2
3

Can I get a grant for an individual community project? (self.nonprofit)

submitted ago by mkj5251

I have an idea for a project that I can take on to benefit my community, but there will be some (relatively) small production costs. Is there any way I can secure an individual grant without starting an official non-profit organization? Or, is there a way to start an "official" non-profit "project"? Would I need to find an existing organization to jump on board to help fund this project?

Thanks for any ideas you have!

all 4 comments
sorted by:
best
best
top
new
hot
controversial
old

[–]liesitellmykids 0 points1 point ago

Just wanted to let you know that State Farm Neighborhood Assist is accepting applications right now. The application is short so keep it simple if you apply. The grant is for $25K and is open to 501 (c)(3) organizations in the US and Canada. The only restrictions is that it has to fit in one of the following categories - safety, education, or community. They can help connect you to a non-profit if you need one.

[–]perpetualstroll 0 points1 point ago

How much money would you need to get the project off the ground?

[–]papillon24 0 points1 point ago

There are many small startup grants that will give if you are in 501(c)3 process, but you will need to be incorporated with your state first and be in the process of getting your IRS status. If you are looking for seed money for your project, you can consider something like kickstarter ( or other crowd funding sites), which is not really directed towards charities.

[–]ebarbaric 0 points1 point ago

You could also crowdfund it?

Depending on your timeline, you might be able to speak to some of the local community banks that would want to be involved and do the project through their community investment arm.

Otherwise, see if there is a local volunteer association. You could connect with them and work with a finance person there to use their NFP status and services to raise funds and run your project.