Know Where to Look

• Knowing where to find grants that you can apply for is essential. Using your time well when searching for grants can increase your efficiency in finding the right grants. The most comprehensive resource for searching for grants is run by the federal government, grants.gov. (see Resources) On this site, you can search by keyword, category, granting agency or funding instrument type. The Foundation Center allows you to search for privately funded grants for both individuals and nonprofit organizations.
  
  

Tailor Your Search

• Sifting through dozens--or even hundreds--of search results can be a tiring and inefficient process. The more specific your grant search, the more relevant your results will be. For example, if you're the head of a museum seeking a grant, then you would use keywords or categories like "arts," "culture" or "cultural affairs" when searching for grants. This search will eliminate broad-based grants and instead, identify those grants that are suitable for your organization.
  
  

Be Selective

• Just because your organization fulfills all or some of the grant requirements does not mean you have to apply. Grant writing is a time-consuming process, and you should dedicate your resources to those grants for which you are most qualified. Grants that are open to a range of categories or a broad category like "nonprofits" will result in hundreds, if not thousands, of proposals, which will instantly reduce your odds to obtaining the grant money. Look for grants that your organization is uniquely qualified for to maximize your success rate.
  
  

Take Your Time

• Writing a grant proposal is the most challenging part of the process. Grant writing takes time, focus and a dedicated team to accomplish the task. Therefore, you should begin your grant proposal as early as you can, long before the submission deadline. Take time to identify the problem or need and explain your solution. Make sure your proposal follows the granting organization's guidelines. Target each grant proposal to the granting organization; don't try using a generic template that you fill in for every grant.