their responses to a few questions about their business financials and aspirations.
• Warrior Rising , a national organization designed to turn Veterans (and their immediate families) into “vetrepreneurs” through business opportunities in the form of mentorship, funding, education, and training. Since its inception in 2015, the program has supported over 26,000 Veterans — more than 5,400 so far in 2024 alone — and helped 21 Veteran-run businesses achieve a $1 million valuation.

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• Small Business

Business Grant: Definition, Types, and Where to Find Them

Financing opportunities for businesses

Matt Webber is an experienced personal finance writer, researcher, and editor. He has published widely on personal finance, marketing, and the impact of technology on contemporary arts and culture.

A business grant is a sum of money given to a business by a donor. In the United States, the largest donors are the federal government, state governments, foundations, charities, and corporations. Business grants are usually given to businesses to achieve specific goals or to businesses that are owned or run by members of an underrepresented community.

Business grants are different from business loans in one key way: You don’t have to pay them back.

Key Takeaways

• Business grants offer many advantages over other types of business financing . Unlike a business loan, for example, a grant does not have to be paid back.
• Business grants are provided by various levels of government—federal, state, and local—and a wide variety of private charities, foundations, and corporations.
• Business grants are typically designed to support specific activities or specific types of business.
• It can be difficult to qualify for and secure a business grant, as the application process can be highly competitive.

What Is a Business Grant?

Business grant programs are run by donors—including federal and state governments—to support businesses. Businesses can apply for grants from governments, corporations, foundations, or trusts, and if they are successful, they will receive a sum of money. 

The crucial difference between a business grant and many other types of business financing, including business loans, is that grants don’t have to be repaid. If a business receives a grant, it might have to report back to the donor on how it used the grant, or how it has supported the business, but the money itself can be kept.

Most business grants are designed to achieve a specific purpose. This can be to promote a particular type of business or a specific type of business activity, or to support people from communities that are underrepresented in the world of business. For example, a wide range of grants are available for research and development companies—businesses that work in highly technical fields—or businesses owned and run by women or minorities.

This means that the “average” company can find it difficult to qualify for a business grant. Even if your business does qualify, business grants are often highly competitive, so it can be quite difficult to actually get funding.

If your business doesn’t qualify for a business grant, plenty of other financing opportunities are available, including business loans with no credit check .

How Business Grants Work

In general, the following steps are involved in securing a business grant :

• A business owner or employee identifies a grant that their business is eligible for, and submits an application for it.
• The donor organization will assess the application and decide whether the applicant qualifies for the grant.
• If an application is successful, grant money is then paid to the business by the donor.
• The business is often required to use this grant money for a specific purpose, but is not required to repay the donor.
• Typically, the donor organization will ask the business to report on how it has used the grant.

Business Grant Types

There are many different types of business grant. Some are administered by federal or state governments, some are focused on supporting certain types of business owner, and some are focused on businesses that operate in a particular field or geographical location. 

Government Business Grants

Government business grants are offered by three levels of government: federal, state, and local.

• Most federal business grant programs are administered by agencies of the federal government (such as the Department of Agriculture ) and are designed to achieve the agency’s specific objectives. These are generally the largest grants that companies can qualify for, but they are also the most competitive. 
• State and local business grants are usually smaller than federal grants , but are typically easier to secure because they are less competitive. Sometimes, state governments administer federal business grants and tailor their grants process to fit local priorities or objectives. 

Grants for Minorities, Veterans, and Women

There are also lots of business grants available for certain types of business owner. These include:

• Grants for veterans . The federal government has occasionally offered grants for business owners who are veterans. However, these programs aren’t available on an ongoing basis because they don’t run continuously. That said, veterans are able to access preferential business loan rates from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to finance a business.
• Grants for women . If your business is female-owned or -run, you may have access to a wide range of governmental and private grants. The federal government offers grants to support this kind of business, as do a large number of private foundations, charities, and corporations.
• Grants for minorities . Similarly, a federal agency, the Minority Business Development Agency, supports businesses run or owned by Blacks and minorities to access grants and investment opportunities. Lots of local and city-level foundations also provide financial support.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Business Grants

If your business qualifies for a business grant, it almost always makes sense to apply for one. However, business grants have advantages and disadvantages compared to other forms of business financing. Here’s a look at both.

• The primary advantage of a business grant (over, say, a business loan) is that you don’t have to pay it back. Applying for a business grant also won’t affect your ability to apply for other forms of funding or financing, so it’s possible to receive both a grant and take out a business loan at the same time.
• Business grants can be helpful for businesses run by women or minorities. Both groups face structural barriers when it comes to accessing other forms of business financing, including loans, so grants are often crucial to their ongoing success.
• Business grants are also useful for capital-intensive businesses that don’t expect to make profits in the short term. For example, businesses that are focused on developing new technologies might need to rely on business grants for the period it takes to bring a profitable product to market.

Disadvantages

• Business grants can be fairly inflexible compared to business loans. Most donors require businesses to spend their grant in a specific way, and to confirm that they have done so. If your business priorities or market conditions change, this can mean that you are unable to use your grant.
• The amount of money that a business grant provides is usually smaller than a typical business loan. This is especially true for business grants given out by local governments or private foundations.

Requirements for Business Grants

There are many different types of business grant, each focused on a different objective and each with its own specific requirements. This makes listing the “average” requirements for a business grant difficult and points to the need to read grant applications carefully.

However, most applications for a business grant will require:

• A well-developed business plan . This should outline the current status of your business, prove that it is stable and well-run, and outline your objectives for the future.
• An indicative budget . Most grant applications will require you to outline your current business budget , and to indicate how the business grant for which you are applying will fit in. 
• A justification for the grant . During the application process, most donors will ask you to explain why you need the grant that you are applying for, and how it will support or develop your business.

