GrantStation for Nonprofits
Budget-friendly grant research platform with 150,000+ funding profiles, 15,000+ curated opportunities, and expert training resources. Serving nonprofits since 1999, GrantStation provides access to vetted foundations, government grants, corporate programs, and faith-based funders—typically $699/year, frequently on sale for $199-119, or free at participating libraries.
What GrantStation Does
GrantStation tackles one of the most frustrating challenges in grant seeking: finding relevant funding opportunities without spending thousands of dollars on premium research databases. While platforms like Candid's Foundation Directory cost $1,200+ annually and Instrumentl runs $2,148+ per year, GrantStation provides access to 150,000+ funding profiles and 15,000+ curated grant opportunities for as little as $119 during frequent sales—or completely free at participating libraries nationwide.
What sets GrantStation apart is its comprehensive coverage of funding sources often missed by traditional databases. Beyond the standard foundation listings, GrantStation includes corporate giving programs, faith-based funders (churches, religious organizations), clubs and associations (Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis), giving circles, international foundations, and all levels of government grants. For small nonprofits, grassroots organizations, and rural groups, this diversity means discovering funding opportunities that larger competitors overlook.
GrantStation goes beyond simple grant listings by vetting funders to ensure they're currently accepting proposals—a time-saving feature that prevents wasted effort pursuing outdated opportunities. Each funding profile includes detailed contact information, current funding priorities, geographic scope, grant guidelines, application deadlines, and "insider" notes on selected funders. The platform also provides access to 3.98 million IRS 990 reports, allowing nonprofits to research funder giving patterns, donation histories, and strategic priorities typically reserved for much more expensive platforms.
Perhaps GrantStation's greatest differentiator is its emphasis on education and skill development. Membership includes access to live 90-minute webinars on grant writing, funding strategy, and nonprofit management, a recorded webinar library for on-demand learning, online courses, and TargetED workshops covering foundation giving, government grants, and corporate giving. With expert presenters bringing 300+ combined years of grants experience, GrantStation positions itself as both a research tool and a learning platform—helping nonprofits not just find grants, but win them through improved writing and strategy skills.
Best For
Organization Size
- Small nonprofits with budgets under $500,000 needing affordable access to diverse funding sources
- Grassroots organizations and community groups just starting their grant journey
- Rural nonprofits seeking local, regional, and faith-based funding missed by national databases
- Faith-based organizations seeking religious funders and denominational grants
Best Use Cases
- Diversifying funding sources beyond traditional foundation grants
- Supplementing premium databases like Candid to capture corporate and faith-based funders
- Building grant writing skills through webinars and training while researching funders
- Exploring international funding for projects with global reach or cross-border impact
Who Uses It
- Executive Directors wearing multiple hats and managing fundraising on tight budgets
- Part-time development staff who need quick access to vetted opportunities
- Grant writers (new or experienced) seeking professional development alongside research
- Board members volunteering to research grants and learn fundraising best practices
Mission Alignment
- Social services: Community development, poverty alleviation, human services
- Education & youth: Schools, literacy programs, after-school services
- Arts & culture: Museums, theaters, cultural preservation, community arts
- Environment & conservation: Wildlife protection, sustainability, climate action
Key Features for Nonprofits
Comprehensive Database Coverage
Access diverse funding sources often missed by competitors
GrantStation's 150,000+ funding profiles and 15,000+ curated opportunities span foundations, corporations, government (federal, state, local), faith-based funders, clubs/associations, giving circles, and international sources. Unlike databases focused solely on traditional foundations, GrantStation captures the full funding landscape.
- Dedicated filters for faith-based funders and clubs (Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis)
- Corporate giving programs and employee matching initiatives
- Canadian and international charitable foundations
- Access to 3.98 million IRS 990 reports for funder research
Vetted, Current Opportunities
Save time with verified funders actively accepting proposals
GrantStation vets all funders to confirm they're currently accepting applications—preventing the frustration and wasted time of pursuing outdated opportunities. Daily database updates ensure you're always working with accurate deadlines and current funding priorities.
