This landing page includes information for businesses seeking a Small Business Grant. Before proceeding, it is recommended that individuals thoroughly read this for information and check back frequently for updates.
Learn more about our work and current grant opportunities here.
About LISC
LISC is one of the country's largest social enterprises supporting projects and programs to revitalize underserved communities and bring greater economic opportunity to residents. We invest in affordable housing, quality schools, safer streets, growing businesses and programs that connect people with financial opportunity. In response to the pandemic, we are delivering resources and expertise to support communities, businesses and people. Learn more here.
Grant Information
Eligibility
Below are general eligibility guidelines. Please consult the eligibility information stated on the webpage for the specific small business program to which you are applying.
Applicants may apply for one business only and must be at least 18 years of age to apply. For business owners with multiple businesses, please complete this application based on your largest business owned. Each grant is limited to one individual/business.
Eligibility is based on accurate and complete submission, and priority will be given to businesses located in historically under-served communities who don't have access to flexible, affordable capital. Non-profit organizations are ineligible for this grant. Applicants may apply for one business only and must be 18 years of age to apply.
All awardees will have to certify that they are promoting the best interests of the community.
Privacy
Information provided through the application process is the responsibility of each applicant. Applications submitted to the portal remain confidential to the general public and any fellow applicants. Applicants will not hold LISC, its affiliates, members, partners, and staff liable for any losses, damages, costs, or expenses, of any kind relating to the use or the adequacy, accuracy, or completeness of any information loaded in the form. See LISC's Privacy Policy for more details.
Conflict of Interest
Current directors, officers, employees and contractors of LISC and such individuals' family members (spouse, parents, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and spouses of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren) are not eligible to apply or seek an award. In addition to verifying there is no such conflict with LISC, for each round, applicants will need to similarly establish that s/he does not have a conflict with any donors or funders involved in that particular pool. The list of Donors/Funders connected to a particular round will be disclosed explicitly for response by the applicant or finalist.
Publicity
If awarded, please be advised that the business/applicant’s application information, name, statements, and other information provided during the award process may be used for promotional purposes in all forms and media and the business/applicant may be contacted by LISC and/or the program sponsors for such purposes. Applicant grants to LISC and the program sponsors a perpetual license to use such information without additional compensation (except where prohibited by law), and without any right to review and/or approve such content. Until notified, applicants must agree not to share any status as finalist publicly, including but not limited to all social media platforms, news media, or local publications.
Monitoring
LISC may monitor and conduct evaluation activity funded by the small business grant. This might involve a review of quantitative or qualitative data needed to understand the impact of the funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my application after it’s been submitted?
It is recommended that before completing and submitting the online form, respondents review answers carefully, as your work may not be saved if you leave the web page before submitting the application. You may also lose your work if your internet is disconnected, or as a result of other potential web browser issues. LISC cannot accept changes to the application once it has been submitted, so please review it carefully.
Do grant applicants receive a confirmation that they submitted their application?
Every applicant receives a confirmation screen that follows if all fields are filled out correctly and after hitting "done".
If I applied in a previous round, do I have to apply again or will my application roll-over?
No, applications do not roll over to later rounds. You must submit a new application for each round of grants in order to be considered for funding that round. Each round has unique aspects and distinct funder requirements.
If I received a LISC Covid Relief Grant in a prior round, may I reapply for subsequent rounds?
Prior awardees from earlier LISC Covid Relief Grant pools should check the specific grant program application for further information on eligibility for receiving more than one grant.
What is Registration?
You may register here to be notified of grant rounds opening.
How will I be contacted or know if I will receive a grant?
LISC will primarily utilize email to communicate with all applicants. Be sure to check email regularly, including spam folders. Email communications with applicants will come from smallbusinessservices@lisc.org. Finalists will receive next steps from notifications@lisc.org.
Finalists will be notified by email and must respond promptly. The return of any grantee notification message or document as undeliverable may result in disqualification of the applicable grantee, the forfeiture of his or her interest in the grant, and the selection of a substitute from among all remaining eligible finalists.
What does it mean to be a “finalist” and will there be additional documentation required?
If your business is selected as a finalist, you will be notified via email. Being selected as a finalist does not guarantee you will receive a grant. As a finalist, additional documentation will be required to screen and verify business information for due diligence, parameters of which are required by the funding source. This may include a background search that LISC will conduct at our expense and submission of additional information to include verification information such as date of birth, SSN, TIN/ITIN, EIN, W-9 and appropriate banking information in order to receive funds via ACH if awarded. The background verification does not involve a credit check or credit score pull.
Please be aware that valid grant applications are only accepted through the links posted on http://www.lisc.org and that LISC will never request copies of personal documentation such as driver’s licenses, passports and/or green cards. The Small Business Grant applications are intended to collect basic information about your businesses and it is LISC's recommendation that applicants should not pay a fee for assistance in completing this form. Paid professional services will not increase any applicant’s chances of selection. If you see instances of fraud online or have questions, contact us at smallbusinessservices@lisc.org.
What can the grant be used for?
- Payables to include rent and utilities
- Meeting payroll (to include the applicant)
- Other immediate operational costs
The Grantee shall fully comply with all applicable federal, state, local (and any other governmental) laws, executive orders, rules, and regulations in connection with its use of grant funds.
Does anything need to be repaid?
No, these grants do not need to be repaid. However, all taxes associated with the acceptance and/or uses of cash awarded are the sole responsibility of the individual grantee. Cash awarded will be reported by LISC to the IRS as LISC deems necessary according to applicable law. It is further the policy of LISC that all LISC grantees be advised to consult with their own tax professionals and/or legal counsel to ascertain the tax impact of the cash awards. LISC will issue a Form 1099 for any grant of $600 or more.
Will receiving a grant impact other federal assistance or unemployment insurance eligibility?
A grant may affect your unemployment insurance claim if the grant is used to pay payroll expenses during the period you receive unemployment benefits. The amount of unemployment assistance is usually determined by recent earnings, and most likely, you will have to certify on a weekly basis to any income received the previous week as wages. Please consult your state’s unemployment office for more information about unemployment insurance claims.
Have additional questions?
We are monitoring inquiries sent to SmallBusinessServices@lisc.org and will be posting answers and updates on this landing page in an effort to support transparency and equal access to information for all applicants.