CORP OF RET EXECUTIVES (SCORE) 2026-01
🏛 Small Business Administration (SBA)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations applying to operate SCORE chapters and provide volunteer business mentoring services to small business owners and entrepreneurs. Only entities capable of recruiting, training, and managing a network of volunteer mentors are eligible. Applicants must demonstrate capacity to serve existing small businesses and pre-venture entrepreneurs across a geographic service area. This is a national program open to nonprofits and community organizations with business development experience.
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Program description
SCORE is the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, with more than 10,000 dedicated volunteers in more than 250 local chapters designed to provide high quality business and economic development assistance to existing small businesses and nascent (pre-venture) entrepreneurs.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 or SF-424 (R&R)
- Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Organizational capacity documentation
- Proof of nonprofit status (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 Small Business Administration
- 📧 support@grants.gov
- 📞 202 619 0603
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 59.026 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$11,642,155
Top States by Funding
- VA 1 awards $11.6M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 59.026). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $17,000,000 | |
| 2025 | $7,638,100 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this SCORE grant?
Nonprofits and community organizations with business mentoring infrastructure or capacity. You must be able to recruit and manage volunteer mentors.
What does SCORE funding support?
Operations of a volunteer business mentoring network. This includes mentor recruitment, training, coordination, and service delivery to small businesses.
Are there geographic restrictions?
No. This is a national program. You can apply to serve any geographic area with adequate volunteer capacity.
What makes applications competitive?
Strong track record in business development. Clear plans to recruit quality mentors. Evidence of community need for services.
What is the funding timeline?
Deadline is August 14, 2026. Award amount is fixed at $17,000,000 total (not per applicant).
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus your application on volunteer recruitment capacity. SCORE's model depends on sustained mentor networks, so show how you'll attract quality volunteers.
- Demonstrate demand for business mentoring in your target service area. Use market research or community feedback to show need.
- Highlight your organization's business development expertise. Prior work in entrepreneurship, small business support, or economic development strengthens competitiveness.
- Plan realistic mentor training and quality assurance processes. Reviewers want evidence you can maintain service quality.
- Detail your strategy for reaching both established businesses and pre-venture entrepreneurs. Show how you'll serve both segments effectively.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Underestimating volunteer recruitment costs and timelines. Vague plans for mentor training or quality oversight. Weak evidence of community demand for mentoring services.
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