The Grant Game: How to Find, Write, and Win Grants for Your Organization
If you’re running a nonprofit or community-driven organization, you’ve probably heard the phrase:
“You should apply for grants!”
Sounds great—until you realize just how complex the grant process really is. From identifying the right opportunity to drafting a proposal that stands out and navigating post-award reporting, winning grants is part art, part science, and all strategy.
At L&A Consulting Services, we help our clients take the guesswork out of grants. Whether you’re just getting started or applying for your next round of funding, this guide breaks down how to approach the “grant game” with confidence—and success.
Part 1: Where to Find Grants That Match Your Mission
The biggest mistake many organizations make? Applying for grants that don’t actually fit their mission or capacity.
Here’s where to look for the right opportunities:
Local Foundations & Trusts – Often overlooked, local funders are usually more accessible and mission-aligned.
State and Federal Agencies – Grants.gov, SAM.gov, and local department sites list government opportunities across health, education, housing, and more.
Private & Corporate Foundations – Walmart Foundation, Ford Foundation, Google.org, and others offer national-level funding.
Community Development Grants – Your city or state may offer grants tied to economic development or neighborhood revitalization.
💡 Tip: Build a Grant Calendar. Keep a spreadsheet of upcoming deadlines, focus areas, and eligibility so you're always prepared.
Part 2: Prepare Your Organization to Be Grant-Ready
Before applying, funders want to know your house is in order.
To be “grant ready,” you need:
A clearly defined mission and measurable goals
A board of directors with active governance
Proper documentation (501(c)(3) approval, bylaws, EIN, budget)
A history of impact—even if small
Financial records and/or a bookkeeping system
A plan to evaluate the outcomes of your programs
If you're missing pieces, don’t worry. At L&A Consulting, we help nonprofits build grant readiness from the ground up.
Part 3: Writing a Winning Grant Proposal
Now comes the fun part—and yes, it can be fun with the right strategy.
Most successful grant proposals include:
Executive Summary – What your organization does and why it matters
Statement of Need – The issue you're addressing with compelling data and context
Goals & Objectives – Clear, measurable outcomes of your project
Program Design – Who, what, where, and how you’ll carry it out
Budget & Justification – Transparent, well-reasoned financials
Sustainability Plan – What happens after the grant runs out
Evaluation Strategy – How you’ll measure impact and success
🔑 Pro Tip: Tailor each proposal. Never copy and paste the same content across different funders. Speak their language.
Part 4: What Happens After You Win
Yes—winning the grant is just the beginning. Funders expect follow-through and accountability.
After winning, you’ll likely need to:
Submit regular progress reports and financial statements
Track outcomes with data and testimonials
Stay in compliance with budget restrictions
Communicate with the funder about milestones and challenges
Plan for post-funding sustainability
That’s why having systems in place (like bookkeeping and project management) is just as important as writing a great proposal.
Bonus: When to Hire a Grant Writer
You don’t have to do it all on your own. Hiring a grant writer or strategist can:
Save time
Increase your success rate
Strengthen weak spots in your narrative
Help you build a funder relationship strategy
At L&A Consulting, we offer:
Grant research & strategy reports
Small, medium, and large grant writing packages
Proposal editing and review
Full-service project management for federal grants
We don’t just write—we build funding strategies designed to scale your mission sustainably.
Ready to Win Your Next Grant?
Whether you’re applying for your first $5,000 community grant or pursuing six-figure government funding, we’re here to help you play to win.