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| Once you and your stakeholders have defined the need, the next step is to identify potential granting organizations. Alignment is the key word in this effort. Find an organization that supports the vision or goal you have identified, e.g., if you seek funding for a math improvement program, do not submit to a foundation that concentrates on social studies and visual arts. Most foundations and corporate giving sources make grant awards based on some combination of the following: (1) geographical location; (2) mission; and (3) type of support (scholarships, program grants, matching funds, etc.).
If the grant guidelines state that the foundation prefers to fund community-based organizations, you may want one of your community partners to be the lead organization on the proposal and have the school or district written in as a major partner. Alternatively, you may want to find another foundation that funds school-based programs.
The following resources provide information on federal, foundation, and corporate giving sources:
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| • | Federal and Foundation Funding information from TI |
| • | The Foundation Center: http://www.fdncenter.org/ --This site catalogs foundation information. Access to the funding information on the site requires a subscription fee of approximately $20. |
| • | US Department of Education Forecast of Funding: http://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/find/edlite-forecast.html -- This site lists virtually all programs and competitions under which the Department (we) has invited or expects to invite applications for new awards for FY 2004 and provides actual or estimated deadline dates for the transmittal of applications under these programs. |
| • | Funds net: http://www.fundsnetservices.com/educ01.htm --This site lists current Web sites of funding sources for general education programs. It also cites government funding sources. |
| Relationships
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In the foundation and corporate arena, relationships are a key component to successful grant proposals. Once you have identified potential foundations, contact them to talk about your project BEFORE you begin writing your proposal. A foundation grant officer can be a great advocate for your project and an excellent resource for developing a strong proposal.
If your organization has a contact with the foundation's Executive Director or a board member, set up a meeting to discuss your proposal. If your goals are aligned, this person can become an influential advocate for your application.
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| Some grant guidelines state that the foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals. This does not mean that you should not try to work with this foundation. It may mean that the foundation wants to develop a relationship with potential grantees before accepting a proposal from them. Pick up the telephone and talk to a grant officer. That is the best way to get your foot in the door and build a relationship. In addition, the grant officer may be able to steer you toward other potential funders for your project.
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