grants nonprofit

Can someone help me find grants (private and government) for a new nonprofit social services business?

I am wanting to open center in the Dallas area that assits those with disabilities, especially mental health and mental retardation, apply for Social Security Disability (SSI/SSDI) at all levels including the initial, appeals, and the ALJ level (Administrative Law Judge for SSA). Also, I want to include services such as employment assistance for SSA’s “Ticket to Work” program, as well as assisting clients with navigating through the complicated Medicare A-B-D, and Medicaid (QMB) programs. If I am a NEW BUSINESS wanting to start up, are there grants available to get started???

Let me congratulate you for your project and i wish you all success !.
Nonprofit incorporation is very similar to creating a regular corporation except that a nonprofit must take the extra steps of applying for tax-exempt status with the state in which it incorporates and with the IRS.
The following steps should be taken :-
Select a name that is legally available in your state.
File your “articles of incorporation,” and pay a filing fee.
Apply for federal and state tax exemptions.
Create bylaws that will dictate how the corporation is run.
Appoint an initial board of directors.
Hold the first meeting of the board of directors
Apply for any licenses or permits that your corporation will need to operate in your state and local municipality.
In order to qualify for tax-exempt (501c3) status , you should create a concept paper and document your ideas with the structure for the organization you propose and you must share your concept with like minded persons and involve them as initial founders.

Next step would be to contact an attorney to assist you in preparing incorporation filings in your state. After your organization in incorporated, obtain an employer ID number, and apply for 501c3 tax-exempt status with the IRS.

Your funding requirements will depend on various factors , for which you have to prepare a plan which will be of use to you in approaching potential funding sources .

The Nonprofit Handbook $19.57 Containing practical advice for starting a nonprofit organization as well as tips about effectively managing one, this guide is the definitive reference for working in the nonprofit sector in the United States. The handbook is filled with information about current federal laws and regulations, steps to applying for tax exemptions in each state, and tips about fundraising, getting grants, political lobbying, setting up a board of directors, and volunteer management. Additionally, the manual includes a list of all the addresses, telephone numbers, and websites of the government contact offices. Fully updated, this fifth edition also discusses the benefits of the Internet, changing demographics, and the future of the nonprofit sector.

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