How to Find Grants for Small Nonprofits Without a Grant Writer

“How do small nonprofits find grants if they can’t afford a grant writer?”

That’s one of the most searched questions by nonprofit leaders—and if you’ve been there, you’re not alone. With limited time, tight budgets, and little-to-no staff, most small nonprofits feel stuck when it comes to grant funding.

But here’s the truth: you can still find and win grants without hiring a grant writer—if you have the right system, tools, and mindset.

In this post, I’ll walk you through a proven, beginner-friendly method to find real grant opportunities (without overwhelm), boost your confidence, and position your nonprofit to secure funding—even with no grant writer on board.

 Step 1: Shift Your Mindset—You Don’t Need to Be a Pro to Get Started

Let’s bust the myth right now: you do not need to be a seasoned professional or have a $10K budget to win a grant.

What you do need is clarity, consistency, and the willingness to learn the process—just like any other part of building your nonprofit.

Pro Tip: The most fundable organizations aren’t always the biggest. They’re the ones who tell clear stories, solve real problems, and follow the grantmaker’s instructions to the letter.

If you can communicate your mission and impact well, you’re already halfway there.

 Step 2: Create a Simple Grant Search Strategy

Don’t waste time googling “grants near me” or falling into endless directories.

Instead, use a simple 3-part strategy to focus your grant search:

A. Know Your Grant “Fit”

Before you start looking, ask:

• What’s your mission area? (e.g., youth, mental health, homelessness)
• Where do you serve? (e.g., local city, regional, national)
• Who do you serve? (e.g., low-income families, faith-based communities, youth with disabilities)

This helps you filter for mission-aligned funders.

B. Use These Free Grant Search Tools:

Here are free, legit tools you can use without a subscription:

• Grants.gov – for U.S. federal grants (can filter by category)
• Foundation Directory Free – free search from Candid
• Instrumentl’s Free List – check their blogs for regularly updated grant lists
• Google “site:.gov grants + your topic” – for government listings

C. Set a Weekly Grant Search Schedule

Spend just 30–60 minutes once a week to search and log opportunities. Use a simple spreadsheet.

 Step 3: Analyze If a Grant Is Right for You

Don’t just jump at every grant. Instead, ask these questions:

• Is my nonprofit eligible (501c3, or fiscal sponsor)?
• Does my mission align with the funder’s stated priorities?
• Do I have time to meet the deadline?
• Can I reasonably gather the documents they request (budget, org chart, etc.)?

If 3 out of 4 are “yes”—you’ve got a good prospect.

 Step 4: Start with the Easy Wins—Smaller or Local Grants

Your first grant doesn’t have to be $100K. In fact, it’s better if it’s not.

Start small. Win fast. Build trust.

Here are easier wins for small orgs:

• Local community foundations
• Your city or county government’s nonprofit support funds
• Small family foundations (especially those with simple applications)
• Corporate giving programs (Walmart, Target, Bank of America, etc.)

Real Story:
A small after-school faith-based program in rural Georgia received its first $5,000 grant from the local community foundation after just one simple application—even though they had no prior grant history. Why? Their mission was clear, local, and aligned.

 Step 5: Prep the “Grant Readiness” Documents Most Funders Ask For

You’ll look far more credible—and save time—if you prep these standard documents ahead:

All of these are included in our Founding Membership Toolkit.

 Step 6: Practice the “Soft Ask” Before Applying

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Want to stand out before you even apply?

Reach out to the funder with a polite, personalized email asking if your project aligns with their goals. It’s called a soft ask—and it works.

Example:

“Dear [Funder],
We’re a small nonprofit supporting young moms with job readiness training in [city]. We came across your foundation’s focus on economic mobility and were wondering if our program might align with your current priorities. We’re exploring whether to submit a proposal and would be grateful for any insights.”

This approach builds relationships—and sometimes even gets you invited to apply.

 Step 7: Learn As You Go (Don’t Wait for Perfection)

Your first grant won’t be perfect. But you’ll improve every time you apply.

Start with one. Learn what worked. Tweak. Try again.

Better yet—join a community of others doing the same.

Our Faith-Based Grant Writing Newsletter is designed just for small, faith-rooted nonprofits who are tired of waiting for someone to write it for them.

Want Funding Without Hiring a Grant Writer?

Here’s the Shortcut.

Most small nonprofits try to do this alone. You don’t have to.

That’s why we created the $1,999/year Founding Membership —it’s your full toolbox and coaching program to help you:

✅ Find real grant opportunities monthly
✅ Write and revise winning proposals (even if you’re new)
✅ Access templates, prompts, AI tools, and examples
✅ Join live strategy calls, Q&A, and funder alerts
✅ Grow your confidence—and your funding

Join here before doors close.

 FAQs – You’re Not the Only One Asking…

Q1: Can I use AI tools to help write grants?
Yes! With guidance, AI can help you brainstorm, outline, and refine proposals. We cover this in our membership.

Q2: What if I don’t have a budget?
Start with in-kind support or seek grants that allow for startup costs. Many do.

Q3: How long does it take to get a grant?
It varies. Some local or small foundation grants may fund within 4–6 weeks. Others, like government grants, may take months.

 Final Takeaway

Finding grants for your small nonprofit—even without a grant writer—is 100% doable when you have a system, support, and strategy.

Start small. Show up consistently. And don’t wait for the “perfect” moment. The funding is out there—and your mission is worth it.

Start here:
✅ Subscribe to the Grant Writing Academy Newsletter
✅ Claim your Founding Membership