
Mindful grant funding research strategies authentically align your grant development team with powerful grants. Let’s break it down: You know your cause is special and unique. Then it stands to reason, your grant-seeking strategies should be specifically customized to make real-world impact. But how do you bridge the gap between applying for a grant and building a funding strategy tailored to your mission? The SMART Grant Search is a powerful tool built for daily use. However, does your team know how to utilize it? Ensure your grant development team is up to date on grant opportunities and philanthropic investments by integrating GrantWatch into your team’s daily routine. Read on to learn how to strengthen your grant development team’s grant-seeking muscles.
Decoding Boolean Operators
Think of a grant research strategy like buying shoes for your family. You would never select toddler sizes when shopping for your teenage nephew. The same is true with grant searches. Ensure your search fits your organization’s unique needs. Locate grants of interest faster and more efficiently by harnessing the power of Boolean operators in tandem with advanced searches, allowing grant-seekers to refine results by location, recipient type, and funding source. With Boolean operators, you can hyperfocus your grant searches. For example, a grant-seeker may use the keyword search to type “Health NOT research” results for nonprofits in New Jersey to locate funding opportunities aligned with their cause.
To further illustrate, there are three Boolean operators:
- AND – Narrows results: For example, “health AND youth” will show only grants that mention both terms.
- OR – Broadens results: To illustrate, “homeless OR housing” will show grants with either term.
- NOT – Excludes results: “Health NOT research” will show grants for health but exclude research grants.
New grants are added daily! Because of this, grant-seekers who dedicate a minimum of 5–10 hours a week to grant research see the most success. Grant research works like a gym membership: if you skip “leg day,” you won’t see results. Many nonprofits have grant writers and grant researchers working full-time. However, some groups do not have that ability. Remember, no matter how much time you can dedicate to grant development, only apply for grants that align with your cause and provide long-term sustainability. A successful grant research strategy goes beyond browsing filters. It involves creating a grant pipeline.
Funding Strategies: Build Your Grant Pipeline
While nonprofits often maximize donations by integrating donor-centric practices into daily tasks, fundraising goes far beyond hosting events or relying on word of mouth. Grants provide essential funding that extends your organization’s real-world impact. Yet, many nonprofits feel overwhelmed by the monumental task of identifying grants they are eligible for. GrantWatch is here for you with grant management tools that help you organize and track your grant applications
A grant pipeline is something you intentionally build. It’s a visual representation of potential grants, those currently in progress, and the ones you’ve already submitted. By developing a pipeline, your team prioritize opportunities and maintain a consistent flow of funding.
Consider this practical example: Suppose your organization is working to reduce food insecurity in your community. You might begin by reviewing relevant categories such as nutrition and food or capital funding available in your area. Once you identify a promising grant, add it to your pipeline using My Calendar with Submission Tracker, then outline your needs in the application. This process not only organizes your efforts but also builds a funding strategy that strengthens and sustains your pipeline for long-term success.
You can learn more grant-seeking strategies on the GrantTalk podcast. Below are grant opportunities to help catapult your grant-seeking journey.
USA Nonprofit Grants for Development & Volunteerism
Grants to USA nonprofit organizations in multiple states to promote community vitality and encourage volunteerism. Specifically, to enhance communities and to help people achieve financial independence through meeting basic needs with hunger, shelter, adult self-sufficiency, community development, cultural enrichment, disaster relief, and more
Support for USA, Canada, and International Tech Startups
Opportunity for USA, Canada, and International early-stage tech startups to participate in a pitch event. Specifically, intended for startups in need of seed funding, developing products that will positively impact the world. This is an investment opportunity for tech startups.
Cancer Doctor Grants to New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut
Funding Grants of $75,000 to New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut institutions to support breast cancer surgery fellowships for doctors. This grant improves outcomes and the quality of life for individuals with breast cancer. Specifically, those who have completed a general surgery residency at a US medical center.
Community Grants to USA Nonprofits, Schools, and Agencies
Grants of up to $25,000 to Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont nonprofit organizations, schools, agencies, and churches to help effective organizations advance their mission and meet their charitable objectives.
Grants to Alaska to Acquire, Open, or Expand Small Businesses
Grants of up to $12,000 to assist and encourage Alaska individuals with disabilities to engage in new business ventures and expansion opportunities. Funding is to help people with disabilities enter the business sector. Funding is for acquiring, opening, or expanding small businesses.
Funding for British Columbia Economic Development Programs
Grants of up to $75,000 to British Columbia nonprofit organizations, local governments, and First Nations communities for programs and projects that promote economic development in eligible locations. Funding is for innovative projects that are important to the area’s future.
North Carolina Prosperity Grants for Nonprofits & Businesses
Funding support of up to $20,000 and in-kind support to North Carolina nonprofit organizations, entrepreneurs, and small businesses for initiatives to support economic development in eligible regions. Specifically, for projects that promote environmental resilience, economic growth, and collaboration.
Grants to Michigan Arts Nonprofits and Agencies
Funding grants of up to $30,000 to Michigan nonprofit and governmental arts and cultural organizations for capacity building. This grant is missioned to strengthen local arts entities, helping them reach their potential in transforming communities into vibrant, inclusive destinations with a unique sense of place.
How to Apply for a Grant
Once you find a grant that aligns with your cause, simply scroll down the grant detail page and click on “Apply.” This link will take you directly to the funder’s website, where you’ll find the official application instructions and deadlines. Above all, following the funder’s process carefully is a key step in your grant-seeking journey. We wish you the best of luck as you continue building a strong and sustainable grant pipeline. Build your grant pipeline!
About GrantWatch
Libby Hikind, author of The Queen of Grants: From Teacher to Grant Writer to CEO, founded GrantWatch.com, the largest advanced grant search engine in the United States. The platform features over 10,000 active, verified, and human-curated grant opportunities in more than 60 funding categories. Additionally, it lists grants for nonprofits, grants for small businesses, grants for government agencies, and grants for Individuals.
GrantWatch also offers innovative funding tools like the AI Grant Writing Tool, AI Grant Searching Tool, and My Grant Calendar, making it easier to find grants, track deadlines, and draft proposals. Members can upgrade to MemberPlus+ for complete grant details, eligibility criteria, and application information. With 21 powerful features, live customer support, and weekly GrantTalk podcast episodes, GrantWatch is the go-to resource for finding grants and turning funding opportunities into awarded grants.
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