Nonprofit and charity funding
50 answers. Written by the celerfunding.com editorial team from official sources. Each answer shows where it applies and when its sources were read.
What funding can a nonprofit use besides grants?
Several repayable options exist alongside grants, and the best fit depends on mission, size and repayment ability.
In the US, CDFIs finance small businesses and nonprofit organizations, with products that vary by institution. In Canada, the Social Finance Fund provides repayable investment capital for charities, nonprofits and social enterprises, reached through intermediaries rather than a direct federal application.
Some US private foundations make program-related investments, which can be loans, equity or credit enhancement rather than grants. A charitable purpose does not tell you the instrument.
Repayment obligations stay, whatever the mission. Each provider sets its own underwriting.
Before you borrow, test whether your cash flow can support repayment, especially if income depends on grants or reimbursements.
Nothing here predicts eligibility. Start with the official pages for each route.
Next: Nonprofit funding
Sources (read 2026-10-31): Treasury CDFI Fund FAQ; OFN CDFI locator; Canada Social Finance Fund; design; IRS program-related investments
What is the difference between a registered charity and a non-profit organization in Canada?
A registered charity is registered with the CRA and can issue official donation receipts, while a non-profit organization (NPO) is not registered and cannot. The difference affects funding.
According to CRA, a registered charity is a type of qualified donee, so donations to it can qualify for tax benefits. Donations to an NPO do not. Charities must also meet a minimum yearly spending requirement, which NPOs do not have.
Many funders and programs ask which status you hold. Some foundations can only give to registered charities or other qualified donees, while other programs accept both. Always check each funder's rules.
Be careful with language. Not every payment to a charity is a receiptable gift.
This is general information, not tax advice. Confirm your status and what it allows with the CRA or a qualified adviser.
Next: Nonprofit funding
Sources (read 2026-11-01): CRA charity/NPO distinction; Community Foundations of Canada; Imagine Canada; CRA sponsorship
What does a US organization need to qualify as a 501(c)(3)?
It must be organized and run only for purposes the tax code lists, and none of its earnings may benefit private individuals. The IRS describes these as the organizational and operational tests.
The IRS also bars a 501(c)(3) from being an action organization. It may not make a substantial effort to influence legislation, and it may not take part in campaigns for or against political candidates.
If someone with substantial influence receives an excess benefit, an excise tax can apply to that person and to managers who approved it.
Qualifying does not itself bring funding. Many funders ask for the IRS determination and want to see how your programs fit their priorities.
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Check the IRS exemption pages or ask a qualified adviser before relying on a status.
Next: Nonprofit funding
Related: How do I apply for 501(c)(3) recognition from the IRS?; What counts as lobbying for a US charity, and what is policy education?; What is private inurement for a US nonprofit?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): IRS: exemption requirements for 501(c)(3) organizations
How do I apply for 501(c)(3) recognition from the IRS?
You file Form 1023 online through Pay.gov; the IRS says paper filing is not described for that form. A shorter Form 1023-EZ also exists.
The IRS asks you to follow its pre-application steps first and to decide which type of exempt status you want. Its Publication 4220 explains applying for 501(c)(3) status.
The page I read does not state the fee, how long a decision takes or who can use the EZ version, so check the form instructions before you plan around any of those. Do not assume you can accept deductible gifts or apply for grants as a 501(c)(3) until your determination is in hand.
CELER does not file applications. This is education only, not legal advice; consider a qualified adviser for governing documents.
Next: Nonprofit funding
Related: What does a US organization need to qualify as a 501(c)(3)?; Which Form 990 does my US nonprofit file?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): IRS: applying for tax-exempt status
How do I apply to become a registered charity in Canada?
You apply online through a CRA account, after getting a business number and a charity account. If your charity was revoked, a separate application applies.
The CRA lists what to have ready: governing documents and bylaws, activity descriptions, partner and third-party agreements including fundraiser contracts, financial arrangements, recent financial statements and director details. A certificate of good standing is expected if you have been incorporated more than five years.
Incomplete answers can slow processing, and officers may contact you for more information. Describe current and proposed activities in enough detail.
Registration is a CRA decision, so nothing here predicts approval. This is general information, not legal advice.
Next: CRA: apply to become a registered charity
Related: How long does CRA charity registration take?; What is the difference between a registered charity and a non-profit organization in Canada?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): CRA: apply to become a registered charity
How long does CRA charity registration take?
The CRA page I read gives no fixed timeline, so no one can promise a date. Plan around uncertainty.
The page warns that incomplete answers or missing information can slow processing, and that CRA officers may contact you for more information, which can extend the wait. It asks applicants to describe current and proposed activities in sufficient detail.
After submission you can track the application in your charity account and print a summary.
Until registration is granted you are not a registered charity, so you cannot issue official donation receipts. Funders that require charitable status may wait for your registration number, so ask each one what it accepts in the meantime. Some funders accept a partner charity as the applicant.
This is general information, not legal advice. Check the CRA site for current service standards.
Next: Canada funding resources
Related: How do I apply to become a registered charity in Canada?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): CRA: apply to become a registered charity; CRA charity/NPO distinction
Which Form 990 does my US nonprofit file?
It depends on gross receipts and assets. Per the IRS, organizations with gross receipts normally $50,000 or less may file the Form 990-N e-Postcard.
