Government Grants

Government grants are different from other common funding sources for nonprofits, such as foundation grants, individual donations, etc. in that they come with significantly more compliance requirements. These compliance requirements relate to all areas including finance, governance practices, programmatic compliance and documentation, and other items that vary from location to location. Each government agency and funding program is different in terms of the exact requirements they place on grantees. Government grants are also much more likely than other funding sources to be audited or undergo monitoring from the granting agency. In consideration of the above, Social Good Fund will NOT accept government grants except in VERY RARE AND LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES- PLEASE ASSUME WE WILL NOT ACCEPT A GOVERNMENT GRANT, and will not ever accept Federal government funds. Further, we will NOT consider government grants for Model C projects. You must speak to us before applying for a government grant. There are many factors that must be considered before applying. Please also be aware that we reserve the right to take up to a 20% cost on government grants. To help the conversation, try and find out as much information as possible about the grant opportunity before speaking with us. For example:

• Gather the request for proposals, grant application instructions and/or website for grant the opportunity you are considering. When is the grant deadline?

• What exactly is the grant source? Is it a federal, state, or local source? If federal, we absolutely will not accept it.

• Does the grant require that Social Good Fund register to do business with the granting agency?

• Are fiscally sponsored projects allowed to apply?

• If not in California, are out-of-state organizations eligible to apply?

• How long is the grant cycle?

• What is the range of grant amounts for this funding agency? What is the grant amount you would plan to apply for?

• Is it a reimbursable grant? A reimbursable grant is one in which you pay for things and then invoice to be reimbursed from your grant award. This means, you need to have the cash on hand to pay your expenses. This is in contrast to the typical private foundation grant where they cut you a check for the entire grant amount, which you then get to spend down.

Serious about applying for a grant, gathered all the necessary information and ready to talk it through? Email any RFP documents and other information gathered to: [e-mail]. We will then reach out to you to discuss the opportunity.