Top Tips to Secure Grants for Nonprofits

Grants can be a major source of funding for any nonprofit organization, however the discovery and application process for these grants can be a little intimidating for a smaller organization. Here are some tips and great resources you can check out to help you in your search for grants. 

Start Local 
It can be tempting to jump right into applying for the largest, country wide grants you can find (and you might as well if you have the time, it doesn’t hurt anything,) however you are more likely to secure a grant from a local foundation. Start off small and local, come up with a realistic plan for how and why you would use the money, and start applying. Even if the amount is small, securing these local grants gives your organization the credibility it needs to start going after bigger opportunities. 

Have a Plan 
It sounds obvious, but you would not believe how many grant applications boil down to “we need money because we need it.” Ask yourself, what exactly would this money be used for? Does it align with the requirements for the grant? Would you be able to continue operations after the grant runs out? Does the foundation who is offering the grant align with your organization's mission and goals? I know it is tempting to take all the funding you can get, but the shotgun approach might end up damaging your reputation more than helping it. 

Benchmark Similar Organizations 
When looking for grant opportunities, one of the best ways to discover local foundations is by looking at similar organizations in your area. For example, if you are an organization that supports veterans, research other veteran assistance programs in your area and see who is funding them. This can give you some ideas of who supports causes like yours locally. In some cases, you may even be able to partner with a similar organization for a better chance to receive funding through a joint program.   

Show your Impact 
It is no longer enough to say you do something; you have to show it. If you aren’t measuring your impact, now is the time to start. Governments, foundations, and even individuals are unlikely to donate if they don’t understand what their money is going towards. From specific breakdowns of how each dollar is spent to community spotlights and success stories, anything to prove that your efforts have results will greatly increase your chance of receiving a grant. 

Build Lasting Relationships 
Much like normal fundraising and volunteer management, you want to build relationships. Reach out to foundation executives and staff. Try to go to events (or even host them yourself), that these foundation members might attend. Don’t be afraid to talk to a program officer before you submit your grant application to see if it is a good fit. Even if it ends up not working out with them, they may offer other resources for you or another project you do down the road might better align with them. It is never wise to burn bridges, especially in a field where everyone should work together to make a better world. 
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Where to Find Grants 
There are many great online resources to find grants, such as Grants.gov and Grantwatch. These can be a great resource for finding grants all over the country, however, these will be highly competitive though, as the number of applications for grants like these can be in the tens of thousands. As we mentioned before, if you are a small nonprofit, your best bet is local. Nothing can beat a little bit of networking and community engagement. The only way these foundations can find you is if you get yourself out there, so... get out there! 

InfoGrow is dedicated to supporting nonprofits in their missions to make the world a better place. If you are looking to learn about the technology, services, and deals we provide for nonprofits, check out our CRM for Nonprofits page here!