Organizations with gross receipts under $200,000 and total assets under $500,000 may use Form 990-EZ or Form 990. Gross receipts of $200,000 or more, or assets of $500,000 or more, call for the full Form 990. Private foundations file Form 990-PF regardless of size.
The IRS page I read was last updated on 28 June 2026 and links 2025 forms. It does not discuss automatic revocation for repeated non-filing, so confirm that rule separately.
This is general information, not tax advice. Ask a qualified adviser about your own return.
Next: Nonprofit funding
Related: What does a US organization need to qualify as a 501(c)(3)?; What is automatic revocation for a US nonprofit that stops filing?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): IRS: which Form 990 series form to file
When must a Canadian registered charity file its T3010?
A complete T3010 is due no later than six months after the end of the charity's fiscal period. A 31 December year-end gives a 30 June due date.
The CRA may revoke a charity's registration for not filing. Revocation means the charity can no longer issue official donation receipts and loses its income tax exemption.
The page I read describes no late-filing dollar penalty, so check the CRA's consequences-of-revocation page. It also links form versions and filing options that change over time.
Funders often look at your filings, so late returns can cost trust as well as status.
This is general information, not legal advice. Check the CRA before you rely on a date for your own fiscal year.
Next: CRA: when to file the T3010
Related: What happens if a Canadian charity loses its registration?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): CRA: when to file the T3010
Does a Canadian non-profit organization have to file a T1044?
Only if it crosses certain triggers. A tax-exempt NPO must file the T1044 if it received more than $10,000 in taxable dividends, interest, rentals and royalties, owned assets above $200,000 at the end of the previous period, or had to file in an earlier period.
Once an NPO files, it generally keeps filing each later period while it remains an NPO. Registered charities are excluded.
The return is due within six months after fiscal period end. The CRA's guide states a late-filing penalty of $25 a day, with a $100 minimum and $2,500 maximum, which the CRA may waive for circumstances beyond your control.
T1044 is separate from the corporate T2 return. This is general information, not tax advice. Confirm your situation with the CRA or a qualified adviser.
Next: Canada funding resources
Related: Is a Canadian non-profit organization exempt from income tax?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): CRA: guide to the NPO information return (T4117)
Is a Canadian non-profit organization exempt from income tax?
Generally yes if it qualifies, but it cannot issue tax receipts. The CRA describes an NPO as a club, society or association that is not a charity and is organized and run for purposes other than profit.
No part of its income may benefit a member, proprietor or shareholder personally, with a narrow amateur-athletics exception. An NPO that meets these conditions is exempt from Part I tax on all or part of its taxable income. It does not register to get this status.
An NPO cannot issue receipts for donations or membership fees. That is the practical difference from a registered charity, and it affects which funders you can approach.
This is general information, not tax advice. Confirm your own status with the CRA or a qualified adviser.
Next: Canada funding resources
Related: Does a Canadian non-profit organization have to file a T1044?; What is the difference between a registered charity and a non-profit organization in Canada?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): CRA: guide to the NPO information return (T4117); CRA charity/NPO distinction
What is the disbursement quota for Canadian charities?
It is the minimum a charity must spend each year, and for charitable organizations it applies once the average value of property not used directly in charitable activities or administration exceeds $100,000. The threshold is $25,000 for public and private foundations.
The CRA page I read gives 3.5% of the average value up to $1 million and 5% on the amount above $1 million. The base is averaged over the 24 months before the fiscal year, using between two and eight equal valuation periods you choose.
The page does not state the date the graduated rates took effect, so do not rely on this answer for a specific fiscal year. The CRA also has rules on accumulating property.
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Use the CRA calculation page or an adviser.
Next: CRA: disbursement quota calculation
Sources (read 2026-11-01): CRA: disbursement quota calculation
Can a Canadian registered charity do advocacy or political work?
A charity can advocate on policy, but it can never support or oppose a political party or candidate. The CRA calls the permitted work public policy dialogue and development activities.
The CRA says there is no set cap on these activities if they further a stated charitable purpose, and that all resources must go to charitable activities the charity carries on itself. Allowed examples include research, expressing opinions, mobilizing supporters and making representations to officials.
A charity may take a position that a party also holds, as long as it does not name or identify the party or candidate. Staff and directors may take part in politics personally, but not with charity resources or platforms.
Keep records showing how the activity furthers your purposes. This is general information, not legal advice.
Next: Canada funding resources
Related: What counts as lobbying for a US charity, and what is policy education?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): CRA: public policy dialogue and development activities by charities
What counts as lobbying for a US charity, and what is policy education?
It may not take part in political campaigns, and it may lobby only to a limited degree. The IRS says an organization generally cannot qualify if a substantial part of its activities is attempting to influence legislation.
Campaign activity for or against candidates is prohibited. The IRS counts contacting legislators or urging the public to contact them about legislation as lobbying. Educational activities on public policy, such as meetings and materials, are not treated as lobbying. Executive, judicial and administrative actions do not count as legislation.
The IRS lobbying page I read does not explain how the limits are measured, so ask a qualified adviser before you spend heavily on advocacy.
This is general information, not legal advice.
