Nonprofit sector business development

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

In this page:
    Mural

    Get announcements and updates about San Francisco's nonprofit sector.

    Subscribe
    Find funding

    Research, plan and make your case.
    Starter kit

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

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

    Consult with a nonprofit specialist

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

    Submit an interest form

    Resources

    Government grant and contract opportunities
    Grants for nonprofits

    A collection of grant opportunities for San Francisco nonprofits.
    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.
    Become a Legacy Business

    For businesses 30 years or older in San Francisco
    Get help for your business after a fire or other disaster

    Learn what resources are available to businesses and employees after a disaster, including grants up to $10,000.
    Organizational development
    Organizational development for nonprofits

    This is a list of curated resources for nonprofits of all stages.
    Permits and real estate
    Permit resources

    Check if you need permits to start, renovate, or expand a business, or change the type of business
    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 required permits or change of use with 30-day review

    Some businesses and nonprofits are eligible for a 30-day review for business permits under Proposition 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 resource.

    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.