Seed Funding for Startups
In 2021, Burton D. Morgan Foundation initiated an experimental pilot project to provide catalytic funding to nonprofit organizations for dissemination to for-profit businesses in the form of microgrants. This effort stemmed from observations that seed funding, often totaling less than $500, could spur business momentum. The initiative, now called the Morgan Startup Grants program, has partnered with 24 organizations that have distributed 919 microgrants to 896 ventures, as of early 2026. The program has:
- Served as an exceptional engagement tool, with more than 50% of participants new to their entrepreneurship programs
- Widened opportunities for founders beyond pitch competitions
- Validated and instilled confidence in numerous founders, motivating them to transition from ideation to action
- Leveraged funding from other donors
Uses for Morgan Startup Grants
Morgan Startup Grants have been used for a wide range of expenses:
- Jumpstarting inventory
- Acquiring a website
- Duplicate molds to increase production
- Conference attendance to connect with potential customers
- Prototyping
- LLCs
- Microphones for podcasts
- Signage
- Intern costs
- Equipment
Student recipients come from a wide range of majors, which have included fashion, digital media production, architecture, marketing, entrepreneurship, and even Arabic translation.
Participating Organizations
The following organizations are participating in the Morgan Startup Grant program:
- Ashland University
- Baldwin Wallace University
- Bounce Innovation Hub
- Case Western Reserve University
- Cleveland State University
- HFLA of Northeast Ohio
- John Carroll University
- Kent State University
- Lorain County Community College
- Northeast Ohio Hispanic Center for Economic Development
- SEA Change
- The University of Akron
- TRI-C Center for Entrepreneurs
New in 2026: Morgan Startup Grant Program Expansion for NEO Community
Morgan Foundation is teaming up with HFLA of Northeast Ohio and TRI-C Center for Entrepreneurs to provide microgrants to small businesses in Northeast Ohio. Eligible businesses must generate under $100,000 in annual revenue and have at least one employee, including the founder. Grant amounts will vary but a typical grant size is $1,500.
Applications open on March 16 with a deadline of March 27. Note: These grants are for entrepreneurs who do not have an affiliation with another Morgan Startup Grant provider.
Learn More.
Morgan Startup Grant Recipients are eligible to receive a Morgan Startup Grant Program Badge, recognizing your skills and achievements. Learn more.
To learn more about the Morgan Startup Grants program, contact Angela Evans.