If you’re a new nonprofit looking for grants, the sheer number of funding opportunities can feel overwhelming — and confusing. Where do you start? Which grants actually fund new organizations? And how do you avoid wasting weeks on applications that were never a realistic fit?
Our team at Tillman Equity has helped more than 20 organizations navigate their first grant applications, and we’ve learned that new nonprofits succeed fastest when they focus on the right types of grants from the beginning. Not all funding sources are created equal, and some are far more accessible to startups than others.
Here are five types of grants that every new nonprofit should have on their radar.
1. Community foundation grants
Community foundations are one of the best-kept secrets in nonprofit funding, and they’re often the ideal first grant for new organizations. These foundations exist in nearly every region of the country, and their entire purpose is to support local nonprofits and community initiatives.
What makes community foundations great for new nonprofits is that they tend to have simpler application processes, smaller but meaningful grant amounts (typically $1,000 to $25,000), and a genuine interest in funding emerging organizations. Many community foundations have specific programs designed for startups or first-time applicants.
Start by searching for community foundations in your city or county. The Council on Foundations maintains a directory, and a simple web search for “[your city] community foundation grants” will often surface opportunities our research team has seen work well for our clients.
2. Local corporate giving programs
Major employers in your area often have corporate philanthropy programs, community investment funds, or employee-directed giving initiatives. These are frequently overlooked by new nonprofits because they don’t appear on the big grant databases.
Corporate giving programs tend to favor organizations that operate in the communities where the company has employees. The application processes are usually straightforward, and grant amounts typically range from $500 to $10,000. Some companies also offer in-kind donations, volunteer hours, and matching gifts.
Our grant strategists recommend making a list of the 10 largest employers in your area and researching whether they have a community giving or corporate social responsibility program. You may be surprised by what’s available right in your backyard.
3. Faith-based and denominational grants
If your organization is a church, ministry, or faith-based nonprofit, there’s an entire ecosystem of funding specifically designed for you. National denominations, regional church bodies, and faith-based foundations all offer grants for community outreach, youth programs, hunger relief, housing assistance, and more.
Many faith-based funders are specifically looking to support small, community-level organizations — exactly the kind of work most churches and ministries do. And contrary to what some people assume, faith-based organizations are absolutely eligible for many government and secular grants as well, provided the funded programs serve the community without requiring religious participation.
This is an area where our team has deep expertise. Our CEO, Trina Nichols, has helped numerous churches and faith-based organizations secure their first grants. For a comprehensive guide, check out our Faith & Funding ebook on Amazon.
4. State and local government grants
Government grants aren’t just for large, established nonprofits. Many state agencies, county governments, and city departments allocate funding specifically for community-based organizations, including new ones.
Areas where government grants are commonly available include public health and prevention, youth development and education, homelessness and housing, food security and nutrition, workforce development, and community safety. The key is finding opportunities at the state and local level — not just federal programs, which tend to have more complex requirements.
Our team recommends checking your state’s grants portal (most states have one), your county’s community development department, and your city’s office of community affairs or neighborhood services. Many of these offices actively seek partnerships with grassroots nonprofits.
One important note: government grants typically require stronger financial documentation and compliance than private foundations. This is where having your financial systems in order — internal controls, proper bookkeeping, and written policies — makes the difference between qualifying and being passed over. Our Financial Compliance Toolkit ($97) was built specifically to help small nonprofits meet these requirements.
5. Capacity-building and seed grants
Some funders specifically exist to help new organizations build their capacity — not to fund programs, but to fund the organization itself. These “capacity-building” or “seed” grants support things like strategic planning, board development, technology infrastructure, staff training, and financial systems setup.
This type of grant is a perfect fit for organizations that are still building their foundation. You’re not promising to serve 500 people next year. You’re asking for support to become the kind of organization that can serve 500 people in two years.
Search for terms like “capacity building grant,” “organizational development grant,” or “seed grant for nonprofits” in your state. Many community foundations also have capacity-building funding streams.
How to position your new nonprofit for success
Being a new organization isn’t a weakness when it comes to grants — but you do need to frame it correctly. Our team coaches clients to use language like “as a newly established organization, we are seeking foundational support to launch evidence-based programs that address an unmet need in our community.” That sounds confident and intentional, not inexperienced and desperate.
You also need to demonstrate that even though you’re new, you’re serious. That means having your governance documents in order, a clear budget, measurable program outcomes, and a board that reflects community leadership. Funders want to invest in organizations that have built a solid foundation — even if that foundation is only a few months old.
Not sure where you stand? Our free Grant Readiness Checklist walks you through the 12 things funders evaluate before saying yes. Download it and see exactly what you need to strengthen.
Your next step
Finding grants is only half the equation. Writing a compelling proposal that stands out is the other half. If you want professional support, our team offers everything from a $67 Grant Proposal Template Kit to a full $3,000 Done-For-You Grant Writing Package.
And if you want to build your funding pipeline strategically, our Funder Research Toolkit ($47) includes a tracking spreadsheet, 50+ grant databases, and a complete system for finding opportunities that match your mission.