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Securing funding is a critical task for any nonprofit organization. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various places where you can find grants for nonprofits, including government, foundation, and corporate sources. We’ll also provide a summary of each resource to help you get started on your grant-seeking journey.
Whether you’re a small grassroots group or a large established entity, grants can provide the necessary financial support to help you achieve your mission and we’re here to help you find them.
We’ll cover the following:
24 Places To Find Grants for Nonprofits
Summary: The Grantsmanship Center provides training and resources for grant seekers, including a comprehensive database of grant opportunities.
Summary: This tool helps you find community foundations in your area that may offer grants to local nonprofits.
Summary: The Chronicle of Philanthropy offers news, analysis, and grant opportunities for the nonprofit sector.
Summary: GrantStation provides access to a database of grant opportunities, along with tools for tracking and managing your grant applications.
Summary: Instrumentl is a grant search and management platform that helps nonprofits find and apply for grants more efficiently.
Summary: The Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNE) offers resources and support for nonprofits seeking grants.
Summary: Nonprofit Expert provides information on international grants and other funding opportunities for nonprofits.
Summary: Grantsplus offers a curated list of grant opportunities, particularly for crisis funding.
9. FoundationSearch
Summary: FoundationSearch is a leading source of information on foundations and their grant programs.
Summary: CharityVillage provides a comprehensive list of funding programs and grants for nonprofits.
Government Grants
Government grants for nonprofits are a significant source of funding for many nonprofits. These grants are often substantial and can provide long-term support for your projects. Here are some key places to look for government grants:
Summary: Grants.gov is the go-to resource for finding and applying for federal grants. The website offers a comprehensive database of grant opportunities from various government agencies. You can search for grants using keywords related to your nonprofit’s mission, programs, and target audience.
Tip: Set up email alerts to receive notifications about new grant opportunities that match your criteria.
Summary: The System for Award Management (SAM) is another essential resource for federal grants. SAM.gov provides a centralized database of federal assistance listings, including grants, loans, and other financial aid programs. Nonprofits must register on SAM.gov to apply for federal grants.
Tip: Keep your SAM registration up-to-date to ensure eligibility for federal grants.
Summary: The Federal Register is the official journal of the U.S. government, where you can find notices of funding opportunities, grant program announcements, and other important information related to federal grants.
Tip: Use keywords from your mission statement and programs to search for relevant grants.
14. State and Local Government Websites
Summary: Many state and local governments offer restricted & unrestricted grants for nonprofits. These grants are often tailored to address specific regional needs and priorities. Check your state or local government’s official website for information on available grants.
Tip: Establish relationships with local government officials and agencies to stay informed about new grant opportunities.
Foundation Grants
Foundations are another vital source of funding for nonprofits. These organizations are dedicated to supporting charitable activities and often provide restricted & unrestricted grants for nonprofits grants for nonprofits that align with their mission and goals. Here are some top resources for finding foundation grants:
Summary: The Foundation Directory Online is a comprehensive database of foundation grantmakers and their funding opportunities. It allows you to search for grants based on various criteria, including location, funding interests, and grant size.
Tip: Use the advanced search features to narrow down your list of potential funders.
Summary: GuideStar is an online database that provides information on nonprofits and their funding sources. You can use GuideStar to identify foundations that have funded similar organizations and projects.
Tip: Create a profile for your nonprofit on GuideStar to increase your visibility to potential funders.
Summary: GrantWatch is an online database that lists current grant opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government agencies. The platform covers over 60 different categories, making it easy to find grants that match your nonprofit’s focus.
Tip: Subscribe to GrantWatch to receive updates on new grant opportunities.
Summary: Philanthropy News Digest (PND) is a free online service that posts requests for proposals (RFPs) and grant notices from U.S.-based foundations and grantmaking organizations. You can sign up for their newsletter and alerts to stay informed about the latest opportunities.
Tip: Regularly check the PND website for new RFPs and grant announcements.
Summary: Candid’s Regional Giving Dashboards offer overviews of regional funding opportunities across the United States. These dashboards provide insights into the giving patterns of foundations in specific regions, helping you identify potential funders in your area.
Tip: Use the dashboards to tailor your grant proposals to the interests and priorities of regional funders.
