Once you have identified your organization’s funding priorities, it is time to start looking for best-fit funders. You will want to track your funder research carefully, so begin by creating a spreadsheet where you can record the following information about a funder:
Website, phone number, primary contact information (name, title, email, etc.)
Funding priorities that match your own
Geographic restrictions (i.e. is the funder only focused on certain counties?)
Award amounts (how much has the funder awarded to other organizations in the past?)
Submission guidelines and deadlines
Don’t have time to do this prospect research? Get in touch with us for help getting started!
Finding a funder that is a perfect match for your organization will take time. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
For a subscription fee, you can search funders and millions of grants using Candid’s Foundation Directory Online tool (*Hint: you can use this service for free if you visit a Candid office in-person)
Look at the websites of nonprofit organizations in your area who serve a similar population and see if they have listed the names of foundations who support their work
Ask your board members and community partners if they have existing relationships with foundations and would be willing to make a warm introduction for you
Sometimes a funder’s website will state that unsolicited proposals are not accepted. Don’t worry, you can still build a relationship with that funder! Start by connecting with them on social media, sign up for their newsletter and watch for local events where they are speaking so that you can attend and introduce yourself and your work to them.