The next step after developing a grant seeking strategy is finding grants. The key to finding grants is aligning your project to the funder's interest, and sometimes it's not always as obvious as it may seem.
Today, I am sharing four ways to find grants for your 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For those that prefer video, you will find it on my Youtube Channel here:
1. Google Search
I know this seems obvious but the truth is, most people don't search beyond the first page of a google search. Dare to venture page 3 and onto page 4 and (gasp) possibly page 9 or 10. You may find opportunities that are easily missed.
2. Networking and Community Engagement
Connecting with other nonprofits and funders can lead to tips on upcoming grant opportunities. Sometimes just being in the room, sitting next to a funder representative, or talking with a fellow nonprofit leader can shed light on what is coming down the pipeline. Even collaborating with another organization on a grant can be a way to apply to a grant that you may not have been aware of.
3. Previously Funded Projects
If a funder has previously funded a project similar to yours, then why not throw your name in the hat and see if they would be interested in funding your project. Funders are always looking for new and cutting edge projects to fund. If your project aligns with projects they traditionally fund, yet is new, distinct and solving an issue that is currently not being addressed, you may just have a chance of being considered. Go for it.
4. Enlist the Help of a Professional
Grant Professionals have access to a knowledge of databases and resources through networking, relationships with other grant professionals and funders and access to proprietary information. We can look at what you're doing and see through the "funder speak" and really get down to what they are looking for. Before you decide to hire a grant professional, see if you are "grant ready". If you do hire a grant professional, you gain the benefit of an outside eye, development of a funding strategy and a plan of action spanning the entire fiscal year.
If you want to learn more about finding grants for your nonprofit, we can help. Learn about our services on our website. We provide a Grant Research Summary and Application Calendar as one of the first resources available to every new client.
Talk soon,
Shavonn
Shavonn Richardson, MBA is Founder of Think and Ink Grant Consulting™ www.thinkandinkgrants.com. She is a grant writer, nonprofit consultant, speaker and an active member of the Grant Professionals Association.
Learn more about grant writing here.
Follow her on Twitter @shavonnrichson and LinkedIn