Where to Find Grants: Resources & Databases for Nonprofits

Finding the right grant opportunities can feel overwhelming for many nonprofits. With so many potential funders, databases, and application portals out there, it’s hard to know where to begin. The good news? There are reliable places to start your search—whether you’re looking for local opportunities in your community, national funding sources, or foundation-based grants.

In this post, we’ll walk you through some of the best resources and databases for nonprofits and share practical tips to make your grant search more effective.

Local Grant Resources

Sometimes the most overlooked opportunities are right in your own backyard. Funders often prefer to invest in organizations making an impact within their own communities.

• Community Foundations: Many counties and regions have community foundations that regularly distribute grants to local nonprofits.

• Local Governments: City councils, county offices, and state agencies often have small grant programs to support community development, education, and social services.

• Chambers of Commerce / Business Associations: Beyond networking, many chambers sponsor community impact initiatives and provide small funding opportunities.

💡 Tip: Start with your city, county, or state’s community foundation and government websites. Local support can be easier to secure and helps build your track record for larger grants later.

National Grant Databases

If your nonprofit is ready to cast a wider net, national databases are excellent tools.

• Grants.gov – The official U.S. government site for federal grants. Free and comprehensive, though navigating it can take some practice.

• Foundation Directory Online (Candid) – One of the most widely used grant databases. While it requires a subscription, many public libraries and nonprofit resource centers provide free access.

• GrantStation – A subscription-based tool offering a wide range of grant opportunities.

• FundsforNGOs – Great for nonprofits working internationally.

💡 Tip: Use search filters (sector, geography, size) to avoid wasting time on opportunities that don’t align with your mission.

Foundation-Specific Opportunities

Some of the largest sources of grant funding come directly from private and family foundations.

• Large Foundations: Organizations like the Ford Foundation, Gates Foundation, and W.K. Kellogg Foundation offer millions in annual grants.

• Regional & Family Foundations: These often provide smaller grants with less competition, especially if you have strong community ties.

💡 Tip: Sign up for foundation newsletters and check their websites regularly. Many funders only accept applications during specific windows each year.

Free vs. Paid Resources

When building your grant research toolkit, it helps to balance free and paid options.

• Free Resources: Grants.gov, local government portals, foundation newsletters, and library access to databases.

• Paid Tools: Foundation Directory Online, GrantStation, and Instrumentl are worth the investment if you apply for multiple grants per year.

💡 Tip: If you’re just getting started, begin with free resources. As your funding strategy grows, consider investing in a paid tool to expand your reach.

Smart Search Strategies

Beyond databases, here are some strategies to make your search more effective:

• Set Google Alerts for keywords like “grant + your cause/region.”

• Network with other nonprofits—sometimes the best leads come from peers.

Keep a Grant Tracker in Excel or Google Sheets to monitor deadlines, requirements, and outcomes.

Final Thoughts

Finding grants doesn’t have to feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. By combining local resources, national databases, and foundation opportunities—and by staying organized—you can set your nonprofit up for funding success.

Ready to Strengthen Your Grant Strategy?

At HDW Consulting, we help nonprofits and organizations identify the right funding opportunities and craft compelling, winning proposals. If you’re ready to take your grant research and writing to the next level, let’s talk.

Book a consultation with us today!

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