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Help non-profit asset support organizations to navigate the foundation world
Foundations need to ensure that non-profits know that they exist, how they operate, and what they are looking
for in a successful grant applicant. A range of tips were forthcoming about these matters (see Table 3.18). One
of these tips is the use of the Foundation Center Directory, 88 an extensive database requiring a subscription.
Sign-posting to such resources by foundations and others dealing with non-profits is important, as would be
assistance with subscriptions to databases. Once organizations have located the sources, they should produce a
“funding matrix,” some form of spreadsheet that outlines funders, what each one funds, what the requirements
are, and when applications are due.
Another key tip is the importance of employing, hiring, or developing a grant-writer, at least for larger, more
established non-profits. For example, the Friends of St. Paul Library employs at least one full-time grant-writer,
reflecting the importance of such income to that city’s public libraries. Belle Isle Conservancy has a grant-writer
on a retainer. Nationally, Trust for Public Land state/regional branches also write grants for the acquisition of
public land as one of their services.
Whoever oversees the grant-writing in a non-profit must establish a dialogue with the foundation, whether
via asking their board members to contact the foundation CEO (if they know him/her) or via the grant-writer
contacting staff at the foundation. The key is to try and get a sense of what is being sought and of the preliminary
interest in any idea an applicant might have.
Table 3.18: Tips for non-profits looking to secure grants from foundations
Where should you apply?
Use the Foundation Center Directory to find out about the foundations for your area/asset
type
Produce a funding matrix of foundations, their funding streams, requirements, submission
deadlines, etc.
Think creatively about whether you might also apply for grants in health, education, crime
prevention, etc.
Consider employing or hiring a grant-writer if the size of your organizations warrants it
And when you start to apply…
Develop strong connections with local foundations, or hire those that have them
Have your staff and/or board members talk to foundations before submitting an application
This section has helped you to….
• See the innovative and strategic role that foundations can play in supporting assets.
• Realize the ways in which foundations can make their money go further through various efficiencies — and
so make more of an impact on assets and other good causes.
• See that community foundations need to maintain high degrees of local connections and knowledge of local
needs if they are to continue to attract donations from local philanthropists.
• See that foundation resources can be added to by new businesses and high net earners and how these same
types of individual can even establish new private foundations.
• Learn some basic tips for non-profits when approaching and applying to foundations for grants.
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The Foundation Center website is http://foundationcenter.org. Federal grants are also all listed and can be applied for at www.grants.gov.
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