Written by Mark B.
There are three basic types of grants: those for entrepreneurs and business owners, those for individuals looking for student aid or personal financial assistance, and those for nonprofit organizations. Each requires a distinct research process and utilizes different resources.
Business Grants
For the most part, funding for business entrepreneurs and owners comes in the form of loans. Grants for small businesses do exist, but they are typically awarded to industry-specific or demographic-based categories.
Library resources
- Small Business Source – To search under Exploring Topics, click on Starting, Selling and Growing Your Business, then click on Financing a Business to find articles on Angel Investors, Raising Capital, and other subjects.
- Gale Business Entrepreneurship – In the Fund section, there are a variety of sources to research financing a startup or expanding a business.
Web resources
- Grants.gov - Government agencies do not generally fund small businesses with grants. However some specialized federal grants may be searched in grants.gov.
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce – Find weekly updated list of loans, small business grants, or other opportunities to connect with programs and organizations that can help you with your business.
- Business.wa.gov – Browse a list of Federal, Washington State, and Local loan and grant programs.
Grants for Individuals
Education
Library resources
- Books related to Scholarships
- Digital directory – “Scholarships, Fellowships and Loans: A Guide to Education-Related Financial Aid Programs for Students and Professionals”
Online databases
- Peterson’s Test & Career Prep - Go to: Find a School > Scholarship search tool
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Foundation Directory* - This online directory contains 10,000+ sources of funding for students, artists, researchers, and other individuals. For help with searching, see the Instructions.
*Foundation Directory is only available at the Freeland and Marysville Libraries.
Other resources
- College Board - “Pay for College”
- Federal Student Aid - “Types of Financial Aid: Loans, Grants, and Work-Study Programs”
Personal Financial Assistance
- USA.gov “Facing financial hardship” - Learn how to apply for government programs to help with food, bills, housing, and more.
- Washington 211 - Connect to community resources statewide, including those that offer Rent Assistance, Utility Assistance, Move-in Assistance, and Utility Discounts.
Grants for Nonprofits
Library resources
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Foundation Directory* – This online directory includes information on private and corporate foundations and government grantmakers that fund national and international projects. The database provides information on each foundation’s application process, recently awarded grants, the number and dollar amount of grants made each year, geographic focus, specified areas of interest, contact information, and more. For help with searching, see the Instructions.
*This resource is only available at the Freeland and Marysville Libraries. - LinkedIn Learning – Provides instructional videos on many topics, including fundraising for nonprofits.
Questions? We can help!
If you would like personal instruction on using any of the above resources, Book a Librarian appointment with your community library or contact us by email, chat, text, or phone.