How to Apply

There are, broadly, five steps involved in applying for a business grant.

1. Find a Grant

This is likely to be the most time-consuming part of the process. To find a grant that is both suitable for your business and that you are able to apply for, you might have to search quite widely:

• For federal government business grants, there is a central database: grants.gov . This website will allow you to search for a federal grant against a number of criteria.
• For state and local government grants, there is no comparable system. To find these grants, you’ll have to search the websites of your state and local governments. Some states, however, offer consultation services for businesses, and these can point you in the right direction.
• Similarly, there is no central database for business grants offered by corporations, charities, or foundations. These grants are generally announced and advertised via the websites of the corporations, charities, or foundations that offer them, so you’ll have to do some research to find them. Since many of these grants are focused on a specific industry, a good place to start is to search online for grants offered in your sector. For example, you can search for “grants for manufacturing companies” or “grants for technology companies.”

2. Check Your Eligibility

Once you find a suitable grant, you should carefully check whether your business is eligible. Most grants have very specific eligibility requirements, and you don’t want to waste time applying for a grant for which your business won’t qualify.

Many grants, for example, are only available for businesses that have been operating for a specific number of years or that have an annual turnover below a certain dollar amount. Read the eligibility guidelines for any grant before starting your application, and, if possible, contact the donor organization to double-check that you are eligible.

3. Register

You will need to register an account on grants.gov to be able to apply for federal grants. For other types of grant, you might be able to skip this step.

You can apply for federal business grants directly through the grants.gov website. For other types of grant, the application process varies a lot. Typically, you will be able to apply for a business grant online, although some donors still require a paper form. In either case, however, the grant application documents will indicate how you should fill out the forms, and what additional documentation you need to supply.

5. Track Your Application

If you are applying for a federal grant, the grants.gov website will allow you to track the progress of your application and check on the decision once the time comes. For other types of grant, it’s often necessary to call or email the donor organization to get an update on your application.

What Is the Difference Between a Grant and a Business Loan?

You don’t have to pay back a business grant, but you do have to pay back a business loan. However, business grants are often less flexible than business loans, generally because you have to use them for a specific purpose.

What Is the Benefit of Receiving a Grant to Fund Your Business?

A business grant can support a business to carry out a specific activity or provide support to a business that might find it hard to access a business loan.

What Is the Most Popular Business Grant?

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a variety of grant programs to support small businesses. The most popular federal grant program is the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, which provides funding for research and development projects.

The Bottom Line

The main advantages of a business grant over other types of business financing is that it doesn’t have to be paid back. Business grants are provided by various levels of government—federal, state, and local—and are typically designed for specific activities or types of business.

It can be difficult to qualify for and secure a business grant, as the application process can be highly competitive. However, for many businesses, a business grant represents a great opportunity for growth and development.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “ What’s the Difference Between a Grant and a Loan? ”

U.S. Small Business Administration. “ Grants for Community Organizations .”

U.S. Small Business Administration. “ Grants .”

Grants.gov. “ Grant Eligibility .”

Grants.gov. “ Grant Lifecycle Timeline .”

Grants.gov. “ Grant-Making Agencies .”

Minority Business Development Agency. “ MBDA Grants .”

U.S. Small Business Administration, via SBIR.gov. “ Leveraging America’s Seed Fund ,” Pages 3–6.

Grants.gov. “ Post Award Phase .”

Grants.gov. “ Pre-Award Phase .”

Grants.gov. “ Search Grants .”

Grants.gov. “ Applicant Registration .”

SBIR.gov. “ About .”

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How To Get Grants For Small Businesses

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It can be for small business owners to secure money to grow your business and take it to the next level, but have you thought of business grants? Do you know how to get grants for small businesses?

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy , driving innovation and job creation in communities across the country. However, scaling operations and achieving goals often requires financial resources that can be hard to come by. That's where grants for small businesses can make a huge difference. These funding opportunities provide a lifeline to entrepreneurs looking to take their businesses to the next level, from expanding their product lines to hiring new employees and investing in marketing efforts.

With the right grant, small businesses can not only survive, but thrive, driving economic growth and creating a better future for everyone.

What is a business grant?

Did you know that a business grant is a form of financial assistance provided by a government agency or private organization to help businesses achieve specific goals? Unlike loans, grants don't have to be repaid, making them an exceptionally appealing option for entrepreneurs looking to finance startup costs, expand their operations, or develop innovative products.

Grants are typically awarded based on the strength of a business's proposal and its potential to positively impact the economy or community. However, securing a grant can be a competitive process, as there are often many businesses vying for the same funding. Nonetheless, for those who are successfully awarded a grant, it can be a significant boost towards achieving their company's goals.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, let’s look at how to get grants for small businesses and what you need to know about the grant application process:, 1. research and choose the appropriate grant program.

Research is vital when it comes to getting grants for small businesses. Identify grant programs that suit your business’s size and type of work. Some options to consider include private nonprofit organizations, federal and state government, small business grants for women, veterans, and minorities. You can also check for grants that relate specifically to your industry or location. Take time to research grants as preparing an excellent application will require you to understand each grant’s preferences and conditions.

2. Understand the eligibility requirements

Most grants come with specific eligibility criteria that businesses need to meet to qualify for funding. Carefully go through the eligibility criteria of each grant to know if you meet all the necessary requirements. Some of the eligibility factors include the size of your business, location, industry, structure, and the intended use of the funds. Knowing the eligibility requirements will save you a lot of time and effort in applying for grants that you were possibly not qualified to receive.

