The IW$ Guide to Securing Grant Funding to Grow Your Business or Nonprofit Without Loans, Investors, or Debt
You don’t need to beg a bank.
You don’t need to pitch investors.
You don’t need to raid your savings.
If you’ve got a business or nonprofit that serves people, solves problems, or improves lives—you can get free money from grants.
Grants are the great untapped resource for entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders alike. They are offered by governments, corporations, foundations, and even local agencies—and most of them go unclaimed or underutilized. Why? Because most people don’t know how to go after them… or they think they don’t qualify.
If you’re a bold IW$ entrepreneur, here’s the truth: grants are not just for nonprofits. Many grants are available to for-profit businesses that deliver community benefit, create jobs, or provide education, health, housing, arts, environmental, or social services.
And if you do run a nonprofit? You have even more options.
So let’s walk through the IW$ way to tap into this free funding—and start using it to expand your reach, boost your cash flow, and create lasting wealth that benefits your entire community.
STEP 1: GET CLEAR ON WHAT YOU NEED TO FUND
Before you apply, you must know exactly what you want the money for. Vague goals won’t cut it. Specific, tangible outcomes will.
Ask yourself:
- Am I launching a new program or expanding an existing one?
- Who benefits—and how many people will be helped?
- What’s the total cost?
- What data supports the need for this project?
- Do I have time to manage this grant—and someone to do the reporting?
You must also think ahead: What are your short-term goals? Your long-term objectives? How will you measure success?
Write down clear answers to each of these questions. That’s your foundation. Most people skip this and waste hours chasing grants that aren’t a fit.
STEP 2: BUILD A GRANT FILE THAT’S READY TO GO
Smart entrepreneurs and nonprofit directors don’t start from scratch every time. They build a grant-ready file—a folder with all key documents already prepared. This saves you time and lets you apply fast when the opportunity hits.
Here’s what to include:
- Mission statement and organization summary
- IRS determination letter (for nonprofits)
- Business registration and EIN (for for-profits)
- Board list and staff bios
- Organizational budget and program-specific budgets
- List of top donors or funding partners
- Annual reports, brochures, or case studies
- Any relevant media, photos, or testimonials
- Letters of support or community endorsements
Update these files at least once a year—or quarterly if you’re actively pursuing grants.
STEP 3: FIND THE RIGHT GRANTS (YES, THEY EXIST)
There’s no shortage of money. There’s only a shortage of bold entrepreneurs willing to dig. That’s not you.
Search these sources weekly:
- GrantWatch.com or GrantStation.com (paid, but worth it)
- Grants.gov for federal grants
- State and local government websites
- Community foundations and regional grantmakers
- Corporate giving programs (look at companies like Walmart, Verizon, Bank of America)
- Libraries with access to the Foundation Directory or Funding Information Network
As you research, focus on funders who align with your mission. Look at what they’ve funded in the past. Read their guidelines closely. Some fund only in specific regions or industries. Don’t waste time on mismatches.
Create a spreadsheet with:
- Grant name
- Deadline
- Amount available
- Eligibility
- Website and contact info
- Notes from past awards
STEP 4: MAKE CONTACT BEFORE YOU APPLY
This is the move most people are too timid to make. Don’t just apply cold. Pick up the phone or send a short email to the grant program officer.
Introduce yourself. Ask if your project aligns with their funding priorities. This does two things: it builds a relationship and helps you avoid wasting time.
Funders are people. They want to help. And when they know your name, your application gets a second look.
STEP 5: WRITE A PROPOSAL THAT WINS FUNDING
Here’s what every winning grant proposal includes:
- Need – What problem are you solving? Use real data. Quote national stats, state reports, or local needs assessments.
- Program – What exactly will you do? Who will do it? When will it happen?
- Impact – What changes will result? How will lives be better? How many people will be helped?
- Evaluation – How will you measure success? Use numbers. Use surveys. Use stories.
- Capacity – Why are YOU the one to do this? Show experience, leadership, results, and partnerships.
- Budget – Break down every cost: staff, supplies, rent, marketing, transportation, admin. Show that you’ve thought it through.
