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Grant-Seeking Guides for Nonprofits
Plain-English guides to finding and winning grant funding — written for grant writers, executive directors, and anyone raising money for a nonprofit. No jargon, no fluff.
How to Find Grant Funders for Your Nonprofit
A practical, step-by-step guide to finding foundations that will fund your nonprofit — where to look, how to match, and how to avoid wasting time.
How to Read a Foundation's Form 990-PF
The Form 990-PF is the most useful document in grant research. Here's how to read one — and exactly which sections tell you whether to apply.
What Is a Letter of Inquiry (and How to Write One)
A letter of inquiry is often your first contact with a funder. Here is what an LOI is, what goes in it, and how to write one that earns an invitation to apply.
Do Foundations Accept Unsolicited Proposals?
Many foundations say they do not accept unsolicited proposals. Here is what that really means — and how to build a path in when the front door is closed.
How Small Nonprofits Can Win Foundation Grants
Small nonprofits can and do win foundation grants. Here is how to compete against bigger organizations — by being focused, specific, and well-matched.
How to Find Grants for a New Nonprofit
New nonprofits face a chicken-and-egg problem with grants. Here is a realistic path to your first foundation grants in year one.
Private Foundations, Community Foundations & Public Charities
The funder landscape has several distinct types. Understanding the difference helps you target the right grants and approach each correctly.
How to Research a Foundation Before You Apply
Before you spend hours on an application, spend twenty minutes on research. Here is exactly what to check — and what to look for.
How to Write a Grant Proposal: A Practical Guide
The anatomy of a strong grant proposal — what each section needs to do, and the mindset that wins funding.
Federal Grants vs Foundation Grants: Which Should You Pursue?
Federal and foundation grants are very different animals. Here is how they compare on size, effort, and odds — and how to decide where to spend your time.
How to Build a Grant Funding Pipeline
A funder pipeline turns scattered grant seeking into a system. Here is how to build and work one — the single highest-leverage habit in grant fundraising.
9 Common Grant Application Mistakes to Avoid
Most rejected applications fail for a small number of avoidable reasons. Here are the nine most common — and how to fix each.
General Operating Support vs Project Grants
Funders give two main kinds of grants. Knowing which is which — and which to ask for — affects how you apply and how usable the money is.
How to Find Local & Community Foundation Grants
Local funders are the most reachable money for most nonprofits. Here is how to find the community foundations, family foundations, and corporate giving near you.
Understanding Grant Cycles and Deadlines
Funders give on schedules. Understanding grant cycles helps you plan ahead, hit the right windows, and avoid six-month waits.
What Funders Look For in a Grantee
Behind every grant decision are a few consistent questions. Here is what funders are really evaluating — and how to show them what they need to see.
How to Approach a Funder for the First Time
First contact with a funder sets the tone for everything after. Here is how to make an approach that opens a door instead of closing one.
Grant Writing for Beginners: Where to Start
New to grant writing? Here is an honest, jargon-free starting point — what the job really involves and the order to learn it in.
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