1. Does the SBNRC give grant money?
2. Will the SBNRC write a proposal for me?
3. Where do I find grants?
4. What is a Nonprofit Organization?
5. Can I approach a foundation for grant money while still waiting for tax exempt status?
6. What's the difference between 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(1)?
7. Do I need to be a Member or a Nonprofit to use the SBNRC Library/Service?
8. Where are you located?
9. Can I check out books from the SBNRC Library?
10. Can a nonprofit have revenue?

Got more questions? Visit the Texas Secretary of State Website at: http://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/nonprofitfaqs.shtml.

1. Does the SBNRC give grant money?
   The Southwest Border Nonprofit Resource Center is not a foundation and does not give grants or funding to individuals, groups, nonprofits or any other cause. The mission of the SBNRC is to help nonprofits with their long-term growth through a number of our services.
   
   
2. Will the SBNRC write a proposal for me?
   The SBNRC does not have the manpower or resources to be responsible for the research, development and writing of proposals. The SBNRC can assist you with proposal writing aides and grant writing workshops.
   
   
3. Where do I find grants?
   The SBNRC has a library open to the public 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. that has a wealth of information on foundations and other funding sources to help you find funding.
   
   
4. What is a Nonprofit Organization?
   A Nonprofit Organization is an organization which has file for and received tax exempt status with the United States Internal Revenue Service. Charitable organizations that will be looking for funding from foundations usually filed under the 501(c)(3) code of the IRS.
   
   
5. Can I approach a foundation for grant money while still waiting for tax exempt status?
   The process of acquiring tax exemption can be too long for some people. When this happens, the urge to ask for funds is too much. Some foundations will work with an organization before they get their exempt status, but this all depends on the foundation and how open the lines of communication are between the two. Err on the side of caution and wait for the entire process to be complete. If you do fall into some funds, keep a record of it but don't spend it in case you are turned down.
   
   
6. What's the difference between 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(1)?
   A 501(c)(3) is the IRS tax exempt code for Charitable, Educational, Literary, Religious and Scientific organizations or organizations to prevent cruelty to Children and Animals. A 501(c)(1) is a government instrumentality. For a complete list, download IRS Form 557 : http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p557.pdf. A reference chart is on page 57 and 58.
   
   
7. Do I need to be a Member or a Nonprofit to use the SBNRC Library/Service?
   Use of the SBNRC Library is free and open to the public 8am to 5pm, Monday - Friday. We are closed on major & state holidays. Some services of the SBNRC are rendered for a fee based on organization size.
   
   
8. Where are you located?
   The SBNRC is housed within the University of Texas-Pan American. The address is: 1201 W. University Drive, ITT 1.404H Building #29, Edinburg, Texas
   
   
   
9. Can I check out books from the SBNRC Library?
   At this time, the library operates as a reference library. We most often have only one copy of the most recently published resources. The SBNRC Library is a NYC Foundation Center Cooperating Collection and has a premier catalog of nonprofit management and research resources. Visitors are welcome to come in and utilize the resources.
   
   
10. Can a Nonprofit have revenue??
    Yes. As long as the revenue is absorbed back into the programs, revenue is permitted. In fact, most foundations look to fund nonprofits with a plan for self-sustainability.

More FAQ's to be completed! E-mail your question today!