Finding Funders

Now that you have a well thought out program plan on paper, and your executive leadership have made the program an organizational priority you are ready to move on to the next step in grant development.

There is no magic wand to wave in order to find potential funders for your program or project. This will take a lot of time to research and build appropriate relationships with potential funders. The key is to identify funders that have the propensity to give to organizations with programs like yours. Oodles of funding search software and online programs are available to help your research efforts. Currently one of the the most comprehensive sets of data can be purchased through the Foundation Center. The data can be obtained online, via CD or through books. Many other companies offer resources that are less costly and sometimes free of charge. The Foundation Center library can be accessed through many universities across the country.

Whatever source you use, start locally. Businesses and smaller foundations in your city or region are more likely to give to an organization in their own hometown. You are less likely to receive funding from the larger foundations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, or The Ford Foundation that may have more assets than your local family foundation, but receive hordes of grant proposals each year.

Make sure you check each funders grant guidelines or area of focus. This can normally be done through their website if they have one or by writing or calling for their application instructions. Determine if the organization is a good match with your program. This means if the foundation (or corporation) guidelines state that they do not give funding for capital campaigns/building renovations, don't send an application to them asking for funding for your new roof. Check their areas of interest. Have they funded educational or health related organizations in the past? More in depth research can be done regarding the Foundations prior years grant giving, assets and other financial information through Guidestar. This is a free service, but you must register.

Once you believe that a potential funder is a good match, contact with the organization should be made. More later on how to contact potential funders and begin building those all important relationships.