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As a grantwriter, your work is all about strategy, dedication, and impact. Having the right tools and resources at your fingertips can make the difference between writing a winning proposal and one that misses the mark. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your craft, here are some of the best tools and resources to help you succeed in the world of grantwriting.

Grant Research: Finding the right funders is half the battle. Grant databases streamline this process, offering a centralized platform to search for funding opportunities that align with your organization’s mission.

• ​Foundation Directory Online: One of the most comprehensive databases for finding foundation funders, FDO offers access to thousands of grantmakers, including private foundations, public charities, and corporate giving programs.
• ​GrantStation: This platform not only provides access to a vast database of funding opportunities but also offers training and resources to improve your grantwriting skills.
• ​Instrumentl: A user-friendly tool that helps you discover, track, and manage grants, Instrumentl is perfect for those who want to stay organized while keeping up with the latest opportunities.
• Courses: Funder research (often called “prospecting”) is usually not a one-stop-shop. It’s a process that never ends. If you want to learn more about how to conduct funder research (with or without paid databases) check out our mini-course called Find Your Funders.

Templates and training: Crafting a compelling grant proposal is an art. These templates can help you plan and stay on track.

• Common Grant Applications: Many states and regions have a common grant application that serves as a basic template for funders. Google your state’s name + “common grant application” to find out if your state has one. If not, look up the Minnesota Common Grant form as a template.
• Courses: Most nonprofit associations offer beginner grantwriting classes (in person and online). If you’re looking for more comprehensive training, our own Nonprofit Grant Magic course covers everything from the basics to advanced strategies of grantwriting.
• Legal resources: We use templates provided by AWB Firm for contracts and other legal policies. We also often need government proposals to be notarized, so we use Notarize.com for easy online notarization.

Budgeting Tools: Creating a realistic and detailed budget is crucial for your proposal’s success. These tools can help ensure your numbers add up.

• Budget templates: Most common grant forms also come with a budgeting template. Again, check if your state has a template!
• ​QuickBooks: For those managing larger projects, QuickBooks is a robust accounting software that can help you track expenses and generate reports, making it easier to justify your proposal budget.
• Classes: If you’re reading to learn more about budgeting, check out your local nonprofit association or our Budgeting for Grant Proposals class.

Collaboration and Project Management Tools: Grantwriting often involves teamwork, from coordinating with colleagues to managing timelines and deadlines.

• ​ClickUp: Our company uses this project management tool to collaborate and track your progress on grant proposals, from initial research to final submission.
• ​Basecamp: This is another project management we used for many years and is valued for its simplicity!
• ​Voxer: As a fully remote team, we often collaborate in Voxer, which is kind of like a walkie-talkie app. This enables us to speak to one another without interrupting each other’s workflow.

Peer Support and Networking: Sometimes, the best resource is a community of fellow grantwriters who can offer advice, share experiences, and provide encouragement.

• LinkedIn Groups: Join grantwriting and nonprofit groups on LinkedIn to connect with others in the field, share resources, and stay updated on industry trends. Lately, I am loving Crappy Funding Practices for a dose of humor! Not exactly for networking, but still a good time!
• ​Association of Fundraising Professionals: A membership organization that offers networking opportunities, professional development, and access to exclusive resources for nonprofit fundraisers.

Investing in the right tools and resources can significantly enhance your grantwriting efforts. Whether you need help finding funders, crafting proposals, managing budgets, or staying organized, there’s a tool or resource out there that can make your job easier and more effective. Equip yourself with these essentials, and you’ll be well on your way to securing the funding your organization needs to thrive.

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Have a great week!

Tracy

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Founder, Tracy Babler & Associates LLC
​@nonprofitgrantmagic​

6417 Penn Ave S, Ste 7-220, Minneapolis, MN. 55423
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