The world of Federal grants is being reshaped dramatically. These changes are creating challenges for nonprofits who rely on this source of funding and others who may want to apply in the future. However, this doesn’t mean that organizations shouldn’t consider applying. The key is to take the time to position yourself for the application process and scrutinize any rules that may affect your eligibility.

Having a grant funding strategy can make all the difference in meeting your funding goals.

Not all funding opportunities are unlocked through online grant applications. A letter of inquiry is an essential tool for reaching out to funders who do not have websites.

It’s no exaggeration to say that we’re witnessing a sea change in the grant world. And these changes are making the work of nonprofits even more difficult than they were to begin with. But grants haven’t disappeared. Your nonprofit CAN move through all the uncertainty and come through these challenging times stronger than ever. Here are 5 suggestions to help you do just that.

Grant readiness is an essential element of a nonprofit’s grant funding strategy. Without the right documentation, board structures, financial foundation, and program design to ensure that your organization is healthy and functional enough to keep your programs running smoothly and without interruption, you may have difficulty finding funders who want to invest in your growth.

When Haja Isatu Bah made a commitment to help women and girls impacted by period poverty, her decision was based on personal experience. 

Haja, a social entrepreneur and a student at Skidmore college at the time, was never taught about menstruation when she was growing up. Nor did she have any context for understanding the changes her body would go through when she entered sexual maturity. By the time she got her period at the age of 11, she had never seen a menstrual pad or tampon, or even knew that such things existed. 

Having a Master Grant Template under your belt can help you write more grants in less time and position your nonprofit for increased grant success.

Grant funding is an essential part of the revenue stream for thousands of arts and culture organizations throughout the U.S. In the uncertain times ahead, grant funds will still be out there. You just need to know where and how to look for them.

Writing grants adds a substantial chunk of precious time to your already-full plate. And if you’re doing it yourself, you’re investing time that your organization needs you to devote to other things. Should you consider hiring a freelance grantwriter?

Although DEI is currently a political hot potato in some sectors, it's also a trending focus in grant funding. Diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives are important components of corporate grantmaking for foundations across the country.

A 2021 study of more than 50 corporate social responsibility officers found that Increasing numbers of foundations are saying that efforts to improve diversity, equity and inclusion in their funding strategy will be a core part of their missions going forward. And they are backing up those statements with their dollars. 

There is a lot of money floating around out there to support the missions of a wide variety of nonprofit organizations. But how do you find those funders — and their cash?

How do you secure funding when your organization barely has its feet on the ground?

So you’re a small to medium-sized nonprofit applying for your first few grants. You’ve done all the things. Jumped through all the hoops.

Dotted your i’s, crossed your T’s.

You’ve submitted your applications well before the deadlines.

And waited.