3. Prepare a well-structured grant application

Your grant application is the most crucial element of your grant search. Make sure your application is well-structured and easy to understand. It would be best to have your business plan ready and highlight precisely what you intend to achieve with the funding. Ensure to explain how you plan to use the funds, detailed information about your business, and the impact your business will make in the community. Finally, take your time when writing your application to avoid any errors or missing critical information.

4. Follow up your application progress

After submitting your application, it is essential to follow up on your grant’s status. You can usually track your grant application’s progress online or by contacting the grant’s fund administrator. Following up will show that you are serious about your business and are committed to providing the necessary information. You can also contact the grant program’s administrator to request feedback on improvement areas or when you are not successful in your grant application.

5. Be patient

You need to be patient when waiting for feedback on your grant application. Grant programs receive hundreds to thousands of applications, and this could take months to review before receiving funding approval. While waiting for feedback, you can continue operating and putting together alternative funding options.

The bottom line is that grants are an excellent way for small businesses to secure funding to scale their operations and achieve their goals. Small businesses often lack the financial resources necessary to take their operations to the next level. Fortunately, you can apply for grant funding. Grants provide a valuable opportunity for entrepreneurs to receive the funding they need to grow and thrive. Whether a business is seeking to expand their facilities, invest in new technology, or increase their marketing efforts, grant funding provides a much-needed financial boost. Of course, the application process can be rigorous and competitive, but the payoff is worth it.

Melissa Houston, CPA is the author of Cash Confident: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Creating a Profitable Business . She is the founder of She Means Profit, which is a podcast and blog . As a Finance Strategist for small business owners, Melissa helps successful business owners increase their profit margins so that they keep more money in their pocket and increase their net worth.

The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace any professional or expert accounting and/or tax advice whatsoever.

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7 Government Small Business Grants to Apply For in May 2024

Seeking funding is a right of passage for many small business owners. While there are endless private and government-backed loans to choose from, if you’re looking to evade strict repayment terms and steep interest rates, it could be worth considering government business grants.

Government business grants are financial awards issued by federal, state, or local authorities. There are thousands of grants up for grabs through government website portals, but since this type of financing is designed to support the public, their eligibility criteria tend to be quite specific.

If you’re interested in pursuing this type of finance, we round up some government grants small businesses can apply for in May, including their specialisms, funding limits, and deadlines. We also offer some advice for writing your application, to make sure your proposal is as competitive as possible.

In this guide: 

Government Small Business Grants to Apply For in May 2024

Tips for perfecting your government grant application.

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There are thousands of government funds to apply for. If you want to cut through the noise, take a look at some of the most popular options below:

• Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program
• Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program 
• Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting program
• 8(a) Business Development Program 
• HUBZone Program
• Small State Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)
• U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)

1. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program

• For: Small businesses interested in carrying out innovation research
• Funding limit: Over $2 million
• Deadline: September 5, January 5, and April 5

The Small Business Innovation Research program was designed by the Small Business Administration to encourage US businesses to engage in Federal research and development. The competitive program is open to select small businesses and specifically encourages participation from women and socially or economically disadvantaged persons.

To be eligible for the SBIR program, your business must be for profit, be over 50% owned by permanent residents of the US, and have fewer than 500 employees. To apply for the grant, you need to register your business with SBIR, if you haven’t already, submit a proposal before one of the program’s tri-annual deadlines, and then respond to feedback and refine your concept if necessary.

Learn more about the SBIR grant, and how to apply here .

2. Small Business Technology Transfer  (STTR) programs

• For: Small businesses that have paired up with a research institution

Like the SBIR, the Small Business Technology Transfer program is a government program focused on developing innovative solutions to pressing problems across the US. This type of funding aims to facilitate cooperative research and development efforts research between small business concerns and non-profit US research institutions, with the potential for commercialization of innovative technological solutions.

However, unlike the SBIR, this program requires the small business applicant to be teamed up with a non-profit research institution already, which typically takes the form of a university or Federal Laboratory. The STTR program is also focused on the transfer of technology from the research institution, rather than just the research alone.

Aside from being paired with a research institution, STTR’s eligibility criteria are nearly identical to SBIR’s.

Learn more about the STTR grant, and how to apply here .

3. Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program

• For: Women-owned businesses
• Funding limit: $4 million for service contracts and $6.5 million for manufacturing contracts
• Deadline: Rolling

The Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contracting Program was designed to build a level playing field for female business owners. The contracts are designated for specific industries where female-owned businesses are underrepresented. You can see which industries are eligible for the grant program here .

To be eligible for this program, you need to run a small business, have the business be at least 51% owned and controlled by US women, and have an economically disadvantaged woman manage the day-to-day operations and make long-term decisions.

Learn more about WOSB, and how to apply here.

4. 8(a) Business Development Program

• For: Socially and economically disadvantaged business owners
• Funding limit: $7 million for acquisitions assigned manufacturing NAICS codes and $4.5 million for all other acquisitions

The 8(a) program is a nine-year program created by the SBA to financially support firms owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. It’s designed to span nine years and helps eligible businesses access new business paths from government contracting.

Since the creation of the program in 1970, it has helped disadvantaged businesses gain access to billions of dollars in funding. To be eligible for the government grant, you must run a small business, be at least 51% owned and controlled by US citizens who are socially and economically disadvantaged, have a personal net worth of under $805 thousand, and demonstrate good character.

Learn more about the 8(a) business development program, and how to apply here .

5.  HUBZone Program

• For: Small businesses in historically under-utilized business zones
• Funding limit: $3.5 million for products and services, and $5.5 million per contract for manufacturing

The HUBZone program is a SBA initiative designed to promote economic development and job growth in historically underutilized business zones (HUBZones). The program does so by offering financial grants to business owners operating within these communities.

