How to find funding sources the nonprofit qualifies for in 2026

Learn how nonprofit board members can prepare, search, compare options, and find funding sources the organization may qualify for in 2026.

By CDings · 2026-10-31

CDings is published by the makers of Raise Buddy and ProductCost, which are compared here alongside other tools.

Gather the organization's documents, decide what funding you need, search several sources, and check every funder's rules before applying. Raise Buddy is one option that lists grants, loans, credits, prizes and other funding you may be able to apply for after you paste your website or describe what you do. ^[1]

Option	What it does	Cost
Raise Buddy Free plan ^[1]	Opens programs up to $1,000. ^[1]	Free. ^[1]
Raise Buddy Plus plan ^[1]	Opens programs up to $5,000. ^[1]	$14.99 a month. ^[1]
Raise Buddy Pro plan ^[1]	Opens every program, with advisors' review and AI connection. ^[1]	$199 a month. ^[1]

What you need before you start

As a nonprofit board member, review the facts a funder may ask for before searching for funding sources. Keeping these details together makes it easier to review opportunities.

Legal status. Have the organization's tax-exempt determination letter and its category, such as a 501(c)(3) or another type.
Location. Keep the registration location and operating location ready.
Mission and programs. Write a short explanation of what the organization does and who it serves.
History and size. Note when the organization started, its annual budget, and its staffing.
Tax documents. Gather recent Form 990 filings and any IRS letters. Check each funder's own document list.
Funding purpose. Decide whether the money is for programs, operations, equipment, expansion, or another need.
Board and leadership. Record the board roster and key contact people, because some programs ask who runs the organization.

A simple summary sheet with these facts can help keep funding applications consistent.

Step by step

Define the funding need. Decide what the money will support and whether a grant, loan, or another funding type fits that need.

Set basic search rules. Note the location, cause area, organization age, legal status, and other requirements that matter for eligibility.

Search reliable sources. Review federal and local grant programs, foundations, lenders, and other organizations that offer nonprofit funding.

Read eligibility rules carefully. Check who can apply, what the money can be used for, deadlines, and required documents before spending time on an application.

Build a shortlist. Separate opportunities into ones that match now, ones that need preparation, and ones that need more information.

Confirm unclear details. Contact the funder when rules, documents, or spending limits are not clear.

Prepare each application. Adjust answers to the specific program and provide the requested information.

Track applications. Record where each application was sent, when it was submitted, and what action comes next.

Review results and update the search. Funding programs change, so keep the organization's details ready for future opportunities.

Tools that can do it

Different sources can help with different parts of finding funding for the organization.

Government program lists. Government websites can show grant and loan programs. Check each program's own rules, documents, and deadlines.

Local supporting organizations. Local offices and nonprofit resource agencies may provide information about programs in a specific area. Check what services they provide and whether there are costs.

Banks, credit unions, and community lenders. These organizations can explain loan options, required documents, and costs for borrowing.

Private foundations. Review each foundation's published information and application rules before deciding whether to pursue its funding.

Raise Buddy. Raise Buddy is made by the team that publishes this site. You paste your website or describe what you do, and it lists grants, loans, credits, prizes and other funding you may be able to apply for. ^[1] Each match says whether you can apply, what one step stands in the way, or what is unclear, with the funder's own words. ^[1] It can read a Schedule C, Form 1120, 1065 or 990, or an IRS letter, from a photo or PDF into a draft profile you confirm, and it does not keep the EIN or the papers. ^[1] It includes private foundations that take applications, read from their own Form 990-PF tax returns. ^[1] It covers 25 ways to raise money, such as angel investors, SBA loans and equity crowdfunding, each with its official rules and a first step. ^[1] It keeps track of where each of your applications stands, but you apply on the funder's own site. ^[1] On the Pro plan, an AI assistant such as Claude can be connected so it can search Raise Buddy with ten tools. ^[1] The app works on the web and on phones. ^[1] The web app needs nothing installed. ^[1]

The Free plan opens programs up to $1,000, Plus is $14.99 a month and opens programs up to $5,000, and Pro is $199 a month with every program, advisors' review, and AI connection. ^[1] The first three matches in each section open on every plan. ^[1] A guest's search list ends after 5. ^[1] Only English is shown for now. ^[1]

Common mistakes to avoid

Applying before checking eligibility. A funding opportunity only helps when the organization meets the stated rules.

Ignoring spending limits. Some funding can only be used for certain purposes, so check the allowed uses before accepting money.

Relying on a list without checking the source. Confirm deadlines and requirements with the funder.

Confusing grants and loans. Grants and loans have different repayment expectations and costs.

Waiting until the last minute. Documents, registrations, and answers can take time to prepare.

Using different details in different places. Keep financial and legal information consistent across applications.

Not tracking follow-ups. Missing a request for information can slow down the process.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a grant and a loan for a nonprofit?

A grant is money that usually does not need repayment, but it may have rules about who can receive it and how it can be used. A loan must be repaid and usually includes interest. Nonprofit board members should compare the purpose, cost, and requirements of each option before choosing a funding path.

What documents does a nonprofit need to find funding sources?

Common documents include the organization's tax-exempt determination letter, registration details, location information, a mission description, and recent tax filings such as Form 990. Some funders may request additional information. Check each program's own document list because requirements can differ between funding sources.

Can a nonprofit check eligibility before applying for funding?

Yes. Review the funder's rules for organization type, location, legal status, spending limits, and required documents before applying. Raise Buddy gives each match a statement about whether you can apply, what one step stands in the way, or what is unclear, using the funder's own words. ^[1]

Does Raise Buddy apply for funding for the organization?

No. Raise Buddy keeps track of where each application stands, but the organization applies on the funder's own site. ^[1] The board still needs to review the requirements, prepare answers, and send the application through the required process.

How much does Raise Buddy cost?

Free plan opens programs up to $1,000; Plus is $14.99 a month (up to $5,000); Pro is $199 a month (every program, advisors' review, AI connection). The first three matches in each section open on every plan. ^[1]

Try Raise Buddy

Sources

Raise Buddy's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher)