Grants can be a lifeline for nonprofits, community groups, and small organizations—helping fund projects that make a real difference. But getting grants can feel confusing, time-consuming, and full of red tape. If you’re new to grant writing, here’s a straightforward guide to understanding what grants are, where to find them, and how to get started.
What exactly is a grant?
A grant is funding awarded to support a specific project over a set period of time. You don’t have to repay it, but you do have to follow the rules. That means using the money exactly as outlined in your proposal and reporting to the funder on your progress and results.
A grant is not a loan.
Myths and realities
Let’s clear up some misperceptions about grants.
- Grants are fast money. False. It often takes months after submitting a proposal to receive funding.
- Grants usually cover general expenses. False. Most grants support specific projects, not day-to-day operations.
- Great writing matters more than a strong project. False. Funders care more about a well-designed project than fancy wording.
- It’s OK to submit at the last second. False. Waiting until the deadline risks technical issues or mistakes that could sink your application.
- Missing a deadline means you missed your chance forever. Mostly false. Many grants run on annual cycles, so the opportunity often comes back around.
Types of grants
Grants generally fall into three categories.
- Federal grants: Funded by agencies like the U.S. departments of Agriculture, Education, or Health and Human Services.
- State and local grants: Often focused on community development, agriculture, health, or education.
- Private foundations: Community, corporate, and family foundations that fund causes aligned with their missions.
Where to find grants
Finding grants is often the hardest part. Here are some starting points.
- Government grants: Grants.gov is the central hub for federal opportunities. For state or local funding, check agency websites or sign up for newsletters.
- Private foundation grants: Tools like Candid’s Foundation Directory Online, Grant Gopher, or Grant Station can help. Some public libraries offer free access.
- Networking: Don’t overlook peer organizations, newsletters, or even social media, where grant announcements often pop up.
Eligibility and registration
Before applying, always read the guidelines carefully. Look for:
- Who is eligible to apply
- Matching fund requirements
- Award size and duration
- Proposal and budget instructions
- Deadlines and required attachments
If you’re applying for a federal grant, you’ll also need to:
- Register at login.gov: a secure login used by many agencies
- Complete registration at sam.gov: where you’ll get a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Processing can take six to eight weeks, so don’t delay.
- Create an account on grants.gov: where you’ll build and submit proposals.
You can make a difference
While grants aren’t a quick solution, they can provide critical support for meaningful projects. With the right preparation and persistence, they can help your organization grow and thrive.
This article is based on a presentation from Coneflower Consulting, shared with Nebraska and Iowa community leaders in June.