To be eligible for this business grant you need to run a small business, have the business be at least 51% owned and controlled by a Community Development Corporation, an agricultural cooperative, an Alaska Native corporation, a Native Hawaiian organization, or an Indian tribe, have its main office located in a HUBZone, and have at least 35% of it employees living in the HUBZone for at least 45 days before applying.

Learn more about the HUBZone program, and how to apply here .

6. Small State Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)

• For: Small businesses run by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals
• Funding limit: $20 million

The Small State Business Credit Initiative is a federal program designed to support entrepreneurship across the US. The grant program is provided by the US Department of the Treasury and was expanded by President Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act in 2021, providing an extra $10 billion in funding to eligible businesses.

In addition to providing capital support to small businesses, SSBCI can also provide technical assistance to eligible businesses through its Technical Assistance (TA) Grant Program. The SSBCI is available to businesses owner-occupied small businesses with 500 employees or less, and is specifically tailored to small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged (SEDI) owners and very small businesses with less than 10 employees.

Learn more about the SSBCI program, and apply here .

7. U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)

• For: Small businesses run by minorities
• Funding limit: Up to $350,000 for the first 10 months

The U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is a Federal grants program designed to promote the growth of minority-owned businesses. The ultimate aim of the program is to provide minority business enterprises (MBEs) with access to funds, contracts, and market opportunities both in the US and globally.

To be eligible for MBDA assistance, a business must be owned or controlled by one or more socially or economically disadvantaged persons. The majority of business owners must also identify as racial minorities.

To apply for an MBDA business grant, you need to register your business with SAM.gov and Grants.gov if you haven’t already, align your proposal with the stated requirements, and submit your application before the deadline.

Learn more about the grant, and how to apply here .

Government grants offer a golden opportunity to businesses looking to grow or recover their business. However, due to the competitive nature of the financing, you need to ensure your grant proposal is polished and stands out from the crowd.

We understand that writing a grant application might seem like a daunting process, especially if you’re a first-timer. So, to give your proposal the best chance possible of succeeding, take heed of these pointers below.

• Give yourself enough time –  You don’t want to be writing a grant application against the clock. Writing a proposal can take much longer than you expect, so to account for unexpected hold-ups we recommend giving yourself at least 45 days to complete your written application.
• Follow the instructions carefully – Don’t go off-piste when writing your application. Make sure you include all the information requested by the agency, and present it in the correct format.
• Be as concise and clear as possible – Ensure your application is written in clear, simple language, and use as many candid examples as possible to paint a clear image for your reader. If you use any graphs or imagery, make sure you label them clearly as well.
• Keep the audience in mind – The likelihood is that the reviewer won’t already be familiar with your business. To make sure you won’t gloss over necessary information write the proposal for an audience that’s hearing about your business for the first time.
• Develop a proofreading strategy – You don’t want to hamper your application’s success with silly mistakes like typos or grammatical errors. So, to ensure your proposal looks polished carefully proofread the application or outsource the service to a professional.

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How to Write an RFP for Grants – Everything You Need to Know

Updated: May 09, 2024

Published: May 08, 2024

Beth Goldowitz, who’s been managing nonprofit organizations for the past 20 years, says that when “managed correctly, grants can keep organizations afloat. They’re stable and predictable, a revenue stream that the organization can count on for the duration of a contract.”

But do you know how long it takes to write a single grant application?

Over 30 hours, and considering that grant writers usually get paid between $25 and $100 per hour, depending on their experience, it’s a significant cost. That’s why it’s so important for nonprofits to decide which grants to pick.

Your organization can make it much easier for applicants to assess if they’re the right fit for your project. It all comes down to getting your RFP for grants right, including adding the right sections and asking the right questions.

Before I dive deeper into the subject, let’s answer the question: what is an RFP for grants?

What is an RFP for grants?

The challenges of writing an rfp for grants, the anatomy of an rfp for grants, how to write an rfp for grants, best practices for writing an rfp for grants, rfp for grants resources.

An RFP for grants, or Request for Proposals, is a document issued by grantors such as foundations and government agencies encouraging nonprofit organizations to submit proposals for funding.

Essentially, RFPs offer nonprofits an opportunity to secure funding for various initiatives, irrespective of whether they relate to education, healthcare, or environmental causes.

Each RFP is tailored to achieve a specific goal, so submitted proposals must be in line with the objectives outlined in the RFP.

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I have spoken to a few people working at nonprofits to find out what challenges they came across, either while creating their own RFPs or preparing RFP proposals. Here are the most common obstacles.

Lack of Sufficient Information About the Procurement Process

The quality of your procurement process will impact the quality of the applications you receive. If you don’t share enough information about it, like the timeline, budget, selection criteria, etc., then two things might happen:

• You will receive applications that aren’t the right fit for the project.
• A lot of applicants who are the right fit won’t take part in the process as they’ll feel discouraged by the lack of clarity.

The more detailed and logical your procurement process is, the higher the chances of receiving high-quality proposals.

RFP Grants Failing to Communicate the Vision Clearly

This is an RFP grant challenge that has come up the most frequently.

Gauri Manglik, CEO and co-founder of Instrumentl , says that “many organizations struggle to articulate what specific issues they are trying to address and how the grant they offer will drive impact.”

What often happens is that RFP grant writers take a scattered approach instead of having a cohesive strategic framework. As a result, it’s hard for founders who give out grants to evaluate the proposal’s purpose and potential.

