For many nonprofits, finding funding can feel like running a full-time program of its own. Between serving the community, managing staff, and planning events, grant research often gets pushed to the side.
However, many grant opportunities are designed specifically for small and midsize nonprofits, and free tools can help your organization get started with confidence. Here’s how to start finding grant opportunities that fit your organization’s goals and capacity.
Start by understanding the grant landscape
Think of grant research like mapping out a road trip. The clearer your destination and route, the easier it is to decide which opportunities are worth the drive. Before you begin searching, it helps to understand the types of grants available and where nonprofit funding opportunities typically come from.
|
Type of grant |
What it funds |
|
Programs |
A specific program |
|
Capacity-building |
Organizational growth, like strategic planning and professional development |
|
General operating |
Regular operating expenses, usually with light restrictions |
|
Capital projects |
Building, buying, or renovating buildings |
Where grant funding comes from
Nonprofit grants can come from different sources which may have different application requirements, timelines, and funding priorities.
Government grants
State and local government grants are sometimes designed for smaller organizations, which can make applications and reporting more manageable. Federal grants are often better suited for nonprofits with larger administrative capacity.
Private foundations
Private foundations range from small family organizations to large national funders. Many offer grant programs specifically for smaller nonprofits. The SECU MD Foundation, for example, offers grants that support organizations with budgets under two million dollars.
Corporate giving programs
Many businesses support nonprofits through grants and community giving initiatives. Focus on companies connected to your mission, community, or existing relationships.
Community foundations and regional funds
These organizations pool donations to support local priorities and community needs. They can be strong funding options for nonprofits focused on regional impact.
Find nonprofit funding opportunities
Free online resources can help your nonprofit identify grants that match your mission, size, and community impact.
- Maryland’s Nonprofit Navigator and the Governor’s Grants Office can help organizations explore government and private foundation grants.
- The Maryland Philanthropy Network shares information about corporate giving programs across the state.
- The Maryland Community Foundations Association can help nonprofits connect with local and regional funding opportunities.
Many nonprofits successfully find and win grants using free tools, especially when they focus on opportunities that align closely with their goals and capacity.
Build relationships while you search
Grant research is also about building relationships and staying connected to future opportunities.
- Attend free information sessions and webinars.
- Subscribe to funder newsletters and updates.
- Follow funders on social media.
- Reach out with thoughtful questions when appropriate.
Strong relationships can help your nonprofit stay informed and feel more confident throughout the grant process.
Narrow down the right opportunities
A simple first pass can help your organization focus on opportunities that are the best fit.
- Does the grant support the kind of work we do?
- Are we the right nonprofit type?
- Is our organization located in the eligible service area?
- Are applications currently open?
If the answer is “no” to any of these questions, it may make sense to focus your energy elsewhere for now.
Take a closer look before applying
Once you identify promising opportunities, spend time reviewing whether the grant truly fits your organization’s goals, capacity, and long term plans.
Make sure the opportunity fits
- Review the funder’s mission and priorities.
- Confirm the grant aligns with your strategic goals.
- Look for spending restrictions or limitations.
- Consider whether the funding supports long term sustainability.
The right grant should strengthen your existing work, not pull your organization in a different direction.
Understand what the grant requires
Before applying, review the time, staffing, and reporting expectations involved with managing the grant.
- Review deadlines and required documents.
- Estimate the staff time needed to apply and report.
- Understand how and when funds are distributed.
- Check whether administrative costs are covered.
- Look for additional requirements like interviews, audits, or site visits.
A manageable opportunity can help your organization build momentum and confidence for future grants.
Prepare for reporting requirements
Strong reporting practices can help your organization measure impact and strengthen future applications.
- Review what data and outcomes must be tracked.
- Consider whether new systems or tools are needed.
- Check for ongoing compliance or audit requirements.
Focus on opportunities that fit your goals
Being selective can help your team focus on opportunities with the greatest potential impact.
- Estimate the time and resources needed to apply.
- Research how competitive the grant may be.
- Compare the award amount to the administrative workload.
- Prioritize opportunities that align with your goals and capacity.
Take advantage of free support
There are many free, high-quality resources available to nonprofits to explore.
- Maryland’s Nonprofit Navigator offers free one-on-one help to any Maryland nonprofit. It also lists free training, Q&A opportunities, and grants for nonprofits in Maryland.
- Funders often host free information sessions for potential applicants.
- Some funders offer application reviews and examples of successful past applications.
You can pay for grant-searching tools, work with a consultant, or hire in-house fundraising staff, but free resources can be a better option for smaller and early-stage nonprofits.
Your partner in supporting Maryland nonprofits
Nonprofits play an important role in helping Maryland communities grow stronger every day. Whether your organization is building financial wellness, supporting families, or expanding community resources, finding the right funding can help move your mission forward. Learn more about grant opportunities through the SECU MD Foundation. 2026 grant applications are open now until July 20th.
