Updated 2/

1. Finding, researching, and applying for foundation
grants... in 60 minutes!
GRANTS 101: Research Express version
by Valerie Costa, Founder, Aril Consulting, 3/2/16

2. First, a Reality Check
Don’t forget
Individuals
Historically, gifts
from individuals
rising, even in a bad
economy
Source: Giving USA 2015

3. 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.

4. 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, operating
Government: all levels
Other institutions: civic orgs, universities, unions, etc.

6. Finding prospects – Your Database
Look internally first
Past and current foundation funders
Talk to board/staff/allies – who SHOULD fund us?
Consider surveying staff/board (especially if you’re with a
big organization)

7. 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

8. Research - Foundation Center
http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/

9. Foundation Center
Cost – 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/

10. Foundation Center

11. Tips for Foundation Center searches
Search for each “need/focus area” separately
Add geographic restriction
Exclude “applications not accepted”
Just gather information—dig deeper using Guidestar.org
If 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

12. Research - Websites
Lots of foundations have their own websites now
Look for guidelines, deadlines, areas of focus, board/staff
members, past grant lists
Often websites are more up to date than the Guidestar
Generally, the larger the foundation, the more important and
comprehensive their website

13. Research - Guidestar.org
FREE!!
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.

14. Research - Guidestar.org

15. 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

16. Example: Charis Fund

17. Example: Charis Fund

18. Example: Charis Fund

19. Example: Charis Fund

20. Example: Charis Fund

21. Example: Charis Fund

22. Example: Charis Fund

23. Example: Charis Fund

24. Example: Charis Fund

25. Example: Charis Fund

26. If you feel it’s a good fit..
Contact the funder (if you can) to ask if you should apply
Prepare your application
SUBMIT
Wait nervously
Site visit often required
Celebrate (or mourn)

27. Once you get $$, it’s not over
Be sure to keep the funder informed
Make sure the money goes where it’s supposed to
Submit a report NO LATER THAN 1 YEAR after the
receipt of the grant – even if it’s not required
Follow 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.

28. Repeat Cycle

29. Questions?
Call or email Valerie Costa
• Email (preferred): valerie@arilconsulting.com
• Phone: 201-744-0601 (PST)
www.arilconsulting.com