Manglik adds that “the most effective RFPs have a sharply defined focus outlining the goals, target population, and theory of change for proposed activities.”

Not Understanding the Legal Implications of the Grant

Grants often come with terms and conditions that must be followed to stay compliant. Failing to do so might result in penalties or even in grants being revoked.

These terms and conditions should be clear and easy to understand to minimize the risk of breaching them.

Jonathan Feniak, general counsel at LLC Attorney , says, “When writing RFP grant proposals, it’s crucial to understand the legal implications of the grant and factor any liabilities into your plan.

If any IP is developed with grant funding, you must specify ownership rights to avoid potential conflicts with donors later.”

Feniak also notes that proposals should clearly outline your expectations, and you must agree on whether the charity or the investor owns its rights.

“Generally, it’s best to consult your legal team throughout the RFP writing process to manage the risks and clearly outline IP ownership,” adds Feniak.

Ensuring clarity and specificity in the language used.

It’s vital to use a language that is not only clear but also specific so it’s easier for potential bidders to understand what’s expected of them. This applies to the requirements, objectives, and expectations of the project.

Kimberly Wall, co-founder of BibleKeeper , says, “The challenge lies in articulating the project’s goals, objectives, and expected outcomes clearly using words that are not really overwhelming the potential applicants with unnecessary details.”

Using the right language will eliminate confusion among nonprofits and make sure that their proposals accurately correspond to the needs of the RFP issuer.

RFPs for grants come in two forms: concise, short tables, where information is filled out in bullet points, and longer ones, which cover each section in detail.

The former aims to give a high-level overview, while the latter is where applicants take a deep dive into their proposal.

So, there isn’t such a thing as an “ideal” length for an RFP. These types of documents can take up multiple pages and usually function as downloadable PDFs.

If you’re wondering what elements grantors should include, then here’s an RFP structure we recommend at HubSpot.

RFP: [Project Name]

Proposal Due By: [Date]

[Organization Name]

In addition to the name, this section could also feature a short overview of your mission. Don’t include a long history of your organization. Instead, use this space to provide a bit of context on what it does and its target market.

Project Overview

A brief introduction to the project itself to let nonprofits know right away if it’s something worth bidding on — no longer than 1-2 paragraphs.

Project Goals

This section identifies what you hope to accomplish through assigning funds to relevant organizations. Specify what you’ll see as a “win” so everyone is on the same page.

Scope of Work

A description of the project and a scope of work — either detailed, if it’s a long RFP, or bullet points if it’s short.

Current Roadblocks and Barriers to Success

In this section, mention any potential constraints that could either disqualify certain candidates or increase the operational complexity of meeting goals.

Evaluation Metrics and Criteria

Here, you outline how you’re going to choose grantees. There are different approaches — some companies use simple “yes” or “no” evaluations to check if a proposal meets the project objectives.

Other organizations use percentages to score more important criteria higher than others.

Submission Requirements

Exact guidelines bidders must adhere to.

Project Due By

If there is a specific project delivery date, mention it in the RFP. This will help you filter out applicants who can’t guarantee completing it within the required timeline.

Here, you should include the target budget. Specify if this budget will be distributed among multiple organizations or assigned to a single grantee.

General Conditions of Contract

This could include information like:

• Applicant’s legal status.
• Your stance on subcontracting.
• Indemnification, insurance, and liabilities.

Some templates also suggest asking questions that you expect bidders to answer — these can serve as a way to further check their alignment with your mission.

So, now that you know what goes into an RFP, let’s learn how to write them. Below, I’ll describe the steps you should take when tackling this paperwork.

In each section, I’ll work through the steps, as I build a mock RFP for sustainability nonprofits.

My sample organization, Earthly Partners, is looking to fund sustainability projects based in the Southwestern United States. Let's get started.

1. Identify the objectives.

In this step, I want to list all the key information, like goals, timeline, budget, and applicant profile.

As you gather these, you’ll likely come across some informational gaps or considerations that require expert knowledge, like legal considerations and grantor/grantee obligations.

This is an important preliminary stage, which should end with a complete list of information you’ll need to evaluate bidders.

Testing It Out

So, what does my organization, Earthly Partners, want to accomplish? We want to focus on fighting climate change in the South West, particularly through drought relief and community advocacy.

We are able to provide grants of up to $50,000 to each nonprofit.

2. Write an introduction.

Now, I want to provide a bit of information about the organization and the area we focus on. I may also include my organization’s values, current challenges, and the problems we would like to address.

Here is an example of an intro to Earthly Partners’ RFP. Here, we highlight the mission that we focus on and a little bit about our mock organization’s history.

Earthly Partners is pleased to announce the availability of grant funding to support projects that align with our mission of environmental conservation and advocacy.

Established in 2010, Earthly Partners has been dedicated to promoting eco-friendly practices, water conservation, and community empowerment. We recognize the importance of fostering innovative solutions and collaborations within our community, and through this grant opportunity, we aim to support projects that demonstrate creativity, sustainability, and significant impact.

We are most interested in projects focused on community advocacy for climate policies and drought relief.

3. Provide a project description.

This section should serve as a high-level overview. Potential applicants will look at it to quickly assess whether they can propose a relevant project within the required timeline and available budget.

Here’s my project description for my mock sustainability nonprofit:

Grant Purpose: The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to solicit proposals for projects that address environmental conservation, climate change mitigation, or sustainable development.

We seek proposals that offer innovative approaches, foster community engagement, and contribute to the long-term sustainability and resilience of ecosystems and communities.

Grant Details:

• Total Funding Available: $50,000
• Grant Duration: 12 months
• Grant Amount: Grants may range from $2,500 to $10,000
• Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations and community groups operating within the Greater Metropolitan Area are eligible to apply.
• Application Deadline: July 31, 2024.