Next: Nonprofit funding
Related: What does a US organization need to qualify as a 501(c)(3)?; Can a Canadian registered charity do advocacy or political work?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): IRS: lobbying by 501(c)(3) organizations; IRS: exemption requirements for 501(c)(3) organizations
What is unrelated business income tax for a US nonprofit?
It is tax on income from a regularly carried-on trade or business that is not substantially related to the organization's exempt purpose. Being tax-exempt does not shield every income stream.
The IRS says an organization with $1,000 or more in gross income from an unrelated business must file Form 990-T, in addition to its annual information return. Organizations expecting to owe $500 or more for the year must pay estimated tax. Some organization types follow special rules.
That matters for earned-revenue plans such as ads, sales and rentals. Test each idea against the related-purpose rule before launching it.
This is general information, not tax advice. See IRS Publication 598 or ask a qualified adviser.
Next: Nonprofit funding
Related: Can a Canadian charity run a business or social enterprise?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): IRS: unrelated business income tax
Can a Canadian charity run a business or social enterprise?
Only a related business. A registered charity may carry on a business that is run substantially by volunteers, or one that is both linked to its charitable purpose and subordinate to it.
The CRA treats about 90% unpaid volunteers as a rule of thumb for 'nearly all'. 'Linked' needs a direct connection to the purpose; giving profits to the charity is not enough. 'Subordinate' means the business stays secondary and does not become a purpose of its own.
An unrelated business puts registration at risk, although the CRA normally asks the charity to wind it up or move it into a separate taxable corporation first. Private foundations are stricter and can lose registration for any business.
This is general information, not legal advice. Take advice before launching a social enterprise.
Next: Canada funding resources
Related: Is a high fundraising cost ratio a problem for a Canadian charity?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): CRA: what is a related business (CPS-019)
What must be on an official donation receipt from a Canadian charity?
The CRA lists specific required elements; a receipt missing them is not a proper official receipt. Check the current CRA page before you build a template.
For cash gifts it includes a statement that it is an official receipt for income tax purposes, the charity's name and address on file with the CRA, a unique serial number, the CRA registration number, the place issued, the date or year received and date issued, the donor's full name and address, the gift amount, the amount and description of any benefit, the eligible amount, an authorized signature and the CRA name and website.
The information must be readable and not easily altered.
This is general information, not tax advice. Questions about what counts as a gift should go to the CRA or a qualified adviser.
Next: CRA: information on an official donation receipt
Related: What extra information goes on a Canadian receipt for a non-cash gift?; What is the difference between a registered charity and a non-profit organization in Canada?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): CRA: information on an official donation receipt
What extra information goes on a Canadian receipt for a non-cash gift?
A non-cash gift receipt carries everything a cash receipt does, plus a brief description of the gift and the appraiser's name and address if the gift was appraised. It also needs the receipt date if not already shown.
The amount must be the gift's fair market value when it was made. That value is the charity's responsibility to support, so it is not enough to accept the donor's number.
The CRA page I read does not cover what cannot be receipted, so check CRA guidance before you issue a receipt for services, a sponsorship or a payment that returns a benefit to the donor.
This is general information, not tax advice. Ask the CRA or a qualified adviser about valuation.
Next: Canada funding resources
Related: What must be on an official donation receipt from a Canadian charity?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): CRA: information on an official donation receipt
When must a US charity give a donor a written acknowledgment?
A written acknowledgment is needed to substantiate a gift of $250 or more. The IRS frames it as the donor's substantiation for a deduction.
It should include the charity's name, the amount of any cash gift, a description (not the value) of any noncash gift, and whether the charity provided any goods or services. If it did, it should describe them and give a good-faith estimate of their value, or state that they were intangible religious benefits only.
The IRS page I read does not say when the acknowledgment must be issued or who bears the duty; see Publication 1771 for detail.
This is general information, not tax advice. Donors should confirm their own deduction rules.
Next: Nonprofit funding
Sources (read 2026-11-01): IRS: charitable contributions, written acknowledgments
Is a high fundraising cost ratio a problem for a Canadian charity?
It can be. The CRA treats the ratio as one indicator, not a rule. It divides fundraising expenses by receipted donations plus other fundraising revenue.
Under 35% is unlikely to raise concerns. At 35% or more, the CRA looks at the average over recent years for a trend of high costs. Above 70% raises concerns and the charity must explain and justify the spending. Small charities under $100,000 in revenue and causes with limited appeal may get more flexibility, and compliant gaming is generally accepted at higher ratios.
The CRA also says fundraising is not a charitable purpose in itself. Unacceptable fundraising can lead to denied registration, sanctions or revocation.
This is general information, not legal advice.
Next: Canada funding resources
Related: Can a Canadian charity pay a fundraiser a percentage of donations?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): CRA: fundraising by registered charities
Can a Canadian charity pay a fundraiser a percentage of donations?
Usually it should not. The CRA says paying fundraisers by the amount or number of donations can indicate more than incidental private benefit and may be contrary to public policy or deceptive, especially if undisclosed.
Payment based on work actually done, such as hourly rates or calls completed regardless of results, is more likely acceptable. The CRA also notes courts have held contracts that give a third party 70% or more of funds raised, without disclosure, to be contrary to public policy.
The charity remains responsible for third-party fundraisers. Best practices the CRA lists include seeking bids from at least three suppliers, confirming fair market value, including termination clauses and documenting and disclosing arrangements.
