How To Do Grant Research
Grant research can seem daunting, especially if you’re new to the nonprofit world. Googling “grants for nonprofits” might not yield the results you need. But don’t worry, I’ve got some tips to help you get started with grant research the right way.
Don’t Just Google It.
First things first, resist the urge to just Google “grant opportunities.” This approach rarely works and often leads to frustration. Instead, consider investing in specialized grant research tools. Trust me, they’re worth the investment to kick off your initial grant research.
Invest in Grant Research Tools
If you’re willing to invest, there are some fantastic grant research tools available that can save you a ton of time and effort. Some of my top picks include:
Foundation Directory Online (my personal favorite, but also the priciest)
GrantStation (not as robust but a friendlier cost)
Instrumentl (another favorite as it has grant tracking capabilites as well as grant research, which you may need down the road)
These tools do come with a cost, but think of it as a strategic investment. I recommend paying for a one-month subscription. During that month, commit to spending about five hours a week diving into the database. This way, you can get the most bang for your buck.
Make a Grants Tracker
As you’re looking through these databases, create a grants tracker. This could be a simple spreadsheet where you record essential information about each grant opportunity you find. Important details to include are:
Funder name
Application deadlines (if there are any, often they’re aren’t)
Average funding amount
Eligibility criteria (make sure you’re eligible!)
Application or Contact process
Having all this information in one place will make it easier to manage your grant applications and keep track of deadlines.
Use Filters to Narrow Your Search
Most of these grant research tools come with filters that you should definitely use. Filters can help you narrow down your search to find the most relevant opportunities. Some key filters to use include:
Geographic location: Where is your organization based, and where do you serve?
Population served: Who are the primary beneficiaries of your services?
Type of service offered: What kind of programs or services does your nonprofit provide?
Past grantees: Who have the funded in the past? Does your organization align with them?
Experiment with these filters. If you’re getting a million options, your search might be too broad. On the other hand, if you’re only finding a few opportunities, try widening your search criteria.
Start with a Doable Number
Aim to start with 10-20 different grant opportunities in your tracker for the next 12 months. This gives you a solid base to work from without feeling overwhelmed.
More Tips for Effective Grant Research
Network and Ask Around: Sometimes the best grant opportunities come from word of mouth. Talk to other nonprofits in your area or sector to see where they’re finding funding.
Read Grant Announcements and Newsletters: Subscribe to newsletters from grantmakers and stay updated on new funding opportunities.
Stay Organized: Keep your grants tracker updated and set reminders for deadlines. Organization is key to successful grant applications.
Investing in proper tools and dedicating time to thorough research can make a world of difference in your grant application success.
P.S. Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of grant research and don't have the time to invest in it right now? No worries! I offer a comprehensive Grant Research Package that handles all of this for you. Sign up today and you'll be well on your way to securing the grants your nonprofit needs.