4. List clear requirements.

Here, I can specify what exactly I need to know about the proposal. That includes asking the applicants for the project description and how it will help fulfill the goals of your grant.

Continuing with the sustainability grant project from above, this section could look like the following:

Proposal Guidelines:

Applicants are invited to submit proposals that address the following key components.

• Project Description: Provide a detailed description of the proposed project, including its objectives, activities, target population, and anticipated outcomes.
• Project Impact: Clearly articulate the potential impact of the project on the environment or the local community. Describe how the project will contribute to positive change and address identified environmental or social needs.
• Innovation and Creativity: Highlight any innovative approaches or strategies proposed to address the identified environmental or social challenge. We encourage applicants to think creatively and propose solutions that may be outside traditional approaches.
• Sustainability: Demonstrate the project’s sustainability beyond the grant period. Describe plans for ongoing funding, partnerships, and stakeholder engagement to ensure the long-term success of the project.
• Roadblocks to Success: Identify potential challenges or roadblocks that the project may face and describe strategies to overcome them. Consider factors such as regulatory hurdles, community resistance, funding constraints, or technical limitations.
• Budget and Timeline: Provide a detailed budget that outlines how grant funds will be used. Include a project timeline with key milestones and deliverables.

5. Include a submission deadline.

Here, I want to call out the deadline for submissions and explain my preferred way of submitting proposals.

For Earthly Partners, I want to have proposals by the end of July. I call that out, along with my preferred submission format, below.

Submission Instructions:

Please submit your proposal electronically to [email address] no later than July 31, 2024. Proposals should be submitted in PDF format and include the organization's name, contact information, and the title of the proposed project in the subject line.

​​​​6. Be clear on the evaluation factors.

It’s important to explain all the elements your organization will pay attention to while evaluating applications.

Applicants who do not meet your criteria will likely withdraw from submitting their proposal if they don’t see they’re a good fit. This, in turn, will help you pre-qualify organizations and shorten the selection process.

For Earthly Partners, I want to explain how we plan to evaluate applicants and give an overview of next steps. This allows me to explain what projects are likely to receive funding and the timeline for these evaluations.

Evaluation Process:

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Alignment with Earthly Partner’s mission and grant objectives.
• Clarity and feasibility of the project proposal.
• Potential impact and sustainability of the project.
• Innovation and creativity of proposed approaches.
• Budget justification and cost-effectiveness.

Notification:

Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by August 31, 2024. Successful applicants will receive further instructions regarding grant agreements, reporting requirements, and funding disbursement.

7. Proofread and edit the document.

I use the editing process to make sure that all the necessary elements are included in my RFP and that the instructions are easy to follow.

Failing to use easy-to-understand language might result in low-quality submissions. It’s a good idea to ask a few of your colleagues for feedback to ensure you’ve not missed any important details.

Here are a few considerations to take into account while preparing your RFP.

Dedicate time to selecting the right eligibility and application criteria.

This is, arguably, the single most important section of your RFP — perhaps even more important than “budget,” as NGOs will want to quickly assess their eligibility.

Esther Strauss, co-founder of Step by Step Business , agrees:

“Given the diversity of causes we support, from education to environmental conservation, finding a grant that provides the necessary funding and also aligns with our goals can be like searching for a needle in a haystack.”

Strauss says that, whenever applying for a grant herself, she needs to know if her organization can genuinely meet the grantor’s requirements while staying true to the organization’s objectives and values.

The need to get the application “right” can also extend to selecting the right application format or method. “The pressure to get it right is immense, as these grants can significantly impact our ability to serve our community,” she adds.

So, how can you make it easier for applicants to assess if they’re the right fit and avoid application mistakes?

Include clear information like:

• Only bidders who meet at least X out of Y criteria will be considered.
• Proposals must be sent in [FORMAT] by [DEADLINE]. Applications sent in through other channels will not be considered.
• Application needs to include a proposed schedule.
• Proposals must be shorter than [NUMBER] pages. Failure to comply with this guideline will result in an automatic rejection.

For a real-life example, you can also look at this RFP proposal from the U.N. , which keeps the requirement descriptions clear and concise.

As you can see, the quality of the proposals and organization fit lies largely in your hands.

Image Source

Simplify negotiations by including key contract terms.

Earlier, I’ve mentioned that many RFP grant writers struggle with translating legal requirements in the RFP.

Wayne Tung of Sendero wrote a great piece on this subject, encouraging RFP publishers to give it the same level of attention as requirements and scope.

“Many people do not include contract term requirements, such as legal and commercial terms, in RFPs. This results in prolonged negotiations,” or even failed grants, he says.

Featuring the main contract terms in the RFP shows respect for both parties — you as the project operator and the organizations seeking funding.

Sometimes, fewer questions are better.

I spent quite some time going through Reddit threads popular among the RFP community, and one of the most interesting points I’ve seen was about question-fit.

One Redditor, roger_the_virus , blatantly says grantors should avoid “useless questions that won’t provide helpful answers. I do my best to make sure we’re not asking for a bunch of information we don’t need and won’t do anything with.”

That said, when it comes to questions, don’t automatically discredit applicants who can’t answer all of them. Offer organizations that have pitched a fitting project and budget the opportunity to ask follow-up questions.

This will prevent them from submitting answers with low informational value, i.e., responses that are vague or unrelated to your query.

Speaking of supplementary questions, this leads to the next point.

Provide clear contact information.

The larger your organization, the less likely it is that there will only be one person responsible for proposal reception and answering questions from applicants.

