Securing funding is essential to an organization’s success – you can’t implement your programs without cash – but the trick is where to find it. Nonprofits should have multiple revenue sources but grants is a popular source of funding but unfortunately it’s not as easy as just writing a grant and waiting for the check to arrive in the mail. Grant research is a critical skill that can help nonprofits identify potential funding sources and increase their chances of receiving financial support. In this blog post, we will explore the basics of grant research and provide practical tips to help your nonprofit get started on the path to funding success.

Understanding Grant Research

Grant research is the process of identifying and analyzing potential funding opportunities from various sources such as government agencies, private foundations, and corporate sponsors. By conducting thorough research, nonprofits can create a targeted list of grant opportunities that align with their mission, programs, and funding needs.

Steps in Grant Research

1. Define Your Funding Needs

Start by clearly defining your organization’s funding needs. Determine the specific programs, projects, or operational expenses that require financial support. This will help you narrow down your search to grants that are a good fit for your organization.

There are two general types of grants: Operating and Program. Operating grants are designed for things like payroll, rent, software subscriptions, etc. essentially all the daily operational expenses. Program grants fund the expenses around implementing a program. There are some program grants that could include overhead such as staff pay but in general, they are separate types of grants.

2. Identify Potential Grant Sources

There are several types of grant sources to consider:

• Government Grants: These grants are offered by federal, state, and local government agencies. They can be highly competitive but often provide substantial funding but they also come with extensive guidelines and reporting requirements that could overwhelm smaller organizations.
• Private Foundations: Foundations are nonprofit organizations that provide grants to support charitable activities. They can be family foundations, community foundations, or corporate foundations.
• Corporate Sponsors: Many businesses have corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs that include grantmaking to support nonprofit initiatives.

3. Where to find Grants

Leverage online grant research databases to find potential funding opportunities. Some popular databases include:

• Grants.gov: A comprehensive source of information on federal government grant opportunities.

• Foundation Directory Online: Provides detailed information on private foundations and their grantmaking activities.
• GrantStation: Offers a wide range of tools and resources for finding and securing grants.
• Instrumentl is a popular grant database although the subscription fee may be prohibitive for some organizations

Look Locally

• Do a Google search for grants, foundations, etc. in your area. Local funders are still competitive but if they have a geographic and program focus you fit then you have an advantage.
• Check your state nonprofit association’s website. They may list grant opportunities or funders.

4. Review Grant Guidelines

Carefully review the guidelines for each grant opportunity to ensure that your organization meets the eligibility criteria. Pay attention to funding priorities, application deadlines, and required documentation. This is NON-NEGOTIABLE. You will simply annoy funders by submitting grant applications that don’t fit their focus areas or that don’t comply with their grant process.

5. Connect with the Funder

If you aren’t sure if your grant idea fits within a funder’s focus, ask them. Request a phone call with the grant contact so you can establish a relationship and get feedback about the grant idea. They may tell you it does fit, they may say it would fit with some variations, or other helpful feedback. Either way, you’ll have good information from which to proceed.

6. Network with Other Nonprofits

Connecting with other nonprofit organizations can provide valuable insights into potential funding sources. Join nonprofit associations, attend conferences, and participate in online forums to build relationships and share information.

7. Work with a Professional

Grant Management experts are just that – experts. They have experience not only in researching grants but working with you to write a winning proposal. If your organization intends to bring in significant funding from grants, this might be a good investment.

Practical Tips for Successful Grant Research

1. Stay Organized

Create a system for tracking your grant research efforts. Use a spreadsheet or grant management software to keep track of deadlines, application requirements, and contact information for each funding opportunity.

2. Be Persistent

Grant research can be time-consuming and may not always yield immediate results. Stay persistent and continually seek out new opportunities. Regularly update your list of potential grants and follow up on any leads. Remember that you have no idea why a funder chooses one winning proposal over another. You may have a perfectly written grant but the funder for whatever reason chose another organization.

3. Tailor Your Applications

Customize each grant application to align with the funding source’s priorities and guidelines. Highlight how your organization’s mission and programs fit with the grantmaker’s goals.

4. Seek Feedback

If your grant application is not successful, reach out to the grantmaker for feedback. Understanding the reasons behind the decision can help you improve future applications.