How To Find Non-Profit Grants

There are many grant funding sources available to non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations, but how do you determine which grant is the best to pursue? We will explain here.

1. Analyze what type of funding you need. Is your funding going to be for helping people weatherize their homes, shelter the homeless, or provide an after-school outreach program for kids, etc.? The discovery of your funding needs will be the ultimate motivator when it comes to researching your funding opportunities.
2. Do a Google search for foundations in your geographic location. Often foundations will only give money to non-profits in their area. Determine if your organization fits within the foundation's funding priorities. For example, if you are planning to run an after-school outreach program for kids, then make sure that the foundation wants to give grants out to grants to organizations that want to run after-school outreach programs. Also, check to see what the foundation does not fund. For example, many foundations will not fund any type of debt, construction or funds to supplant programs. If you have any questions about the eligibility of your non-profit or you have any questions regarding the foundation funding priorities, contact the foundation grant program officer. That person is in charge of answering questions regarding the foundation's grant programs. See which grants are available to your organization and keep track of those that interest you. You should do this for steps two and three also.
3. Search federal grants on Grants.gov. The Grants.gov website is your federal source for all grants made by federal agencies. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, you are eligible for a number of grants from departments like the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Education, Department of Homeland Security and many, many more. The key to identifying these grants is to make sure that their "program focus" is similar to programs that you need funding for. If you have any questions regarding these grants, make sure that you contact the "program officer" for that particular grant.
4. Search for state grants. State grants are a little harder to track down. Basically you will need to go to the state website and look at each of the individual web-pages for each department that you will be seeking grants from. For example, if you are looking for funding for a battered women's shelter, you will need to go the state Department of Health and Human Services. If you are looking for funding for an after-school outreach program for kids, you will need to contact the state Department of Education.
5. Contact a grant writer. Most people in need of grant funding do not have the experience required to develop a grant proposal that is likely to get awarded. A professional can provide invaluable service.