Grant-Seeking Tips for Grant Researchers: Down the Rabbit Hole

Securing funding is vital for critical programs to flourish. While nonprofits do not focus on profit, financing operations is still essential for a nonprofit to accomplish its goals. There are many ways to generate funding, like selling merchandise, silent auctions, charity events, fundraisers, and more. However, most nonprofits depend on sustainable funding, and that comes in the form of grants. As a result, nonprofits must schedule time to research and apply for grants. Researching grants can be daunting. However, there is help! GrantWatch provides an easy-to-use database and grant-seeking tips to help you locate grant funding for your cause. Grants are competitive and you will not win every grant you apply for. However, you will increase your chances of securing financing for your cause by building a grant cycle.

What Type of Grant-Seeker Are You?

Each grant-seeker needs a unique strategy for their cause. For example, nonprofits are encouraged to research categories specific to their cause such as Community Services, Climate Change, Mental Health, Domestic Violence, or Disaster Relief before researching broader categories. Businesses should focus on funding categories like Business, Entrepreneurs and Startups, Operating Support, or Workforce. However, In-Kind Support Grants and Capital Funding are helpful categories for both types of seekers. Building a sustainable grant pipeline is the best way to secure funding.

Build a Sustainable Funding Pipeline

Smart grant-seeking tips can help new and seasoned grant-seekers gain a leg up. After a grant-seeker uses the SMART Grant Search filters to find grants there are helpful grant-seeking tips to keep in mind to increase your chances of success. For example, once you find a grant of interest the next step is to research the funder using the Foundation Search tool. Here you can see if a foundation has provided Funding support areas of education, preservation, and more. Researching your funder along with applying the other grant-seeking tips you have learned will ensure your success. After you have located grants of interest, the next step is to organize your calendar. Grant-seekers can schedule grant applications by adding the grant of interest to their Grants Calendar. It is important to frequently apply for grants. Above all, schedule a grant pipeline that is sustainable for you, and stick with it! Grant-seekers can learn more grant-seeking tips with guests like Karin Beyer by, visiting GrantTalk; a podcast hosted by GrantWatch CEO, Libby Hikind.

Active Grants for Grant-Seekers

Below are active grants to help you get started on your grant-seeking journey.

1. Capital Funding Grants and In-Kind Support to USA Libraries – Grants of $10,000 and grants of $20,000 and in-kind support to small USA libraries in rural areas to help libraries better serve those with disabilities.
2. Funding for Programs Related to Oral Health, Animal Health & Youth – Grants to USA and Canada nonprofits for programs related to oral health, animal health, or youth agricultural leadership training.
3. Grant Funding in Multiple States for Habitat Conservation – Specifically, for on-the-ground habitat conservation and restoration projects, associated design and monitoring activities, and more. 
4. Grants to Increase the Safety of Outdoor Play Spaces – Grants to USA schools and nonprofit organizations serving children and youth for projects that increase the safety of outdoor play spaces.
5. Support for Effective Democracy, Sustainable Agriculture, and Jewish Life – Grants up to $50,000 to USA nonprofit organizations for initiatives related to effective democracy, agriculture, and Jewish life. 
6. Funding to Prevent Homelessness and Encourage Rehousing Efforts – Grants to USA and territories nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and tribes to prevent and address homelessness and support rehousing projects. Above all, funding is intended to promote a community-wide goal of ending homelessness
7. Grants for Field Research in the Humanities – Grants to USA and territories nonprofit organizations, IHEs, government agencies, and tribal governments to support research projects that utilize archaeological and/or ethnographic methods to answer significant humanities research questions.
8. Capital Funding to Improve Public Drinking Water – Grants to Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam federally recognized tribes to support projects to enhance public water system infrastructure and to address health hazards caused by inadequate infrastructure.

Need More Help? Hire a Grant Writer

Even after being equipped with grant-seeking tips, you may still need professional help. Don’t fret. A grant writer will help you research and apply for grants for your cause. Visit GrantWriterTeam to post a classified ad to hire a professional grant writer. Interview and vet your candidates thoroughly. Check their references. A good grant writer has industry knowledge, creativity, strong writing skills, and a proven track record.

About GrantWatch

With over 8,500 grants currently available, GrantWatch.com is the leading grant listing directory. Upgrade to a MemberPlus+ subscription to view the full grant details, including eligibility criteria and application information. For more information, you can also visit the GrantWatch FAQ page. Click here to see the great value of all 20 of the top GrantWatch features. Watch the latest episode of GrantTalk, powered by GrantWatch, with host Libby Hikind. You don’t want to miss this. Visit us on YouTube weekly. Get your copy of The Queen of Grants: From Teacher to Grant Writer to CEO, by Libby Hikind.