Nonprofits Are Winning These Grants – Here’s How You Can Too!
Winning grant funding doesn’t have to feel impossible – just ask these nonprofits! From first-time grant writers to one-person teams, organizations across the country are landing significant grants that are transforming their missions, expanding their reach, and changing lives.
Whether it’s $1,000 or $400,000, these wins are proof that with the right tools and determination, even small nonprofits can secure big opportunities. Here’s how they did it, and how you can, too!
How This Small Nonprofit Landed a $400K Grant!
For small nonprofits operating without full-time staff, finding and securing major funding can be a daunting task. But for Literacy United, a breakthrough came through the use of GrantWatch.
“We’ve received several grants as a direct result of using GrantWatch. It’s my primary tool for identifying funding opportunities,” said Dr. Kary Johnson, Executive Director of Literacy United. “The most impactful so far has been a $400,000 grant – the largest award we’ve ever received. This substantial funding has been a turning point for the organization. “It allowed us to grow in meaningful ways and truly legitimized our presence in the community,” Dr. Johnson added.
Thanks to this critical support, Literacy United is now better equipped to expand its mission and make a lasting impact in the communities it serves. But they aren’t the only ones with a success story to tell…
One Founder, Zero Staff, and Thousands in Grant Money!
Kerry Dolan is the founder and Executive Director of Student-Led Ed, a nonprofit organization launched during COVID. “As the sole founder, I wear many hats,” Dolan explains. “In addition to leading the organization, I also serve as our only grant writer, fundraiser, external partnerships coordinator, operations manager, and student leadership coach.“
With no paid staff and working on a volunteer basis , access to effective tools and resources is crucial. One such resource has been GrantWatch, that Dolan credits with helping the organization with identifying and winning viable funding opportunities.
“In just our first year, thanks to GrantWatch, I successfully secured several grants that have significantly supported our mission,” she shares. These include awards from The Pollination Project ($1,000), The Springboard Foundation ($2,000), The Resist Foundation ($3,000), and the National Geographic COVID Educator Fund Grant ($8,000).
For a young nonprofit still building its foundation, these early wins have been pivotal. “GrantWatch has played an essential role in helping us continue our work and grow toward our long-term goal: becoming a full-time, fully staffed organization.“
First-Time Grant Writer Finds Success and Wins Grants!
For Judy Bordeau, Administrative Assistant and HR Coordinator at Burns Science and Technology Charter School, applying for and winning a grant was uncharted territory. But when she discovered a promising opportunity, she decided to take a leap, and it paid off.
“I found the grant through GrantWatch, and it was the first grant I had ever applied for,” Bordeau shared. “I was thrilled to learn that even as a novice, I could successfully connect with organizations that care and want to support education.”
That first success has been a game-changer, both for Bordeau and the school. Encouraged by the experience, she now feels empowered to pursue additional funding to support students and staff.
“This experience showed me that you don’t have to be a professional grant writer to make a difference,” she said. “You just have to start.” At Burns Science and Technology Charter School, that initiative is already opening new doors for growth and opportunity.
Ready to Write Your Own Grant Success Story?
These nonprofits prove that no matter your size, experience level, or resources, meaningful grant funding is within reach. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your impact, having the right tools and the courage to apply can make all the difference to winning grants. The next inspiring grant success story could be yours!
Behind each of these success stories is a common thread. And, what was their strategic lifeline? For these nonprofit leaders, GrantWatch became a trusted resource and the starting point in their search for funding. With clear listings, organized categories, and regularly updated grants, it made the search process less overwhelming and more actionable to discover opportunities that aligned with their mission.
If you’re new to grants, or an established nonprofit, GrantWatch is your valuable tool when it comes to finding and winning current and verified grant opportunities. Click here to start your grant search today!
About GrantWatch
Libby Hikind, author of The Queen of Grants: From Teacher to Grant Writer to CEO, founded GrantWatch.com, the largest advanced grant search engine in the United States. The platform features over 10,000 active, verified, and human-curated grant opportunities in more than 60 funding categories. Additionally, it serves nonprofits, small businesses, government agencies, tribal governments, and individuals seeking grant funding. GrantWatch also offers innovative funding tools like the AI Grant Writing Tool, AI Grant Searching Tool, and My Grant Calendar, making it easier to find grants, track deadlines, and draft proposals. Members can upgrade to MemberPlus+ for complete grant details, eligibility criteria, and application information. With 21 powerful features, live customer support, and weekly GrantTalk podcast episodes, GrantWatch is the go-to resource for finding grants and turning funding opportunities into awarded grants.