- Daily updates to funding profiles and deadlines
- Verification that funders are actively accepting proposals
- "Insider" information notes on selected funders
- Weekly "GrantStation Insider" newsletter with curated updates
Detailed Funder Profiles
Make informed decisions with comprehensive funder intelligence
Each funding profile provides actionable intelligence: detailed primary contact information, current funding priorities, geographic scope (local, regional, national, international), grant guidelines and restrictions, application deadlines and cycles, and prior donation histories from 990 filings.
- Contact names, titles, email, phone, and mailing addresses
- Funding priorities, program areas, and geographic preferences
- Grant size ranges (typical and maximum awards)
- Application requirements and submission processes
Expert Training & Education
Build skills alongside research with comprehensive learning resources
GrantStation's educational offerings set it apart from pure database competitors. Membership includes live webinars, recorded sessions (up to 1 year access), online courses, and expert workshops—all designed to improve your grant writing, funder research, and nonprofit management skills.
- Live 90-minute webinars on grant writing and funding strategy
- Recorded webinar library for on-demand learning
- Online Learning Academy and on-demand courses
- 300+ combined years of expert presenter experience
Advanced Search & Filtering
Find the right funders quickly with sophisticated search tools
Search by funder type (charitable, federal, state, government, international), geographic region (country, state, county, city), funding category (60+ categories), grant size range, deadline dates, and keywords. Save searches and set up alerts for new matching opportunities.
- Multi-dimensional filtering (type, location, category, size)
- Saved searches and custom funder lists
- Grant calendar with deadline tracking
- Real-time alerts for new matching opportunities
Budget-Friendly Pricing
Professional research tools at nonprofit-accessible prices
GrantStation's pricing structure makes professional grant research accessible to organizations of all sizes. With frequent sales reducing the annual cost to $119-199 (versus $699 regular price), and free access at participating libraries, even the smallest nonprofits can afford comprehensive funder research.
- Frequent sales: $119-199/year (vs. $699 regular price)
- Free access at participating libraries nationwide
- Multiple discount pathways (Spark the Fire, TechSoup, state associations)
- Members recover investment through just one successful grant
Real-World Nonprofit Scenario
Rural Food Bank Diversifies Funding Beyond Traditional Foundations
The Challenge
A rural food bank in Montana had been pursuing the same dozen regional foundations for years, facing increasing competition and declining award rates. Their $250,000 annual budget couldn't support expensive grant databases like Candid ($1,200+/year) or Instrumentl ($2,148+/year), yet they needed to find new funders to sustain operations. The Executive Director, wearing multiple hats, needed an affordable solution that wouldn't require weeks of training.
The GrantStation Approach
During a sale promotion, the organization purchased an annual GrantStation membership for $199. The Executive Director attended two free webinars on corporate giving and faith-based funding to expand her search strategy beyond traditional foundations. She then used GrantStation's filters to search for:
- Corporate giving programs from grocery chains and food distributors with operations in Montana
- Faith-based funders (churches, religious organizations) in neighboring states known for supporting hunger relief
- Clubs and associations (Rotary, Lions, Elks) in rural communities throughout the region
- Federal USDA grants and state agricultural programs supporting rural food security
She discovered 47 funding opportunities she'd never encountered through her previous foundation-only searches—including three local Rotary clubs with hunger relief initiatives, two grocery chain corporate programs, a faith-based foundation supporting rural Montana, and a USDA program perfectly aligned with their mission.
The Results
Over the next year, the food bank successfully secured:
- $25,000 from a regional grocery chain's hunger relief program (discovered via GrantStation's corporate giving filter)
- $8,000 from two local Rotary clubs for emergency food boxes (clubs/associations filter)
- $15,000 from a faith-based foundation supporting rural hunger initiatives (faith-based filter)
- $40,000 USDA grant for equipment and infrastructure (government grants category)
The total $88,000 in new funding represented a 442x return on the $199 GrantStation investment. More importantly, they'd diversified their revenue streams and discovered sustainable funding sources less competitive than traditional foundation grants. The Executive Director estimates GrantStation saved her 30+ hours compared to manual Google searches, and the webinar training improved her proposal quality across all applications.
