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Granted! Navigating the world of grant writing can be overwhelming. These tips can help. By Jill Lenzmeier
network. What connections do your staff and board members have to grantors in the community?
G
rants can be an important source of funding for organizations looking to expand current programs, pilot a new program, or support general operations. Between tight deadlines, strict requirements, and high competition for limited funds, navigating the grant world can feel overwhelming. Understanding the types of grants available, how the process works, and a few key strategies, can help your organization be well-positioned for success.
Types of Grants and Where to Look Not all grants are created equal,
and knowing where to focus your energy can save time and improve your chances of funding. Government Grants: Offered by federal, state, and local agencies, these often support large-scale or systemic work in areas like public health, education, and infrastructure. While they are highly competitive and often include rigorous reporting requirements, they can provide substantial funding. Check out Grants.gov for opportunities. Private Foundations and Corporations: These frequently fund nonprofit work that aligns with the
Contributor ________ Jill Lenzmeier is the grants manager at the United Way of Central Minnesota.
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organization’s mission or values. They can range from small local grants to national opportunities. Tools like the Foundation Directory Online or the websites of major corporations (Target, Walmart, Google, etc.) are great places to start. Community Grants: These are usually offered by local banks, family foundations, and community foundations and are used to fund work that directly benefits the local community. These are often more accessible for newer or smaller organizations. Economic Development Grants: These types of grants support job training, small business development, or neighborhood revitalization. When looking for grant opportunities, tap into your
The Grant Process While each funder may have unique requirements, most grant processes follow a similar structure. 1 Identifying a Need: Before applying, organizations must define the problem they want to solve and how grant funding will help. 2 Finding the Right Grant Opportunity: To increase your chances for success, match your mission and project with a grant that supports it. Look for alignment between the mission, values and priorities of the funder and your organization. 3 Preparing the Application: This usually involves a narrative or proposal outlining measurable goals, budget, work plan, and evaluation plan. 4 Submission and Review: Grantors review applications based on specific criteria. and timelines. 5 Award and Reporting: If selected, grantees sign an agreement, implement the project, and report outcomes and expenditures. Tips for Writing a Strong Proposal Tailor each application. Show alignment with the funder’s priorities. Be clear and concise. Focus on measurable outcomes, especially in the narrative.