However, even if it’s an entire office, you should provide contact information with the relevant communication method — either walk-ins between a specific time, like Monday to Friday, email address, or phone number.

Bear in mind that many nonprofits apply to RFPs ongoingly and will only do so if they see that the grantor can help with applicant requests. Here’s an opinion on Reddit from an RFP proposal writer, which garnered multiple upvotes:

“I won’t respond to an RFP unless they commit to giving me their time for detailed discovery and a chance for them to read me the RFP requirements line by line and why they’re important.”

Disclose any potential blockers.

Finally, be transparent about any potential roadblocks winning bidders might come across.

When applying for grants, NGOs need to know if they have the means to complete the project and if there are any other issues, like conflict of interest.

For example, say your organization wishes to assign funds to boost literacy rates in remote rural areas. One of the prerequisites could be having established relationships within target communities.

Such an approach will help preselect applicants, particularly those who don’t have the operational capacity to navigate around any potential constraints.

Here are three resources that might come in handy while drafting an RFP for grants.

1. Candid’s Foundation Directory

Candid’s Foundation Directory shares essential information to help you make smart and strategic funding requests. These resources and tools give you access to funding opportunities that go beyond RFPs.

It includes a list of foundations, including their profiles, funding priorities, application procedures, and contact information.

RFP writers can go through the proposals that have been published already and use them as inspiration to create their own.

2. Free RFP Templates From HubSpot

HubSpot’s Free RFP templates are a great starter kit and will help you draft your request in no time.

This resource gives you two RFP versions — a shorter one and a longer one. Both documents are fully customizable, allowing you to easily add your company name and logo.

You can download them in PDF or turn them into a Microsoft Word or Google Docs file.

These templates include all the crucial elements of an RFP, such as:

• Company name and background.
• Project goals.
• Expected project timeline.
• Submission requirements.
• Evaluation criteria.
• Potential roadblocks.

Each section comes with a quick explainer to help you get the contents right.

Download HubSpot’s RFP Templates for Free

3. Reddit – RFP Subreddits

Unsurprisingly, Reddit is one of the best places to learn from RFP experts as well as understand the applicant’s perspective.

I especially recommend following the RFP subreddit and navigating into more intricate conversations and topics from there.

While many of the discussions cover not only grants but also commercial projects, the advice is universal.

It also goes without saying that you shouldn’t just lurk around the corner — if there’s a challenge you’ve come across while drafting your RFP, this is the community you should ask for advice.

Getting Your RFP for Grants Right

Writing the RFP is the first — and arguably — most important step in the entire grant process. How so? It’s up to you as the grantor to select the right questions and criteria and explain the purpose of the project.

Remember, the more information you provide potential applicants, the easier it will be for them to assess if they fit the grant objectives. And this, in turn, will lead to a higher quality of proposals.

While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all template for each project, there are certain must-have sections to include. So, refer to this article to get a head start next time you need to create an RFP for grants.

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Lot 1, La Penitence, Georgetown | 226-8120/23/35

Small Business Development Grants

SBB offers small business development grants to eligible clients. Currently the maximum value of each grant is GYD $500,000.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a small business development grant, the following requirements must be met:

§   Unemployed or employed by a private sector or non-governmental organization.

§   Owner(s) of a business or seeking to start a business.

§   Registered client(s) of the Small Business Bureau.

§   Submit copies of Business Registration, National Identification Card and certificate of Tax Identification Number.

§   Submit a complete business plan document (template provided by SBB).

§   Submit quotations for items to be purchased with grant funding.

§   Submit valid GRA and NIS compliance documents.

Grants Process

§   Client(s)completes grant application form and submits all required documents.

§   SBB reviews application and documents and interviews client(s).

§   SBB conducts a site visit of the business.

§   SBB submits grant documents to Grants Committee for review and approval.

§   SBB informs clients(s) of grant approval and invite client(s) to visit office to sign agreement.

§   Grant payment prepared, approved and disbursed to client(s).

§   Client(s) submits receipts of items purchased with grant funding.

§   SBB conducts monitoring and evaluation visits of business.

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Council hears of storm funds, police building

By tiffany repecki / [email protected] - | may 13, 2024.

CITY OF SANIBEL The Sanibel City Council recognized Sanibel Police Department senior dispatcher Virjinia Centeno as the Employee of the Second Quarter at its meeting on May 7.

The Sanibel City Council received a Community Development Block Grant — Disaster Recovery funding update and approved the new Sanibel Police Department design at its recent meeting.

On May 7, staff reported that the Planning Department submitted the following grant applications to Lee County for the CDBG-DR Recovery and Resiliency Planning Program:

– Sanibel Plan Update for $250,000: To develop a plan to review all elements of the Sanibel Plan and present an updated plan to the council. The Sanibel Plan was last revised in 2013.

– Sanibel Transportation Master Plan for $200,000: A comprehensive master plan will be developed to include the evaluation of roads for climate related risks, parking and transportation alternatives, and traffic management to improve level of service along roadways (mitigate congestion).

– Sanibel Broadband Feasibility Study for $252,000: To determine the feasibility of underground and aerial installation of infrastructure for fiberoptic-based high-speed symmetrical internet network connectivity to end users (households, businesses, et cetera) within the city limits.

CITY OF SANIBEL During its meeting on May 7, the Sanibel City Council presented the Employee Service Awards for the first and second quarters of the year.

Staff reported that on April 16, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners awarded all three applications to the city in the amount of $702,000.

On a related note, the council was presented at the meeting with a resolution to authorize staff to submit grant applications for the CDBG-DR Public Facilities and Critical Infrastructure Program for city projects and subgrantee projects — F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva, the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District, BIG ARTS and the Island Water Association. Subgrantees required a partner municipality.