This is general information, not legal advice. Take advice on contracts.
Next: Canada funding resources
Related: Is a high fundraising cost ratio a problem for a Canadian charity?; Should a grant writer be paid a percentage of the grant?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): CRA: fundraising by registered charities
Should a grant writer be paid a percentage of the grant?
Many professional standards say no. The Association of Fundraising Professionals' code prohibits percentage-based compensation and finder's fees for its members.
That is an ethics standard for AFP members, not a statement that one universal law covers every consultant. Rules also vary by program: some funders restrict who may prepare or sign an application, and Canadian charities have their own CRA rules on fundraising pay.
Safer practice is a written, fixed-fee or hourly scope that says what the writer will and will not do, with no promise of a result. Be wary of anyone who promises an outcome or asks for payment up front to unlock a grant.
CELER does not write applications for a percentage. This is general information, not legal advice.
Next: Nonprofit funding
Related: Can a Canadian charity pay a fundraiser a percentage of donations?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): AFP Code of Ethical Standards
What is the difference between a public charity and a private foundation in the US?
Both are 501(c)(3) organizations. A private foundation is any 501(c)(3) that is not classified as a public charity.
The IRS says private foundations typically have a single major source of funding, such as a family or corporation, and mainly give grants to other charities and individuals. Public charities usually draw support from many sources and more often run their own programs. Churches, hospitals, schools, groups that fundraise from many donors, those that earn income from exempt activities and supporting organizations are examples of public charities.
The class matters for funders, because some treat grants to private foundations differently. The IRS page I read does not give the public support thresholds.
This is general information, not tax advice. Check your IRS determination letter.
Next: Nonprofit funding
Sources (read 2026-11-01): IRS: public charities
Does my nonprofit need SAM.gov registration to apply for federal grants?
Usually yes if you want to apply directly as a prime applicant. SAM.gov says an entity applying directly for federal assistance needs a registration; if you do not apply directly, you may not need one.
A Unique Entity ID is assigned during registration. You can request a UEI alone, but a UEI-only holder cannot apply directly for federal awards. Registration must be renewed every 365 days, and the page notes it may not be active right away and validation can fail.
The page I read does not mention fees or timelines, so leave extra time before any deadline.
Also check the specific funding notice: it controls eligibility and what registration it expects. CELER cannot register for you or guarantee an award. This is general information.
Next: SAM.gov entity registration
Related: Where do I find US federal funding notices, and who decides whether my nonprofit qualifies?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): SAM.gov: entity registration; Grants.gov eligibility
Where do I find US federal funding notices, and who decides whether my nonprofit qualifies?
Sometimes. Grants.gov treats nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, as well as other applicant types, as distinct potential applicant classes, but each funding notice decides who is actually eligible.
So read the notice's eligibility section before investing time. Some notices are limited to specific applicant types or to organizations serving certain places. Grants.gov also explains that some programs allow foreign applicants under agency rules, so US coverage does not mean every award is domestic-only.
Finding a notice is not the same as qualifying. You still need the registrations the notice requires and enough capacity to manage the award, and awards are competitive.
CELER is not a federal agency and cannot predict results. This is general information.
Next: Grants.gov: grant eligibility
Related: Does my nonprofit need SAM.gov registration to apply for federal grants?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): Grants.gov eligibility
Can a charity or nonprofit apply to Canada Summer Jobs?
Yes, nonprofit employers are an eligible employer type, but charitable status alone does not decide approval. Canada Summer Jobs is a wage subsidy for youth summer jobs, with rules on the job, employer, agreement and assessment.
According to the research notes behind this page, a call for the 2027 intake ran from 27 October to 3 December 2026 (11:59 pm PT), as read on 31 October 2026. Intake windows change, so recheck the program page before acting.
Applications go through the Grants and Contributions Online Services portal or a fillable form for that intake, and you must confirm the application was actually submitted and received.
Nothing here promises approval or subsidy amounts. Read the current applicant guide.
Next: Canada Summer Jobs: how to apply
Related: What ESDC funding programs exist for nonprofits and charities?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): Program/employer eligibility; CSJ application page
Is the Enabling Accessibility Fund open to my nonprofit?
Possibly, but the call I read had closed. The research notes show a 2026 Enabling Accessibility Fund call that ended on 16 March 2026, and future or component-specific calls are not assumed.
Eligibility in that call included nonprofits and social enterprises, for-profits with up to 99 full-time equivalents, Indigenous organizations and some governments. The 2026 contribution rules generally required employment of a person with disabilities, except for Indigenous applicants, and excluded residential housing managers, public schools and health institutions, and certain government-controlled entities.
Do not reuse those conditions for another EAF component or year. Watch the program page for the next call and read its eligibility section.
This is general information as of 1 November 2026, not an open-call listing.
Next: Enabling Accessibility Fund
Related: What ESDC funding programs exist for nonprofits and charities?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): EAF; eligibility
What ESDC funding programs exist for nonprofits and charities?
ESDC runs several call-based grants and contributions that nonprofits and charities may use, but eligibility differs by call. Examples named in the research notes include New Horizons, the Social Development Partnerships Program, Youth Employment and Skills Strategy and Skills for Success.
