Blog

‍

‍

Raise your hand if you’ve ever opened a blank Word doc to start a grant proposal and immediately decided to reorganize your sock drawer instead. We get it. Grant writing is one of the most necessary but mentally draining parts of nonprofit work.

Now AI is everywhere, promising to write your proposals faster than you can say “restricted funds.” So the question is not just can you use AI for nonprofit grant writing. The question is how do you use it well without losing your message, your mission, or your mind?

Let’s dig in.

What AI Can Actually Do for Grant Writers

AI is not a miracle. It cannot understand your community’s unique challenges or the heart behind your programs. But it can handle the stuff that bogs you down. Here's how smart nonprofits are using AI today:

• Writing first drafts of grant sections like mission statements, program descriptions, and community needs
• Summarizing long grant guidelines so you know what a funder really wants
• Brainstorming answers to repetitive application questions
• Editing for clarity, tone, and structure
• Rewriting content to fit a new grant with different word counts or formatting

If you have ever spent 90 minutes trying to find a more impressive way to say “we help people,” AI can help with that.

What AI Cannot Do

Let’s be clear. AI does not know your organization. It does not know what keeps your clients up at night. It does not know what makes your team special. That means AI cannot:

• Tell your impact story with any real emotion
• Build trust with a funder
• Strategically align your ask with a funder’s priorities
• Replace your judgment, your voice, or your nonprofit brain

So please do not let ChatGPT write and submit your grant proposal without you.

Using AI Well: A Success For Nonprofits Strategy

If you want to use AI the right way, here is your step-by-step:

1. Start with your real content
   Feed the tool your mission, past grant language, or program summaries. AI needs raw material. Give it something to work with.
2. Use it for structure or improvement
   Ask it to write a first draft or rewrite a section with a specific tone. For example, “Make this sound more persuasive” or “Cut this to 250 words.”
3. Layer in your voice and heart
   Always go back and revise. Add real stories, data, and insights that only you have.
4. Fact-check and personalize
   AI is confident and often wrong. Review everything before you hit submit.
5. Keep your funder in mind
   If it sounds like it could have come from anyone, it is not ready yet. Make sure it clearly speaks to that funder’s goals and values.

Our Take at Success For Nonprofits

We love tools that make nonprofit life easier. But we also know that people give to people. Funders invest in relationships, trust, and the real human work behind your mission. AI can save time. It can spark ideas. It can make a painful writing day a little smoother.

But AI will never replace your experience or your insight. That is your superpower!

‍

The headlines may change every hour, but your mission deserves a funding stream that doesn’t.

Between economic shifts, global challenges, and whatever curveball the news cycle throws next, it’s getting harder for nonprofits to plan ahead. Donors are pulled in a dozen directions. Funding sources are shifting. And your mission still needs to move forward.

So how do you keep your footing when everything else feels wobbly?

You build consistency. And one of the most powerful ways to do that is through monthly giving.

Monthly Giving Isn’t Flashy. It’s Foundational.

This isn’t about chasing trends. This is about stability. Monthly giving helps you create a reliable stream of support that keeps your work going, no matter what’s happening in the world.

It’s not just convenient for you. Donors love it too. Monthly donors are more committed, they give more over time, and they stay with you longer. It’s a win-win.

Why It Works

When you have a monthly giving program that runs like a well-oiled machine, you gain:

• Steady income you can actually count on
• A donor base that sticks with you year after year
• Less stress about hitting your goals in December
• More time to focus on impact instead of survival

It’s a strategy that reduces panic and increases planning. And that’s something every nonprofit needs more of right now.

How to Start Without Overhauling Everything

You don’t need a complicated rollout. You need a message that speaks to the moment. Something simple and heartfelt like:

“In times like these, dependable support means everything. Will you join our community of monthly donors and help us keep going strong?”

Make your donation form easy to use. Default to monthly giving. Create a thank-you flow that feels personal. And follow up regularly with quick updates about the impact those monthly gifts are making.

This Is About More Than Revenue

Yes, monthly giving helps your bottom line. But it also builds community. It brings people closer to your work. It gives donors a way to feel like they’re making a difference, even when the world feels uncertain.

And let’s face it. Consistency is comforting.

So if you’ve been putting off launching a monthly giving program, now is the time. Not because it’s urgent. But because it’s smart.

‍

Let’s not sugarcoat it. Things are a mess right now.

The political climate is shifting. The economy is jittery. Funding is uncertain. Nonprofits across the country are bracing for budget cuts, donor fatigue, and a whole lot of “Wait. What now?”

