Just like any other business venture, non-profit organizations can be difficult to form into the well-oiled machine you envision. The initial investments of time and money that are needed to get everything registered, organized and working as needed is considerable, which is why financial assistance from the government can be such a blessing. Most non-profit organizations are established to fulfill a need within the local or global community which makes them a worthy investment for government funds.
The federal government has many programs and grants available, however they are not the only avenue you should try when searching for financial backing. These more local offices can provide funding and assistance where the federal government may not, so do not overlook these avenues.
The first stage of finding funding is to get to know what sort of assistance could be available to you. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance is a great place to look for information about what sort of programs are being offered by the federal government. In the catalog listing for the grants, you will find the contact information of the offices who administer that grant, so once you have found one that fits your needs, you will be able to contact that office directly.
If you find a program that you think fits your needs in the catalog list, the listing will provide you with contact information for the office in charge of that grant. The people at that office are there to provide you with the answers to any questions your might have, offer advice on how to qualify and to begin the application process. They may even give you information on workshops or classes that can enhance your chances of being chosen as a recipient for the grant funds. There is a lot to be said for those who are looking to start a non-profit organization.
Fortunately there is a great deal of assistance available for these rare individuals. It is not uncommon to find that there are people everywhere who are eager to assist in such noble efforts, lending their time, money and energy to a shared cause, so keep your eyes open. People love to help people; it's one of the best things about them.