How to source new funding opportunities for clients in 2026

Learn how freelance grant writers can prepare, search, and compare new funding opportunities for clients, with tools and steps to stay organized.

By CDings · 2026-10-15

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

Gather client details and documents, define what funding each client needs, 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 clients may be able to apply for after you paste their website or describe what they 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

Prepare the basic facts a funder may ask for before looking for funding opportunities on behalf of a client. Keeping these details together makes it easier to review opportunities and move quickly when deadlines are tight.

Client structure. Know whether the client is a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, nonprofit, corporation or another type.
Location. Keep the registration location and operating location ready.
Client description. Write a short explanation of what the client does and who it serves.
Client history. Note when the client started, its size, and basic revenue or budget information.
Tax information. Gather recent tax returns and any tax agency letters. Check each funder's own document list.
Funding purpose. Decide whether the money is for programs, equipment, hiring, research, expansion, or another need.
Ownership and board details. Record who owns or governs the client because some programs have specific ownership or governance rules.

A simple summary page with these facts for each client can help keep applications consistent and save time when a new opportunity appears.

Step by step

Define the funding goal for each client. Decide what the money will support and whether a grant, loan, or another funding type matches that goal.

Set basic search rules. Note the client's location, industry, age, ownership or governance details, and other requirements that matter for eligibility.

Search reliable sources. Review government programs, local business or nonprofit offices, lenders, foundations, and other organizations that offer funding opportunities.

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 or lender when rules, documents, or spending limits are not clear.

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

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 client details ready for future opportunities.

Tools that can do it

Different sources can help with different parts of finding funding opportunities for clients.

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

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

Foundation directories. Foundation databases can list grantmakers and their funding priorities. Check each foundation's own application guidelines and deadlines.

Raise Buddy. Raise Buddy is made by the team that publishes this site. You paste a client's website or describe what they do, and it lists grants, loans, credits, prizes and other funding they may be able to apply for. ^[1] Each match says whether the client 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 other 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 application stands, but the client applies on the funder's own site. ^[1] Its program list includes the UK's Find a Grant, Australia's GrantConnect, France's Aides-territoires, Japan's jGrants, Spain's BDNS and Austria's Transparenzportal. ^[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 without checking eligibility. A funding opportunity only helps when the client 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 or lender.

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 client details in different places. Keep financial and organizational information consistent across applications.

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

Frequently asked questions

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

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. Freelance grant writers should compare the purpose, cost, and requirements of each option before choosing a funding path for a client.

What documents are needed to find funding opportunities for clients?

Common documents include client registration details, location information, a description of what the client does, and recent tax records. Some funders or lenders may request additional information. Check each program's own document list because requirements can differ between funding sources.

Can a freelance grant writer check eligibility before applying for a client?

Yes. Review the funder's rules for client type, location, ownership, spending limits, and required documents before applying. Raise Buddy gives each match a statement about whether the client 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 grants and loans for clients?

No. Raise Buddy keeps track of where each application stands, but the client applies on the funder's own site. ^[1] The freelance grant writer 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)