How to Find Non-Federal Funding (Without Losing Your Mind)
On January 27, 2025, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a memo calling for a temporary halt to most federal grants, loans, and other financial assistance.
The Funding Landscape Has Changed
Our civic infrastructure is under attack. Healthcare. Public broadcasting. Education. Science and Research. Social Services. These are just a few of the sectors highlighted in the news for funding cuts, but in reality, not many U.S. industries have been left unscathed. The Trump administration has triggered one of the largest federal funding freezes in decades and has left thousands of mission-driven organizations scrambling to fill the gap.
So what options are available to reduce harm today? Luckily, there are alternative methods to funding these critical public services. The real challenge is cutting through the noise and finding opportunities that actually fit your mission, stage, and capacity.
Step 1: Define What You Actually Need
Before you dive into databases or start scrolling endless lists, pause and get clear on your own needs. Too many organizations jump straight into prospecting without knowing what they’re actually looking for, and that’s a recipe for overwhelm.
Start with the amount. Are you seeking a $5,000 micro-grant to kickstart a pilot, or are you aiming for six figures to scale a proven program? The size of your ask determines where you should look and how you should frame your story.
Next, think about the type of funding that actually fits your work. Most people only think of grants, but that’s just one piece of the puzzle. There are fellowships that invest in leaders, sponsorships that build partnerships with companies, low-interest loans through CDFIs, donor-advised funds managed by families, even prizes and challenges run by universities or innovation hubs. Each comes with different expectations, timelines, and levels of flexibility. At Atharii, we believe that winning in this landscape starts with education. We help organizations see these alternatives and chart a path that matches their goals.
Finally, consider timing. If you need money in the next six months just to survive, the truth is there are very limited opportunities that can move that quickly. Most traditional grants take 9–12 months from application to payout. In the short term, your best bets are emergency funds, community foundations, or creative stopgaps like small bridge loans. If your timeline is longer, you can target bigger awards with more breathing room and focus your energy on opportunities that are worth the wait.
Most organizations skip this crucial step and try the method of throwing pasta at the wall to see what sticks. The problem with this strategy is going so wide, you never focus enough on the one winning strategy. Use our Funding Roadmap Checklist to discover the alternative opportunities you’ve been missing.
Download our mini-template: “Funding Roadmap Checklist” to map out these basics before you prospect.
Step 2: Use Smart Prospecting Tools
The internet is full of funding lists, but not all are created equal. Instead of trying to navigate through 200-page PDFs, here are tools that actually save you time:
Philanthropy & Foundation Directories: Paid but powerful. Here are a few of the largest and most trusted databases: Foundation Directory Online (FDO), Instrumentl, GrantWatch
Local Community Foundations: Often overlooked, but they provide flexible, relationship-based grants. Search for grants in [state/region/country]
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programs: Think of companies in your sector or geography. Many have community giving funds.
University & Innovation Hubs: If you’re working on climate or community projects, look for prizes, challenges, and accelerators. The benefits of these programs is not only the funding, but the guidance, mentorship, and experience provided by experts in your field
💡 Pro Tip: Build a shortlist of 10–15 sources you check consistently, instead of chasing every random opportunity.
Step 3: Track and Filter
It’s easy to get overwhelmed if you don’t have a system. It’s important to record and keep track of who you’re prospecting. I recommend:
One central sheet or CRM pipeline for all prospects. Hubspot is a great tool for early stage orgs! It’s what we use at Atharii.
Add columns for eligibility, deadlines, award size, links, and notes.
A “yes/maybe/no” filter to quickly decide what’s worth pursuing.
Step 4: Build Relationships Early
Most non-federal funders want to know the humans behind the proposal. A 10-minute call or thoughtful email before you apply can mean the difference between a rejection and a long-term partner. Don’t just ask for money. Ask about alignment, priorities, and how your work connects with their mission.
Step 5: Know When to Ask for Help
If prospecting feels like a second full-time job (because, let’s be real, it often does), that’s where outside support comes in, like us. Good luck on your funding journeys!
📣 At Atharii, we help founders and nonprofits cut through the noise by delivering a clear, customized set of opportunities with our Funding Roadmap made specifically for your organization in under two weeks.
Or, if you’re ready for hands-on guidance, we offer 1:1 support to move money where it matters.
Reach out today at:
