10 Best Websites to Find Grants for Nonprofits in the U.S. (2026 Guide)

25 Dec

For many U.S. nonprofits, grants are a lifeline. But searching for them often feels overwhelming—hundreds of sites, outdated listings, and endless applications.

The good news? There are reliable websites built specifically to help nonprofits find and apply for grants. Whether you’re a small grassroots nonprofit or a national organisation, these platforms can save you time and connect you with the right opportunities.

Here are the 10 best websites to find grants in 2026.

1. Grants.gov

The official U.S. government grant database. It lists over 1,000 federal grant programs.

✅ Free to use
✅ Covers every federal agency
❌ Can be overwhelming for beginners

👉 Visit Grants.gov

2. Candid (formerly Foundation Center & GuideStar)

Candid’s Foundation Directory Online is one of the most comprehensive databases for U.S. foundations and grantmakers.

✅ 100,000+ grantmaker profiles
✅ Tracks funder giving history
❌ Paid subscription (but many libraries provide free access)

👉 Visit Candid.org

3. GrantWatch

A user-friendly site with regularly updated grant opportunities.

✅ Covers federal, state, local, and foundation grants
✅ Useful filters (location, cause, nonprofit size)
❌ Subscription required for full details

👉 Visit GrantWatch

4. Instrumentl

A powerful grant research and tracking tool.

✅ Smart matching algorithm connects you with best-fit grants
✅ Allows team collaboration and deadline tracking
❌ Paid subscription (offers free trial)

👉 Visit Instrumentl

5. The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Beyond news, it features a Grants section that highlights new opportunities from foundations.

✅ Curated funding news + trends
✅ Great for staying ahead of what’s coming
❌ Requires subscription

👉 Visit Philanthropy.com

6. GrantStation

Designed for nonprofits of all sizes, offering a wide range of opportunities.

✅ Affordable annual membership (often bundled with Nonprofit Quarterly subscriptions)
✅ Includes tools for proposal development
❌ Not as extensive as Candid

👉 Visit GrantStation

7. Grant Gopher

A straightforward platform with free basic search and paid premium options.

✅ Easy interface for small nonprofits
✅ Email alerts for new grants
❌ Limited free access

👉 Visit GrantGopher

8. Local Community Foundations

Don’t overlook your own backyard. Many community foundations post open grant cycles on their websites.

✅ Regional funding with smaller, more accessible grants
✅ Often tailored to local causes
❌ Requires research by location

👉 Example: Cleveland Foundation

9. NonprofitReady.org

While not a grant database, it offers free training on grant writing and fundraising.

✅ Free courses & resources
✅ Good for small teams with no grant writer
❌ Doesn’t list grants directly

👉 Visit NonprofitReady.org

10. LinkedIn + Professional Networks

Yes, even LinkedIn. Many funders post about open opportunities in nonprofit-focused groups or their company pages.

✅ Free networking and relationship building
✅ Real-time updates from grantmakers
❌ Requires active engagement

Finding grants doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Use these tools to:

Stay up-to-date on opportunities.
Filter for your nonprofit’s size and focus.
Save time with smart search features.

The best strategy? Combine free resources (Grants.gov, community foundations) with professional platforms (Candid, Instrumentl) for maximum coverage. Finding grants is just one piece of the puzzle—winning donors’ hearts through marketing and storytelling is what keeps nonprofits thriving.

At Socials Runway, we share weekly strategies to help nonprofits grow their reach, build donor trust, and raise more online. Follow us on Instagram @socialsrunway for quick, practical tips.