How to Find the Right Grants for Your Nonprofit (And Save Countless Hours)

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Learn how to target the right grants for your nonprofit with smart tools, funder research, and a proven tiered strategy.


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When it comes to securing funding, more isn’t always better. The most effective nonprofit leaders aren’t chasing every opportunity—they’re targeting the right ones. By being selective and strategic, your organization can conserve resources, reduce burnout, and dramatically increase your win rate.

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Step 1: Define Your Ideal Grant Profile

Start by getting crystal clear about what a well-aligned grant looks like for your organization. Consider these criteria:

  • Ideal funding amount

  • Geographic focus

  • Mission alignment

  • Application complexity

  • Reporting requirements

Pro Tip: Create a one-page checklist that helps you quickly assess opportunities. This ensures you can make informed go/no-go decisions in minutes.

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Step 2: Use Smart Tools

Leverage technology and databases that streamline your research:

  • Foundation Directory Online

  • Grants.gov

  • Local and state-level directories

  • Sector-specific resources for your niche

Pro Tip: Schedule weekly time blocks for grant prospecting. Think of it like donor cultivation—regular, intentional, and consistent.

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Step 3: Study the Funder’s Giving Patterns

Understanding a funder’s behavior can help you predict how well your application will be received. Research:

  • Previous grantees

  • Average grant sizes

  • Frequency of awards

  • Board members and decision-makers

  • Trends in regions or issue areas they prioritize

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A large group of men and women networking

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Step 4: Build Genuine Relationships

Before you submit a proposal, take steps to connect with the funder:

  • Attend their hosted or sponsored events

  • Follow them on LinkedIn and social media

  • Engage with staff or officers when appropriate

  • Reach out to organizations that have been funded before

Building trust takes time but can make a significant difference.

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Step 5: Create a Tiered Outreach Strategy

Not every well-matched grant is worth equal effort. Develop a tiered approach:

  • Tier 1: High alignment = Full investment of time and resources

  • Tier 2: Moderate alignment = Streamlined proposal

  • Tier 3: Low alignment = Template-based applications only

Pro Tip: Track your success rates by tier over time to improve your strategy and focus efforts.

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Step 6: Organize Your Grants Pipeline

Staying organized can dramatically boost your effectiveness. Every successful grants process includes:

  • A calendar of due dates and deadlines

  • A centralized funder database

  • Templated language for easy customization

  • A clear pipeline strategy for tracking prospects

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Get the Tools and Guidance You Need

Want to go deeper and build a grant research system that actually works? In our course, Get Funded: Secure Grants with Your Nonprofit's Story, we teach nonprofit professionals how to research smarter, identify aligned grants, and manage a healthy pipeline.

Course Begins: June 9, 2025

Reserve your seat now: https://www.marthawarner.org/courses/get-funded



Categories: : Courses, Grant writing, writing

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