Key Takeaway: GrantStation's strength lies in discovering funding sources missed by traditional foundation-focused databases. For small and rural nonprofits willing to look beyond conventional foundation grants, the platform's comprehensive coverage of corporate, faith-based, club/association, and government funders opens doors to less competitive, mission-aligned funding opportunities—often with simpler application processes and stronger community connections.
Pricing for Nonprofits
GrantStation offers flexible pricing designed to accommodate nonprofits of all sizes, with frequent sales and multiple discount pathways making professional grant research accessible even on tight budgets.
Standard Membership
Regular pricing for annual access
Regular annual membership price
- 150,000+ funding profiles, 15,000+ curated grants
- All funder types (foundations, corporate, government, faith-based)
- Daily database updates and weekly newsletters
- Access to live webinars and recorded library
- Grant calendar and deadline tracking
- 3.98M IRS 990 reports for funder research
Promotional Pricing
Watch for frequent sales and special offers
Limited-time sales (subscribe to newsletter for alerts)
- All standard features included (no limitations during sales)
- Sales run multiple times per year
- Subscribe to "GrantStation Insider" newsletter for alerts
- Check website regularly for current promotions
Pro Tip: Sign up for the free newsletter and follow GrantStation on social media to get notified the moment sales go live. These promotions can reduce costs by 70-83%.
Additional Discount Pathways
Multiple ways to reduce costs through partnerships
Spark the Fire Discount
$139/year for Spark the Fire members (grant writing course community)
Chronicle of Philanthropy Bundle
$110/year via 1-year Chronicle subscription (includes GrantStation access)
State Nonprofit Associations
Many state associations offer GrantStation as a member benefit or at discounted rates
TechSoup Partnership
Special two-day promotions throughout the year for TechSoup members
Library Access (FREE)
Free on-site access at participating public libraries nationwide—check your local library
Group & Institutional Licenses
Custom pricing for multi-user access, collaborative networks, and library systems
No Free Trial Available
GrantStation does not offer a free trial period. However, the frequent sales ($119-199) make it low-risk to test the platform for a year. Additionally, free library access allows you to explore the database before committing to a paid membership. The free weekly "GrantStation Insider" newsletter also provides a preview of the platform's content and approach.
Note: Prices may be outdated or inaccurate.
Nonprofit Discounts & Special Offers
Multiple discount pathways make GrantStation accessible to all nonprofits
While GrantStation doesn't offer a single nonprofit discount, the platform provides numerous ways to reduce costs below the $699 regular price. Most nonprofits pay between $119-199 annually through sales and partnership programs.
Frequent Sales Promotions
GrantStation runs multiple sales throughout the year, reducing annual membership to $119-199 (70-83% off regular price).
- Subscribe to free weekly newsletter for sale alerts
- Sales typically run 2-4 times per year
- Full access (no feature limitations during sales)
Free Library Access
Access GrantStation completely free at participating public libraries nationwide through their library partnership program.
- Check your local library's digital resources
- Request library add GrantStation if not available
- Perfect for testing before purchasing membership
Partnership Discounts
Multiple partnership programs offer discounted access to GrantStation:
- Spark the Fire: $139/year for members
- Chronicle of Philanthropy: $110/year bundle
- TechSoup: Special two-day promotions
- State Associations: Member benefits
Group & Institutional Options
Custom pricing for organizations needing multi-user access or collaborative features.
- Multiple-User ID Subscriptions for teams
- Library Licenses for institutions
- Contact GrantStation directly for pricing
How to Get the Best Price: Subscribe to the free "GrantStation Insider" newsletter, check your local library for free access, explore partnership discounts through professional associations, and time your purchase with promotional sales to maximize savings. Most nonprofits can secure annual access for $119-199 rather than paying the $699 regular price.