Staff explained that 16 project applications would be submitted for a total of $154.4 million.

A motion to approve the resolution passed unanimously 5-0.

Also during the meeting, ADG Architecture Principal Clarisa Parodi gave a presentation on the 90% design for the new police building that will be constructed where the recycling center is located.

CITY OF SANIBEL The Sanibel City Council declared May 6 as Sergeant Anthony Neri Day through proclamation at its meeting on May 7.

The proposed design is three stories — a two-story building over parking.

ADG and construction manager Target Builders were picked in 2022 before Hurricane Ian.

Staff noted that at the time the design contract was approved, the construction was estimated at $8 million. Due to the delays caused by Ian and the increase in building materials and construction expenses related to the storm, ADG and Target Builders now estimate the project at $12.23 million.

Following the presentation, City Manager Dana Souza addressed the cost increase and funding approach. The city has secured a $1 million state appropriation, and it will seek CDBG-DR funds.

“This is not just our police station, it will serve as the unified command center should we ever experience another emergency of any type, whether it’s a natural or manmade emergency,” he said.

CITY OF SANIBEL During its meeting on May 7, the Sanibel City Council declared May 19-25 as National Public Works Week through proclamation.

If unable to secure the funds, staff will seek other funding sources.

“Our task next is to secure the funds and we’ll work hard at doing that over the next few months,” Souza said.

Police Chief William Dalton reported that the design fits the SPD’s needs.

“It adds quite a bit to our operations,” he said, pointing to the briefing room, men and women locker rooms, gym facility, training room, additional space and more. “I can’t really anticipate what the exact needs are going to be 20 or 30 years down the road, but I do feel this building will serve the needs of the community for probably 50 more years.”

A motion to approve the 90% design passed in a 5-0 vote.

CITY OF SANIBEL The Sanibel City Council declared May as National Cities, Towns, and Villages Month through proclamation at its meeting on May 7.

To view the presentation, click on SPD DESIGN PRESENTATION .

IN OTHER NEWS

– The council voted 5-0 to approve an ordinance amending the Code related to housing standards and policies for the Below Market Rate Housing program.

– The council unanimously appointed Kate Sergeant to the Sanibel Planning Commission to fill the reminder of now City Councilmember Laura DeBruce’s term from May 7 through Jan. 12, 2026.

– The council voted 5-0 on a resolution approving a loan agreement between the city and Florida Division of Emergency Management in the amount of $28 million for Ian recovery projects eligible for reimbursement through the public assistance process with FEMA. It is a zero percent loan.

– The council voted 5-0 on a resolution approving a grant agreement between the city and Florida Department of Transportation in the amount of $1 million to repair and repave certain sections of the Shared Use Path system.

– The council voted 5-0 on a resolution approving a budget amendment to appropriate $164,465 in funding for a traffic flow intersection study at Periwinkle Way/Lindgren Boulevard/Causeway Boulevard.

– The council voted 5-0 on a resolution approving a budget amendment to appropriate funding for dredging of the Shell Harbor and Sanibel Isles entrance canal. It also voted 5-0 to award a three-year contract to Bayside Dredging to provide dredging services in the amount of $237,500.

– The council voted 5-0 to approve a proposal from Stantec Consulting Services for professional engineering services in the amount of $348,860 for Ian related paved road repairs. The funds will come from FEMA’s Public Assistance project funding.

– The council voted 5-0 to approve a proposal from Johnson Engineering for the Post Hurricane Ian Surface Water Management Master Plan for fiscal year 2024 in the amount of $381,024. The funding will come from a Florida Department of Environmental Protection grant.

– The council voted 5-0 to approve an agreement with Johnson Engineering for engineering design and permitting of the Sanibel Slough Stormwater Capacity and Water Quality Improvement Project in the eastern most portion (Beach Road to Elinor Way) of the slough in the amount of $212,049. The funding is provided by the Florida DEP.

– The council voted 5-0 to approve a proposal from Tetra Tech for professional engineering services in the amount of $499,840 for Ian related wastewater lift station rehabilitation. The funding will come from a Florida DEP grant.

– The council decided against funding a fireworks display for the Fourth of July based upon staff recommendations and concerns from the Sanibel fire district about the conditions and dry vegetation.

– The council held the first reading for an ordinance related to the sunsetting of the Contractor Review Board and Construction Industry Regulation Board. The second reading is set for June 4.

– The Sanibel School’s Seahorse Chorale performed an arrangement from its set at the New York Invitational Music Festival on April 1 at Carnegie Hall in New York. The council also presented the youths with the city’s commemorative coin, which is given as recognition of special achievement.

– The council recognized SPD senior dispatcher Virjinia Centeno as the Employee of the Second Quarter.

– The council recognized the following employees for their service: wastewater plant operator John Juzkiw for 20 years and SPD Sgt. Kenneth Sutton for 20 years during the first quarter; and SPD Officer Kyle Eckert for five years, Deputy City Clerk Anna Hicks for five years, lead dispatcher Christine Hodges for five years, tradesworker Franklin Rocha for five years and SPD Lt. Jonathan Smith for 20 years during the second quarter.

– The council recognized May 5-11 as the 55th Annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week through proclamation and voiced appreciation for Master Municipal Clerk Scotty Lynn Kelly and Hicks.

– The council declared May 6 as Sergeant Anthony Neri Day through proclamation.

– The council declared May 19-25 as National Public Works Week through proclamation.

– The council declared May as National Cities, Towns, and Villages Month through proclamation.

F.I.S.H. to hold distribution event

Volunteers sought for planting

Winners of chili competition announced