Finding a Grant Funder

So you want to write a grant. There are a few basic steps that are relevant for any grant. The number one most important step you should take before writing a grant is identifying a potential funder. Determine if a funder’s mission and guidelines are in line with your organizations mission and needs. DO NOT FORCE A FIT. There are plenty of grant dollars out there if you’re asking the right foundation or government agency.

These three websites will take you to search engines that will help you find funders.
www.grants.gov
www.guidestar.org
www.foundations.org
However, there are several grant alerts out there that are easy to find with Google. Another way to find out about foundations is to look them up directly without using a search engine. Just Google the foundation name. I have learned about some foundations by networking with other fundraisers or clicking around on the internet. Look at like agencies to see who is funding them.

You will find your best prospects by focusing your efforts with people and organizations that are in close geographic proximity or interest with your organization. Start with the funders that match your mission and are geographically close to you. Connect with them and build a relationship. To determine if your organization is a fit, you should be able to answer these 6 questions about your organization.
What is your mission?
What are your NPO’s goals?
Who are you trying to assist? (Children, hungry, etc.)
When are you going to start/finish your program?
Why is your organization the one to address the problem?
How will your organization address the problem?
Answering these questions will help you to align your NPO with the most likely funder to help with your cause.

Once you have an organization in mind, I find it best to go to their website directly. That is where you get the most accurate and up to date guidelines. Now compare your mission with theirs. Do they fund in your geographic area? Do they fund the area of interest you are looking for funding in? (Capital, scholarships, operations, etc.) Do you know any of their board members? Do any of your board members have relationships with the organization? If you are not connected in any way with the potential funder get connected.