So if you’re feeling distracted, overwhelmed, or like your entire strategic plan got thrown into a blender… you are not alone.

But here’s the deal. In times like these, your mission matters more than ever. Your work is the steady hand. The calm in the storm. And that means you need a plan. Not a five-year plan. Not even a one-year plan. You need a clear-eyed, boots-on-the-ground, 90-day reset.

Let’s get to it.

Why a 90-Day Reset Works When the World Is on Fire

The world is unpredictable. Your plan shouldn’t be.

Ninety days is long enough to make real progress and short enough to stay nimble. You can set a direction, get moving, adjust as needed, and still catch your breath in the process.

Think of it like nonprofit triage. You stabilize. You prioritize. You take action.

Step 1: Pick Your Focus Areas

Before you dive in, choose the buckets that need your attention. Not everything can be top priority. Narrow it down to three or four categories that will actually move the needle.

Here are a few to choose from:

Marketing
Get your message out. Loud and clear. People need to know what you do and why it matters. Especially now.

Communications
Stay in touch with your people. That means donors, volunteers, clients, board members, and even your neighbor who’s been meaning to donate but got distracted by, well, life.

Stewardship
This is not the time to ghost your donors. It is the time to strengthen relationships and make thoughtful asks. Trust and transparency are your secret weapons.

Sustainability
Whether it is growing your team, activating your board, or outsourcing what is burning you out, now is the time to get smarter about how your organization runs.

Step 2: Begin with the End in Mind

Ask yourself this: Ninety days from now, where do you want your nonprofit to be?

Do not say “in a better place.” Get specific. Do you want to welcome new donors with a killer email series? Do you want a reliable content plan that doesn’t involve late-night panic? Do you want to stop duct-taping your operations together and actually get some support?

Start from that vision. Then walk it back.

If your goal is a donor welcome series, that means writing the emails, setting up the tech, and testing it. If your goal is a smooth event rollout, you need deadlines, roles, and clear deliverables.

It is not about dreaming. It is about reverse engineering.

Step 3: Break It Into Bite-Sized Pieces

Big goals sound impressive. “We’re going to increase donor acquisition this quarter!” But unless you break that down into actual to-do’s with dates and deliverables, it is just a well-dressed daydream.

Let’s walk through what this looks like in real life.

Say your 90-day goal is to bring in more first-time donors. Not just warm fuzzies and hand-raisers, but actual human beings who pull out their credit cards and say, “Yes. I believe in this work.”

Here is one way to break that down:

• Week 1 to 2: Define your first-time donor offer. What will you invite them to support? Be clear and specific. People do not give to general missions. They give to things that feel real. Then create a dedicated first-time donor page on your website. It should be simple, clean, and focused.
• Week 3 to 4: Build an email welcome series. Even if you do not have their gifts yet, treat your prospects like you expect them to become part of your inner circle. Show them your impact. Invite them behind the curtain. Let them feel like insiders.
• Week 5 to 6: Start your outreach campaign. Think small and mighty. A targeted social media push. A few well-placed emails. Maybe even a short, scrappy video of you or your clients saying why this work matters right now. Make it urgent. Make it matter.
• Week 7 to 8: Track everything. Who clicked. Who opened. Who gave. Who ignored you. Adjust based on what the data is telling you. Spoiler alert: the first draft of your campaign won’t be perfect. That’s not a failure. That’s feedback.
• Week 9 to 10: Follow up. Steward your new donors like they are gold. Because they are. A handwritten note. A surprise phone call. A story that connects them back to the mission. Do not let their first gift be their last.
• Week 11 to 12: Reflect. What worked? What needs to shift? How many new donors did you bring in? What are your next steps to turn them into second-time donors?

You want more first-time donors? That is how you get them. One thoughtful, intentional action at a time.

Step 4: Review and Recalibrate

At the end of each month, block off an hour. Just one. Review what worked. What did not. Where you need help. What can wait. What cannot.

The key here is not to judge. It is to learn and adjust. This is not about perfection. It is about persistence. You are building a habit of action and reflection.

Without this pause, your next review will be six months from now when you are knee-deep in another crisis wondering what happened to all your brilliant ideas.

Final Thoughts: Get Moving, Not Stuck

The world is noisy. The news is scary. And the work never ends. But you, my friend, are a nonprofit leader. You do not have the luxury of sitting this one out.

So choose your focus. Envision the outcome. Break it down. Keep going. You already know how to do hard things. This is just your reminder to aim with intention and take one solid step at a time.

