7 Tips to Help Your Nonprofit Secure Corporate Grants

If you’re like many nonprofit leaders, corporate grants might feel intimidating, or like something “other” organizations do. But the truth is, corporate giving can be one of the most reliable and impactful funding sources for your nonprofit. And yes, it’s totally doable.

At Bloom Grant Consulting, here are seven tips I use to guide our clients to find and secure corporate support, without the overwhelm:

1. Know What You’re Looking For

Corporate giving comes in different shapes:

• Direct grants: Companies fund specific programs or initiatives.

• Employee-driven grants: These are often tied to volunteerism or matching gifts.

• Sponsorships: Support for events or campaigns in exchange for visibility.

• In-kind contributions: Donations of goods, services, or expertise.

Not every company offers every type. Knowing your options upfront helps you target your efforts where they’ll have the most impact.

2. Align With Their Values

Corporations have goals for giving—they want to support causes that reflect their mission and values. Do your homework:

• Look at their CSR (corporate social responsibility) statements.

• See who they’ve supported in the past.

• Follow their news and community initiatives.

When your mission aligns with theirs, your proposal will naturally stand out.

3. Use Smart Tools to Identify Corporate Grants

Searching company websites one by one can feel endless. Corporate giving databases exist for a reason; they centralize all the info you need: eligibility, deadlines, focus areas, and more. A little upfront research can save hours and help you find the right fit faster. Look at websites such as Instrumentl, Double The Donation, or Candid's Foundation Directory.

4. Leverage Your Supporters

Your donors and volunteers might be the key to unlocking corporate grants. Many companies prefer supporting nonprofits that their employees already care about. Ask who works where, connect with employee champions, and let them help open doors. Warm introductions beat cold calls every time.

5. Tell Your Story With Numbers and Heart

Corporate funders want to see both impact and outcomes. Combine data with stories:

• Show what success looks like.

• Include measurable results.

• Add personal testimonials that make your work real.

Tailoring your language to each company’s priorities makes it clear you understand them and their goals.

6. Show Up Online

Your website and social media are your first impression. Keep them professional, up to date, and full of proof points about your impact. A strong online presence reassures funders that you’re credible, organized, and making a difference.

7. Treat Grants as Relationships, Not Transactions

Winning a grant is just the start. Even if you don’t get the funding, every interaction is a chance to build connections. Send thank-you notes, share impact updates, invite company representatives to events, and stay in touch. Over time, these relationships grow into ongoing support.

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Corporate grants can feel like a mystery, but in truth, they are a great opportunity for your organization. With thoughtful research, strategic alignment, and strong storytelling, your nonprofit can unlock new funding and build partnerships that last. It’s less about luck and more about strategy, relationships, and knowing your value.

At Bloom Grant Consulting, I love helping nonprofits feel confident and capable in this process. Contact us to learn more about how we can help your organization secure corporate grants.

Mastering Grant-Seeking Strategies

Nonprofit organizations are the backbone of positive change in our communities. To turn their missions into reality, securing grant funding is often a crucial step. However, winning grants isn't just about writing a compelling proposal; it's about crafting a strategic approach that aligns with the organization's mission and long-term objectives. In this blog post, we'll provide invaluable tips and strategies for nonprofit organizations to develop their grant-seeking strategies and highlight the importance of alignment with their mission and long-term goals.

Start with a Strong Foundation

Before diving into the grant-seeking process, it's essential to have a well-defined foundation:

• Mission and Vision: Clearly articulate your organization's mission and long-term vision. These statements will guide your grant-seeking efforts by defining your purpose and desired impact.

• Goals and Objectives: Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. Determine what you want to achieve through grants, considering both short-term and long-term objectives.

Check out our Grant Readiness Checklist designed to help you build this foundation!

Understand Your Funding Needs

To secure the right grants, it's crucial to understand your organization's financial requirements. Here's how:

• Budget and Expenses: Create a detailed budget that covers all aspects of your projects, programs, and organizational operations. This will help you identify funding gaps and target specific grants.

• Prioritize Initiatives: Not all funding sources are created equal. Prioritize your initiatives to understand which projects or programs require immediate attention and funding.

Research and Target Grant Opportunities

To ensure your grant-seeking strategy aligns with your mission, carry out thorough research:

• Identify Grantors: Research potential grantors whose values and priorities resonate with your mission. Focus on local, national, and international opportunities, depending on your scope.

• Read Guidelines Carefully: Review grant guidelines and eligibility criteria to ensure you meet all the requirements before applying.

Read more about prospect research on our blog.

Create a Comprehensive Grant Calendar

Efficient grant seeking requires a well-organized approach:

• Grant Calendar: Maintain a detailed grant calendar that includes deadlines, application requirements, and submission dates. This will prevent missed opportunities and ensure you allocate resources effectively.

Develop a Winning Proposal

Crafting a compelling grant proposal is the heart of grant seeking:

• Mission Alignment: Every section of your proposal should align with your organization's mission and objectives. Clearly demonstrate how the grant will contribute to your mission's success.