The ESDC funding directory is the place to find the current calls. Each call sets its own applicant types, geography and any population or designated-organization limits, so being a nonprofit or charity does not itself qualify you.
Then follow the exact call's eligibility rules and application instructions. Funding can be project, program or capacity support depending on the call.
This is general information as of 1 November 2026. CELER is not a government agency and cannot predict results.
Next: ESDC funding programs
Related: Can a charity or nonprofit apply to Canada Summer Jobs?; Is the Enabling Accessibility Fund open to my nonprofit?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): ESDC funding directory
Can a nonprofit get a USDA Community Facilities loan or grant?
Community-based nonprofit corporations are among the eligible applicants, alongside public bodies and federally recognized Tribes. The program offers direct loans, grants or a combination for essential community facilities.
The project must serve an eligible rural community of no more than 20,000 residents. Examples USDA gives include clinics, childcare, food banks and community centers, not private commercial undertakings. Loans require repayment ability and security, and financial need, community support and environmental review apply.
USDA's page states year-round intake, but grant availability and share depend on funding, population and income. Application goes through a USDA Rural Development state or local office, with UEI and SAM steps.
This is general information, not a prediction of approval.
Next: USDA Community Facilities
Related: Can a nonprofit receive a USDA Rural Business Development Grant?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): USDA Community Facilities
Can a nonprofit receive a USDA Rural Business Development Grant?
Nonprofits serving rural areas can be grantees, but for-profit businesses are not direct grantees. RBDG grants go to public bodies, Tribes and nonprofits for rural economic development, enterprise support and related projects.
Projects must benefit rural areas or towns outside the urbanized periphery of cities of 50,000 or more. Funds can support business assistance, facilities, incubators or revolving loan funds, so a nonprofit recipient may help businesses indirectly.
As of 1 November 2026, the 2026 round shown on the USDA page was closed, with 15 June and 30 June deadlines. Treat RBDG as an established program, not an open call.
Applications run through Grants.gov under the current notice, with advice from a USDA state office. This is general information, not a prediction of approval.
Next: USDA RBDG
Related: Can a nonprofit get a USDA Community Facilities loan or grant?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): USDA RBDG
Can a private nonprofit get an SBA disaster loan?
Yes, in some cases. SBA says physical disaster loans can serve businesses of all sizes and most private nonprofits, while economic injury disaster loans have separate small-business and private-nonprofit eligibility.
These are repayable, event-specific loans for a declared disaster area. You must check the county, the declaration and the filing deadline. They are not general working capital or growth funding. Insurance and other recovery can offset the amount. SBA says economic injury loans address a qualifying disaster-caused inability to meet obligations, not simply lost expected profits, and cannot fund expansion, fixed assets or physical repair.
Apply through the SBA disaster channel. This is a loan, not a grant, and nothing here predicts approval.
Next: SBA disaster assistance
Sources (read 2026-11-01): SBA disasters
Do SBA microloans lend to nonprofits?
Only a narrow group. SBA microloans, up to $50,000, are for small businesses and certain nonprofit childcare centers. Do not read that as covering all nonprofits.
The money comes through SBA-approved nonprofit intermediary lenders, which make credit decisions and set terms. Uses include working capital, inventory, supplies, furniture and equipment, not real estate or paying off existing debt.
A microloan is repayable debt, not a grant. For other nonprofit borrowing, look at CDFIs and similar lenders, whose products vary.
This is general information as of 1 November 2026. Check SBA for the current program. CELER cannot predict approval.
Next: SBA microloans
Related: What funding can a nonprofit use besides grants?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): microloans
Can my nonprofit still apply for PPP or COVID EIDL?
No. PPP is closed and COVID EIDL is servicing-only, which means no new applications are being taken as of 1 November 2026.
SBA's COVID relief page lists what remains for existing loans. If you already hold one, contact the lender or SBA about servicing, forgiveness status or repayment questions.
Be cautious of anyone offering to apply for these programs for a fee. Scammers often pitch old relief programs.
If you need current options, look at disaster loans after a declared event, CDFIs or ordinary lenders, and grants listed on official sites. Each has its own eligibility and none is promised.
This is general information, not a lending offer.
Next: SBA COVID-19 relief options
Related: Can a private nonprofit get an SBA disaster loan?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): SBA COVID relief
Can a nonprofit receive an SBIR or STTR award?
Not directly. SBIR awards go to eligible US for-profit small businesses, and the research notes say nonprofits cannot directly receive an SBIR or STTR award, though they may take permitted project roles. STTR requires a partnership with a qualifying research institution.
So a nonprofit research institute usually partners with a small business rather than applying alone. Check each agency's solicitation, since competitions are time-limited.
The program is not a general startup grant or a direct charity grant. Authorization is reported to run through 30 September 2031, but individual competitions open and close.
Use SBIR.gov to read the current solicitations. This is general information, not a prediction of eligibility.
Next: SBIR.gov: how to apply
Sources (read 2026-11-01): SBIR application guidance
Can an Indigenous charitable or religious organization use ISC business funding?
Probably not through that route. The ISC business-development page covers Indigenous individuals, businesses owned and controlled by Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous organizations or associations, but excludes organizations with charitable or religious purposes.
Eligibility varies by financial institution or community partner, and proposal need, scope, budget and business viability matter. The charitable and religious exclusion should not be lost when summarizing.