A 90-day plan will not fix everything. But it can anchor you. And when you are anchored, you can lead. Even through the chaos.

‍

‍

Late last week, I picked up the phone to a familiar voice, a nonprofit leader I’ve worked with for years. But this call didn’t start with the usual hello. It started with panic. Frustration. Defeat. And a glimmer of hope, all rolled into one shaky sentence.

Their organization is currently owed three-quarters of a million dollars under a government contract. The work has been done. The reports have been submitted. But the money? Completely stalled. And from what they’re hearing, it may never come. These are funds promised before the 2024 election, and now, they’re evaporating.

Sound familiar?

If your nonprofit is watching funding dry up, contracts hang in limbo, and political winds blow in directions you never anticipated, you’re not alone. The ground has shifted for many of us. And while there’s no magic fix, there are practical, proactive steps you can take right now.

Let’s talk about it.

Step One: Name the Reality

We are in a moment of funding uncertainty. Period. Federal and state budgets are being reevaluated. Priorities are shifting. And organizations that rely on government support, especially those doing work in justice, equity and community health, are feeling the squeeze.

Your first step? Get clear. Get honest. Don’t sugarcoat what’s happening. Because you can’t plan your way out of a storm until you admit there’s thunder.

Key Questions for Nonprofit Leaders

If you’re navigating this mess, take a breath and ask yourself:

• What is our mission and what values do we refuse to compromise?
• How will these cuts impact our programs and people?
• Is our board ready to engage more deeply and advocate on our behalf?
• Have we talked with our top donors to bring them into the conversation?
• Can we back up our concerns with both data and story?

Not every nonprofit will respond the same way. Some may rally their communities with bold advocacy. Others may quietly shift messaging to preserve services. There’s no one right answer — but there is a right-for-you answer.

Messaging in the Middle of the Storm

As a person, my gut says, “Grab the megaphone. Let’s fight.”
As a nonprofit leader? I know it’s not that simple.

If your organization provides critical services like housing, mental health support, or domestic violence intervention, your mission is to keep those doors open, even if it means softening your language publicly while staying true to your values behind the scenes.

This isn’t selling out. It’s strategy. It’s survival. And it’s ok.

8 Practical Steps to Stay Steady Right Now

Whether you are riding the wave or building a raft, these tried-and-true strategies can help you stay grounded:

1. Center your mission.
Make sure every single piece of communication points back to why you exist.

2. Tell better stories.
Funders want to see outcomes. But they also want to feel them. Use real voices from the communities you serve.

3. Strengthen your marketing.
Now is not the time to go quiet. Use your website, social media, email and earned media to stay visible.

4. Show up on social.
Go beyond posting. Engage. Thank donors. Comment back. Share behind-the-scenes content. Be real.

5. Nurture your donors.
This is your moment to over communicate with the folks who already believe in you. Keep them close.

6. Ramp up fundraising.
Do not freeze. Test new appeals. Talk to lapsed donors. Run a mini campaign. Take action.

7. Diversify income.
Think corporate sponsors. Think monthly giving. Think earned revenue if it fits your model.

8. Keep your people aligned.
Make sure staff and board understand what’s happening and are rowing in the same direction.

Take the Long View, Too

Once the immediate scramble is addressed, start looking ahead. This is not the last storm. So prepare now.

Create a crisis communications plan.
Know what you’ll say if another contract pauses or a funder pulls out.

Fix your online presence.
Make donating easy. Make your impact obvious. Make sure people know how to help.

Update your nonprofit directory profiles.
No more stale data on Candid or Charity Navigator. These platforms matter more than you think.

Get professional PR and messaging support.
When the world is loud, your message has to be smart, strong and clear. Invest in support if you can.

Re-evaluate your marketing budget.
Yes, even now. Visibility builds trust. Trust attracts support.

We’re All Feeling This

And it’s not just professional. It’s deeply personal.

For so many of us, our work is tied to our identity. So when funding is yanked, or priorities shift in ways that threaten the very heart of what we do, it hurts. It shakes us. It can feel like an attack on everything we’ve built , and everything we believe in.

So here’s your permission slip: feel it.
And then, rally. Not just for your organization. But for each other.

Pick up the phone when another nonprofit leader calls. Share what’s working. Offer your playbook. Be the kind of support you wish someone had been for you last week.

We’ll weather this storm like we always do...with purpose, persistence, and a little bit of nonprofit magic.

Need help building a response strategy or reshaping your messaging?
Success For Nonprofits is here. We’ve got tools, trainings and real talk to help you move forward. Reach out if you need us.

