How to Find the Right Grants for Your Organization: A Grant Writer’s Guide to Research, Fit, and Funder Alignment

“Finding the right grant isn’t just about funding—it’s about alignment, strategy, and shared values.”

So many nonprofit leaders begin their grant writing journey with a simple question:

Where do I find the money?

It’s a valid and urgent question, especially in a landscape where organizations are under-resourced but over-performing. But the truth is, not all money is the right money, and not every grant is worth pursuing. Effective grant writing starts not with a proposal, but with a practice of discernment.

Here’s how to research, assess, and align with funding opportunities that support your mission.

Step 1: 

Know What You’re Looking For

Before you start searching, get grounded in your organization’s current needs and capacity:

• Do you need general operating support or project-specific funding?

  
  
  
  

• Are you seeking seed funding, capacity-building, or program expansion?

  
  
  
  

• What’s your timeline? Are you prepared to apply in the next 4–6 weeks?

  
  
  
  

• Who is available to manage grant deliverables if awarded?

  
  
  
  

📌 Tip: Your internal clarity will shape your external search.

Step 2: 

Where to Look for Grants

Once you’re clear on your needs, begin your research. Great grant opportunities can be found in both traditional and overlooked places:

Online Grant Databases

• Foundation Directory Online (Candid)

  
  
  
  

• GrantStation

  
  
  
  

• Instrumentl

  
  
  
  

• Grants.gov (for federal opportunities)

  
  
  
  

• Chronicle of Philanthropy (for news and announcements)

  
  
  
  

Community and Local Sources

• Regional foundations

  
  
  
  

• Community foundations

  
  
  
  

• Local United Ways

  
  
  
  

• City or county government grant offices

  
  
  
  

Funder Networks and Newsletters

• Sign up for newsletters from funders whose missions align with your work

  
  
  
  

• Follow funders and philanthropic intermediaries on LinkedIn

  
  
  
  

• Join affinity groups or listservs (e.g., Black Funders Network, CHANGE Philanthropy)

  
  
  
  

📌 Tip: Use keywords that reflect your values and work—like “racial justice,” “trans-led organizations,” “climate resilience,” or “arts education in underserved communities.”

Step 3: 

Evaluate Eligibility and Strategic Fit

Finding a grant is only half the battle. You need to assess whether it’s actually a good fit:

Eligibility Checklist

• Are you the type of organization the funder supports (501(c)(3), fiscally sponsored, grassroots, etc.)?

  
  
  
  

• Do you meet location or service area requirements?

  
  
  
  

• Is your budget size within their typical grantee range?

  
  
  
  

• Are you applying as a first-time grantee or renewal? (Some funders prioritize new partners, others don’t.)

  
  
  
  

Strategic Alignment

Ask yourself:

• Does this funder align with our values?

  
  
  
  

• Do their focus areas match our programs?

  
  
  
  

• Have they funded organizations like ours in the past?

  
  
  
  

• Is this grant an opportunity to grow, or would it strain our capacity?

  
  
  
  

📌 Tip: Read the funder’s grantee list and annual reports. If none of their prior recipients look like you—it might not be a fit.

Step 4: 

Understand and Follow the Guidelines (Seriously!)

Every funder has their own language, expectations, and quirks. Read everything…twice.

Key Things to Look For:

• Application deadlines and timelines

  
  
  
  

• Page or word count limits

  
  
  
  

• Required attachments (budget, 501(c)(3) letter, board list, etc.)

  
  
  
  

• Narrative questions and evaluation criteria

  
  
  
  

• Contact protocols (Can you reach out with questions? Do they host info sessions?)

  
  
  
  

📌 Tip: Create a grant summary sheet or tracker to capture all of this in one place. This saves you time and prevents missed details.

Final Thoughts: Go Where the Alignment Is

Not every grant is right for every organization and that’s okay. The goal is not to chase money, but to build relationships with funders who believe in your work. Grants should resource your mission, not redirect it.

Finding the right opportunity is about more than hustle. It’s about alignment, discernment, and strategy. When you apply for grants that truly fit, you increase your chances of winning and of sustaining the impact you were meant to make.

Karen L. Mosley, MSW is a grant strategist, nonprofit consultant, and founder of Abundantly Resourced Organizations. She helps Black, Brown, and grassroots leaders build sustainable funding strategies rooted in trust, clarity, and liberation. Learn more at klorrainemosley.com.