You’re Running a Nonprofit With No Staff—Can You Still Get Grants?
If you’ve ever typed “how to apply for grants without staff” into Google at 2 a.m., you’re not alone.
Thousands of solo nonprofit founders, part-time visionaries, and grassroots changemakers wonder the same thing: Can I even apply for a grant if it’s just me?
Let’s get this straight: Yes, you can.
But you’ll need a clear strategy, the right mindset, and a few tricks that level the playing field.
This article will show you how to confidently apply for grants as a no-staff nonprofit—and why funders might actually love what you bring to the table.
Why Funders Don’t Always Care About Staff Size
Contrary to popular belief, having no staff doesn’t disqualify you from grants.
What funders care most about is:
✅ Impact: Are you solving a real problem in the community?
✅ Capacity: Do you have a plan (even if small) to manage the grant?
✅ Clarity: Is your proposal clear, realistic, and mission-aligned?
Pro Tip: Mention partnerships or volunteers as part of your “capacity story.” You’re not alone if you’ve got church members, community leaders, or mentors supporting you informally.
5 Things to Do Before You Apply With No Staff
1. Document Your Systems and Capacity
Even if you don’t have employees, show that you can responsibly manage funds:
- Who manages the bank account?
- How will you track spending and reporting?
- What is your board’s role in oversight?
2. Use Contractors or Volunteers Smartly
Some grants allow you to list paid consultants or key volunteers as part of your capacity plan. For example:
- A grant writer for reporting support
- A volunteer admin to manage emails or attendance
- A fiscal sponsor for financial accountability
3. Apply for the Right Grant Size
You don’t need $100K. Focus on:
- Microgrants ($500 to $5,000)
- Capacity-building grants
- Local community foundation grants
These are more likely to take a chance on lean operations.
4. Strengthen Your Board’s Involvement
A hands-on board is a superpower for staff-less organizations. Make sure at least one board member is:
- Involved in programs
- Helping with finances
- Willing to assist with grant deliverables
5. Be Honest, but Strategic in the Narrative
Don’t hide your small size. Frame it as an asset:
“As a volunteer-led initiative, we maximize every dollar for community impact, relying on in-kind support, partnerships, and deep local trust.”
Real-Life Scenario: Grace’s Community Pantry
Grace started a food distribution project in her church basement.
No staff.
No 501(c)(3). No paid consultants.
But she:
- Partnered with a larger nonprofit as fiscal sponsor
- Got a volunteer CPA to help track expenses
- Applied for a $2,000 local neighborhood grant
- Won the grant and used it for weekly food boxes
Now?
Grace runs a registered nonprofit, has part-time help, and is applying for a $25K grant—with a track record and story funders love.
You don’t need to “look big” to get big opportunities. You need to be clear, accountable, and committed.
What to Include in a Staff-Less Grant Proposal
When writing your proposal, highlight:
- How volunteers support your operations
- Specific community outcomes you’ve already achieved
- Simple tools or processes you use (e.g., Google Sheets, Airtable, QuickBooks)
- Any partnerships that fill gaps
Use our Proposal Template Toolkit to plug your story into a winning format—even if you’re just starting out.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over-promising deliverables
Ignoring budget management details
Skipping the sustainability section
Acting like being small is a disadvantage (it’s not)
“You don’t need a payroll to change lives. You just need a plan, a passion, and a way to track the impact.”
Short FAQ
Q1: Should I wait until I hire someone to apply for grants?
No. Start small, be strategic, and use grant wins to build capacity.
Q2: Can I list volunteers as “staff” in applications?
Label them as “key volunteers” or “program partners” to remain transparent.
Q3: What’s the best first grant for a solo founder?
Try local community foundation grants, city council microgrants, or corporate community grants (like Walmart or Target).
Want a Step-by-Step Grant Plan for Your Solo Nonprofit?
Download our Solo Grant Strategy Guide inside the Founding Membership. You’ll get templates, funder lists, and support designed just for leaders like you.
Don’t wait for a staff before you start getting funded. Start building momentum—one small grant at a time.