Learning Curve
Beginner-Friendly
Easy for first-time users and grant research newcomers
Time to Productivity
Start finding relevant grants in your first session
Training Required
Intuitive interface; optional webinars enhance skills
What to Expect When Getting Started
Easy First Steps (Day 1)
- •Straightforward search interface with clear filters (funder type, location, category)
- •No complex terminology or technical jargon—designed for nonprofit practitioners, not database experts
- •Funder profiles are easy to read with actionable information (contact details, deadlines, requirements)
- •Most users find 5-10 relevant opportunities in their first 30-minute session
Building Proficiency (Week 1-2)
- •Learn to refine searches using grant size ranges, deadlines, and geographic specificity
- •Discover how to use the faith-based and clubs/associations filters to find niche funding
- •Create saved searches and custom funder lists to track prospects over time
- •Explore IRS 990 reports to research funder priorities and past giving patterns
- •Attend a free webinar to improve grant writing skills alongside research
Mastery & Advanced Use (Month 1+)
- •Develop a systematic grant prospecting workflow using calendar tracking and deadline reminders
- •Leverage the "insider" notes to tailor proposals and increase success rates
- •Build a diversified funder portfolio (foundations, corporate, government, faith-based)
- •Use webinar training to improve proposal quality, logic models, and donor cultivation
- •Combine GrantStation with other tools (Candid, Instrumentl) for comprehensive coverage
Bottom Line: GrantStation is one of the easiest grant databases to learn, making it ideal for small nonprofits, first-time grant seekers, and Executive Directors juggling multiple responsibilities. Unlike more complex platforms (Instrumentl, Candid), you don't need database expertise or extensive training—just clear mission knowledge and willingness to explore diverse funding sources. The educational webinars help users grow skills over time, making GrantStation both a research tool and a learning platform.
Integration & Compatibility
GrantStation is a standalone web-based database without direct integrations with CRMs, grant management systems, or other nonprofit software. However, its export capabilities and simple workflow make it easy to incorporate into existing processes.
Platform Access
Web-based platform accessible from any device
- Web browser access: Works on desktop, laptop, tablet, and mobile devices
- No software installation: Cloud-based platform accessible anywhere with internet
- Single-user accounts: Individual logins (multi-user requires institutional license)
Data Export & Portability
Export funder information for use in other systems
- Printable profiles: Generate PDF or print funder details for offline reference
- Copy/paste data: Transfer contact information, deadlines, and requirements to spreadsheets or CRM
- Manual workflow: No API or automated export (users manually transfer data as needed)
CRM & Grant Management Integration
How GrantStation fits into your existing systems
GrantStation does not directly integrate with donor CRMs (Salesforce, Bloomerang, DonorPerfect) or grant management platforms (Submittable, Fluxx). Users manually transfer funder information from GrantStation to their existing tools.
- Typical workflow: Research funders in GrantStation → Copy details → Paste into CRM or spreadsheet
- Simple process: For small nonprofits with manageable funder lists (10-50 prospects), manual transfer is quick
- Limitation: Organizations seeking automated data sync should consider Instrumentl or Candid API access
Workflow Tools & Organization
Built-in features to manage grant prospecting
- Grant calendar: Track application deadlines and submission dates within GrantStation
- Saved searches: Create and save custom search queries for repeated use
- Custom funder lists: Build and organize prospects by priority, deadline, or program area
- Email alerts: Receive weekly updates on new matching opportunities and deadlines
No Native Integrations
GrantStation operates as a standalone research tool without API access or automated data sharing with other nonprofit software. For small organizations, this isn't a significant limitation—manually copying 5-20 funder contacts into a spreadsheet or CRM takes minutes. However, larger organizations managing hundreds of grant prospects may prefer platforms like Instrumentl (built-in CRM integration) or Candid (API available) for workflow automation. GrantStation's strength lies in discovery, not integration.
