Securing small grants is a common approach for nonprofits to fund specific projects, initiatives, or operational needs. Here are some sources where nonprofits can explore small grant opportunities:
- Local Community Foundations:
- Many community foundations offer small grants to nonprofits within their service areas. Check with foundations in your region for opportunities.
- Corporate Giving Programs:
- Some corporations have small grant programs designed to support local nonprofits. Look into corporate social responsibility initiatives and community giving programs.
- The Pollination Project:
- The Pollination Project provides small grants (seed grants) to support individual change-makers and grassroots projects. They often focus on projects promoting social and environmental change.
- Awesome Foundation:
- The Awesome Foundation provides micro-grants to support creative and community-focused projects. Each local chapter sets its own criteria and priorities.
- DonorsChoose:
- While DonorsChoose is commonly used by teachers, it’s also a platform where nonprofits can create projects to receive funding for specific needs.
- Grants.gov – Small Business Grants:
- Grants.gov is a federal database that includes various grant opportunities. While many are for government entities, some are available for nonprofits, especially in areas like education and community development.
- Local United Way Chapters:
- United Way chapters often provide grants to local nonprofits. Check with your local United Way for information on available opportunities.
- Rotary Clubs:
- Rotary Clubs at the local and international levels often support community projects through grants. Connect with your local Rotary Club to inquire about funding possibilities.
- Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants:
- Some foundations focus on building the capacity of nonprofits by providing small grants for training, technology, or organizational development. Check with foundations that prioritize capacity building.
- Government Mini-Grants:
- Some government agencies offer mini-grants for specific projects. Explore local and state government grant programs that align with your nonprofit’s mission.
- Small Family Foundations:
- Research small family foundations that have a history of supporting causes related to your nonprofit’s mission. Family foundations may offer smaller grants but can be more accessible.
- The Grantsmanship Center:
- The Grantsmanship Center offers training and resources for grant seekers. They occasionally provide small grants and may be a valuable resource for improving your grant-seeking skills.
Remember to thoroughly review the eligibility criteria, application guidelines, and deadlines for each grant opportunity. Tailor your grant proposals to align with the priorities of the funding source, and clearly articulate how the funds will be used to further your nonprofit’s mission and impact.