Strange and Unusual Grant Funding Sources

Locating the correct grant funding sources can be a daunting task. Especially if you have a unique project or cause. In fact, it can sometimes feel like looking for a pin in a haystack full of…well, you know, other pins. What to do…what to do? If you have not considered grants, you will be happy to learn that they are a great way to secure funding. To illustrate, a grant is awarded to fund ideas and projects. Most of these projects provide vital public services and enrich our economy. Furthermore, grants offer funding to programs like medical research, food banks, and libraries. They enhance our quality of life, breath vitality into programs meant to lift the marginalized, and give us the opportunity to serve our communities while making a fair living. Grants are awarded to nonprofits, businesses and individuals alike to help with expenses.

GrantWatch is keenly aware of how important it is to secure funding. This is why we offer easy access with categories that have been cross referenced for the sake of convenience and to facilitate the search process. In fact, with our all of our categories, filters, Boolean combinations, 990s, sample grants, type searches, and personalized customer care, finding the right grant is within reach. GrantWatch is here for our subscribers. We know the work you want to produce and community projects you want to implement.

To demonstrate how our categories work together, let’s consider BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color). This category covers everything from operating costs for businesses, to conservation efforts, to hardship grants for individuals. While none of these categories seem related, they are offered together because they share the common denominator of BIPOC. The same can be said for the following categories: Women, Children, Faith-Based, and In-Kind Support. The real trick is to think outside of the box keep in mind that if you cannot find funding for one part of your project, consider that you might actually find for another part that will allow you to still reach your goal.

Strange and Unusual Grant Funding Sources

Let’s suppose that you’re not quite ready for grant funding for a moment. Where do you turn? As it happens, there are some alternative funding sources we might suggest, to get you started. These less-than-obvious- sources can prove to be an invaluable resource for you and your nonprofit or small business. What’s more, there’s more support available than you might think. Let’s take a short tour of a few, shall we?

Service Clubs

Service Clubs like Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis, Knights of Columbus, and dozens more are commonplace in towns across the country. They often share in environmental initiatives, work with children, and support food banks. What’s more, they consistently make donations to worthy causes. While these grant funding sources rarely reach six figures, the value reaches beyond the immediate sum. You never know which member of their board might develop a keen interest and eventually become a significant benefactor.

Community Foundations

Did you know? In the United States alone, there are more than 750 community foundations dedicated to providing grant funding sources. While many of them operate through competitive grant processes and issue Requests for Proposals, they also manage numerous donor-advised funds. Take Rochester, NY, for instance, boasting over 1,000 donor-advised funds. Approximately half of these funds are open to considering support for programs or organizations aligned with their interests and missions. Often, a designated staff member within the community foundation acts as a liaison, facilitating access to these funds.

Local Sources

Local sources, like your local chamber of commerce are, by its very definition, designed to support your area’s businesses. Once you join, you can grab this opportunity to network with other local businesses. Make advantageous connections, secure partnerships, and in-kind donations, and even get discounts from your peer businesses. What’s more, it doesn’t end there. Fraternities and special interest groups can also present a viable means of support. Contact your local Masons, Elks, and fraternal orders for possible funding.

Grant Databases

Are you new to grants? Grants can be daunting for those new to the grant-seeking world. Databases like GrantWatch are available to help you locate and organize your grant funding sources. Use the My Grant Alerts feature to create alerts for grants of interest. You can also personalize your My Grant Calendar to plan out your future grant applications and organize upcoming deadlines. Applying for grants is hard work. However, if you are dedicated to applying for grants regularly, you increase the chances of securing the funding you need.

Hiring A Grant Writer

If you are feeling overwhelmed, hiring a grant writer is a great way to continue grant-seeking journey. Professional grant writers will strategy show you grant funding sources that link up with your cause. Furthermore, they will ensure eligibility and write grant applications for you. Grant writers will also apply directly to the grant if that Is what you prefer. Consider your writer an extension of your organization. You can hire a professional at GrantWriterTeam by placing an ad for your organization.

The Bottom Line

The bottom line here is that while searching for grant funding may seem like a monumental task, it pays to work smart, not hard. Use the tools at hand, think outside the box, and get creative but always be transparent. Local groups can offer funding, in-kind donations, and mentorship. Databases and grant writers provide the means to find and apply for grant funding to help individuals, businesses, and nonprofits. Happy hunting!

About GrantWatch

With close to 8,000 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. To see the great value of all 20 of the top GrantWatch features, click here. See 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.

Please Note: There is no guarantee of grant awards as a result of this information.