Unlocking Government Grants for Your Nonprofit
Government grants don’t have to be intimidating.
Starting small and local can build momentum and confidence.
For nonprofits, navigating the world of government grants can feel overwhelming, especially for those operating in rural communities or with limited resources. But with the right strategies and support from fractional partners like Rural Pathways, you can secure funding to advance your mission and make a lasting impact in your community.
Start Local: City and County Grants
City and county agencies often offer grants tailored to community needs such as youth leadership, food justice, or public health. These local opportunities are ideal for small nonprofits to:
Gain visibility within the community.
Build relationships with local decision-makers.
Diversify funding portfolios for long-term sustainability.
Local grants may offer smaller awards, but they can have a big impact when building your track record for future funding.
Pro Tips:
Subscribe to email lists for local agencies like public health departments or economic development offices.
Attend public meetings hosted by local agencies to learn about upcoming opportunities.
Check your city or county’s “open data” or “transparency” portals, where grant-related documents and reports are often shared.
Looking for local funding sources but not sure where to start? These organizations can help you identify decision-makers, understand funding priorities, and access grant opportunities in your city or county:
National Association of Counties – Helpful for locating your county government and understanding how funding flows locally.
National League of Cities – Offers research and guidance on municipal funding strategies and partnerships, especially relevant for urban and rural policy intersections.
If your nonprofit serves families, youth, or health-related needs, these resources can connect you with relevant funding opportunities:
Administration for Children and Families – For nonprofits working in early childhood, youth, or family services.
Rural Health Information Hub – A grant database focused on rural health and community development.
The National Association of Counties’ guide provides additional information on the CDBG program, which assists state and local governments in improving living conditions and providing community services for vulnerable residents.
Tap Into Community Development Block Grants
Funded federally but managed locally, Community Development Block Grants (CDBGs) provide funding for programs addressing housing, economic empowerment, and community development. Aligning your program with the priorities outlined in your jurisdiction’s annual or strategic plans can position your nonprofit for success.
Pro Tips:
Start by reviewing your city or county’s Consolidated Plan or Annual Action Plan; these are often available on the local government’s website.
You can also explore CDBG allocations and program data by visiting the HUD Exchange.
State Grants: A Hidden Treasure
State departments often issue grant opportunities in areas such as education, workforce development, or housing. Federal funds, like Emergency Solutions Grants (ESGs), are also funneled through state programs. The process mirrors local grant-seeking but expands the scope of available resources.
These grants may also include pass-through funding from federal agencies like HUD, HHS, or the Department of Education.
Pro Tips:
Search online using keywords like “[Your State] department of [issue area such as education, health, or housing]” or “[Your State] RFPs” to find opportunities.
You can also sign up for email alerts or RSS feeds on many state agency websites to stay updated automatically.
Overcoming Grant Research Challenges
Photo by Christian Wiediger on Unsplash
Government websites can be difficult to navigate, but strategic searching can simplify the process. Using quotation marks in your search (e.g., “St. Louis County” “CDBG funding”) can help yield more targeted results. Try these search phrases:
“[Your city/county] + CDBG funding”
“[Your state] department of health grants”
“[Your state/city/county] + procurement or RFP”
Need help? Rural Pathways specializes in helping nonprofits cut through the noise of government websites and locate grants tailored to their needs.
Why Pursue Government Grants?
While local and state grants might not offer the same prestige as federal awards, they often:
Require less effort to obtain.
Are less competitive.
Offer a platform to strengthen local partnerships and build credibility.
They can also serve as a stepping stone toward larger federal or private funding opportunities.
If you're new to grant research or looking to move beyond local opportunities, these national tools are essential starting points for exploring a wide range of funding sources and understanding the broader landscape of government support:
Grants.gov – The central portal for all federal grant opportunities.
USA.gov – A user-friendly entry point for exploring government programs, including grants for nonprofits and community groups.
How Rural Pathways Can Support Your Nonprofit
Whether you’re researching opportunities or preparing grant applications, Rural Pathways is here to help. Our team specializes in:
Grant research: Identifying the best opportunities for your organization.
Grant writing: Crafting compelling proposals to increase your chances of success.
Take Action Today!
Your next grant opportunity could be closer than you think. Contact us today to learn how we can help you secure funding to make your vision a reality. Together, we can strengthen your community and expand your nonprofit’s impact.
Citation: Anderson, Charity & Gilpin, Staci. (2025). Unlocking Government Grants for Your Nonprofit. Rural Pathways News.