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Federal Grants for Minority-Owned Businesses

Federal grants are financial awards provided by government agencies to support public purposes authorized by U.S. law. These grants are not benefits, entitlements, or loans but are intended for charitable or public-benefit projects. Recipients must adhere to specific requirements and fulfill grant obligations.

Goals of Federal Grants

Federal grants aim to benefit the community and society as a whole. Grants for minorities help improve living conditions by providing access to higher education and professional advancement. U.S. citizens who identify as African-American, Hispanic, Asian, or Native American can qualify for these grants.

Minority Business Grants

If you’re a minority looking to start a small business, consider looking locally for grant money. Examples of regional organizations offering small business grants for minorities include:

  • Brotherhood Business Development & Capital Fund
  • Operation HOPE
  • FAME Renaissance
  • Pacific Coast Regional

Your local Chamber of Commerce may also have information on funding opportunities. For established minority businesses, the National Minority Supply and Diversity Council connects minority-owned businesses with larger companies seeking goods and services. For grants specifically for Black women-owned businesses, visit Small Business Grants for Black Women.

Educational Grants for Minorities

Black Scholarships and Grants

Programs such as the United Negro College Fund, Frederick Douglass Scholars Program, and the National Black Nurses Association offer grants to students of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Hispanic Grants

While fewer in number, Hispanic minority grants include:

  • Hispanic Nurses Association grants and scholarships
  • March of Dimes Nursing Scholarship program
  • Jose Marti College Grant
  • Silicon Valley Scholarship

Asian-American Grants

The Association for Asian Studies and Asian American Journalists Association provide grants. The Luisa Mallari Fellowship is a prominent grant program for Asian students to learn about their home countries.

Grants for Native Americans

Native Americans need a Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB) to access grants such as:

  • US Fish & Wildlife Service: Tribal Wildlife Grants
  • Tribal Colleges Education Equity Grants
  • Indian Adult Education
  • Minority Science and Engineering Improvement

Grants for Disabled People

Grants for individuals with disabilities include:

  • Special Education Preschool Grants
  • Harry Truman Scholarship Program
  • Rehabilitation Training: Continuing Education
  • Tech-Prep Education

Grants for Low Income Students

Low-income students, including minorities, can apply for:

  • Federal Pell Grant
  • National SMART Grant
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
  • Academic Competitiveness Grant

Are You a Minority Looking for a Grant?

Explore the specific eligibility requirements to determine the best fit for your needs and increase your chances of receiving financial support.