Let’s keep doing the work that matters. Together.

‍

A No-Fluff Guide to Grant Research That Won’t Make You Cry In Your Coffee

If you’ve worked in the nonprofit world for more than five minutes, you’ve no doubt heard someone’s great idea for funding: “Let’s just get a grant to pay for it!”

Sure, sounds easy enough… until the responsibility of finding that magical grant lands squarely in your lap.

Whether you’ve spent hours down the Google rabbit hole searching for funders or you’re staring at a blank screen wondering where to start, don’t worry, you’re not alone. The good news? You don’t need to be a pro researcher to find solid grant opportunities.

What you do need is a strategy, and a few tips on where to look. The goal isn’t to chase every dollar, it’s to find funders who actually want to support the kind of work your nonprofit does.

And that? That’s totally doable.

It might sound daunting, but with a few smart tips and tools, you’ll be uncovering potential funders faster, and with less frustration. Let’s dive into how to find the right grants without burning out.

Tip #1: Get Clear On What You Really Need (Before You Start Searching)

Before you jump into the world of grant research, take a step back and get clear on what you actually need funding for. Are you launching a new program? Expanding an existing service? Supporting work with a specific population, like youth or older adults?

Grants aren’t one-size-fits-all. Some fund programs, others fund capital projects, and many are targeted to specific issues or communities. That’s why it’s crucial to know your own goals before you start searching. Don’t just wing it. Write your needs down. Be specific.

Once you start exploring potential funders, check their eligibility requirements and funding priorities. Do they align with what you’re doing? If yes, great! Dig a little deeper into their application guidelines and make sure you can meet all the criteria.

One of the best ways to narrow your focus is to start small by targeting local funders. Tackling large government grants or national corporate requests can be overwhelming if you’re new to grant applications. Smaller local grants are often easier to achieve and less time-consuming, making them a smart place to get your foot in the door.

Local foundations and corporations often understand your community and its needs, and they may already know your nonprofit. Building relationships with these funders helps you establish a history of grant success, which can open doors to bigger opportunities later.

Getting clear on your needs will save you hours chasing the wrong leads and gives you a much better shot at finding the right match.

Tip #2: Work Smarter With Online Tools

Save yourself time by leaning on online tools to guide your grant search. Start with good old Google. Use specific keywords based on your goals and try the “advanced search” feature to narrow topics and limit your results even further.

Check free government sites like grants.gov and your city or state’s official pages. Grants.gov alone lists thousands of federal grants, many perfect for small nonprofits. Again, that search feature with key words will help narrow your search and save you from poring through thousands of opportunities.

See if your local library or nonprofit association partners offer free access to subscription-based databases like Foundation Directory Online, GrantStation, GrantWatch, Grant Gopher, or any of the many other paid databases that provide detailed information on funders. You can narrow by areas of interest, type of grant maker, types of support, geographic location, and other terms. Purchasing these databases may be expensive, so finding free access is a great way to get started.

Signing up for grant newsletters which provide ongoing lists of available grants is another great way to stay on top of current opportunities without hunting for them yourself.

And here’s a tip: don’t just stop at the basic search results. Go beyond the surface. Look at who’s funding nonprofits in your community and in your field. For example, if you’re a small arts group, check which local arts organizations are getting grants.

Community foundations are also great sources of support. They are often less competitive and really focused on local impact, so they’re worth a look.

Big retailers like Walmart also run local grant programs that fund neighborhood projects, another good place to explore.

Don’t forget about Google Ad Grants, either. If you qualify, Google will give you up to $10,000 a month in free search advertising. Think of the visibility boost that could bring without spending a dime!

Finally, pay attention to past deadlines and grant cycles. Many funders repeat similar deadlines every year, especially government programs. If you spot a good fit but missed this year’s deadline, mark your calendar and be ready to apply next time around.

Starting local and combining these tools with some thoughtful digging will help you find better matches faster, and set you up for success.

Tip #3: Keep Track – Don’t Let Leads Slip Away

Stay organized so you don’t lose valuable leads. Develop a system to track your research and follow-ups.

Here’s how:

• Log key info—record funder names, deadlines, requirements, and contact info.
• Use a spreadsheet—an Excel or Google Sheet works well for most organizations.
• Explore tools—consider grant tracking software if you want more features.
• Stay current—update your list regularly with new leads and status updates.
• Review often—revisit your list to prioritize strong matches and plan ahead.

A well-kept list can reveal more good opportunities than you expect.

