Minority Grants

Finding funding is always a challenge.  Whether you are seeking funding for a business venture or to pay school tuition, it’s never easy to find enough cash to pay all the bills.  Minorities face unique challenges when seeking loans or grants.  These challenges can include more difficult operating environments and unequal access to grant and loan information.  Luckily, the government and the private sector recognize these challenges and have set up grants specifically for minorities. 

If you are a minority seeking a grant, the first stop in your research should be www.grants.gov.  This is the federal website for all available grants.  There are basic and advanced search options available.  Be sure to search for your specific minority group.  Grants are available for groups including African Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans, Native Americans and Disabled Americans, among others. 

A second option for grants is your local Chamber of Commerce.  Many local businesses and nonprofits provide region-specific grants for minorities.  Check with your local government office to see if there are any grants that you qualify for.

As you search for grants, be sure to watch out for online scam sites.  These sites are easily recognizable because they will ask you to provide personal information or to pay a fee in order to access grant information.  You do not need to pay any money to receive a grant and you should not provide any personal information to these sites. 

Once you have a list of potential grants, you are ready to begin the application process.  Most grants will ask for basic background and identification information.  Be prepared to provide proof of your minority status.  For example, Native Americans must provide a Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB) and must also belong to a well-recognized tribe. 

Depending on which type of grant you are applying for, you will need to provide additional information as well.  If you are applying for a business grant, be prepared to provide a business plan and detailed budget information.  If you are applying for a school grant, you will likely need to write an essay on your life experiences and future endeavors.  Read the instructions carefully to be sure that you accurately and completely fill out the application.

It can take weeks or months to get a response from a grant application.  It is a good idea to apply to multiple grants if you qualify.  Generally, applying to multiple grants will not decrease your chance of receiving funding.

By utilizing online resources and carefully preparing applications, you can be well on your way to receiving a minority grant.