• Clear and Concise Writing: Write your proposal in a clear, concise, and compelling manner. Clearly articulate the problem you're addressing, your solution, and the anticipated impact.

• Impact Measurement: Emphasize your ability to measure and report on the impact of your project. Grantors want to know that their investment will make a difference.

Read more about grant writing on our blog.

Build Relationships with Funders

Effective grant seeking often involves building relationships with potential funders:

• Networking: Attend grant-related events, conferences, and workshops to connect with funders and fellow nonprofit professionals.

• Engage Funders: Don't hesitate to reach out to potential funders to discuss your projects and ask questions about their application process.

Learn more about relationship-building on our blog.

Review and Adapt

Grant seeking is an iterative process:

• Evaluation: Regularly evaluate your grant-seeking strategy and its alignment with your mission and objectives. Identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments.

• Learn from Rejections: Don't be discouraged by rejection. Use it as an opportunity to learn and refine your approach for future applications.

Aligning your grant applications with your mission and long-term objectives is not just a best practice; it's a necessity. It not only increases your chances of securing grants but also ensures that the resources obtained contribute meaningfully to the realization of your organization's goals. As you embark on your grant-seeking journey, remember that it's not just about winning funding; it's about making a lasting impact on the world.

Grant Trends for the Year Ahead

The grant landscape is ever-evolving, with shifts in funding priorities and emerging themes that can significantly impact nonprofit organizations. As we step into a new fiscal year, it's crucial for grant seekers to stay informed about the latest trends and opportunities in the grant world. In this blog post, we'll explore anticipated grant trends for the coming year, including changes in funding priorities, new opportunities, and emerging themes that can shape the grant-seeking journey.

Evolving Funding Priorities

Grant funding priorities can change from year to year as society faces new challenges and opportunities. Here are some key shifts to keep an eye on:

• Health and Pandemic Response: Despite being more or less "out" of the pandemic, grantors are likely to continue prioritizing health-related initiatives. This includes funding for medical research, public health programs, mental health programs and initiatives aimed at bolstering healthcare infrastructure.

• Climate and Environmental Initiatives: With the growing urgency of climate change, many funders are expected to increase their support for sustainability and environmental projects. Grants for renewable energy, conservation efforts, and climate adaptation strategies may become more prevalent.

• Equity and Social Justice: The global spotlight on social justice issues has prompted many grantmakers to prioritize equity, diversity, and inclusion. Expect to see more funding opportunities focused on initiatives that address systemic inequalities and promote social justice.

• Technology and Innovation: Grants to support technological advancements and innovation, particularly in areas such as education, healthcare, and social services, are likely to increase. These grants can help nonprofits adapt to the digital age and enhance their service delivery.

New Opportunities on the Horizon

In addition to shifting priorities, new grant opportunities are continually emerging, offering nonprofit organizations fresh avenues for funding:

• Corporate Philanthropy: Many corporations are expanding their philanthropic efforts, focusing on causes that align with their values and the concerns of their customers. These initiatives can provide significant funding for nonprofits.

• Global and Regional Grants: International and regional organizations are increasingly offering grants to address global challenges, creating opportunities for organizations with an international scope.

Emerging Themes in Grant-Making

As you seek grant opportunities, keep an eye out for emerging themes in the grant landscape that could inform your proposals:

• Collaborative Initiatives: Funders may prioritize projects that encourage collaboration between nonprofits, government agencies, and private sector entities to address complex challenges.

• Data and Impact Measurement: There is an ever-growing emphasis on data-driven decision-making and rigorous impact measurement. Grant applications that demonstrate a clear understanding of these principles may have a competitive advantage.

• Innovation and Adaptability: Grantors are interested in supporting projects that demonstrate adaptability and innovative solutions to longstanding problems. Be prepared to highlight your organization's innovative approach in your applications.

Steps to Navigate Grant Trends

1. Stay Informed: Regularly monitor grant-related news, websites, and publications to stay updated on emerging trends and opportunities.

2. Network: Build and maintain relationships with grantmakers, fellow nonprofit professionals, and local organizations to stay in the loop on potential funding sources and collaborations.

3. Align with Your Mission: Choose grants that align with your organization's mission and objectives. This alignment will not only increase your chances of success but also ensure that you're pursuing grants that genuinely support your mission.

4. Adapt and Innovate: Be open to adapting your programs and services to align with emerging trends and grant priorities. Demonstrating flexibility and innovation can make your proposals more appealing to funders.

Understanding and adapting to grant trends is essential for any nonprofit organization seeking to secure funding for their mission. By staying informed, aligning with evolving priorities, and crafting innovative proposals, nonprofits can maximize their chances of securing grants and making a meaningful impact in their communities. As you embark on your grant-seeking journey for the coming year, embrace change and be prepared to capitalize on the dynamic grant landscape.