Associations and Societies

Many regional and national associations and societies offer grants to nonprofit organizations or individuals. While many of these associations and societies only offer scholarships to individuals, there are also a fair number that provide support to nonprofit organizations. For example, the National Association for the Exchange of Industrial Resources (NAEIR) offers donated products, while the National Real Estate Association offers cash grants.

It is wise to secure support from a local association, club, or society before submitting a grant proposal to the regional or national affiliate. This local support will not only be the initial step before approaching the regional or national affiliate, but will also help build credibility with other funders.

If you are currently receiving funds from a local or regional association, club, or society, find out if they are affiliated with a national or international group that has a giving program. Consider approaching the national or international organization for their support.

Grants from most types of grantmakers should not exceed more than 50% of your grants portfolio, except for a one-time special project. However, since local or regional associations, clubs, or societies can be changeable in terms of leadership and policies, we suggest that their contribution not exceed 15%.

If you can identify someone who belongs to the local or regional association, club, or society to make an introduction for you, that is always a smart move.

This type of support can help with launching a new program or project. Identify and maintain a relationship with a few local or regional associations, clubs, or societies and turn to them when you need seed money.

Many local or regional associations, clubs, or societies only provide scholarships, but there are a number of them that also provide cash grants to nonprofit organizations. These grants may be as small as $500 or as large as $100,000.

Go to our Charitable Giving database for the U.S. or Canada and use the Type of Grantmaker filter to select “Association or Society.”

If you are currently receiving funding from a local or regional association, club, or society, consider establishing an objective for your grants program to research and identify the national entity to approach for an upcoming project or program.

The beauty of grants from a local or regional association, club, or society is that the application process, as well as the reporting process, is usually fairly easy. Securing grants from these types of organizations early on will help you become better and faster at writing proposals, while tucking a few wins in your back pocket.