6 Smart Ways to Fund Your Nonprofit Before the Grants Come In

By Willie Finklin, CFRE, The Grant GOAT

You’ve got your nonprofit structured, your 501(c)(3) status is approved, and your programs are ready to go.
But now you’re looking at your bank account, and it’s clear:
You need funding, and you need it fast.

A lot of founders make the mistake of thinking that grants are the only way to get money flowing.
But here’s the reality: grants are powerful, but they take time.
Applications, reviews, site visits, approvals—it can be months, sometimes even a year before you see a dollar.

So what do you do in the meantime?
You get creative. You get strategic.
And you use these six smart ways to fund your mission before the grant checks start rolling in.

1. Launch a Founders Circle Campaign

When you’re just getting started, you need your closest supporters to buy in.
That’s where a Founders Circle Campaign comes in.

What It Is:
A limited-time fundraising campaign that invites early supporters to be part of your organization’s founding legacy.
These are your family, friends, and close network—people who believe in you and your vision.

How to Do It:

• Create tiers of giving: $250, $500, $1,000, $5,000

• Offer special recognition (plaque, newsletter highlight, exclusive updates)

• Host a kickoff event or virtual launch to celebrate the campaign

Pro Tip:
Send personalized emails, make phone calls, and follow up with a handwritten thank-you.
People invest in people they know and trust—so make it personal.

2. Leverage Social Media Fundraising

You don’t need a massive following to start raising money on social media.
With the right strategy, you can mobilize your network to give—and share.

Platforms to Use:

• Facebook Fundraisers: Perfect for birthday donations or specific campaigns

• Instagram Stories: Use the donation sticker for quick, easy contributions

• LinkedIn: Share your mission with professionals who may want to contribute or connect you to resources

How to Maximize It:

• Share real stories from your programs

• Post live videos to show your impact

• Use hashtags to extend your reach (#Nonprofit, #Donate, #SupportLocal)

Pro Tip:
Build momentum by setting a small goal first (like $500 or $1,000) and celebrating publicly when you hit it.

3. Partner with Local Businesses

Here’s the thing: local businesses love supporting community projects—they just need to be asked the right way.

How to Approach It:

• Identify businesses that align with your mission (health clinics for youth programs, bookstores for literacy programs, etc.)

• Offer something in return—like promotion on your social media, a shout-out in your newsletter, or a banner at your next event

• Propose a round-up campaign where customers can “round up” their purchases to support your cause

Examples:

• A local café donates $1 for every latte sold in October

• A yoga studio hosts a donation-based class for your nonprofit

Pro Tip:
Make it easy for them. Create a one-pager that explains your mission, what you’re asking for, and how they benefit.

4. Host a Community Fundraiser

People love events.
And even more, they love events that have meaning.

Ideas for Fundraisers:

• Charity Walk or Run: Charge a registration fee and get sponsors to match donations.

• Virtual Auction: Have local businesses donate items and auction them online.

• Benefit Dinner or Gala: Charge for entry and sell sponsorships for tables.

• Volunteer-a-thon: Pledge hours to community service and collect donations per hour served.

Pro Tip:
Create a story around the event. Share how every dollar raised directly impacts your mission.

5. Membership Programs

People want to belong to something bigger than themselves.
Creating a membership program lets them do just that—while providing you with predictable monthly income.

How It Works:

• Members pay a recurring monthly fee ($10, $25, $50)

• In return, they get exclusive updates, branded merch, or special access to events

• You get a steady stream of income to fund your programs

Pro Tip:
Make it easy for them to sign up—use platforms like Donorbox or Give Lively to handle the monthly processing.

6. Apply for Microgrants and Local Sponsorships

While you’re waiting for those big national grants to come through, don’t sleep on microgrants and local sponsorships.

What They Are:

• Small grants ($500 to $5,000) often given by local community foundations, businesses, or even city councils.

• Quick to apply, quick to decide, quick to fund.

Where to Look:

• Local credit unions and community banks

• Chamber of Commerce small business awards

• Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, and other civic organizations

Pro Tip:
Even if you only get a few microgrants, that’s enough to kickstart a pilot program or cover operational costs.

Final Word: Fundraising is a Marathon—Not a Sprint

I know the grants are coming. I know the vision you have for your nonprofit is huge.
But the reality is, you have to keep moving while you’re waiting.

Don’t get stuck in “when the grant comes” mode.
Get out there, build relationships, run campaigns, and raise money now.

Because when the grants do come?
You’ll already be positioned for growth.

We’re here to help you strategize, mobilize, and raise the funds you need.