- Sustainability – What happens when the money runs out? Will you generate income, get more grants, gain support?
Use clear, direct language. Avoid fluff. Avoid jargon. Never assume the reviewer knows your world—spell things out in plain English.
STEP 6: FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS EXACTLY
This is simple. So do it. Double-check:
- File formats
- Word or character counts
- Required attachments
- Submission deadlines
Then have someone else proofread everything. A typo won’t kill your chances, but it doesn’t help. A sloppy application shows you can’t manage details.
STEP 7: HANDLE REJECTION LIKE A PRO
Didn’t get the grant?
Send a thank you. Ask for feedback. Ask if you can reapply. Ask if they know of other funding sources. Stay in touch.
People who follow up professionally often get funded the next round—or referred elsewhere. You’re playing the long game. Act like it.
STEP 8: MANAGE YOUR GRANT LIKE A BUSINESS ASSET
Once you’re funded, the real work begins. You need to:
- Track your spending carefully
- Deliver the program you promised
- Collect data and stories about your impact
- Submit required reports on time
- Stay in contact with your funder
- Show gratitude and professionalism
Treat grant funders like VIP investors in your mission. Because that’s what they are.
BONUS: UNDERSTAND THE NEW ERA OF GIVING
Grantmakers today are embracing two major trends:
Trust-Based Philanthropy – Funders give multi-year unrestricted support, simplify reporting, and build real relationships with grantees.
Community-Based Philanthropy – Power is shifting to communities. Funders are listening to people on the ground and backing those with strong community roots.
Translation? If you’re small but committed… if you’re connected to your community… if you’re solving real problems… you’ve never had a better chance to win funding.
FINAL WORD FROM IW$
Grants are not a fantasy. They are not just for someone else. If you’ve got guts, clarity, and a plan—you can access this free money and put it to work fast.
But like everything in business, fortune favors the bold.
- Start now.
- Write your plan.
- Build your file.
- Find your funders.
- Reach out.
- Apply.
- Follow up.
- Succeed.
And when that check arrives? Don’t just cash it. Multiply it.
Turn it into jobs. Growth. Revenue. And a stronger foundation for the future you’re building.
That’s the IW$ way.
IWS-50 : The IWS Directory of Grant Money Sources: Your Guide to Charitable Foundations and Their Areas of Interest
Lists over 600+ foundations and corporate grant-makers for many different types of grants. Lists person to contact, name, address, tel/fax no. of grantor, grant subject areas in which grants are made, geographic preferences (if any), how to apply to this organization for a grant, and restrictions, if any. Covers grants for arts, humanities, civic & public affairs, environment, health, education, religion, science, and social issues.
The IWS Directory of Grant Money Sources: Your Guide to Charitable Foundations and Their Areas of Interest presents the names, addresses and phone numbers of over 600 grant-making organizations. The various kinds of grant-makers listed include foundations, corporations, trusts and funds, each of which may operate in a slightly different way.
K-8 : The IWS Raising Money from Grants and Other Sources Success Kit
The first book in your kit, Fast Guide To Getting Profitable Grants For Yourself Or Your Firm, answers 14 key questions you may have about grants. These questions are arranged to give you a fast, sufficiently deep understanding of grants in a short time. So turn to your Fast Guide now and read the questions and answers in it. The IWS Raising Money from Grants and Other Sources Success Kit will show you how you can obtain grants for yourself or others (and collect big fees for doing so!). This is one of our classic Kits. The best part is that the Internet and email makes obtaining grants even easier — and faster!
IWS-51 : The IWS Quick Guide & Directory to Grant-Making Foundations and Corporations
The IWS Quick Guide & Directory to Grant-Making Foundations and Corporations lists 319 foundations and corporate grant-makers for many different types of grants. Lists persons to contact, name, address, telephone/fax numbers of grantor, grant subject areas in which grants are made, geographic preferences (if any).
Covers grants for
- arts,
- humanities,
- civic & public affairs,
- environment,
- health,
- education,
- religion,
- science,
- and social issues.
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