Free Grant Writing Resources for Nonprofits | Templates, Guides & Checklists
Stronger grant proposals start here. We’ve created 13 free, downloadable grant-writing resources, from beginner guides to advanced templates, so your nonprofit can pursue funding with confidence, no matter your experience level. Whether you’re writing your first grant proposal or refining a years-long strategy, our tools cover every stage of the grant life cycle. Built by our team of credentialed grant professionals, these free nonprofit grant-writing resources are trusted by organizations across the country.
The 5 R's of Grant Writing
Grant Life Cycle | The 5 Rs of Grant Writing
Successful grant writing isn’t luck; it’s a repeatable process. This free guide walks you through the complete grant life cycle using the 5 Rs framework developed by our credentialed grant professionals. Whether you’re new to nonprofit grant writing or looking to sharpen your strategy, you’ll walk away with a clear, actionable roadmap. Download this free grant-writing resource and start building a stronger funding strategy today.
Basic Grant-Writing Acronyms and Terms
New to grant writing, or just need a reliable reference? This free glossary covers the most commonly used grant-writing terms, acronyms, and definitions so that you can navigate proposals, RFPs, and funder communications with confidence. It’s an essential resource for nonprofit staff and volunteers, as well as for anyone stepping into a grant-writing role for the first time. Keep it bookmarked and never get tripped up by grant terminology again.
Grant-Writing Tools and Resources
Plenty of grant-writing tools are out there, but which ones are actually worth your time? Our team of experienced nonprofit grant professionals compiled their favorite platforms, resources, and time-saving tools in one free, easy-to-reference guide. From grant research to proposal management, this list cuts through the noise and points you to what works. Download it free and spend less time searching and more time writing winning proposals.
Grant-Writing Style Guide
Consistency in your grant proposals builds credibility with funders, and this free Grant-Writing Style Guide helps your team get on the same page. It covers language preferences, formatting standards, and terminology agreements so that every proposal your organization submits sounds cohesive and professional. Especially valuable for nonprofits with multiple staff or volunteers contributing to grant applications. Download this free nonprofit grant-writing template and set your whole team up for success.
Grant Readiness Guide
Before you write a single word of a grant proposal, your organization needs to be grant-ready, and this free guide shows you exactly how to get there. You’ll learn what grant readiness really means, how your strategic plan affects your fundability, and what role your grant team plays in the process. Practical tips and tools are included to help you assess readiness for individual opportunities and for your overall grant strategy. This is one of the most downloaded free grant-writing resources we offer, and for good reason.
Grant Research Guide (includes grant calendar)
Not every grant opportunity is worth pursuing—and knowing when to say no is just as important as writing a strong proposal. This free grant research guide walks you through evaluating funders, identifying the best-fit opportunities for your nonprofit, and organizing your pipeline with a ready-to-use grant calendar. Brainstorming prompts help you think beyond your usual funder list so that you don’t miss the right opportunities. Download this free nonprofit grant tool and take the guesswork out of your grant research process.
Grantmaker Relationship Guide
Building strong relationships with funders is one of the most overlooked keys to grant-writing success. This free toolkit gives you a step-by-step approach to reaching out to grantmakers, complete with talking points, a questionnaire, and practical tips for making a confident first impression. It’s designed for both new and experienced grant professionals who want to move beyond the transactional and build lasting funder partnerships. Download this free guide and start approaching grantmaker outreach with a clear, strategic plan.
Logic Model Guidebook
Logic models are a standard requirement in many grant applications, and a poorly constructed one can cost you the award. This free Logic Model Guidebook leads you through each component step by step, with real examples showing exactly what to include in each section. It’s also a powerful internal tool for aligning your program leadership and grant writer around a shared understanding of your program design. Download this free nonprofit grant-writing guide and take the confusion out of logic model development.
SMART Objectives Toolkit
Funders want to see measurable, achievable goals, and vague objectives are one of the most common reasons grant proposals fall short. This free SMART Objectives Toolkit helps you and your team write clear, compelling objectives using the proven SMART framework, with practical tips, real-world examples, and a fillable template included. It works both for first-time grant writers and for seasoned professionals looking to tighten up their proposal language. Download this free grant-writing template and start writing objectives that impress reviewers.
Grant Budget Storytelling Guide
Your budget isn’t just a spreadsheet; it’s part of your grant story, and funders are reading it closely. This free Grant Budget Storytelling Guide gives you concrete tips and examples for designing and presenting a budget narrative that builds funder confidence. Written in plain language, it’s accessible for nonprofit staff at any experience level. Download this free resource and learn how to strengthen your application by weaving your numbers together with your compelling story.
Mock Review Toolkit
The best way to submit a stronger grant application is to review it the way a funder would, and this free Mock Review Toolkit makes that easy. It includes an internal scoring tool, a firm application rubric for when funders don’t provide one, and criteria to help you catch gaps before you click submit. Trusted by grant professionals across the country, this toolkit brings the rigor of a real review panel to your internal process. Download it free and feel confident in every application you submit.
Grant Stewardship Success Checklist
Winning a grant is just the beginning, and how you manage the relationship afterward determines whether funders want you back. This free Grant Stewardship Checklist guides your organization through all four phases of the stewardship process: cultivation, initiation, implementation, and closeout. It’s designed to help nonprofits build the kind of meaningful funder relationships that lead to renewals, increased awards, and long-term partnerships. Download this free nonprofit grant tool and turn every award into a lasting funding relationship.
Guide to Incorporating Your Red Thread®
The most compelling grant applications aren’t just well-written; they’re built around a single, powerful narrative thread that ties everything together. This free guide shows you how to identify your organization’s “Red Thread” and weave it throughout your proposal so that every section reinforces your core story. Grantmakers will not only understand your work, but they’ll also feel confident championing it. Download this free grant-writing guide and give your next proposal the narrative clarity that sets it apart.
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Agile in Nonprofits Free Resources
Agile in Nonprofits strives to support nonprofit organizations that are looking to achieve greater impact in their communities faster than they ever have before. Led by Scrum Trainer, Diane H. Leonard, GPC, RST, the Agile in Nonprofits team support nonprofits through training and coaching to assist in each organizations’ agile transformation.
Agile in Nonprofits, started in 2018, is a product of DH Leonard Consulting.
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