Morgan Startup Grants program is sponsored by Burton D. Morgan Foundation. This program provides catalytic funding to nonprofit organizations for dissemination to for-profit businesses in the form of microgrants.

The grants can be used for a wide range of expenses including jumpstarting inventory, acquiring a website, prototyping, LLCs, and equipment. A new expansion in 2026 targets small businesses in Northeast Ohio.

Morgan Startup Grants | Burton D. Morgan Foundation Seed Funding for Startups In 2021, Burton D. Morgan Foundation initiated an experimental pilot project to provide catalytic funding to nonprofit organizations for dissemination to for-profit businesses in the form of microgrants.

This effort stemmed from observations that seed funding, often totaling less than $500, could spur business momentum. The initiative, now called the Morgan Startup Grants program, has partnered with 24 organizations that have distributed 919 microgrants to 896 ventures, as of early 2026.

The program has: Served as an exceptional engagement tool, with more than 50% of participants new to their entrepreneurship programs Widened opportunities for founders beyond pitch competitions Validated and instilled confidence in numerous founders, motivating them to transition from ideation to action Leveraged funding from other donors Uses for Morgan Startup Grants Morgan Startup Grants have been used for a wide range of expenses: Duplicate molds to increase production Conference attendance to connect with potential customers Student recipients come from a wide range of majors, which have included fashion, digital media production, architecture, marketing, entrepreneurship, and even Arabic translation.

Participating Organizations The following organizations are participating in the Morgan Startup Grant program: Baldwin Wallace University Case Western Reserve University Cleveland State University Lorain County Community College Northeast Ohio Hispanic Center for Economic Development TRI-C Center for Entrepreneurs New in 2026: Morgan Startup Grant Program Expansion for NEO Community* Morgan Foundation is teaming up with HFLA of Northeast Ohio and TRI-C Center for Entrepreneurs to provide microgrants to small businesses in Northeast Ohio.

Eligible businesses must generate under $100,000 in annual revenue and have at least one employee, including the founder. Grant amounts will vary but a typical grant size is $1,500. Applications open on March 16 with a deadline of March 27 .

Note: These grants are for entrepreneurs who do not have an affiliation with another Morgan Startup Grant provider. *NOTE: This opportunity closed on March 27. If a new round of community-based Morgan Startup Grants becomes available, it will be posted here.

Morgan Startup Grant Recipients are eligible to receive a Morgan Startup Grant Program Badge, recognizing your skills and achievements. Learn more. To learn more about the Morgan Startup Grants program, contact Angela Evans .