If your organization is charitable, look at other routes, such as ESDC calls, foundations or social finance, and check each one's rules. A charitable Indigenous organization that runs a separate business entity may be assessed differently, so ask the program.
This is general information, not advice on your structure.
Next: ISC business development
Related: What ESDC funding programs exist for nonprofits and charities?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): ISC
How does a nonprofit register on the UN Partner Portal?
You register, complete an organizational profile and then apply to specific opportunities. The UN Partner Portal is used by UN agencies for civil-society implementing partnerships. It is not a universal business-grant program.
Opportunities are posted on its opportunity board, and each agency sets its own terms. Review the actual country opportunity for legal presence, experience and agency requirements before applying.
Registration does not guarantee any partnership. Some agencies request documents and due diligence.
CELER is not a UN partner and cannot place you. This is general information as of 1 November 2026. Use the portal and the agency's own call text.
Next: UN Partner Portal registration
Sources (read 2026-11-01): UN Partner Portal; partnership opportunities
What happens if a Canadian charity loses its registration?
It can no longer issue official donation receipts and loses its exemption from income tax. It must also give its remaining assets to an eligible donee or pay a revocation tax equal to the full value of its assets.
The CRA may revoke for not filing the T3010 on time, and other breaches of the rules can also lead to revocation. The CRA page I read links to a separate consequences-of-revocation page for detail, and does not describe a late-filing dollar penalty.
Prevent problems by filing returns on time, issuing correct receipts, keeping records, and staying within the rules on business activity and political activity.
This is general information, not legal advice. Get qualified advice before any wind-up or asset transfer.
Next: Canada funding resources
Related: When must a Canadian registered charity file its T3010?; Can a Canadian charity run a business or social enterprise?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): CRA: when to file the T3010
Are donations to any US nonprofit tax-deductible?
No. Deductibility is generally tied to 501(c)(3) status. The IRS says contributions to 501(c)(3) organizations are generally deductible under Code section 170, with an exception for testing-for-public-safety organizations.
Other nonprofit types are not automatically deductible, so a donor should confirm the recipient's status. Donors also need proper substantiation, such as a written acknowledgment for gifts of $250 or more, and a gift that returns goods or services is only partly deductible.
Avoid promising deductibility in appeals unless the organization has IRS recognition. This is general information, not tax advice. Donors should ask a qualified adviser about their own return.
Next: Nonprofit funding
Related: When must a US charity give a donor a written acknowledgment?; What does a US organization need to qualify as a 501(c)(3)?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): IRS: exemption requirements for 501(c)(3) organizations; IRS: charitable contributions, written acknowledgments
What is private inurement for a US nonprofit?
It means a 501(c)(3)'s net earnings benefiting a private shareholder or individual, which the exemption rules prohibit. 'None of its earnings may inure' is the IRS wording.
If an excess benefit transaction occurs with someone who has substantial influence over the organization, an excise tax can apply to that person and to managers who agreed to it.
In practice, compensation, loans, rent and purchases involving insiders should be reasonable and documented. Funders and auditors also look at conflicts of interest.
The IRS page I read does not define reasonable pay, so ask a qualified adviser for your situation. This is general information, not legal advice.
Next: Nonprofit funding
Related: What does a US organization need to qualify as a 501(c)(3)?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): IRS: exemption requirements for 501(c)(3) organizations
What is automatic revocation for a US nonprofit that stops filing?
A US tax-exempt organization that must file an annual return or notice, and misses it for three consecutive years, has its exemption treated as revoked by law. The revocation takes effect from the due date of the third missed filing.
After two consecutive missed years the IRS must notify the organization of the missed filings and warn that revocation follows if it misses the next due date. The IRS also publishes a list of revoked organizations.
A revoked organization has to apply to get its status back, even if it never applied in the first place. It can ask for reinstatement back to the revocation date, but only by showing reasonable cause for the failure, and the IRS has discretion.
Funders usually want proof of current status, so fix any filing gap early. This summary comes from the statute as read on 1 November 2026. The IRS pages on reinstatement forms and fees were not retrieved, so check irs.gov or a qualified adviser before acting.
Next: Nonprofit funding
Related: Which Form 990 does my US nonprofit file?; What does a US organization need to qualify as a 501(c)(3)?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): 26 U.S.C. 6033, returns by exempt organizations (Cornell LII), subsection (j) automatic revocation
What is fiscal sponsorship and can it replace my own nonprofit status?
Fiscal sponsorship lets a project work under an existing 501(c)(3) public charity's tax-exempt status, but the project does not get its own status. It is an arrangement, not a replacement for becoming a nonprofit.
Candid describes the flow this way: donors give to the sponsor and note the project, then the sponsor passes the money on and keeps a fee, typically 5 to 10 percent, for administrative services.
You sign a contract, so Candid advises choosing a sponsor you trust and structuring the agreement carefully. It also describes other forms, including one where the sponsor is the sole member of an LLC that runs the project.
Most grantmakers give to organizations, not individuals, so a sponsor can open more funding doors and may let a project start sooner. If you later want your own status, the IRS application route in nonprofit-004 applies. This is information, not legal advice. The Candid page does not set out the sponsor's legal duties, so ask an adviser about those.
