Believe it or not you can find organizations that will actually pay you in the form of a grant to write your nonfiction book. Researching and copying important documents can get quite expensive; subsidize your expenses with grant money. Find an organization that fits the type of nonfiction you want to write, fill out the application, and wait for a response.
The Authors' Foundation
The Authors' Foundation offers grants to people who are in the midst of writing their nonfiction books. The foundation offers one award in the summer and one in the winter. One of two criteria must apply to you. One is that a British publisher has asked you to write a full-length book and the second is that you do not have any contracts presently with a British publisher, but you have been published by a British publisher before and it is likely that your new nonfiction book will also be picked up by a British publisher.
The Authors' Foundation, www.societyofauthors.org
Ludwig Vogelstein Foundation
The Ludwig Vogelstein Foundation gives grants for those in the fine arts. The deadline for filling out and submitting the application is in mid-spring. These are grants for individuals only, not companies or writing businesses. You can only receive one grant from the foundation, ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 depending on the project and your need.
Ludwig Vogelstein Foundation, 4001 Inglewood Ave Suite 101-309, Redondo Beach, CA 90278
Barbara Deming Memorial Fund
The Barbara Duming Memorial Fund offers grants for feminist writers. The awards can be as much as $1,500. Applications are accepted only during June with a $20 fee. Send your manuscript, up to 25 pages, along with the fee, application and your resume. You must also send a description of your project along with the manuscript. Hard copies are a must as the organization does not have an email address or website.
Money for Women/Barbara Deming Memorial Fund, Inc., P.O. Box 309, Wilton, NY 03086
Maine Arts Commission
To promote the artists of Maine, the Maine Arts Commission offers grants of up to $1,500 to residents of Maine. You must provide proof of residency and also speak with the director of the program before applying for the grant. If you do not speak to the director first, your application will automatically be disqualified. The application must include four copies of up to 20 pages of the work and a description of your idea. The deadline for sending in applications is near the end of June each year.
Maine Arts Commission, mainearts.maine.gov