Honest Pros & Cons
Strengths
- Budget-friendly pricing: $119-199 during sales (vs. $1,200+ for Candid, $2,148+ for Instrumentl)
- Diverse funder coverage: Includes faith-based, corporate, clubs/associations, and international sources often missed by competitors
- Vetted opportunities: Confirms funders are actively accepting proposals, preventing wasted effort
- Educational resources: Live and recorded webinars build grant writing and fundraising skills
- Free library access: Available at participating libraries nationwide (no cost option)
- Beginner-friendly: Intuitive interface requires minimal training—easy for first-time grant seekers
- Access to 990 reports: Research funder giving patterns and priorities (3.98M reports)
- "Insider" notes: Helpful tips and context on selected funders
- Daily updates: Current deadlines and accurate funder information
- Excellent customer reviews: Users praise ease of use, time savings, and strong ROI
Limitations
- Smaller database: 150,000 profiles vs. Candid's 315,000+ (less comprehensive foundation coverage)
- No AI matching: Manual search required (unlike Instrumentl's smart matching)
- Basic search filters: Less sophisticated than Candid's mapping and data visualization tools
- Limited foundation depth: Fewer staff/board names compared to Foundation Directory Professional
- No CRM integration: Standalone platform without API or automated data export
- Single-user focus: Multi-user access requires institutional license (limited collaboration features)
- No free trial: Must purchase (or use library access) to evaluate platform
- Webinars cost extra: Some advanced training requires additional fees beyond membership
- Manual workflow: No grant tracking, proposal management, or application submission features
- Variable pricing: Sales-dependent pricing means you need to time purchase carefully or pay 3-6x more
The Bottom Line
GrantStation excels as an affordable, accessible entry point for grant research—particularly valuable for small nonprofits, grassroots organizations, and those seeking diverse funding sources beyond traditional foundations. Its strengths lie in budget-friendly pricing ($119-199 on sale), comprehensive coverage of faith-based and corporate funders often missed by competitors, excellent educational resources, and ease of use for beginners. The platform's limitations—smaller database, basic search features, no AI matching, and lack of integrations—make it less suitable for large organizations needing sophisticated funder intelligence or workflow automation. Many grant professionals use GrantStation as a complement to premium databases (Candid, Instrumentl) rather than a replacement, leveraging it specifically to discover niche, less competitive funding opportunities. For nonprofits on tight budgets or those just beginning their grant journey, GrantStation offers exceptional value—especially when purchased during sales or accessed free at libraries.
Alternatives to Consider
While GrantStation offers excellent value for budget-conscious nonprofits, other grant research platforms may better fit your organization's needs depending on budget, database preferences, and workflow requirements.
Candid (Foundation Directory)
Industry-standard foundation research with deepest funder intelligence
Best for: Organizations needing comprehensive foundation research, detailed funder histories, and mapping tools to visualize grantmaker priorities. Free access available through libraries or for nonprofits with Gold Seal of Transparency (Go for Gold program).
Advantages over GrantStation:
- 2X larger database (325,000+ vs. 150,000+ profiles)
- Best mapping features (visualize grants by geography)
- Foundation staff and board member listings
- 60+ years of foundation giving data and trends
Key differences:
- •Price: Free (Go for Gold) or $100/month ($1,200/year)
- •Focus: Private/independent foundations (less corporate/faith-based)
- •Learning curve: Moderate (more complex than GrantStation)
Instrumentl
AI-powered grant matching and workflow management platform
Best for: Professional grant writers and development staff who need AI matching, proposal tracking, and collaboration features. Ideal for organizations managing 20+ grant applications annually with budget for premium tools.
Advantages over GrantStation:
- AI smart matching based on mission alignment
- Built-in grant tracking and proposal management
- Team collaboration and task assignment features
- 3X more expert-curated RFPs and opportunities
Key differences:
- •Price: From $179/month ($2,148/year)—10X GrantStation
- •Focus: Workflow automation and grant lifecycle management
- •Learning curve: Moderate (more features = more complexity)
GrantWatch
Competitor database with similar pricing and AI grant writing tool
Best for: Organizations wanting flexible subscription options (weekly, monthly, quarterly) with AI writing assistance included. Good for testing grant databases before committing to annual memberships.
Advantages over GrantStation:
- Flexible subscriptions (weekly, monthly, quarterly, annual)
- AI Grant Writing Tool included (generates drafts, reduces workload 60%)
- Lower commitment: $22/week trial option
Key differences:
- •Price: $249/year annual (similar to GrantStation on sale)
- •Focus: Active RFPs and grant opportunities (similar to GrantStation)
- •Database size: 10,917 grants (smaller than GrantStation's 15,000+)
Which Grant Database Should You Choose?
- Choose GrantStation if: You're on a tight budget ($119-199), need diverse funding sources (corporate, faith-based, clubs), value educational webinars, or are new to grant research.
- Choose Candid if: You need the deepest foundation research, mapping tools, or can access it free (Go for Gold program or libraries).
- Choose Instrumentl if: You manage 20+ grants annually, need AI matching, or want integrated proposal tracking and team collaboration.
- Choose GrantWatch if: You want flexible subscription options (weekly/monthly) with AI writing tools included.
- Consider using multiple databases: Many grant professionals combine GrantStation (corporate/faith-based) with Candid (foundations) for comprehensive coverage.
Getting Started with GrantStation
Launching your grant research with GrantStation is straightforward. Follow these steps to maximize your investment and discover relevant funding opportunities quickly.
1Choose Your Access Path & Timing
Before purchasing, explore free and discounted access options to get the best price.
- Check your local library: Visit your public library or nonprofit resource center to see if they offer free on-site access to GrantStation
- Subscribe to the newsletter: Sign up for the free "GrantStation Insider" weekly newsletter to get notified when sales go live ($119-199 vs. $699 regular price)
- Explore partnership discounts: Check if you qualify for Spark the Fire ($139), Chronicle of Philanthropy bundle ($110), state nonprofit association discounts, or TechSoup promotions
- Time your purchase: If buying during a sale, act quickly—promotions typically last 2-7 days
2Create Account & Set Up Your Profile
Once you have access, set up your account to streamline searches and receive relevant updates.
- Complete your organization profile: Enter mission, program areas, geographic service area, and typical grant size needs
- Familiarize yourself with the interface: Spend 10-15 minutes exploring the dashboard, search filters, and funder profile format
- Set notification preferences: Configure email alerts for new matching opportunities and deadline reminders
- Bookmark key resources: Save links to the webinar calendar, recorded trainings, and help documentation
3Conduct Your First Strategic Search
Start with a broad search, then refine using GrantStation's unique filters to discover diverse funding sources.
- Search by funder type: Start with "US Charitable" foundations, then explore corporate, government, faith-based, and clubs/associations categories
- Filter by geography: Use state, county, or city filters to find local and regional funders (often less competitive than national sources)
- Match grant size to capacity: Set realistic ranges based on your organization's budget and grant management capacity
- Review 10-20 funder profiles: Read full profiles to understand priorities, restrictions, application requirements, and deadlines
- Check 990 reports: Research past giving to verify alignment and gauge likelihood of success
- Create custom lists: Organize prospects by priority (tier 1, 2, 3), deadline, or program alignment
4Build Skills Through Educational Resources
Leverage GrantStation's training to improve your grant writing and fundraising strategy alongside research.
- Attend a free webinar: Register for an upcoming live session on grant writing, corporate giving, or government grants (check the webinar calendar)
- Watch recorded trainings: Access the library of on-demand webinars on logic models, proposal development, and donor engagement
- Take notes on best practices: Document insights from webinars to apply directly to your grant proposals
- Explore TargetED workshops: Consider specialized training on foundation giving, government grants, or corporate sponsorships
5Establish a Sustainable Research Routine
Create a consistent workflow to discover new opportunities and stay current with deadlines.
- Schedule weekly research sessions: Block 30-60 minutes per week to search for new opportunities and review alerts
- Use the grant calendar: Track application deadlines and set reminders 4-6 weeks in advance
- Transfer data to your CRM/spreadsheet: Copy funder contacts, deadlines, and requirements into your existing systems
- Read the weekly newsletter: Stay informed about new funding opportunities and deadline changes
- Diversify your funder mix: Balance foundation, corporate, government, and faith-based prospects for resilient fundraising
Pro Tip: Maximize Your ROI
The most successful GrantStation users combine database research with webinar training to improve proposal quality. Attend 2-3 webinars in your first month to build skills, then apply those lessons immediately to your grant applications. Many nonprofits report that the educational resources alone justify the membership cost—discovering less competitive funding sources (corporate, faith-based, clubs) is a bonus that transforms fundraising strategy. Remember: GrantStation members typically recover their investment through just one successful grant.
Need Help with Grant Strategy & Implementation?
Expert guidance to maximize your GrantStation investment and win more grants
While GrantStation makes grant discovery accessible, transforming opportunities into funded proposals requires strategy, writing skills, and disciplined execution. One Hundred Nights helps nonprofits maximize their grant fundraising through customized consulting and hands-on support.
