How to find grants that fund a specific program in 2026

Q: Does Raise Buddy work on a phone?

Raise Buddy works on the web and on phones. The web app needs nothing installed. Only English is shown for now, even though five more languages are planned. Check that the funder's own application site also works on your device before you start, since you apply there.

Learn how nonprofit program managers can prepare, search, and compare grants that fund one specific program, and check each funder's rules before applying.

By CDings · 2026-10-31

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

To find grants that fund one specific program, write down the program first, then search for funders whose stated priorities name that work, and read each funder's rules before you apply. Confirm anything unclear with the funder before you write the proposal.

Option	What it does	Cost
Raise Buddy Free plan ^[1]	Opens programs up to $1,000. ^[1] The first three matches in each section open on every plan. ^[1]	Free. Card fee not published. ^[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

Gather the basic facts a funder may ask for before you search for grants that fund a specific program. Keeping them in one place makes your search and your applications consistent.

Organization details. Keep your legal name, registration details, and the location where the organization operates.
Mission and program. Write a short description of the specific program, who it serves, and what it changes.
Program budget. Note what the program costs, which expenses it covers, and the period it will run.
Track record. Record past outcomes and partners that show the program works, using your own records.
Tax information. Find your most recent Form 990 and any IRS letters about your tax-exempt status. Check whether each funder asks for them.
Leadership. Know who governs the organization and who would lead the program day to day.
Funding history. List past grants and the reporting each one required.

A single summary page with these facts can help you answer funder questions quickly.

Step by step

Define the program. Write one paragraph that names the program, the people it serves, and its main activities.

List the funder types. Decide which kinds of funders may support this work, such as government agencies, community foundations, and private foundations.

Search by program focus. Look for funders whose stated priorities name your population or activity, not only your general mission.

Read each funder's guidelines. Check eligibility, allowed costs, any match requirement, reporting rules, and deadlines before you spend time on a proposal.

Build a shortlist. Sort funders into those you meet now, those that need preparation, and those that need a call to clarify.

Ask about unclear points. Contact the program officer when rules about overhead or allowed costs are not clear.

Tailor each proposal. Use the funder's own language and answer every question in the order the funder asks.

Track each submission. Record the deadline, what was sent, and any reporting dates that follow an award.

Update the search. Review the shortlist regularly and add new funders as the program changes.

Tools that can do it

Different sources help with different parts of the search. Choose the ones that fit how your organization already works.

Raise Buddy. Raise Buddy is made by the team that publishes this site. 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, using the funder's own words. ^[1] It can read a Form 990 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 keeps track of where each application stands, but you apply on the funder's own site. ^[1]
Funder websites. Read each funder's own program page for the program you want to fund, including its eligibility rules, allowed costs, and deadline. The funder's page is the final source for its requirements.
Foundation directories. Search for foundations that publish grant programs in your field, then open each foundation's own guidelines before you apply.
Local and regional funders. Community foundations and local government offices may run programs in a specific area. Check whether your service area is included in each program's rules.

Common mistakes to avoid

Searching by mission alone. Funders often fund a specific population or activity, so a broad mission search can miss programs that fit.

Skipping the guidelines. A funder's rules on eligibility and allowed costs decide whether a proposal can be funded, so read them before writing.

Assuming overhead is covered. Check whether the funder allows indirect costs and how much, rather than assuming they are included.

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

Using different organization details in different places. Keep budgets, tax details, and descriptions consistent across proposals.

Waiting until the last minute. Registrations, board approvals, and signed letters can take time to gather.

Forgetting reporting duties. Many awards come with reports due after the funding is received, so plan for them when you apply.

Frequently asked questions

How can a nonprofit find grants that fund one specific program?

Start by writing down the program, the people it serves, and what it costs. Then search for funders whose stated priorities name that work, and read each funder's guidelines for eligibility, allowed costs, and deadlines. Shortlist the funders whose rules you meet, and confirm anything unclear with the funder before writing the proposal.

Does Raise Buddy list grants for a nonprofit's program?

Raise Buddy 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] Each match says whether you can apply, what one step stands in the way, or what is unclear, using the funder's own words. ^[1] You still apply on the funder's own site. ^[1]

Can Raise Buddy read a nonprofit's tax return?

Raise Buddy can read a Form 990 from a photo or PDF into a draft profile you confirm, and it does not keep the EIN or the papers. ^[1] Private foundations that take applications are included, read from their own Form 990-PF tax returns. ^[1] Review the draft before you rely on it, and check each funder's own document list.

How much does Raise Buddy cost?

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] Guest search ends after 5. ^[1]

Does Raise Buddy work on a phone?

Raise Buddy works on the web and on phones. ^[1] The web app needs nothing installed. ^[1] Only English is shown for now, even though five more languages are planned. ^[1] Check that the funder's own application site also works on your device before you start, since you apply there.

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)