The difference between a founder who stays broke and a CEO who scales is the foundation. Most people are out here building with straw: flimsy strategies, "hoping" for a miracle, and chasing every shiny object that looks like a dollar sign.
But a Brick Builder? They know better. They know that a grant isn't just a check; it’s a structural component of a legacy. If you want to build a house that the Big Bad Wolf of market volatility can’t blow down, you need bricks.
Welcome to the May 27 edition of Grant Wednesday. Today, we aren't just listing money; we are laying the foundation. Stop digging with a spoon. Start building with bricks.
The 7 Bricks Framework™: Why Your Foundation Matters
Before we dive into the list, you need to understand the blueprint. At BusinessGrants.com, we don't just "write grants." We build organizations using the 7 Bricks Framework™.
- Brick 1: Mission & Mindset – Are you a Founder or a CEO?
- Brick 2: Board Governance – Is your "Wolf Pack" actually leading?
- Brick 3: Strategic Programming – Are your offers strong or just "nice"?
- Brick 4: Financial & Legal Infrastructure – This is where the Huff-Puff-Blow Test happens.
- Brick 5: Multiple Streams of Revenue – Grants + Donors + Contracts = Sustainability.
- Brick 6: Brand & Marketing – Does the world know you’re a Brick Builder?
- Brick 7: Leadership & Team – Can the business function without you?
Today’s list is specifically designed to help you fortify Brick 5: Multiple Streams of Revenue. If you are relying on a single source of income, you aren't a business; you’re a hostage. Let’s get you some leverage.
For-Profit Funding: Fuel for the Mission-Driven
1. Simply Business 2026 Big Dreams Grant ($5,000)
This grant is for the small business owners who are tired of the "survival cycle." Simply Business is looking for entrepreneurs ready to move past the daily grind and into measurable scale.
- Amount: $5,000 (plus a one-year membership to a business accelerator).
- Deadline: June 18, 2026.
- Focus: Small business growth, mentorship, and operational stability.
- Winning Tip: They require a minimum of $25,000 in gross revenue over the last 12 months. If you aren't there yet, focus on Brick 3 (Strategic Programming) to boost your sales before applying next year. If you are there, emphasize how this $5k will remove a specific hurdle to your growth.
- Apply Here: Simply Business Big Dreams Grant
2. Verizon Small Business Digital Ready ($10,000)
Verizon isn't just handing out cash; they are looking for "Digital Ready" leaders. This is a recurring opportunity, making it a perfect addition to your revenue strategy.
- Amount: $10,000.
- Deadline: Monthly rounds (Check the portal for the next cutoff).
- Requirement: You must complete two free courses on their platform to be eligible.
- Winning Tip: Don't just "click through" the courses. Use the knowledge to audit your Brick 6 (Brand & Marketing). Verizon loves to see that you are actually implementing the digital tools they provide.
- Apply Here: Verizon Digital Ready
3. AT&T 2026 Small Business Contest (She’s Connected)
While the name says "She’s Connected," this contest is open to all eligible small business owners regardless of gender. They are looking for trailblazers making a real impact in their communities.
- Grand Prize: $50,000 (plus a year of AT&T service and mentorship).
- Deadline: July 31, 2026.
- Focus: Leadership, community impact, and connectivity.
- Winning Tip: This is a storytelling grant. Focus on your "Why." How does your business act as a cornerstone for your community? Tie your narrative back to Brick 1 (Mission & Mindset).
- Apply Here: AT&T She's Connected
Nonprofit Funding: Scaling Your Impact
1. NEA Grants for Arts Projects (Round 2)
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is looking for projects that celebrate America’s cultural legacy. If your nonprofit touches arts, health, or education, this is your flagship opportunity.
- Amount: $10,000 to $150,000.
- Deadline: July 9, 2026.
- Focus: Arts, health, education, and accessibility.
- Winning Tip: The NEA requires a 1:1 cost share. You must show that you have other revenue streams (Brick 5) to match the grant. This is why we preach diversification!
- Apply Here: NEA Grants for Arts Projects
2. IRS Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) Grant
This is a highly specialized grant for organizations that provide pro bono representation to low-income taxpayers or educate ESL taxpayers on their rights.
- Amount: Up to $200,000.
- Deadline: July 6, 2026.
- Focus: Helping underserved taxpayers and ensuring tax equity.
- Winning Tip: Special consideration is given to underserved areas (check the IRS list for specific counties in Florida, Nevada, and South Dakota). If you serve these regions, highlight your community partnerships.
- Apply Here: IRS LITC Grant
3. Players Health Foundation Youth Sports Safety Grant
Freshly opened on May 22, this grant is all about making youth sports safer and more accessible. If you run a sports-based nonprofit, this is a must-apply.
- Amount: $100,000 total pool.
- Deadline: Check the site for the rolling deadline.
- Focus: Youth sports safety, access, and equity.
- Winning Tip: Focus on Brick 4 (Financial & Legal Infrastructure). Safety grants require heavy documentation of your current protocols. Show them you are already a Brick Builder when it comes to compliance.
- Apply Here: Players Health Foundation
Winning Tip: The Huff-Puff-Blow Test™
Before you submit a single application, you must pass the Huff-Puff-Blow Test™. This is an audit of your Brick 4: Financial & Legal Infrastructure.
The "Big Bad Wolf" (the grant reviewer) is looking for any reason to blow your house down. They look for:
- Lapsed Secretary of State filings.
- Missing 990s or financial statements.
- Inconsistent EIN/Tax ID information across documents.
- A "straw" budget that doesn't add up.
If your infrastructure is weak, the best grant writer in the world can't save you. Ensure your QuickBooks are program-ready and your compliance is bulletproof before you hit submit.
The Wolf Strategy: Brick 5 Mastery
Why do we care so much about Brick 5: Multiple Streams of Revenue? Because a wolf doesn't hunt once a year; a wolf has a system for consistent survival and dominance.
If you only have one grant, you are vulnerable. If you have individual donors, corporate sponsorships, government contracts, and foundations, you are a Brick Builder. You are building a fortress that provides real, recurring funding for your legacy.
Ready to stop guessing and start winning?
Building a brick-by-brick organization takes more than just a list: it takes a system. Whether you are a nonprofit founder or a mission-driven CEO, we have the tools to help you scale.
- CTA 1: Join the Grant Club ($97/mo) – Get the full, updated grant list every week, plus live coaching to help you submit winning applications. Join the Club Here
- CTA 2: Join our FREE Skool Community – Come to the "Grant Review Live" every Thursday at 12 PM EST. Watch us tear down and rebuild applications in real-time. Join the Skool Here
- CTA 3: Book a Strategy Call with Ty – Ready for the full "Done-For-You" experience? Let’s look at your 7 Bricks and build your custom roadmap. Book Your Call Here
About Ty Woods
Ty Woods is the CEO of BusinessGrants.com and the creator of the 7 Bricks Framework™. As a master strategist and "Head Wolf," Ty has helped hundreds of nonprofits and mission-driven businesses move from "Founder" to "CEO" by securing millions in funding and building sustainable, scalable organizations. Ty’s mission is simple: to ensure no changemaker leaves money on the table because of a weak foundation.
Build your house. Secure your legacy. Be a Brick Builder.
LinkedIn Snippets:
- "Stop digging with a spoon. Start building with bricks. The May 27 Grant List is live. 🧱 [Link]"
- "A grant isn't a lottery ticket; it's fuel for a high-performing machine. Are you Grant Ready? 🐺 [Link]" by
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