Reading Time: 3 minutes
As a board administrator for a nonprofit, you devote a lot of time and energy to ensuring smooth operations. Because nonprofits rely on donations, this means you’re always looking for new sources of funding and courting the sources you already have. You also must be an expert in grant writing for nonprofits to obtain additional funding.
If you’re pursuing a nonprofit grant, the path to securing funding is paved with serious pitfalls. One misstep and the entire process can end in failure. So, what are the key fundamentals to finding (and securing) funding for your unique nonprofit organization?
Importance of Nonprofit Grant Funding
Grant funding is an important source of capital for nonprofits because it provides money that doesn’t need to be paid back. The nonprofit can use the grant funds to provide financial stability, allow for scaling of operations, and more. If a nonprofit fails to get a grant, it may need to cut back on the services it offers or find other sources of funding, depending on what the nonprofit treasurer reports.
The steps included in the grant application process are:
1. Research & Prospecting
There are many grant programs out there for nonprofits with 501c3 tax-exempt status, but not all of them are a good fit for your organization. You need to research the available grants for ones that align with your current financial needs.
2. Relationship-Building
Your nonprofit should get to know the people who offer relevant grants and build relationships with them. With a relationship, you’re also building trust. This makes it easier for the funder to choose your grant proposal and award you the funds you need to continue your work.
3. Proposal Development
When writing a grant proposal, it’s important to review the instructions for the grant and ensure you put it in all the requested information. You don’t need to go overboard and send information that wasn’t requested. When you’re done, edit your proposal and double-check that you’ve included all relevant information.
4. Compliance & Submission Management
Ensure all application requirements, formats, and deadlines are met. Manage internal approvals, review for compliance with funder guidelines, and submit the proposal through the designated portal or process. Your organization’s finance committee should keep detailed records of every submission.
5. Follow-Up & Stewardship
Acknowledge the funder’s consideration with timely communication. Provide any requested updates, share program impact if awarded, and maintain ongoing engagement to build long-term relationships that support future funding opportunities.
Nonprofit Grant Writing Cheat Sheet
Step | Key Action | People Involved |
1. Research & Prospecting | Identify funders whose mission aligns with your unique work; review eligibility, past recipients, funding priorities; use tools to find community foundation listings. | Development Director, Grant Researcher, Program Staff |
2. Relationship Building | Contract funders before applying; attend events, webinars, and networking sessions; maintain relationships year-round | Executive Director, Development Director, Board Members |
3. Proposal Development | Outline the problem/need (with supporting data); describe your solution, timeline, budget and outcomes; follow all guidelines and formatting rules | Grant Writer, Program Staff, Finance Director, Executive Director |
4. Compliance & Submission | Track deadlines and requirements in a grant calendar; ensure attachments and documents are complete; submit early to allow for corrections | Grant Writer, Development Assistant, Finance Director |
5. Follow-Up & Stewardship | Send thank-you letter and funding acknowledgment; submit reports with outcomes, financials and stories; keep communication open for renewal opportunities | Executive Director, Grant Writer, Program Staff |
Keep that work inside your governance record, not a public chatbot.
Introducing OnBoard AI
AI is transforming the boardroom by turning information into instant clarity. Instead of sifting through lengthy packets or chasing down answers, directors can rely on AI to generate summaries, highlight risks and opportunities, and provide quick context on unfamiliar topics. This gives boards more time for strategic discussion, strengthens governance, and ensures leaders stay focused on what matters most.
OnBoard AI is an intelligent, board-focused assistant designed to streamline meeting preparation, support decision-making, and help directors work more efficiently. Built directly into the OnBoard platform, it uses secure, purpose-built AI to surface insights, summarize complex materials, and eliminate administrative burdens that slow boards down.
OnBoard Supports Nonprofit Board Leaders
Nonprofit board leaders carry a tremendous load, from overseeing mission-driven work and brainstorming nonprofit fundraising ideas to ensuring long-term sustainability while juggling demanding operational responsibilities. That’s why the right board management software for nonprofits matters.
OnBoard understands that successful governance isn’t just about running good meetings. It’s about enabling leaders to make informed decisions, stay aligned, and keep essential processes like grant management running smoothly. OnBoard gets this right by giving nonprofits a secure, centralized space to store documents, track deadlines, and ensure the entire board is working with the same information.
With tools for calendar management, board meeting agenda creation, task tracking, and real-time updates, OnBoard eliminates guesswork and prevents the bottlenecks that often slow down grant-related work.
If your nonprofit is ready to elevate its board operations, improve decision-making, and support essential processes like grant management, now is the perfect time to explore what OnBoard can do for you. Take the next step and discover how OnBoard helps nonprofit boards operate with greater confidence, clarity, and impact. Start a trial today.
Free Tool
Navigate board software options wisely using our comprehensive vendor comparison tool
Want to equip your board of directors with the tools they need to succeed? Request a free trial of OnBoard today.
About The Author
- Gina Guy is an implementation consultant who specializes in working with nonprofit organizations get the most from their board meetings. She loves helping customers ease their workloads through their use of OnBoard. A Purdue University graduate, Gina enjoys refinishing furniture, running, kayaking, and traveling in her spare time. She lives in Monticello, Indiana, with her husband.
Latest entries
Risk & ComplianceApril 16, 2026What is a Conflict of Interest Policy? (Overview, Definition, and Template)
Board Management SoftwareMarch 20, 2026Board Member Positions: Titles, Roles, and Responsibilities
Board Management SoftwareMarch 18, 2026What is a Steering Committee? (Overview, Roles, and Responsibilities)
Board Management SoftwareMarch 16, 2026How to Host an Effective Startup Board Meeting
