What are the best ways to find funding opportunities for your organization?

1 Use keywords and filters

One of the most basic and effective ways to find funding opportunities is to use keywords and filters in search engines and databases. Keywords are words or phrases that describe your organization's mission, goals, activities, beneficiaries, or needs. Filters are criteria that narrow down your search results based on factors such as location, deadline, amount, eligibility, or type of funding. For example, you can use keywords such as "environmental education", "women empowerment", or "youth development" and filters such as "USA", "January 2022", or "nonprofit" to find relevant funding opportunities.

2 Subscribe to alerts and newsletters

Another way to find funding opportunities is to subscribe to alerts and newsletters from various sources that provide information and updates on funding opportunities. Alerts are notifications that are sent to your email or phone when new funding opportunities match your keywords or filters. Newsletters are periodic publications that compile and summarize funding opportunities from different sources. For example, you can subscribe to alerts and newsletters from websites such as GrantWatch, Foundation Directory Online, or FundsforNGOs.

3 Join networks and platforms

A third way to find funding opportunities is to join networks and platforms that connect you with potential funders, partners, or peers. Networks are groups or associations that share common interests, goals, or values and provide opportunities for collaboration, learning, or advocacy. Platforms are online or offline spaces that facilitate communication, interaction, or exchange between different actors in the funding landscape. For example, you can join networks such as GlobalGiving, Alliance for Nonprofit Management, or Charity Navigator and platforms such as Idealist, Devex, or LinkedIn.

5 Create and update your profile

A fifth way to find funding opportunities is to create and update your profile on various platforms and databases that showcase your organization's work, impact, and needs. Your profile is a summary of your organization's history, achievements, goals, activities, beneficiaries, and budget. Creating and updating your profile can help you attract and impress potential funders, partners, or supporters. For example, you can create and update your profile on platforms and databases such as Guidestar, Charity Navigator, or GlobalGiving.

Finding funding opportunities for your organization can be easier and more effective if you use search engines and databases strategically and creatively. By using keywords and filters, subscribing to alerts and newsletters, joining networks and platforms, researching and analyzing funders, and creating and updating your profile, you can increase your chances of finding and securing funding opportunities that match your organization's needs and goals.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?