Funder Research
What Are Community Foundation Grants (and How to Win Them)
Director of Grant Strategy, Crescendo Connection
TL;DR
Community foundations pool local donors to fund local causes. They're accessible, relationship-driven, and ideal for small nonprofits. Find yours, build a relationship, and apply to the right fund.
If you run a small, place-based nonprofit, your local community foundation may be the single best funder you're not yet talking to.
How community foundations work
They pool gifts from many local donors into funds that support local causes. Almost every US metro has one, and they exist to fund organizations exactly like yours.
Why they're so accessible
Smaller awards, simpler applications, and a genuine preference for community-rooted work. New grantees are welcome.
How to win
Find yours, attend their info sessions, build a relationship with program staff, and apply to the specific fund that matches your work. Crescendo Connection flags community foundations in your region automatically.
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