5 tips for finding grants for small nonprofits

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Grants are often an important source of funding for nonprofits, and particularly for those that do not have a significant donor base. But finding and writing grants can be very time-consuming as it often requires research not only to locate a grant, but also to find a grant that is best aligned for the work of your organization.  

If your organization is new to the process of applying for grants, there are typical sources of grant funding that your nonprofit can explore to find an appropriate grant. Here are five tips to start your search: 

  1. Start with your local community. While there are many funders that offer grant programs for nonprofits across the country, for small nonprofits it is best to start your search locally. Research who the funders are for your region and find out what grant programs they offer. This will help your nonprofit develop your relationship with local funders, and reduce the number of nonprofits you must compete with for grant funding. Often, national funding programs will be the most competitive since they will attract all types of nonprofits, big or small, to apply. Local grants will provide your organization with a better chance to be successful while you develop experience with the grant writing process. 
  2. Look for small grant programs. Many grant funders offer a range of grant programs from small to large. Generally, the larger the grant, the more information the funder is expecting from the nonprofits that apply. This can translate into a longer grant application and more stringent reporting requirements. Small grants of $15,000 or less are generally considered a smaller investment for most funders, and often have a much more streamlined application and straightforward reporting process. For nonprofits who are new to grant writing, smaller grants allow your team to develop experience without having to deal with the most time-consuming applications, and can often allow your organization to make your grant request stronger. 
  3. Check the eligibility. Different grant funders have different rules about who they can and cannot provide grants to. For example, some funders only offer grants to registered charities, while others provide grants to registered nonprofits, or even informal groups of citizens doing charitable work. One of the most important grant writing basics is to find out if your nonprofit is eligible before even beginning the grant writing process. For many funders, if they receive an application from an ineligible organization, they will decline the proposal before even reading it. This would certainly be a disappointment for any organization finding themselves in this position. So, be sure to research the eligibility requirements and ensure your organization is eligible to receive a grant before starting the application. 
  4. Research the funders in your field. One of the most important parts of successful grant writing is to ensure that the funder’s priorities align with your organization’s work. Often, funders have one or several funding priorities, and will provide grants to similar organizations or provide similar types of project-based grants. So, a great place to start when searching for grants is to research similar nonprofits in your field and find out which funders have provided them with grants. For example, if your organization serves children living with disabilities, look at other organizations serving children or people living with disabilities to see where they were able to successfully secure grants from. Usually, organizations will recognize their funders publicly on their website, social media, or annual reports so a quick search should help your organization identify some potential funders. 
  5. Use technology in your search. Many funders have a social media presence and will advertise their funding opportunities on their feeds. Funders will also often include answers to frequently asked questions or other information about their grants on social media. Instagram and LinkedIn have good search functions to help find grant funding. In addition, signup for newsletters of the funders you’ve researched in your local community, or those similar nonprofits have received funding from. Funders will usually announce their grant programs in their newsletters and advise of upcoming calls for grant applications. This can reduce research time for your team as you will always be aware when the most recent grant applications are available. 

Grant research can certainly be time-consuming, but knowing where to look can significantly reduce your search. Finding the appropriate funders that are right for your nonprofit are a large part of grant writing success. And even if you do not find success right away, the more your organization develops experience and confidence in grant writing, the more success your team will have in the future. 

If your team is seeking more grant writing support, check out our Grant Writing Toolkit. This downloadable workbook and guide to grant writing is a must have for small nonprofits and beginner grant writers. 

Roxanne Tackie is the co-founder of Story Point Consulting where she helps people working or volunteering at small nonprofits and charities find the right donors, effectively communicate with supporters, and strengthen relationships with them once they generously give their support. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, baking, and teaching and studying the artform of tap dance.  



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