The bottom line is that grant making is match making. It all starts with focused research, finding the funders whose goals align with yours and who are most likely to support your mission.

The key is having a clear strategy, knowing what you need, and targeting your efforts wisely. By following these steps, you’ll quickly identify the best funding matches for your nonprofit.

Then, when someone says, “Let’s get a grant for that new program,” you won’t have to lose your mind or cry in your coffee. You’ll already know where to go, and how to get that money.

‍

Ready to stop guessing and start winning grants? Download our free grant-writing checklist below and write your best proposal yet!

‍

Scroll down to explore this week's grants. Deadlines are always approaching, so take a look and see which ones might be the right fit for your nonprofit.

Happy grant writing!

‍

Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation

The Foundation is supporting local nonprofits serving the mental health of those in need, including increasing awareness and education, improving access to care, and building protective factors.

Deadline: July 1, 2025

https://www.saksfifthavenue.com/c/content/saks-foundation

Maude’s Ventures

Nonprofits with innovative ideas for dementia care that are new, scalable, and in need of early funding are invited to apply for the Maude’s Ventures Funding Program.

Deadline: July 7, 2025

https://maudesventures.org/apply-coming-soon/

U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation

The Foundation’s Program Grants help disadvantaged individuals, improve the quality of people’s lives, and strengthen our communities. The Foundation supports the following areas: psychological health and addiction, physical health, family support and social connectedness, and others.

Deadline: July 25, 2025

https://www.usventure.com/giving-back/us-venture-schmidt-family-foundation/program-grants/

J.W. Couch Foundation

The Foundation supports U.S. nonprofits for programs to combat various mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, bi-polar, PTSD, and more. Other funding areas available.

Deadline: September 26, 2025

https://jwcouchfoundation.org/apply

Howe Foundation

The Foundation’s Grant Program makes contributions to charitable organizations whose principal purposes are in the areas of education, health, or medical advancements.

Deadline: August 1, 2025

https://www.wellsfargo.com/private-foundations/howe-foundation/

DWF Foundation

Foundation grants provide funds, resources and mentoring support to help individuals, groups and communities achieve their full potential. Areas of support for nonprofits include Health and Wellbeing, Education, Homelessness, Employability, and more.

Deadline: September 30, 2025

https://dwfgroup.com/about-us/dwf-foundation

(Some browsers may require you to copy and paste the link in another tab)

‍

Scroll down to explore this week's grants. Deadlines are always approaching, so take a look and see which ones might be the right fit for your nonprofit.

Happy grant writing!

‍

Burroughs Wellcome Fund

The Fund’s Climate Change and Human Health Seed Grants Program promotes growth of new connections between scholars, practitioners, educators, and/or communicators working to understand, spread the word about, and mitigate the impacts of climate change on human health. Applications must be submitted by nonprofits or degree-granting institutions.

Deadline: July 24, 2025

https://www.bwfund.org/funding-opportunities/climate-change-and-human-health/climate-change-and-human-health-seed-grants/

Clif Family Foundation

The Foundation’s Grants Program supports general operating costs or specific projects. Priorities for funding: healthy food access, climate justice, environment, regenerative and organic farming, food production, workers’ health and safety, among others.

Deadline: August 1, 2025

https://cliffamilyfoundation.org/grants-program

Earth Rising Foundation

The Foundation’s Funding Program promotes bold, bottom-up action on climate change. Focus areas include indigenous voices, regenerative agriculture, climate intersections, sustainable visions, and youth activism.

Deadline: June 30, 2025

https://earthrisingfoundation.org/apply

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

The USDA and Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) offer the Regional Food System Partnerships grant program to support partnerships that connect public and private resources to plan and develop local and regional food systems. Partners may include nonprofits.

Deadline: June 27, 2025

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/358904

TC Energy

TC Energy is accepting applications for its Social Impact Program in focus areas including: safety, education, environment, and resilient communities.

Deadline: November 7, 2025

https://www.tcenergy.com/community-giving/apply-for-funding/

Quadratec

Quadratec Cares ‘Energize the Environment’ Grant Program supports nonprofit programs or initiatives to benefit our environment, including trail improvements, litter prevention, park beautification, community environmental efforts, and more.

Next deadline: June 30, 2025

https://www.quadratec.com/page/quadratec-cares-grant-program

New Earth Foundation

The Foundation funds innovative projects that enhance life on the planet, including environmental initiatives working to help eliminate pollution and to save ecosystems, community efforts that create models of social sustainability, and more.

Deadline: July 1, 2025

https://www.newearthfoundation.org/apply.html

‍