How to Research Foundations That Will Actually Fund You

Finding the right foundation is like finding the right puzzle piece—it has to fit. Here's how to conduct foundation research that leads to successful applications.

Start with Your Mission

Before researching foundations, clearly define your organization's mission, programs, and funding needs. You need to know what you're looking for before you can find it.

Use Multiple Research Databases

Don't rely on just one source. Utilize:

Look for Alignment

The best foundations for you are those that:

Read Beyond the Guidelines

Foundation websites tell you what they want you to know. Go deeper:

Network with Peer Organizations

Talk to other nonprofits about their funding sources. Most are willing to share which foundations have been receptive to their work.

Create a Prospect List

Rank foundations by fit. Focus on those that are:

Start with Your Best Matches

It's better to submit 5 excellent applications than 20 mediocre ones. Focus on quality over quantity.

Track Your Research

Document everything: contact attempts, application deadlines, grant decisions. This information becomes valuable over time.

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