Next: Nonprofit funding
Related: How do I apply for 501(c)(3) recognition from the IRS?; What does a US organization need to qualify as a 501(c)(3)?; Can an unincorporated community group apply for grants?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): Candid Learning: fiscal sponsorship
Do I need to register in each US state before soliciting donations?
Often, but it depends on the state, so check each state's charity regulator before you ask for donations there. There is no single national rule in the sources I read.
NASCO, the association of state offices that oversee charities, says registration and filing requirements vary by state. It publishes a state registration survey, updated October 2026, and links to state government regulators so you can find who to contact. NASCO states it does not give legal advice.
This page does not confirm which states require registration, or whether online fundraising from another state triggers it. Treat that as unresolved and confirm with each state regulator or a qualified adviser.
A practical next step is to list the states where you actively ask for gifts, then look each one up through the NASCO resources page. Information only, not legal advice.
Next: NASCO resources
Related: When must a US charity give a donor a written acknowledgment?; Can a nonprofit use crowdfunding to raise money?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): NASCO: National Association of State Charity Officials; NASCO: resources and state registration survey
How do I check whether a Canadian organization is a registered charity?
Search the CRA's List of charities. It shows a charity's registration status, contact information, general activities and financial information.
The check matters because only Canadian registered charities and other qualified donees can issue official donation receipts. A receipt from any other organization will not support a donor's tax credit or deduction.
If the organization is not a registered charity, it may still be a qualified donee. The CRA keeps separate searchable lists for types such as journalism organizations, municipalities and universities outside Canada. Its listings use terms such as registered, penalized, suspended or revoked, so read the status, not just whether a name appears.
The CRA also suggests reading its "What to know before you give" guidance before donating. If you are a nonprofit checking a partner, record the date you searched. This is general information as read on 1 November 2026.
Next: CRA List of charities
Related: What is the difference between a registered charity and a non-profit organization in Canada?; What must be on an official donation receipt from a Canadian charity?; What happens if a Canadian charity loses its registration?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): CRA: List of charities and other qualified donees
Can a nonprofit get paid in advance on a US federal grant instead of waiting for reimbursement?
Often yes. Under the federal Uniform Guidance, a recipient must be paid in advance if it maintains, or shows willingness to maintain, written procedures and financial systems that control the funds. Advances must be limited to the minimum needed and timed to actual, immediate cash needs.
Reimbursement applies in listed cases: the advance criteria cannot be met, the award carries a specific condition, the recipient asks for it, or the award is for construction, among others. Where reimbursement is not feasible because the recipient lacks working capital, a working capital advance can cover estimated needs for an initial period. The agency or pass-through entity must pay a reimbursement request within 30 calendar days unless it reasonably believes the request is improper.
Your award terms control, so read them and ask the program officer about payment method before you borrow. A bridge loan is a separate, costly choice; compare terms and confirm what the award lets you charge. Rule text read on 1 November 2026.
Next: US funding resources
Related: Does my nonprofit need SAM.gov registration to apply for federal grants?; What indirect cost rate can my nonprofit charge on a US federal grant?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): 2 CFR 200.305 federal payment (eCFR)
Can a nonprofit use crowdfunding to raise money?
Yes, a nonprofit can raise money through crowdfunding and online fundraising platforms, but check where the money goes and what it costs before you pick one.
The FTC warns donors that on crowdfunding sites the money goes to the organizer, not necessarily the cause, and on other platforms an intermediary may receive it first. Platforms differ in fees, so ask how much the platform keeps and when funds are released. A platform should say clearly whether it or an intermediary keeps part of a gift.
The FTC also says donations to individuals are not tax deductible and tells donors to give to IRS-registered charities. Showing your registered status plainly may help donors trust your page.
This is donation-style fundraising. Offering investments or shares through crowdfunding is a securities matter with separate rules. Check any state charity registration needs too. Information only, not legal advice.
Next: Nonprofit funding
Related: Do I need to register in each US state before soliciting donations?; When must a US charity give a donor a written acknowledgment?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): Donating through crowdfunding and fundraising platforms
What is the difference between a 501(c)(3) and a 501(c)(4)?
A 501(c)(3) is a charitable-type organization with tight limits on lobbying and a ban on campaign activity. A 501(c)(4) is a social welfare organization that may lobby, including as its primary activity.
For a (c)(3), the IRS says substantial attempts to influence legislation can disqualify it, and campaign activity for or against candidates is prohibited. For a (c)(4), the IRS says seeking legislation related to its programs is a permissible way to promote social welfare, but campaign intervention is not part of social welfare. Limited political activity is allowed if it is not the primary activity, though it may be taxed under section 527(f).
Both bar private benefit: a (c)(4)'s earnings may not inure to any private shareholder or individual. A (c)(4) must notify the IRS of its intent to operate, and one that lost (c)(3) status for substantial lobbying cannot then qualify as a (c)(4).
The IRS page read does not address donor deductibility or funder eligibility, so check both with the IRS or an adviser.
Next: Nonprofit funding
Related: What counts as lobbying for a US charity, and what is policy education?; What does a US organization need to qualify as a 501(c)(3)?; What is private inurement for a US nonprofit?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): IRS: social welfare organizations; IRS: exemption requirements for 501(c)(3) organizations; IRS: lobbying by 501(c)(3) organizations
What indirect cost rate can my nonprofit charge on a US federal grant?
