research grants for your non-profit
TRANSCRIPT
Finding, researching, and applying for foundation grants... in 60
minutes!
GRANTS 101: Research Express version
by Valerie Costa, Founder, Aril Consulting, 3/2/16
First, a Reality Check
Don’t forget Individuals
Historically, gifts from individuals rising, even in a bad economy
Source: Giving USA 2015
What do you need money for?A special project, equipment, new or
program expansion?Current operating expenses? Are you ready to seek funding?• Program design• Goals/strategies• Evaluation /assessment plan• Budget
Identify your needs before doing research.
What do I mean by “Grants”?Loose definition of grants: “anything you need
to apply for”This could include money from: Foundations: private/family, public,
corporate, operatingGovernment: all levelsOther institutions: civic orgs, universities,
unions, etc.
Finding prospects – Your DatabaseLook internally firstPast and current foundation fundersTalk to board/staff/allies – who SHOULD
fund us?Consider surveying staff/board (especially if
you’re with a big organization)
Finding prospects – Google!What are other non-profits whose funders
may also be interested in your organization?
-- Think similar mission, different location -- Different mission (but similar values),
same location
Annual reports
Research - Foundation Centerhttp://fconline.foundationcenter.org/
Foundation CenterCost – min. $480/year for access to 100,000
prospects.
Thorough way: Foundation Center Professional at the library
• More than 140,000 foundations• Search on more fields• Search by non-profit: what grants did a similar NPO
get?• Find a library near you:
http://foundationcenter.org/collections/
Foundation Center
Tips for Foundation Center searchesSearch for each “need/focus area”
separatelyAdd geographic restrictionExclude “applications not accepted”Just gather information—dig deeper using
Guidestar.orgIf you’re at the library, search to see if any
of your Board members or key supporters are trustees of foundations
Search on funders of other organizations
Research - WebsitesLots of foundations have their own websites
nowLook for guidelines, deadlines, areas of
focus, board/staff members, past grant listsOften websites are more up to date than the
GuidestarGenerally, the larger the foundation, the
more important and comprehensive their website
Research - Guidestar.orgFREE!!
Guidestar has all the 990s of non-profits and foundations that are required to file.
Slight lag time because 990s are completed 6-9 months after the end of a fiscal year.
Research - Guidestar.org
What’s so cool about the 990?It’s a treasure trove of information!
Shows you• the assets of the foundation• How much money they gave away in that
year• How to apply• Contact person• MOST IMPORTANT: who they funded in the
past and the amount & restriction
Example: Charis Fund
Example: Charis Fund
Example: Charis Fund
Example: Charis Fund
Example: Charis Fund
Example: Charis Fund
Example: Charis Fund
Example: Charis Fund
Example: Charis Fund
Example: Charis Fund
If you feel it’s a good fit..Contact the funder (if you can) to ask if you
should applyPrepare your applicationSUBMITWait nervouslySite visit often requiredCelebrate (or mourn)
Once you get $$, it’s not overBe sure to keep the funder informedMake sure the money goes where it’s supposed toSubmit a report NO LATER THAN 1 YEAR after the
receipt of the grant – even if it’s not requiredFollow their reporting guidelines if they have them
Try to build a relationship with the Program Officer or your contact at the Foundation – the Philanthropy Community is very connected. Your PO can give you funding leads, promote you to other funders, and sponsor events.
Repeat Cycle
Questions?Call or email Valerie Costa
• Email (preferred): [email protected]
• Phone: 201-744-0601 (PST)
www.arilconsulting.com