Can a long standing NPO get start up funds to extend the program?

I have a nonprofit organization (NPO) that serves children and was founded in 1992. I have a second location now and want to build a new arm to the program. Can I get startup funds to extend my NPO even though it is 21 years old?

There isn't a formally defined "startup funds" with a set, fixed meaning. You will have to examine your potential contributors individually, and see what their charter and their motives are.

That said, most startup funding will not be available to you. It often falls in one of two categories:

• Private investment, for the purpose of making money. Most VCs, Angels, startup incubators etc are in this group. Of course you're out, as you are a non-profit organization.
• Public investment, for the purpose of advancing a specific 'critically important' technology. Many public grants into green tech, healthcare/medtech etc fall in this category. Not for you, as you don't do research and development.

That said, there is a lot of crossover, and some people do a majority of their investment on a for-profit basis, but leave room for a few social entrepreneurship investments as well. So as said, you'll have to take each potential donor as he/she comes, and get to understand their motives, desires etc.

As long as you make it clear its for a new venture within the existing NPO and not money going to sustain the main venture I think you could contact investors or donors who are willing to donate money to startup the new arm. If you could incorporate it under a different name and make it in association with your larger company that could work as well. Perhaps as your larger current donors what they think.