Contacting a grantmaker with a phone call or written proposal without having researched it first often wastes time and effort, for you and the funder. Many grantmakers have reported that the most frequent reason for turning down requests is that they do not fit within their funding interests. Worse yet, not doing your homework can make you seem unprofessional, which can undermine your nonprofit’s reputation.

Approaching grantmakers effectively involves thorough research to identify realistic funding partners, i.e., those who support your geographic and subject areas. It also involves communicating with them several times, which will include a written request for funding.

Researching Grantmakers

The more you know about your prospect, the better you can tailor your ask to their values and interests. Foundation Directory Online is our searchable database that provides comprehensive and accurate information on U.S. grantmakers and their grants. Profiles include contact information, background for foundation and its donors, and the affiliations of officers, donors, and trustees.

Introduction to Finding Funders: Teaches users how to create customized searches and develop lists of prospective foundation and corporate donors. Available free as an online webinar or as an in-person class.

Foundation Funding Research: Strategies for Finding and Evaluating Prospects: This 1.5-day intensive seminar for more advanced users of Foundation Directory Online focuses on getting the most from each section of the database and analyzing results. Fee.

Our grantmaker profiles are just a starting point. Also consult other resources to learn more about a grantmaker, such as:

• Its web site, if one exists
• News sources, like our Philanthropy News Digest, local media, or databases through your public library
• Internet searches
• Your own networks of peers and colleagues

Cultivating Foundation Partnerships

To learn more about building relationships with grantmakers, we offer these classes:

How to Approach a Foundation: Covers strategies for effective communications with grantmakers, taking you through initial contact to what happens after you receive funding. Available free as an online webinar or as an in-person class.

Cultivating Grantmaker Relationships: A full-day training opportunity to help grantseekers learn advanced techniques for approaching foundations successfully. Fee.

See also our related Knowledge Base articles:

- How do I find foundation grants for my nonprofit?
- Why do some foundations give only to pre-selected organizations? How can I approach them?

More articles about proposal writing»

Selected Web sites below might also be helpful.

Books & Articles

Check title availability at our libraries and Cooperating Collections or your local libraries.

Best Practices in Grant Seeking : Beyond the Proposal Provides advice on improving foundation fundraising success, based on survey and interview data from nonprofits and grantmakers...

The Foundation Center's Guide to Proposal Writing
In addition to chapters on the components of a standard proposal, the book includes guidance on research, contacting and cultivating potential funders...

The "How To" Grants Manual: Successful Grantseeking Techniques for Obtaining Public and Private Grants
The guide includes chapters on contacting private foundations, submitting proposals, and following up with grantmakers...

"Thank You for Submitting Your Proposal": A Foundation Director Reveals What Happens Next
In this behind-the-scenes account of the daily life of a foundation, the author provides advice to grantseekers about proposal fundamentals, the use of letters of inquiry, site visits, communications with funders...

More books & articles»