Where to Find Grants for Non-Profit Organizations Debt Assistance

Non-profit organizations provide critical services to communities across the country. However, many non-profits struggle with debt as they work to fulfill their missions with limited funding. Fortunately, there are grants available specifically to help non-profits manage their debt. This article will explore the best places to find these grants so your organization can get the financial assistance it needs.

Federal Grants

One of the best sources of grants for non-profits is the federal government. Several federal agencies offer grants to help non-profits, including:

• The Small Business Administration (SBA) – The SBA offers several loans and grants tailored to non-profits. Their Microloan program provides loans up to $50,000 to help with operating costs, repairs, supplies, and more. The SBA also offers debt relief grants to reimburse loan payments for non-profits impacted by COVID-19.
• Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) – CNCS oversees AmeriCorps and Senior Corps programs. These programs provide grants to non-profits while supplying workers and volunteers. The grant money helps cover operating costs so non-profits can better serve their communities.
• Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – HUD offers grants for non-profits focused on affordable housing assistance and anti-homelessness programs. The grants provide funding for operating costs, staffing, maintenance, and expanding housing services.

When looking for federal grants, a great resource is Grants.gov. This site allows you to search across all federal grant opportunities from one platform. You can filter by your non-profit type, location, categories and more to find grants matching your mission and needs.

State and Local Grants

Beyond federal options, many state and local governments also offer grants for non-profits. Community foundations, arts councils, small business development centers and more have funds earmarked to support non-profits in their regions.

A few examples of state and local grant programs include:

• – Florida Non-Profit Alliance – Provides grants to non-profits impacted by COVID-19 for payroll, rent, utilities and other operating expenses.
• – Miami Arts and Culture Grants – Funding for local Miami arts organizations for operating support, programming and project expenses.
• – Tampa Bay Black Business Investment Corporation – Offers loans, loan guarantees and grants for non-profits supporting Black-owned small businesses.
• – California Arts Council – Grants supporting arts programming and operational costs for California-based arts non-profits.
• – New York State Council on the Arts – Similar to California’s program, this provides funding for New York arts organizations.

Check your state and local government’s websites for grant programs that support non-profits in your region and categories. Many counties and cities also have programs to fund local non-profits serving their communities.

Private Foundation Grants

Beyond government funding sources, private foundations provide a significant source of grant money for non-profits. Large national foundations like Ford, Rockefeller and Gates have billions in assets and give hundreds of millions a year in grants. Smaller local foundations also frequently fund non-profits in their communities.

Some private foundations offering grants to support non-profit debt assistance include:

• – Kresge Foundation – Focuses grants on human services, health, arts and culture, and community development non-profits. Grants help build capacity, growth and advancement.
• – Robert Wood Johnson Foundation – One of the largest healthcare philanthropies, RWJF provides grants to strengthen key health services and access. Grants fund operating costs, training, tech improvements and more.
• – W.K. Kellogg Foundation – Concentrates on child and family well-being. Grants support operating costs for non-profits aligned with their mission like health clinics, food banks, and family resource centers.
• – Surdna Foundation – Funding areas include sustainable environments, strong local economies, and thriving cultures. Grants help cover operating costs and stabilization.
• – Local community foundations – Check your region for a local community foundation providing grants. For example, the Miami Foundation, Sacramento Region Community Foundation, and Forever Bloomington Community Fund all offer grants for local non-profits.

Use online databases like GrantWatch and Foundation Directory Online to find foundations aligned with your mission. Research each foundation’s priorities, past grantees and eligibility before applying.

Corporate Giving Programs

Businesses also provide significant grants and contributions to non-profits through corporate giving programs. Companies like Target, Microsoft, Bank of America, Verizon and more operate grant programs as part of their corporate social responsibility efforts.

Corporate grant programs can provide funding for:

• – General operating expenses
• – Staff training and development
• – Expanding programs and services
• – Upgrading facilities and equipment
• – Supporting fundraising campaigns and events

To find corporate grant opportunities, check the websites of major employers in your area for their giving guidelines. Chambers of commerce and industry trade associations also often list grants and contributions local businesses make to community causes and non-profits.

Applying for Grants

Once you’ve identified potential government, foundation and corporate grant opportunities, you likely have some questions about the application process. Here are a few tips:

• Carefully review eligibility and priorities for each grant to ensure fit – Only apply for grants that closely match your non-profit mission and needs.
• Highlight community impact and outcomes – Funders want to see how their grant will expand your capacity to serve more people. Use data and stories to emphasize this impact.
• Follow instructions exactly – Not following all formatting rules or missing deadlines can make your application ineligible. Triple check requirements.
• Describe financial need and sustainability – Transparency builds trust with funders. Explain current struggles and how grants will lead to stability.
• Have an evaluation plan – Funders want to see their money makes a difference. Show how you’ll measure and report on grant program outcomes.

Finding the right grants for your situation takes research, but government, foundations and corporate funders want to support impactful non-profits. Hopefully this article has provided helpful guidance on navigating the search for grants assisting with debt relief and management. Let me know in comments if you have any other questions!