Resources for Individuals:

The foundation does not award grants to individuals.  Although not affiliated with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the following organizations may provide additional guidance or support for your project.

Other Resources For Individuals (not affiliated with the Gates Foundation)

• GuideStar 
  An online database of nonprofit organizations including mission, programs, leaders, goals, accomplishments, and needs.
• Idealist.org
  Idealist is an interactive site where people and organizations can exchange resources and ideas and locate opportunities and supporters.

If you are a U.S. citizen looking for help with Social Security or other government benefits, please see the U.S. Government's benefits web site.

If you are looking for a small business loan in the United States, you may find help at the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Resources for Organizations

If you are an organization looking for funding, please refer to the following information:

• Review our foundation grantmaking priorities  to see if your organization falls within the basic funding strategies and eligibility criteria.
• Next, check the current funding opportunities  and take next steps as appropriate.

Online Resources for Organizations

• The Foundation Center 
  This organization provides access to private foundation information, directories, books and periodicals, grantmaker files, and bibliographic databases.
• TechSoup.org
  Nonprofits seeking technical support or hardware may find assistance through CompuMentor's TechSoup.org, which provides free information, resources, and support.

If you are looking for information about Microsoft’s corporate philanthropy initiatives, please visit the Microsoft Community Engagement and Investment web site.