Top 3 Free Grant-Writing Supports for Small Nonprofits
Small nonprofits often lack the budget and dedicated staff to master grant writing and management—but you don’t have to go it alone. These three Cleveland-area programs offer expert guidance, hands-on feedback, and practical tools at no cost, so you can write stronger proposals and steward awards with confidence.
1. Cleveland Public Library
What It Is: CCPL’s dedicated topic page aggregates key grant-writing tools and guides:
- Foundation Directory Online — Research tens of thousands of foundations, their giving interests, and open RFPs (via CCPL’s Research Databases).
- Foundation Directory Essentials — A streamlined interface to identify potential funders and navigate their profiles.
- GuideStar (Candid) — Access IRS Form 990s to vet foundations’ giving history and grant patterns.
- Sample Proposals & RFPs — Real-world examples across sectors, curated by CCPL’s Social Sciences librarians.
- Grant Writing Guides — Step-by-step PDF manuals on crafting each section of a proposal.
Access: Free with your CCPL library card. Visit the full collection at cpl.org/topic/grantwriting-and-nonprofits/.
2. JumpStart Inc. Grant Writing & Grant Finding Cohort
What It Is: A virtual, cohort-based workshop series tailored for growth-stage nonprofits and small businesses. From identifying relevant RFPs to peer-reviewing your first draft, JumpStart’s program equips you with the tools to find and win funding.
- Next Cohort: Applications typically open in late summer/fall—monitor JumpStart’s page for exact dates
- Cost: Free (limited seats; advance registration required)
- Why It Helps:
- Small-group format ensures individualized feedback
- Peer-learning environment connects you with fellow local grantees
- Practical exercises build skills you can apply immediately
- Register: JumpStart Education & Events
3. Cuyahoga County Public Library “How to Write and Win Grants with No Experience”
What It Is: One-off workshops that demystify proposal writing for absolute beginners and pair each session with access to curated guides, sample RFPs, and funder directories.
- Upcoming Sessions: Check CCPL’s Classes & Events portal in for fall dates
- Cost: Free with a CCPL library card
- Why It Helps:
- No prior experience required—ideal for volunteer-run or one-person shops
- Hands-on exercises walk you through each section of a typical grant application
- Access to CCPL’s digital collections ensures you can research funders without extra subscriptions
- Register: CCPL Events & Classes
From Writing to Winning: How Do You Get Invited In?
Now that you’ve found the top free resources to sharpen your proposal skills and learn grant management, you’re well prepared for any grant cycle. But having the chops to write and steward an award is only half the equation—how do you earn an invitation to actually sit at the table and shape those applications in the first place?
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