Grants That Don\

A common misconception is that grants are only available to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. In reality, billions of dollars in grants are available to individuals, for-profit businesses, government entities, and other non-501(c)(3) entities.

Who Can Get Grants Without 501(c)(3)?

Individuals

• Artists and creatives
• Researchers
• Students
• Entrepreneurs
• Inventors
• Writers

For-Profit Businesses

• Small businesses (especially through SBIR/STTR)
• Startups
• Minority/women/veteran-owned businesses
• Rural businesses
• Technology companies

Other Entities

• Churches and religious organizations (often exempt from 501(c)(3))
• Universities and schools
• Government agencies
• Tribal entities
• Cooperatives

Federal Grants for Non-501(c)(3)s

SBIR/STTR Programs ($4+ Billion Annually)

Perfect for: For-profit small businesses with innovative technology

Funding Levels:

• Phase I: Up to $300,000 (feasibility)
• Phase II: Up to $2 million (development)
• Phase III: Commercialization (no SBIR funding, but federal contracting)

11 Participating Agencies:

• DOD, NIH, DOE, NSF, NASA, USDA, EPA, DOC, DHS, DOT, ED

SBA Loans and Grants

Programs Available:

• Disaster loans (businesses and individuals)
• Community Advantage loans
• Microloans
• Surety bond guarantees

State-specific programs for small business grants through SBA partnerships

USDA Rural Business Grants

For rural businesses:

• Rural Business Development Grants
• Value-Added Producer Grants
• Rural Energy for America (REAP)

Key Requirement: Location in eligible rural area

NEA/NEH Grants for Individuals

National Endowment for the Arts:

• Literature Fellowships ($25,000)
• Creative Writing Fellowships
• Translation Fellowships

National Endowment for the Humanities:

• Public Scholar Awards
• Fellowship Programs
• Summer Stipends

Research Grants

Many federal research grants go to individuals:

• Fulbright Scholar Program
• NIH Individual Fellowships
• NSF Graduate Research Fellowship
• NASA Space Grant

State Grants for Individuals and Businesses

Arts Councils

Every state has an arts council offering individual artist grants:

Common Programs:

• Artist fellowships
• Project grants
• Professional development
• Emergency assistance

Amounts: $500 - $50,000+

Economic Development Grants

State programs for businesses often don't require 501(c)(3):

Examples:

• Job creation incentives
• Workforce training grants
• Export assistance
• Technology development

Film Incentives

State film offices offer to for-profit productions:

• Tax credits
• Cash rebates
• Location assistance
• Workforce training

Private Foundations Without 501(c)(3) Requirement

For Individuals

Pollination Project

• $1,000 seed grants
• For individuals starting grassroots projects
• No nonprofit required

Awesome Foundation

• $1,000 monthly grants
• "Awesome" projects of any kind
• Individuals welcome

Grants for Artists

• Foundation for Contemporary Arts
• Pollock-Krasner Foundation
• Artist Trust (Washington state)

For Businesses

FedEx Small Business Grant Contest

• Up to $50,000
• For-profit small businesses
• Annual competition

Amber Grant

• $10,000 monthly + $25,000 annual
• Women-owned businesses
• Any entity type

Hello Alice Grants

• Various amounts
• Diverse business owners
• Regular cycles

National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE)

• Growth grants up to $4,000
• For self-employed individuals
• No 501(c)(3) needed

Fiscal Sponsorship Alternative

If a grant does require 501(c)(3), consider fiscal sponsorship:

What Is It? A 501(c)(3) organization "sponsors" your project, allowing you to apply for grants under their tax-exempt status.

How It Works:

1. Find a fiscal sponsor aligned with your mission
2. Apply for grants through the sponsor
3. Sponsor receives and manages funds
4. Sponsor takes administrative fee (typically 5-10%)

Popular Fiscal Sponsors:

• Fractured Atlas (arts)
• Network for Good (general)
• Social Good Fund (social impact)
• New York Foundation for the Arts (artists)
• Third Sector New England (New England area)

Benefits:

• Access grants requiring 501(c)(3)
• Immediate tax-exempt status for donors
• Administrative support
• Avoid cost/time of forming nonprofit

Churches and Religious Organizations

Religious organizations often receive grants without 501(c)(3):

Why? Churches have automatic tax-exempt status under IRS code.

Available Grants:

• Community development funds
• Social service grants
• Faith-based initiative funding
• Disaster relief funds

Note: Cannot use funds for religious worship activities

Application Tips for Non-501(c)(3)s

1. Verify Eligibility Early

Check grant requirements for:

• Entity type (individual, business, nonprofit)
• Tax status requirements
• Registration requirements (SAM.gov, state registrations)

2. Highlight Your Track Record

Without nonprofit status, demonstrate:

• Past successful projects
• Financial responsibility
• Community impact
• Professional credentials

3. Show Sustainability

Funders want to see:

• How project continues after grant
• Matching funds or other income
• Revenue generation plans (for businesses)

4. Partner Strategically

Consider partnerships with 501(c)(3)s:

• Joint applications
• Subcontractor arrangements
• Collaborative projects

Common Myths Debunked

Myth: "Only nonprofits can get grants"

Reality: Billions in grants go to individuals, businesses, and governments annually.

Myth: "Starting a nonprofit is easy for getting grants"

Reality: Maintaining 501(c)(3) compliance is expensive and time-consuming. Many funders prefer established organizations.

Myth: "SBIR is only for tech companies"

Reality: SBIR covers ANY innovative technology—agriculture, healthcare, energy, transportation, and more.

Myth: "Individual grants are only for famous artists"

Reality: Many foundations specifically fund emerging and underrepresented individuals.

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Use our Program Search to find grants matching your entity type, or take our Eligibility Quiz for personalized recommendations.