Have a great idea and no money to drive it? The funding is out there, and
with a little effort, it can be yours.
Do Your Homework
Before you go after the money, outline the mission of your project. Most
funding sources will require a detailed outline of the problem your project
addresses, how you plan to address it and what resources will be needed.
Check out these sites for grantwriting tips:
A Guide to Proposal Planning and Writing
A condensed version of a book on the subject by Lynn E. and Jeremy T.
Miner. The essay covers everything from foundations' motivations to
proofreading guidelines.
Grantwriters.com Free Info
This guide for grantwriters offers tips on finding funding, the latest news
from Philanthropy Digest and links to related resources.
Proposal Writer Search Engine
Search the directory for grant information or browse the directory for a list of grants by government agency.
GiveSpot: Grantseeker Resources
From foundation directories to proposal-writing courses, these links to Grantseeker Resources will help you find funding quickly.
Government Sources
For one-stop government grant shopping, head to the Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance. This robust
guide outlines more than 1,300 grant, loan, scholarship, training and
insurance programs offered by the federal government. Popular government
grants include:
Environmental Protection Agency Grants
Grants administered by the EPA address air pollution, hazardous waste,
water pollution, wetlands protection and more.
HUD Community Development Block Grants
Provides eligible metropolitan cities and urban counties with annual grants to
revitalize neighborhoods, expand affordable housing and economic
opportunities, and improve community facilities and services, principally
to benefit low- and moderate-income persons.
National Institutes of Health
Supports the research of non-federal scientists in universities, medical
schools, hospitals, and research institutions throughout the country and
abroad.
Foundations
Many breakthroughs have been made with the help of foundation grants.
Great Grants
showcases some of the most influential grants. Learn how the
Carnegie Corporation of New York gave Children's Television Workshop a
2-year grant to launch Sesame Street, the Dorr Foundation of New York put
white lines on the outside of highways and the Robert Wood Johnson
Foundation demonstrated the success of the emergency 911 system.
Yours could be next! The following resources will open the door to
foundation funding opportunities:
The Council on Foundations
This site helps break down the many types of foundations, including
community, corporate, family, private, public and international.
Offline Help
While online resources abound, not all foundations have found their way to
the Internet. For offline opportunities, look for the following reference books
at your public library:
The Foundation Directory
Provides information on the top 10,000 foundations by total giving. Together these foundations donate over $19 billion a year. Offers addresses, phone numbers, types of support, application information and contacts.
The Foundation Directory, Part 2
Contains the same information as Part 1 for 10,000 smaller foundations.
The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
A print version of the online guide mentioned above, the CFDA describes
federal government programs that give money. Includes information on the
grant programs, eligibility, application and award processes, addresses and
contacts.