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!
