What types of grants are available on Grant Search US?

Grant Search US aggregates thousands of grants across federal (NIH, NSF, DOE, USDA, SBA), state, foundation, and corporate sources. We cover nonprofits, small businesses, researchers, educators, and individuals. Our database is updated daily and includes grants from all 50 states plus select international opportunities.

Is Grant Search US free to use?

Yes — you can start completely free with no credit card required. Free users can browse grants, set up a profile, start applications, and use basic AI drafting tools. Premium plans unlock advanced features like the AI Grant Writing Engine, Proposal Evaluator, Winning Grant Analyzer, and Expert Review Panel.

How does the AI grant writing feature work?

You build your organization's profile once — including your mission, financials, team size, and key achievements. When you start a new application, our AI drafts every narrative section (project summary, goals, budget narrative, organizational capacity) using your real data — not generic templates. You review, edit, and submit.

What is the Win or Refund Guarantee?

If you submit 2 complete applications using Grant Search US and neither is awarded, we'll give you a full refund on your subscription. No questions asked. We're that confident in the platform's ability to help you win funding.

Can nonprofits use Grant Search US?

Absolutely. We have the largest collection of 501(c)(3) nonprofit grants on the platform — from major foundations like MacArthur, Walton, and Ford, to federal programs through HRSA, ACF, and AmeriCorps. Our eligibility filters let you instantly narrow to grants open to nonprofits.

How does the Proposal Evaluator work?

After drafting your application, the Proposal Evaluator scores your entire proposal A–F on a 100-point scale. It identifies strengths, areas to improve, missing sections, and eligibility flags — giving you a professional critique before you submit, so you can maximize your chances of winning.

What is Grant Audit Pro (Bring Your Own Grant)?

Grant Audit Pro lets you upload any existing grant draft — even from grants not in our database. Our AI analyzes it against professional grant-writing standards, provides a 6-person expert panel review, identifies winning patterns, and gives you specific revisions. It costs a fraction of hiring a professional grant writer.

How often is the grant database updated?

Our grant database syncs daily from federal sources (Grants.gov, NIH, NSF, SBA, USDA), state portals, major foundation websites, and curated nonprofit funding directories. New grants are added every day, and we automatically close expired listings.

What is GrantSearchUS?

An AI-powered platform to discover industry-specific grants, automate application drafting, and simplify your submission process.

Community Foundation Grants: How to Find Local Funding

Learn how to secure community foundation grants and tap into donor-advised funds. This guide covers finding local funders, building relationships, and winning.

What Are Community Foundation Grants?

Community foundation grants are funding opportunities provided by public charities that pool resources from diverse donors to address specific local needs. Unlike private foundations, which are often funded by a single source, community foundations operate as public charities, making them highly accessible for local nonprofits, schools, and grassroots organizations. They serve as a vital bridge between local donors and the community, offering competitive grants, capacity-building programs, and fiscal sponsorship for projects lacking 501(c)(3) status.

Key Takeaways

Local Focus: Community foundations prioritize projects that demonstrate clear, measurable impact within their specific geographic region.
Diverse Funding: They manage both competitive grant cycles and donor-advised funds (DAFs), which allow individual donors to recommend grants to nonprofits.
Relationship-Driven: Success often depends on building rapport with program officers rather than just submitting cold applications.
Fiscal Sponsorship: Many community foundations act as fiscal agents for new initiatives, allowing them to accept tax-deductible donations under the foundation's umbrella.

How to Find Your Local Community Foundation

Because community foundations are geographically bound, finding yours is a straightforward process. Start by using the Council on Foundations locator to identify accredited organizations in your area. You can also perform a simple web search for "[your city or county] community foundation." Most regions are served by at least one, and some areas may have multiple foundations covering city, county, or regional levels.

Understanding Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)

A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a charitable investment account that allows donors to recommend grants to qualified nonprofits. While there is no central public database to search for DAF funding—unlike federal grants found on Grants.gov—you can attract these funds by nurturing relationships with the donor services staff at your local community foundation. Ensure your organization is visible in the community and consider including DAF giving as an option in your annual appeals.

Strategies for a Winning Application

Focus on Local Impact

Community foundation review committees are composed of local leaders who understand the specific challenges of your region. Avoid generic national statistics; instead, use local data to illustrate the problem and your proposed solution.

Emphasize Collaboration

Proposals that demonstrate partnerships with other local nonprofits often score higher. Show that you are part of a broader ecosystem rather than working in a silo.

Be Transparent with Budgets

As with any grant, your budget must be clear and defensible. If you are new to this, consider reviewing resources on nonprofit financial management to ensure your budget narrative aligns with your project goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a private foundation and a community foundation?

A private foundation is typically funded by one source (an individual or family) and must distribute at least 5% of its assets annually. A community foundation is a public charity funded by many donors, allowing for more flexible, community-focused grantmaking.

Can I get a grant if I don't have 501(c)(3) status?

Yes. Many community foundations offer fiscal sponsorship, allowing you to operate under their tax-exempt status for a fee (typically 5% to 10% of funds managed).

How do I find out about open grant cycles?

Check the "For Nonprofits" or "Grant Opportunities" section of your local community foundation's website. Many also offer email newsletters to alert you when cycles open.

Are DAF grants competitive?

DAF grants are generally donor-directed, meaning they are not always part of a competitive application process. They are often awarded based on the donor's personal interest in your mission.

Do I need to register on SAM.gov for community foundation grants?

No. SAM.gov registration is required for federal grants (as per 2 CFR Part 200), but community foundations have their own independent application processes.

This article was prepared by the Grant Search US content team.

Community Foundation Grants: A Guide to Local Funding and DAFs