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Our Knowledge Base serves up the best answers to your social sector questions.

The Funding Research Process

Definitions and Clarification

Q:  Where can I find a glossary of foundation, nonprofit, and fundraising terminology?
Q:  Is there a difference between the terms "nonprofit" and "not-for-profit?"
Q:  What is a foundation?
Q:  What is the difference between a private foundation and a public charity?
Q:  What is the difference between a company-sponsored foundation and a corporate direct giving program?
Q:  What is Form 990 or 990-PF? How can I learn about using them?
Q:  Why do some foundations give only to pre-selected organizations? How can I approach them?
Q:  What is fiscal sponsorship? How do I find a fiscal sponsor?
Q:  What is an RFP?
Q:  What is a program-related investment?
Q:  What is a health conversion foundation? How can I learn more about them?
Q:  What is courtesy advertising?
Q:  What is cause-related marketing?
Q:  What are employee matching gifts?
Q:  What is social enterprise?
Q:  What is a giving circle?
Q:  What are donor-advised funds and how can I research them?
Q:  What is CFRE?
Q:  What is an EIN?
Q:  What is a case statement? Where can I learn more about it?

Training

Q:  Where can I find training in fundraising?
Q:  How can I find degree or certification programs in fundraising, philanthropy, and nonprofit management?
Q:  Does the Foundation Center offer Raiser’s Edge® training?

Statistics

Q:  Where can I find statistics on foundation and corporate giving?
Q:  How much do Americans give to charity?
Q:  How many nonprofit organizations are there in the U.S.?
Q:  How many people are employed in the nonprofit sector?
Q:  Where can I find demographic information about my community?
Q:  What is the percentage of grant proposals that foundations actually fund?

Forms 990 and 990-PF

Q:  What is Form 990 or 990-PF? How can I learn about using them?
Q:  Where can I find an organization’s Form 990 or 990-PF?
Q:  What do nonprofit organizations need to know about the new Form 990?
Q:  Can nonprofit organizations file IRS Form 990 electronically?
Q:  How long does it take for Forms 990 to appear on the Center's Web site?
Q:  Where can I find historical tax returns and annual reports for foundations?

Proposal Writing

Q:  How do I write a grant proposal?
Q:  What should be included in a letter of inquiry?
Q:  Where can I find Common Grant Application forms?
Q:  How do I write a proposal cover letter?
Q:  What is the percentage of grant proposals that foundations actually fund?
Q:  Where can I find demographic information about my community?
Q:  What is a case statement? Where can I learn more about it?
Q:  What is an RFP?
Q:  Where can I find technical assistance or a consultant for my nonprofit?
Q:  Should fundraisers be paid a fixed fee or a percentage of the money raised?
Q:  Where can I learn more about hiring a consultant?
Q:  How do I become a nonprofit consultant or grant writer?
Q:  Will foundations fund overhead or administrative costs for nonprofits? What is an acceptable overhead rate?
Q:  Where can I learn more about nonprofit audits?
Q:  How do I write a grant proposal for my individual project? Where can I find samples?

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