How to Get Funding for Your Nonprofit: 10 Proven Strategies for New and Growing Organizations

Starting a nonprofit is an exciting milestone. You've identified a need in your community, built a mission around creating change, filed your paperwork, and received your IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter. Maybe you've even launched your website and recruited your first Board of Directors.

Then comes the question every nonprofit founder asks: "How do we actually get funding?"

The truth is, funding doesn't happen overnight, and that's okay.

Many nonprofit leaders believe they need to land a six-figure grant before they can begin making an impact. In reality, most successful organizations grow through a combination of smaller funding sources that build momentum over time. The good news? There are countless funding opportunities available for nonprofits willing to be strategic, persistent, and prepared.

Here are ten of the best ways to fund your nonprofit.

1. Apply for Grants

Grants are one of the most well-known funding sources, but they shouldn't be your only strategy.

Look for:

• Private foundations

• Community foundations

• Corporate foundations

• State grants

• Federal grants

Before applying, make sure your organization is truly grant ready. Funders want to see strong leadership, sound financial practices, measurable programs, and a clear plan for impact, not just a great idea.

Pro Tip: Focus on grants that align with your mission instead of chasing every funding opportunity you find.

2. Build Relationships with Local Government

One of the most overlooked funding sources is your own community.

Reach out to your:

• City government

• County government

• Mayor's Office

• Local legislators

• State representatives

• School districts

• Community development offices

Many local governments administer grants or know about funding opportunities that never appear in a Google search.Building these relationships can also lead to partnerships, referrals, and future funding opportunities.

3. Launch a Crowdfunding Campaign

Crowdfunding allows many people to give small amounts that quickly add up.

Popular platforms include:

• GoFundMe

• Facebook Fundraisers

• Zeffy

• Givebutter

• Classy

Tell a compelling story, use photos and video, and make it easy for supporters to share your campaign.

4. Ask Individuals to Give

Don't underestimate the people who already believe in your mission.

Your first donors are often:

• Friends

• Family

• Board members

• Volunteers

• Community supporters

Remember, people give to people before they give to organizations. Start building relationships now, even if gifts are small.

5. Partner with Local Businesses

Many businesses have charitable giving budgets but don't advertise them.

Consider asking businesses to:

• Sponsor an event

• Donate supplies

• Underwrite a program

• Match employee donations

• Sponsor scholarships

Local partnerships often become long-term relationships that benefit everyone involved.

6. Participate in Workplace Giving Programs

Many companies encourage employees to support nonprofits through workplace giving.

Programs include:

• Benevity

• Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)

• America’s Charities

• YourCause

• CyberGrants

Registering with these platforms can create recurring revenue with very little ongoing effort.

7. Host Community Fundraising Events

Events don't have to be expensive.

Ideas include:

• Walks or runs

• Community dinners

• Charity golf tournaments

• Family festivals

• Silent auctions

• Online auctions

Events also introduce new people to your mission, creating future donors and volunteers.

8. Develop Monthly Giving

A recurring donor giving $25 per month is worth far more over time than a one-time gift.

Monthly giving programs provide:

• Predictable income

• Better cash flow

• Stronger donor relationships

• Greater long-term sustainability

Even a small recurring donor program can make a significant difference.

9. Tell Your Story Consistently

Organizations that communicate regularly raise more money.

Share:

• Success stories

• Client testimonials

• Photos

• Program updates

• Volunteer highlights

• Impact statistics

Your website, email newsletters, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube should all reinforce your mission and demonstrate your impact.

People support organizations they know and trust.

10. Invest in Capacity Before Chasing Large Grants

One of the biggest mistakes new nonprofits make is applying for every grant they find before building the infrastructure needed to manage funding.

Before pursuing larger grants, make sure you have:

• An engaged Board of Directors

• Financial policies and budgets

• A strategic plan

• Clear program outcomes

• Required registrations (SAM.gov, Grants.gov, state grant portals, etc.)

• Strong governance and compliance practices

A grant-ready organization is much more competitive—and far more likely to secure funding.

The Bottom Line

There isn't a single secret to nonprofit funding.

The strongest organizations build a diversified funding strategy that combines grants, individual giving, corporate partnerships, fundraising events, and community relationships. Each funding source strengthens the others, creating a more sustainable organization over time.

If you're just getting started, focus on building a solid foundation. Funding follows organizations that demonstrate strong leadership, measurable impact, and a clear vision for the future.

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Need Help Becoming Grant Ready?

At My Nonprofit Resource, we help startup and growing nonprofits strengthen their organizations, develop competitive funding strategies, and secure the resources needed to advance their missions.

Whether you're preparing for your first grant application or building a long-term fundraising strategy, we're here to help.

➜ Take our Organization Grant Readiness Assessment to discover where your organization stands and identify the next steps toward becoming more competitive for funding.