Writing Grants
Where is the Money?

Where is the money these days? Writing grants isn’t only about crafting an outstanding proposal, it’s finding the perfect funder.

Or at least, a foundation who’s funding guidelines and area of interest closely match your organization’s mission. In terms of grant writing tips researching your potential target funders is right at the top.

WHERE DO YOU START?

Researching your foundation prospects can seem like a labyrinth of hard to get to information but we’ve put together a list of the top twenty places to start and strategies.

1. Foundation Center and their online directory
2. The Chronicle of Philanthropy and their website
3. Foundation News and Commentary and their website
4. Grantsmanship Center and their searchable index & state lists
5. Regional Associations of Grantmakers
6. State non-profit associations or advisory groups
7. Subject-specific or geographic grant directories
8. Annual report of your state community foundation(s) with donor-advised funds and family foundations
9. The foundation’s website and annual report
10. Annual reports of organizations that are similar to yours for foundations that support them
11. Newsletters from organizations in terms of geography & program area
12. Local and state-wide newspapers–announcing grants
13. Meetings with Foundation Program Officers
14. Letter of inquiry to outline your needs and to request funding guidelines
15. Guidestar for IRS 990’s
16. State Attorney General’s Office
17. Attendance at “meet the grantmaker” events in your community
18. Attendance at grantmaker-sponsored events in your community
19. Attendance at grant training workshops
20. Outreach to corporate contacts for corporate foundations

NOW WHAT?

As you can see, the internet provides those seeking grant funding and writing grants with an abundance of information. Sometimes, it may even seem like too much. But, take a deep breath, make a plan (maybe even enlist a buddy for moral support and a second set of eyes), and dive in! Your non profit and the wonderful things you are working on and the people you serve need these funds. So go get em!

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