Foundations
1,252
Total Assets
$8.1B
Total Giving
$3.4B
Active Grants
302
National Rank
#29
Nevada Grant Funding: Fueling Diversification, Community Investment, and Small Business Growth
Nevada's grant funding landscape has expanded significantly as the state works to diversify its economy beyond gaming and tourism. The Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED) serves as the principal agency driving grant-funded economic growth, while the Governor's Office of Federal Assistance (OFA) helps state agencies, local governments, tribal organizations, and nonprofits find, write, and manage grant applications. Nevada's innovative Grant Matching Program, created by Assembly Bill 489, provides matching funds to state agencies, local governments, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations applying for federal and nongovernmental grants, with applications accepted from July through June of each program year.
The state's commitment to community-level investment is demonstrated through its CDBG program administered by GOED, which channels federal funds to local governments and nonprofit organizations for community and economic development activities. Nevada's FEED NJ-style programs are mirrored by local initiatives, while GOED's State Small Business Credit Initiative allocates over four million dollars specifically to support rural and tribal businesses, healthcare companies, and advanced manufacturers in the clean energy sector. The Battle Born Growth Microloan Program connects small businesses with local community lending institutions, ensuring that even the smallest enterprises have access to growth capital tailored to Nevada's unique economic corridors.
For nonprofits and arts organizations, Nevada provides dedicated funding channels including the Nevada Arts Council grants program, which reflects the state's significant investment in supporting artistic creation and public access to the arts. The United Way of Southern Nevada administers Community Impact Grants, while the OFA maintains a comprehensive directory of state grant opportunities across all agencies. Library systems can access LSTA grants of up to fifteen thousand dollars with modest matching requirements, and youth-focused programs like YNAPP offer grants of up to two thousand dollars for community service learning projects. This breadth of programming ensures that Nevada organizations across sectors and regions can find appropriate state-supported funding pathways.
Key State Programs
Grant Matching Program
Created by Assembly Bill 489, this pilot program provides matching funds to state agencies, local governments, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations applying for federal and nongovernmental grants. Applications are accepted from July 1 through June 1 of each program year through the Governor's Office of Federal Assistance.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program
Administered by the Governor's Office of Economic Development, the state CDBG program provides grants to local governments for community and economic development projects, including infrastructure improvements, housing rehabilitation, and assistance to nonprofit entities serving Nevada communities.
State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)
Awards over $4 million through GOED to help small businesses grow and hire, with dedicated funding streams targeting rural and tribal businesses, healthcare companies, and advanced manufacturers in the clean energy sector.
Battle Born Growth Microloan Program
Connects Nevada small businesses with local community lending institutions, providing accessible microloans designed to support business growth across the state's diverse economic regions.
Nevada Arts Council Grants
Reflects a significant state investment in arts access and creation. Applications open May 1 each year with rolling deadlines at least 30 days before proposed project dates, supporting individual artists and arts organizations throughout Nevada.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nevada's Grant Matching Program and who is eligible?
Nevada's Grant Matching Program, created by Assembly Bill 489, provides matching funds to state agencies, local governments, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations that are applying for federal or nongovernmental grants. Applications are accepted from July 1 through June 1 each year through the Governor's Office of Federal Assistance (OFA). This program helps Nevada organizations strengthen their grant applications by demonstrating committed matching resources.
How does Nevada support small businesses through state grant programs?
Nevada supports small businesses through multiple channels. The State Small Business Credit Initiative provides over $4 million targeting rural, tribal, healthcare, and clean energy businesses. The Battle Born Growth Microloan Program connects businesses with local community lenders. The Small Business Improvement Grant through GOED helps entrepreneurs upgrade their facilities. Additionally, GOED administers various tax incentives and capital access resources for qualifying businesses.
What role does the Governor's Office of Federal Assistance (OFA) play in Nevada grants?
The OFA, formerly known as Nevada's Grants Office, serves as the state's central resource for federal grant assistance. It has expanded authority to help state agencies, local agencies, tribal agencies, and nonprofits find grants, write grant applications, and manage awarded grants. The OFA also maintains a comprehensive directory of state grant opportunities and administers the Grant Matching Program.
Are Nevada tribal governments eligible for state grant programs?
Yes. Nevada tribal governments are eligible for several state programs including the Grant Matching Program, which specifically includes tribal governments among its eligible applicants. The State Small Business Credit Initiative includes dedicated funding for tribal businesses. Tribal organizations can also access CDBG-funded projects through partnerships with local governments and GOED.
What grant funding is available for Nevada nonprofits?
Nevada nonprofits can access the Grant Matching Program for matching funds on federal and nongovernmental grant applications. The CDBG program channels funds to nonprofits through local government partnerships. The Nevada Arts Council provides project grants for arts organizations. The United Way of Southern Nevada offers Community Impact Grants, and LSTA grants support library services. Youth-serving nonprofits may qualify for YNAPP grants of up to $2,000.
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Nevada Funding Resources
Top Foundations
Largest Foundations in Nevada
| # | Foundation | Assets |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cyrus Tang Foundation | $950.9M |
| 2 | Dave And Cheryl Duffield Foundation | $887.3M |
| 3 | Engelstad Fam Foundation | $666.1M |
| 4 | William N Pennington Foundation | $481.8M |
| 5 | Amk Charitable Foundation | $286.4M |
Active Grants