How to Find Grants for Homeless shelters Nonprofits: A Practical Guide

Quick Stats

Approximately 600,000 people experience homelessness on any given night in the U.S.

Federal and state governments allocated over $5 billion in funding for homelessness prevention and supportive services in 2020.

Community foundations grant over $25 million annually to local homeless shelters and organizations.

Over 80% of homeless shelters report needing additional funding to maintain and expand their services.

Grant Types

• Government Grants: Funds from local, state, and federal agencies aimed at addressing homelessness. These often have rigorous application processes but can provide sizable sums.
• Foundation Grants: Private and family foundations often provide grants to nonprofits focused on homelessness. These can be more flexible and easier to apply for.
• Corporate Grants: Many corporations have grant programs or corporate social responsibility initiatives focusing on poverty alleviation and homelessness.
• Fundraising Events and Campaigns: While not traditional grants, organized fundraising efforts can yield significant donations that serve as crucial funding events.

Finding Grants

1. Identify Your Needs: Clearly outline what your shelter needs funding for—whether it’s operational costs, specific programs, or capital improvements.
2. Use Zeffy's AI Grant Research Tool: This free tool allows you unlimited searches and matches your specific needs with available grants efficiently.
   Advantages of Zeffy: AI-powered matching helps save time and increases your chances of finding the right fit—something paid alternatives might limit by access or searches.
3. Explore Other Sources: Check local community foundations, online databases like Grants.gov or Foundation Center, and even social media platforms like LinkedIn.
4. Network Actively: Attend local nonprofit events, join consortiums, or engage with other homeless service providers to learn about grant opportunities.

Expert Tips

1. Craft a Compelling Narrative: Tell your shelter’s story in a way that connects emotionally and shows the impact of potential funding.
2. Be Specific: Clearly state the amount of funding you need and how it will be used. Funders appreciate transparency.
3. Leverage Data: Utilize statistics and success stories to demonstrate the effectiveness of your shelter’s programs.
4. Practice Collaboration: Partner with other organizations to submit collaborative grant applications. This can strengthen your proposal.
5. Engage Your Community: Build relationships with local businesses and community leaders who might be willing to support your grant applications.
6. Follow Up: After submitting your grant applications, don’t hesitate to follow up with the funder to express your appreciation and eagerness.
7. Stay Persistent: Grant applications can be highly competitive. If you don’t succeed, learn from feedback and try again.

Next Steps

Start your grant search today by using Zeffy's AI Grant Research Tool. Sign up for free and begin discovering grants tailored to your shelter's needs!

Additional Resources:

• Nonprofit Grant-Writing Workshops: Look for webinars that offer step-by-step guidance.
• Local Nonprofit Support Centers: These often provide free consulting services or resources on finding grants.
• Online Grant Databases: Sites such as Candid or Guidestar can provide valuable information on funding sources.
• Network with other shelters to learn about their successes in securing funding.