Where to Look for Grant Funding Beyond the Federal Government
Federal grants can feel like the holy grail—big dollars, big programs, big impact. But they also come with big competition, long timelines, and complex compliance. With ongoing budget cuts and increasing demand, many nonprofits are asking: Where else can we look for grant funding?
The answer: plenty of places.
Here’s a breakdown of reliable, often overlooked sources of grant funding beyond the federal government—and how to approach them strategically.
🏛️ 1. Private Foundations
Private foundations are one of the most consistent sources of nonprofit grant funding. They range from large national funders like the Ford Foundation to small family-run foundations giving in a specific city or region.
Where to Find Them:
Local community foundation websites
IRS Form 990s (to see where foundations are giving)
Pro Tip:
Build relationships before you apply. Many foundations prefer to fund organizations they know or that come through a referral.
🏢 2. Corporate Giving Programs
Companies—especially regional banks, hospitals, grocery chains, and utility providers—often have:
Foundation arms (e.g., Walmart Foundation)
Local sponsorship programs
Employee giving or matching grant initiatives
Where to Look:
Corporate websites (look for a “Community” or “CSR” tab)
Local chambers of commerce
LinkedIn and business associations
Pro Tip:
Think about alignment. A bank might fund financial literacy programs; a food company may support hunger relief.
💡 3. Community Foundations
These local funders are often overlooked—but they’re deeply rooted in their communities and often have unrestricted funds to support nonprofits in a specific region or county.
Where to Start:
Google “community foundation + [your city or county]”
Explore their grantee lists and open RFPs
Pro Tip:
They often prioritize capacity building, so if you need help hiring, training, or improving systems, this is a great place to look.
🏫 4. Local and State Government Grants
While not “federal,” local government agencies (city departments, counties, and state-level offices) often have:
Public health grants
Arts and culture grants
Housing and youth services grants
Where to Look:
State or city websites (e.g., “Department of Health Grants”)
Local economic development boards
Regional planning commissions
🤝 5. Faith-Based and Civic Organizations
Rotary clubs, religious groups, and fraternal organizations often give micro-grants or one-time awards for local initiatives—especially if you’re working at the grassroots level.
Pro Tip:
These are relationship-driven. Speak at meetings, introduce your work, and ask about giving cycles.
Final Thoughts
Federal funding isn’t the only game in town. In fact, building a diverse grant strategy is one of the smartest ways to increase your nonprofit’s sustainability. Local funders are often more accessible, more flexible, and more willing to fund smaller or newer organizations.
Start small, build relationships, and follow the funding that aligns with your mission—not just the biggest pot.
Sheena Link is the co-founder of PureGrant, an AI grantwriting tool that helps nonprofits save time, write smarter, and win more grants.