Nonprofit sector business development

San Francisco’s central point of information for tax-exempt, not-for-profit businesses.

In this page:
    Mural

    Get announcements about grants, policies and training for San Francisco's not-for-profit workers and businesses.

    Subscribe
    Find funding

    Find funding opportunities for arts, youth, employment, health, housing and wellness services in San Francisco.
    Permit assistance

    Visit the Permit Center (49 South Van Ness) for help with permits.
    Starter kit

    Information and resources to choose a location, set up your business, and prepare your space.

    Consult with a nonprofit specialist

    Fill out the form and a case manager will contact you.

    Submit an interest form

    Resources

    New organizations
    Register your organization

    If you engage in business in San Francisco, you must register and renew your registration annually.
    Waive permit fees

    First Year Free is a new program that waives the cost of many business fees for qualifying businesses.
    San Francisco’s Business Portal offers planning tools and resources

    The ultimate resource for starting, running, and growing a business in our City.
    Existing organizations
    Become a city partner

    Register to work with the City and become a Fully Compliant Supplier.
    Business during the coronavirus pandemic

    What you need to reopen your business safely. Get loans, grants, and other help for your business.
    Business registration information

    Guidance on how to renew, update and request a copy of business registration information.
    Organizational development
    Organizational development for nonprofits

    Get tools, sample policies and training from city agencies and regional professionals.
    Permits and real estate
    Become a city supplier

    Apply for and receive certain grants and contracts with the City as a Fully Compliant Supplier.
    Real estate: planning and budgeting tools

    Free, on-demand templates to support your nonprofit in navigating real estate and financial management needs.
    Find out where you can locate your business

    Learn what types of businesses are allowed at a particular location in San Francisco
    Get your small business permits with a 30-day review

    Open a new business or change your business operations under Prop H.
    Nonprofit Sustainability Initiative
    Apply for financial and real estate readiness assistance

    The Nonprofit Sustainability Initiative complements the City’s funding of nonprofit services and resources.

    About

    Part of: Business Development

    Nonprofits deliver critical services for the most vulnerable in our communities, advance shared and equitable prosperity, and enrich and expand our appreciation of diverse arts and cultures. Approximately 1 in 6 employed residents work for a nonprofit business.

    Through its Business Development division, the Office of Economic and Workforce Development provides high-quality direct assistance and programs to help nonprofits start, grow and thrive.

    Nonprofit team

    Lex Leifheit
    Lex Leifheit
    Senior Business Development Manager
    Nonprofits Sector
    Jerry Trotter
    Jerry Trotter
    Nonprofit Resource Development Specialist

    Contact

    Phone

    Office of Economic and Workforce Development

    415-554-6969

    Ask to speak to a nonprofit specialist.

    Request public records

    Email marianne.thompson@sfgov.org to submit a request.