Finding and winning grants

Who gives grants

• Private foundations, from large national funders to small family foundations.
• Community foundations, which manage many funds for a specific region and are often the best first call for a new local organization.
• Corporate foundations and giving programs.
• Government agencies at the federal, state, county, and city level.

Where to look

Candid's Foundation Directory lists foundations and their giving history, and many public libraries provide free access. Federal opportunities are posted on Grants.gov. Applying for federal grants requires registration in SAM.gov, which can take several weeks, so start early. Your state and county will have their own portals.

Read the Form 990-PF filings of foundations you are considering. They show who the foundation actually funds and in what amounts, which is more reliable than its website.

What funders look for

Most funders want a determination letter, a board list, a budget, recent financial statements, and evidence that the organization can do what it proposes. New organizations with no track record can build one through small local grants, fiscal sponsorship, or partnerships with established groups.

Writing the application

Answer the funder's questions in the order asked. Be specific about the need, the people served, the activities, the budget, and how you will measure results. A realistic small request from a new organization is more fundable than an ambitious large one.

After the award

Grants come with reporting obligations. Track spending against the approved budget, keep records of outcomes, and submit reports on time. A good report is the start of the next application.