Grant Writing for Beginners: Fundamentals to Get Started Finding Grants (2024)

Fundamentals for Getting Started and Finding Grants

Award-winning writer Kathy Widenhouse has helped hundreds of nonprofits and writers produce successful content and has gained 600K+ views for her writing tutorials. She is the author of 9 books. See more of Kathy’s content here.

Updated 12.13.2023

This quick orientation in grant writing for beginnersprovides a quick snapshot about the world of grants for you, your nonprofit,your faith-based organization, and other worthy causes.

Mama said, “Nothing in life is free” – and she was right.Any person or organization who has received a grant will tell you that winningthe award took some work.

But you CAN have success and get funding for your cause - and find encouraging, engaged partners along the way - whenyou understand the basics.

What is a grant?

A grant is a financial award to an eligible recipient thatis designated to be used for a specific purpose. It differs from a loan in thatit does not have to be paid back.

Who awards grants?

Grantors or grant makers – those who award grants torecipients – fall into three main categories: private foundations,corporations, and government.

These are people and groups who want to invest in your greatwork. Generous folks they are!

Private foundationgrants are funded by an individual, family, or community. These grants mostoften target specific areas of interest of the funder. For instance, abusinessman with close ties to Israel who has a ‘rags-to-riches” personal storymay fund a foundation that offers grants to nonprofits, religious groups, andindividuals who cultivate educational initiatives in Israel.

Corporate grantsare funded by for-profit businesses. These grant resources may be furnished bycompany profits, donations from employees, or may be directed through aseparated foundation sponsored by the corporation. Why do businesses offergrants? Grants build goodwill in the communities where the funder operates.Corporate funders are savvy enough to offer grants that line up with thecompany’s products and services. A home improvement business, for example,understands the power of home ownership and may fund homelessness or urban homerenovation initiatives.

Government grantsare funded by city, county, state, or federal budgets. They are designed tomeet the needs of the community (local, state, or nation) and usually addressthat community’s social problems.

Who qualifies to apply for grants?

Grantees fall into five main categories:

Nonprofitorganizations: registered 501 c 3 corporations that address needs such ashuman services, social services, education, the environment, animals/wildlife,arts, culture
Religiousorganizations: faith-based groups, including churches, synagogues, andmosques, that operate programs that meet humanitarian needs. A small number ofgrants are available for faith-centered initiatives.
Individuals:artists, students, researchers, scholars
Tax-supportedorganizations: schools, first responders, and government agencies
Public/privateorganizations: groups that have ties to both public and private sectors,such as charter schools and city foundations.

Grantors are clear as to whom may apply for the funds theyoffer. As you consider applying for a specific grant, be sure to read its“Qualified Applicants” section first to determine if you or your groupqualifies.

How do I find grants to apply for?

Go to workshops and professional meetings related to yourcause.
Subscribe to notifications from grant clearinghouses such asThe Foundation Center, Grants.gov, and state/county listings.
Do an internet search for your particular area of interest, like “grant clearinghouse for medical research grants” or “grant clearinghouse forcharter school funding” (for instance, check here for a free grants listing of celebrity foundations.)
Search listings at your public library. Request access tothe library’s online data base grant search tools.
Check with local corporations to find out about their grantprograms. (Funders like to invest locally.)
Ask other nonprofits where they seek grants. Study theirwebsites and literature to find out how they are funded.

How do I determine if I qualify for a particulargrant?

Study the funder’s website and grant application to find outif you meet the funding criteria. Remember, you're looking for partners, not just funders. You can use this workbook to determine whether or not a grant opportunity is right for you. Examine these criteria:

Funding interests.Does the funder’s interests and funding record line up with the work you do? Ifno, don’t waste your time. Most funders list their areas of funding interestson their website and other application materials. Extra tip: review the list ofpast awards made by the funder, also listed on the website and on the funder’sForm 990 (which are made public – just do an internet search.) For example, ifyou are a literacy organization, don’t apply to a foundation that targets environmentalaction.
Geography. Notethe grantor’s geographic area served. Do you work in that location?
Budget. Does thegrantor consider applicants with a particular budget size?
Ability to comply.Can you meet the grant award’s application and reporting requirements? Grantapplications follow strict timelines. Make sure you don’t disqualify yourselfby missing a deadline. Take note if you are to submit the application viaemail, through an online portal, or as a hard copy. Be ruthless aboutassembling all required attachments and submitting them according to the directions.Be certain you will be able to follow through with reporting on outcomes, ifyou are awarded the grant.

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