In Part II of our prospecting series, we’ll show you how to move from “maybe” to “most likely” by qualifying each funder based on fit. From mission alignment and eligibility to regional focus and active giving status, we’ll help you weed out the dead ends so you can focus on the grants most likely to say yes. Plus, grab our free scoring chart to make the process easier (and faster).

Learn how to identify potential grant funders with this beginner-friendly guide. Discover the key steps in grant prospect research, including defining your funding needs, understanding grant types, using tools like Foundation Directory Online and Grants.gov, and researching who funds similar projects. Perfect for small nonprofits and local governments starting their grant journey.

Applying for federal funding in Kentucky? You’ll need to submit your application through the state’s e-Clearinghouse for required review and approval. This guide covers what to expect and how to complete the process smoothly.

The Kentucky Attorney General’s charitable giving page includes a list of private foundations that could be a valuable tool for nonprofits seeking funding. This article covers how to use this resource for grant prospecting and explores other Kentucky-specific funding tools.

Recovering from a disaster takes more than just FEMA assistance—Kentucky communities need additional funding to rebuild and prepare for future floods. Grant Ready Kentucky is here to help with resources like the Flood-Related Local Match Program, a comprehensive disaster relief grants database, and free 1-on-1 support from grant professionals. Explore available funding opportunities and get expert guidance to ensure your community secures the resources needed for long-term recovery and resilience.

The Grants.gov Discussion Forum is a valuable tool for both new and experienced grant seekers. It provides a collaborative environment where individuals can share knowledge, ask questions, and stay informed about best practices in the field. Engaging in this community can enhance your grant-seeking efforts and help you navigate the complexities of federal funding opportunities.

Registering for Grants.gov is your first step toward unlocking federal funding opportunities. While the process requires a little time upfront, it’s well worth it.

Looking for TA resources? Start here! While there are many resources available, they can be difficult to find. This is our first in a series of articles on valuable TA resources available to KY nonprofits and communities. Here we cover common terminology, and major general TA resources with a focus on planning, developing, or managing grant-funded projects.

The IRS's free, on-demand, 10-course workshop to help small to mid-sized nonprofit organizations stay tax-exempt.

The USDA Resource Guide for Rural Workforce Development is a great tool for planning workforce development projects. The guide covers 4 major assistance areas and includes recommended practices, sample success stories, and a list of USDA resources, including grants, for each. Additionally, the guide includes a list of resources in other federal agency programs and contact information for the USDA departments.

The Interagency Working Group on Coal and Power Plant Communities and Economic Revitalization (Energy Communities IWG) recently launched two new resources in their ongoing effort to breakdown barriers to accessing federal funding and resources.

Federal grants often require grant recipients to match a percentage of the federal award with other sources of cash or in-kind (non-cash) resources. A majority of Kentucky nonprofits surveyed by Grant Ready Kentucky find match requirements to be a significant barrier to applying for public funds. In this article, we outline the basics of federal grant match requirements and how to meet them.

Organization wishing to pursue federal grant funding must first complete SAM Registration. We've found that some rural organizations run into challenges with the registration process regarding their entity validation. Here is a guide to dealing with some of the most frequent issues.

If you are planning to apply for federal funding, one of the very first things you need to do is register with the System for Award Management (SAM) and obtain a Unique Entity Identification Number (UEI). Here's our guide to getting started.

Trouble finding data to support your grant application? Watch this demonstration webinar and learn how to access Kentucky-specific data from the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS). In this special webinar, Jessica Fletcher, MPA, shares how KYSTATS data and research can be useful in developing grant applications.

If you’re an organization in Appalachia looking for resources to build your capacity, the READY Nonprofits program offers training, technical assistance, funding, and more.

Foundation Directory Online (FDO) is one of the most extensive databases of grant resources available today. Here's how you can access it for FREE at some Kentucky public libraries.