If you have no current federal negotiated indirect cost rate, you may elect a de minimis rate of up to 15 percent of modified total direct costs. If you have a negotiated rate, that rate generally governs and federal agencies must accept it.
The de minimis rate is a choice, not a requirement, and you may pick a rate below 15 percent. No documentation is needed to justify it and it may be used indefinitely. Once elected, you use it on all your federal awards until you choose to receive a negotiated rate. Costs must be treated consistently as either direct or indirect and never charged both ways.
Agencies and pass-through entities cannot require a lower de minimis rate than the one you elected unless a statute or regulation requires it. It cannot be applied to cost reimbursement contracts issued directly by the Federal Government under the FAR. A one-time extension of up to four years is possible for an existing negotiated rate.
Rule text read on 1 November 2026. Your award terms and agency may add details.
Next: US funding resources
Related: When does a nonprofit need a single audit for federal funds?; Can a nonprofit charge fundraising costs to a US federal grant?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): 2 CFR 200.414 indirect costs (eCFR)
When does a nonprofit need a single audit for federal funds?
A nonprofit needs a federal-awards audit when it expends $1,000,000 or more in federal awards during its fiscal year. The default is a single audit, though a program-specific audit can be elected in limited cases.
The test runs on your own fiscal year and counts federal awards expended in that year. If you expend less than $1,000,000 in a year, you are exempt from federal audit requirements for that year. That exemption has limits: it is subject to exceptions in 2 CFR 200.503, and your records must stay available for review or audit by the federal agency, the pass-through entity and the Government Accountability Office.
A single audit is separate from any audit a funder, lender or state law may ask for. Check your award terms.
The threshold shown is from the rule text read on 1 November 2026. Thresholds have changed over time, so confirm the current figure before you plan audit costs.
Next: US funding resources
Related: What indirect cost rate can my nonprofit charge on a US federal grant?; Does my nonprofit need SAM.gov registration to apply for federal grants?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): 2 CFR 200.501 audit requirements (eCFR)
Can a nonprofit charge fundraising costs to a US federal grant?
Generally no. Under the Uniform Guidance, costs of organized fundraising, including campaigns, endowment drives and solicitation of gifts, are unallowable when incurred to raise capital or obtain contributions.
There is one exception: fundraising costs for the purpose of meeting program objectives are allowable only with the federal agency's prior written approval. Costs of investment counsel and staff meant to boost investment income are also unallowable, with exceptions such as investments tied to pension or self-insurance funds with federal participation. The costs of physically holding and controlling funds and securities are allowable.
Even unallowable fundraising and investment activities must receive an appropriate share of indirect costs. If you ever cover them with other funds, keep them separate from federal charges.
This section does not cover lobbying costs, which have their own rule. Ask your program officer before charging anything doubtful. Rule text read on 1 November 2026.
Next: US funding resources
Related: What indirect cost rate can my nonprofit charge on a US federal grant?; When does a nonprofit need a single audit for federal funds?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): 2 CFR 200.442 fundraising and investment management costs (eCFR)
Can a private nonprofit get FEMA Public Assistance?
Sometimes. FEMA Public Assistance can fund certain private nonprofits, but only after a Presidential declaration of an emergency or major disaster, and the nonprofit must fit a defined category.
The regulation defines a private nonprofit as an entity with an IRS ruling letter granting exemption under section 501(c), (d) or (e), or with satisfactory state evidence that it is a nonprofit. The facility must be an educational, utility, emergency, medical or custodial care facility, or another that provides essential governmental-type services to the public.
Work must result from the declared incident, be in the designated area and be your legal responsibility. Facilities providing critical services, such as power, water, sewer, communications, emergency medical care, fire, rescue or nursing homes, can be funded directly. Other private nonprofits generally must first apply for an SBA disaster loan, and FEMA may help if SBA declines or damages exceed the loan limit.
FEMA's policy guide has more detail and was not retrieved. Read as of 1 November 2026.
Next: FEMA Public Assistance
Related: Can a private nonprofit get an SBA disaster loan?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): FEMA public assistance; 44 CFR 206.221 definitions, Public Assistance (eCFR); 44 CFR 206.226 restoration of damaged facilities (eCFR); FEMA: Public Assistance process
How does a Canadian group create a federal not-for-profit corporation?
You create a federal not-for-profit by filing an application with Corporations Canada under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act. There is an online incorporation form.
Start by choosing a name; Corporations Canada has a naming guide to follow. After you file, a page on steps after submitting describes how the application is processed. A federally incorporated not-for-profit must also be registered in a province or territory. Then you set your by-laws, which are the rules for governing and operating the corporation.
The page I read does not say whether incorporating gives charity status or tax exemption, and it lists no fee amounts or eligibility criteria. Treat incorporation as a legal step that is separate from registering as a charity with the CRA, which has its own application.
Quebec groups may have separate provincial routes that were not checked here. Information only, as read on 1 November 2026.
Next: Corporations Canada
Related: What is the difference between a registered charity and a non-profit organization in Canada?; How do I apply to become a registered charity in Canada?
Sources (read 2026-11-01): Corporations Canada: creating a federal not-for-profit corporation
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