How to Find Grants for Health Nonprofits: A Practical Guide

Quick Stats

In 2021, health nonprofits received over $20 billion in grant funding in the U.S.

Approximately 52% of health grant funding comes from private foundations.

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a 40% increase in grant availability for health-related projects.

Grant Types

1. Government Grants: These are funded by federal, state, or local government agencies. Examples include grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. Foundation Grants: Offered by private or community foundations. They may focus on specific health issues, such as mental health or chronic diseases, like the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's initiatives.
3. Corporate Grants: Many corporations offer grants as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies. For instance, pharmaceutical companies may fund programs promoting health awareness.
4. Research Grants: These funds are specifically for scientific studies and clinical trials. They often come from academic institutions or research foundations.
5. Capacity-Building Grants: Designed to strengthen the operational capabilities of health nonprofits, these grants help organizations develop new programs or services.

Finding Grants

Step-by-Step Process for Finding Grants

1. Define Your Mission and Goals: Clearly articulate what your health nonprofit aims to achieve and identify specific funding needs.
2. Identify Your Target Audience: Understand who benefits from your services and who your potential funders might be.
3. Utilize Zeffy's AI Grant Research Tool: Start your search here! It's free, offers unlimited searches, and uses AI to match you with grants based on your organization’s profile and goals.
4. Conduct Secondary Research: Use platforms like Grants.gov, Foundation Center, and local community foundations to discover additional funding opportunities.
5. Network with Other Nonprofits: Connect with peers in the health sector to share leads and experiences.

Other Complementary Sources

• Local Health Departments: They often have information on regional grants.
• Professional Associations: Organizations like the American Public Health Association (APHA) can provide insight into funding opportunities.
• Online Grant Databases: Search websites like GrantWatch for updated listings.

Expert Tips

1. Tailor Your Proposals: Customize each grant application to align with the funder’s priorities and demonstrate how your work meets their goals.
2. Build Relationships with Funders: Attend events, webinars, and forums to establish contact with potential funders and understand their priorities better.
3. Leverage Success Stories: Highlight past achievements to build credibility. For instance, if you helped reduce childhood obesity rates in your community, emphasize that impact.
4. Be Concise and Clear: Funders are busy; make your proposal easy to read and understand by being concise and sticking to the point.
5. Plan for Sustainability: Funders want to see that your project can continue beyond their initial support. Discuss how you will secure ongoing funding.
6. Be Prepared for Reporting Requirements: Be aware of the evaluation and reporting requirements associated with your grants to ensure compliance.
7. Utilize Social Media: Share your organization’s impact on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to attract attention from potential funders.

Next Steps

Take Action!

Start your grant research today by utilizing Zeffy's AI Grant Research Tool. It’s easy to use and will help match you with relevant funding opportunities tailored to your health nonprofit.

Additional Resources

• Zeffy’s Grant Tool: Try it free today!
• Foundation Directory Online by Candid: A comprehensive tool for finding foundation grants.
• Local Library Resources: Many libraries offer access to grant databases and can provide personalized assistance.