Government Resources for Non-Profits

Non-profit businesses are eligible for certain benefits including grants, loans, government surplus, and tax exemptions. There are a lot of resources available and the key is navigating the maze. We’ll run through some great non-profit resources below offered by the government. All government resources are free – one of the benefits of your tax dollars so you’ll never have to pay to access one of these sites.

Resources for Non-profits

1. The online Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance gives you access to a database of all Federal programs available to nonprofit organizations and institutions. The CFDA Web Site is updated bi-weekly as new or updated program information is received from Federal agencies. This site also provides contact information for how to apply and guidelines to assist in filing for federal assistance.

1. Business.gov has a page dedicated to resources for non-profits. It includes links to valuable resources and acts as one single destination to find a host of tools and sites that can assist. It’s all organized in an easy-to-use format. So if you want a host of tools, bookmark this page.

1. The Office of Management and Budget assists by principles for determining costs of grants, contracts and other agreements with non-profit organizations. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is part of the Executive Office of the President.

1. Grants.gov is another source to find and apply for federal government grants. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is a managing partner for Grants.gov, an initiative that is having an unparalleled impact on the grant community. Learn more about Grants.gov and how to find and apply for a grant that is right for your non-profit business. Remember that you do not have to register with Grants.gov to find grant opportunities. However, once you are ready to apply for a grant, you will need to get registered. This process takes 3-5 business days. You can also register to receive email notifications of new grant postings.

1. The IRS also links to helpful information about points of intersection between charitable organizations and the IRS, including access to explanatory information and forms that an organization may need to file with the IRS.

1. The Federal Surplus Personal Property Donation Program enables certain nonfederal organizations to obtain personal property that the federal government no longer needs. The Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949, as amended, provides for the transfer of surplus personal property to State Agencies for Surplus Property. To search for available surplus property, eligible agencies must go through their SASP to obtain a generic search-only access code and password to logon to GSAXcess®.