Secure More Funding: Grant Writing Resources For Nonprofits
- Sarah Murphy
- Apr 3
- 6 min read
Many nonprofits operate with limited resources, small teams, and increasing demands. Securing funding to launch or sustain vital programs can feel overwhelming. That’s where the right grant writing resources for nonprofits come in. With the proper tools and expert support, your organization can compete for—and win—the funding it needs to grow its impact.
At ERI Grants, we specialize in giving nonprofits the guidance, templates, evaluation support, and writing expertise to succeed. Whether you’re applying for the first time or reapplying for a major grant, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Why Nonprofits Need Strong Grant Writing Resources
Limited Internal Capacity
Most nonprofits are mission-driven but resource-limited. Staff often juggle multiple responsibilities, from program delivery to fundraising. Hiring a full-time grant writer is rarely feasible. This reality means that many promising projects never reach funding agencies simply because the team doesn’t have the bandwidth to prepare strong proposals. Having access to expert support, templates, and strategic advice helps nonprofits build internal knowledge while staying focused on serving their communities.
Challenge | Impact | Solution |
Limited staff capacity | Delays in grant application planning and submission | Access to grant templates, expert reviews, and outsourced writing services |
Increased competition for funds | Applications may be overlooked due to lack of alignment or polish | Strategic matching with suitable funders and professionally written proposals |
Difficulty telling their story | Missed connection with funders who want to understand the mission and community served | Coaching on narrative framing and development of powerful mission-driven messaging |
Competitive Funding Landscape
The competition for grant funding continues to grow. Funders, whether government agencies or private foundations, receive an increasing number of applications each cycle. They’re looking for clarity, feasibility, and alignment with their priorities. In this environment, even well-meaning organizations can be passed over if their proposals lack polish. Access to well-researched funding strategies, proven proposal formats, and tailored writing services levels the playing field for smaller, under-resourced applicants.
Need for Compelling Storytelling
Data alone isn’t enough to win a grant. Funders want to feel connected to your mission. That requires telling a story that highlights the people you serve, the obstacles they face, and how your work drives lasting change. Many organizations struggle with how to frame their narrative in ways that move funders to act. ERI works closely with clients to uncover the most powerful elements of their story and present them with clarity, emotion, and purpose—all while aligning with funder expectations.
Core Grant Writing Resources Every Nonprofit Should Use
Grant Calendars

A grant calendar is more than just a schedule. It’s a tool to align your grant-seeking efforts with your organization’s strategic plan. We help our clients create detailed calendars that include opportunity scouting, internal review deadlines, and submission schedules for local, state, and federal funding. This way, your team is always prepared—not reactive.
Funder Databases
We help nonprofits navigate databases like the Foundation Directory Online, Grants.gov, SAM.gov, and various state-level systems. Our experts show you how to filter by eligibility, program fit, geographic focus, and more. We also offer curated grant lists for specific sectors, so you're not overwhelmed by irrelevant opportunities.
Budget Templates
Our budget templates are designed to reflect funder expectations. We provide line-item guides, cost allocation strategies, and tips for aligning budgets with narratives. We also help clients forecast matching requirements, indirect cost rates, and in-kind contributions to show total project value.

Logic Models and Evaluation Frameworks
A strong logic model ties together your vision, activities, and expected results. We help build logic models that are practical, not theoretical—tools you can use to manage your program and report on its progress. Our evaluation frameworks include outcome measures, timelines, and responsible parties so you can easily track results and communicate success to funders.
Contingency Grant Writing: A Resource That Reduces Risk
What Is Contingency-Based Grant Writing?
Contingency-based grant writing means you don’t pay unless you win the grant. For nonprofits operating on tight budgets, this approach opens the door to professional help without upfront costs.
Ideal for Underfunded Organizations
If you're a small nonprofit or school trying to grow, contingency grant writing removes financial barriers. You can access top-tier writing services without risking limited funds on uncertain outcomes.
Why ERI’s Model Works
Our approach is built on trust, partnership, and results. With an 80% success rate, we focus on high-quality proposals tailored to your mission. We don’t take every project—we take the right ones. And we invest in each client as if their mission is our own.
Learn more about our contingency-based services here.
Program Evaluation Services That Strengthen Your Proposals
How Evaluation Builds Trust with Funders
Funders want to invest in programs that produce measurable outcomes. A clear evaluation plan shows that you’ve thought through how your work creates change—and how you’ll track it. It’s not about perfection. It’s about accountability.
ERI’s Approach to Evaluation
We design realistic, mission-aligned evaluation plans. Whether it’s pre/post surveys, focus groups, or third-party assessments, we help you select methods that fit your capacity and goals. This makes your proposal stronger and sets you up for success after funding.
How ERI Supports Nonprofits with Grant Writing Resources
Custom Grant Strategy Sessions
Every client starts with a strategy. We look at your mission, program goals, current funding, and future plans. From there, we identify funding opportunities that fit—and develop a plan to go after them.
Proposal Development and Review
Our team of experienced grant writers develops strong, tailored proposals. We handle the writing, editing, and formatting to meet funder guidelines. If you have a draft, we offer professional reviews to increase competitiveness.
Ongoing Guidance
Winning a grant is only the beginning. We provide ongoing support, from funder communication to reporting and reapplication. Our clients know we’re in it for the long haul.

Partnering with ERI for Long-Term Funding Success
Building Capacity Over Time
We help clients move from surviving to thriving. That means growing your funding pipeline, tracking impact, and building internal skills. Our model adapts as you grow.
Coaching for Internal Staff
We offer guidance and professional development for your internal team. Whether it’s training staff on how to collect data or write narratives, we build your internal grant capacity.
Helping Clients Expand Their Reach
We don’t just help you win grants. We help you expand your network, reach new funders, and position your nonprofit as a leader in your space.
Meet the people behind the mission on our team page.
Conclusion
The right grant writing resources for nonprofits can change everything. From finding the right opportunities to telling your story with power and clarity, it all starts with access to the right tools and expert guidance. At ERI, we’ve supported nonprofits, schools, and public service organizations across the country—helping them secure the funding they need to serve their communities.
If your organization is ready to grow, ready to serve, and ready to win, we’re here to help. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and learn how ERI can support your next big win.
FAQs
Q: What are the best grant writing resources for nonprofits?A: The best grant writing resources for nonprofits include funding databases, budget templates, logic models, and expert writing support. ERI offers all of these and more through our services.
Q: What is contingency-based grant writing?A: Contingency-based grant writing means your organization only pays if the grant is awarded. ERI’s model is ideal for nonprofits with limited funds.
Q: Can ERI help us find the right grants for our mission?A: Yes. We conduct detailed research to match your organization with funding that fits your mission and goals.
Q: What should be included in a strong grant proposal?A: A strong grant proposal includes a compelling narrative, clear objectives, a detailed budget, and a plan for measuring outcomes.
Q: How does program evaluation support grant success?A: Evaluation shows funders how you’ll measure impact and use their funds effectively. ERI helps design realistic evaluation plans.
Q: What sectors does ERI work with?A: We support K-12 schools, charter schools, colleges, cities, counties, hospitals, and nonprofits nationwide.
Q: What happens after the grant is submitted?A: ERI provides post-submission support including funder follow-up and program launch guidance.
Q: How do I get started with ERI?A: Visit our Services page or About page to learn more. You can also meet our team here.
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