Corporate Grants
Many corporations have philanthropic programs that provide restricted & unrestricted grants for nonprofits. These grants often focus on specific areas such as education, health, and community development. Here are some resources for finding corporate grants:
Summary: The Coca-Cola Foundation supports initiatives that promote sustainability, women’s empowerment, and community well-being. Nonprofits can apply for grants through the foundation’s online application portal.
Tip: Review the foundation’s funding priorities and guidelines before submitting your application.
Summary: The Walmart Foundation provides grants to nonprofits that focus on hunger relief, health and wellness, and community development. The foundation offers both national and local grant programs.
Tip: Apply for local grants through your nearest Walmart store or Sam’s Club.
Summary: Google.org supports nonprofits through grants, technology, and volunteer support. The foundation focuses on areas such as education, economic opportunity, and crisis response.
Tip: Explore Google.org’s Impact Challenge programs for unique grant opportunities.
Summary: The Bank of America Charitable Foundation provides grants to nonprofits that address critical needs such as affordable housing, workforce development, and community revitalization.
Tip: Review the foundation’s annual grant cycle and application deadlines to plan your submissions.
Summary: Microsoft Philanthropies offers grants and technology donations to nonprofits that focus on education, digital inclusion, and community development. The foundation also provides software and cloud services to eligible nonprofits.
Tip: Take advantage of Microsoft’s technology donations to enhance your nonprofit’s operations.
Bonus Grant Resource: Societ
Summary: Societ is dedicated to helping nonprofits Do More Good and offers nonprofit technology grants and product donations to nonprofits, helping them leverage CRM and other tools to further their missions.
Tips for Successful Grant Applications
Finding grants for nonprofits is just the first step. To increase your chances of securing funding, follow these tips for successful grant applications:
1. Use the Right Keywords
Keywords are crucial for finding relevant grants. Use your nonprofit’s mission statement, programs, and competitor grants to identify possible keywords. For example, if your mission is to empower the African diaspora through economic activism and educational resources, use keywords like “economic activism,” “educational resources,” and “African diaspora.”
2. Understand Grant Reporting Requirements
Government and foundation grants often come with specific reporting requirements. Make sure you understand these requirements and how you can meet them. This may include financial data, compliance information, and project impact reports.
3. Have Dedicated Staff to Keep Up with Changes
Grant programs and eligibility requirements can change frequently. Assign a dedicated staff member to monitor grant websites and agencies regularly. This person should also be comfortable making phone calls to respective authorities to stay current on any program changes.
4. Hire a Professional Grant Writer
A well-written grant application is essential for success. Consider hiring a professional grant writer with experience in your field. This person can help you craft a compelling proposal that meets all the grant requirements.
5. Build Relationships with Funders
Establishing relationships with potential funders can increase your chances of securing grants. Attend networking events, reach out to program officers, and keep in touch with past funders to stay on their radar.
How Societ Solutions Can Help
At Societ, we understand the challenges nonprofits face in securing funding. Our solutions are designed to streamline your operations and improve your chances of success. Here’s how our products can help you in your grant-seeking journey:
Sumac CRM
Our nonprofit CRM helps you manage your relationships with donors, volunteers, and grants. With Sumac CRM, you can track your interactions, set reminders for follow-ups, and store important documents, making it easier to build and maintain relationships with funders.
Partner Web
Our nonprofit website builder allows you to create a professional website that showcases your nonprofit’s mission and impact. A well-designed website can attract potential funders and provide a platform for online grant applications.
Frontier Marketing
Our nonprofit marketing agency offers expert marketing services to help you promote your nonprofit and reach a wider audience. With Frontier Marketing, you can create compelling campaigns that highlight your work and attract potential funders.
Conclusion
Finding grants for nonprofits can be a daunting task, but with the right resources and strategies, you can secure the funding you need to achieve your mission. By exploring government, foundation, and corporate grant sources, and following our tips for successful grant applications, you’ll be well on your way to securing the support your nonprofit needs.
Remember, building relationships with funders, understanding grant requirements, and using the right tools, like Sumac CRM and Sumac Case Management, can significantly enhance your grant-seeking efforts. Good luck, and happy grant hunting!