Grant Strategy Services:
- Funder research and prospect prioritization
- Grant calendar development and deadline management
- Proposal writing and editing (foundations, corporate, government)
- Grant program assessment and improvement
AI Implementation Support:
- GrantStation search strategy and workflow setup
- AI writing tools integration (ChatGPT, Claude, grant-specific platforms)
- Database comparison and selection (GrantStation vs. Candid vs. Instrumentl)
- Staff training on grant research and AI-assisted writing
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a nonprofit discount for GrantStation?
GrantStation offers frequent sales and discounts for nonprofits. While the regular price is $699/year, the platform frequently runs promotions offering memberships for $199-$119 annually. Additional discounts are available through partnerships with Spark the Fire ($139/year), Chronicle of Philanthropy ($110/year via subscription bundle), state nonprofit associations, and TechSoup (special two-day promotions). Subscribe to their weekly newsletter to be notified of upcoming promotions. GrantStation is also available free at many libraries nationwide.
How does GrantStation compare to Candid and Foundation Directory?
GrantStation ($119-$699/year) is more affordable than Candid/Foundation Directory ($100/month = $1,200/year) but has a smaller database (150,000+ vs. 315,000+ profiles). GrantStation excels at including faith-based funders, clubs/associations (Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis), corporate giving programs, and international funders that other databases may miss. Foundation Directory offers deeper funder histories with the best mapping features and foundation staff/board listings. GrantStation focuses on education through webinars and training, making it ideal for budget-conscious organizations wanting both funding information and skill development. Many grant professionals use GrantStation as a complement to expand lead sources beyond traditional foundation databases.
Does GrantStation offer a free trial?
GrantStation does not offer a traditional free trial. However, memberships are frequently on sale for $119-$199/year (versus $699 regular price), making it affordable to test the platform. Additionally, GrantStation is available free at participating libraries across the country—check with your local library to see if they offer access. The platform also offers a free weekly newsletter, "GrantStation Insider," with funding updates and expert insights to help you evaluate whether the database fits your needs before purchasing.
What educational resources does GrantStation provide?
GrantStation membership includes comprehensive educational resources beyond database access. Members get access to live 90-minute webinars on grant writing, funding strategy, and nonprofit management topics. The platform also offers a recorded webinar library for on-demand learning (up to one year access), Online Learning Academy subscription access, TargetED workshops on foundation giving, government grants, and corporate giving, plus on-demand courses like "Turbocharge Your Grantwriting Skills." Expert presenters have a combined 300+ years of experience in the grants arena. Both free and paid webinars are available with individual and group rates.
What types of funders are included in GrantStation?
GrantStation includes 150,000+ funding profiles and 15,000+ curated grant opportunities across diverse sources: US charitable foundations, US federal grants, US state government grants, Canadian charitable foundations, Canadian government grants, international charitable foundations, corporate giving programs, faith-based funders (churches, religious organizations), clubs and associations (Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis), and giving circles. Funder profiles include detailed contact information, current funding priorities, geographic scope, grant guidelines, application deadlines, and "insider" information notes on selected funders. The platform provides access to 3.98 million IRS 990 reports showing prior donations and giving patterns.
How often is GrantStation updated?
GrantStation provides regularly updated and accurate data on funding opportunities with daily updates to the database. The platform emphasizes vetting funders to ensure they are currently accepting proposals, saving nonprofits time and preventing wasted effort on outdated opportunities. Members receive weekly updates through the "GrantStation Insider" newsletter with new funding opportunities and deadline reminders. All subscription plans include access to these real-time updates and strategic planning resources.
Can I access GrantStation for free?
Yes, GrantStation is available free at participating libraries across the United States through their library partnership program. Check with your local public library or nonprofit resource center to see if they offer on-site access to GrantStation. If your library doesn't currently subscribe, you can request they add it to their digital resources. This free access option makes GrantStation particularly valuable for small nonprofits and community organizations with limited budgets. For individual membership, watch for frequent sales ($119-$199) or explore partnership discounts through state nonprofit associations and TechSoup.