Nonprofits, fundraisers, researchers, and grantseekers use this database to access information on grantmakers, grants, and funding opportunities from foundations and philanthropic organizations.
Quick Foundation Directory Tips
Basic Navigation
Use 'Advanced Search and Filters'
Keep 'Include U.S. Federal Funders' checked at first
This will pull grants that fund multiple states which may include the state of interest
Use 'Additional Filters'
See the bullet point below for more information.
Use the directory's language
The boxes that populate the 'Funding Interest' section of the reports, come from these areas. Many of them allow you to get more specific or you can keep it at the broad topic. You also can add more than one keyword.
Boxes that use the pre-set language: Subject area, geographic focus, population served
Use 'Keyword' box
This box allows you to use your own additional words to get more specific. This is a great place to put a keyword that wasn't listed in the pre-set boxes.
Explanation of Results
Grantmakers (funders): A list of those who provide grants with your search terms.
A wealth of information about the funder which helps know if your project is a good fit and helps you develop your proposal.
Areas of particular interest for your project:
Company or organization website
Funding Interests
About
Other Funders to Consider
Application/RFPs
Grants: A list of grants available with your search terms.
At a glance, see the grant description, focus areas, population groups, etc. to determine a good fit for your project.
Recipients: A list of those who received grants with your search terms.
Use this to see if your proposal is a 'good fit'
Areas of particular interest for your project:
How Big are the Grants?
To see over the course of grant-giving, how much money previous grants received at a glance
Funding Interests
Assignment-specific Tips
Mission of Company or Organization (Funder)
Go to the company or organization website. The best direct link should be in their Foundation Directory profile. If not, google them.
Some websites are designed better than others. Foundation websites are best because their primary purpose is to share about their giving and funding opportunities. Those who are the most difficult are corporations or companies because their websites serve purposes beyond telling about their charitable giving.
Look at the top banner and dropdown menu or look at the bottom of the website
Areas to look for the mission:
About us section
Anything talking about charity, charitable donations/giving, grants
CEO message
Foundation
Subject-specific Databases
Best used for finding peer-reviewed research that serves as background information to support your grant proposals.
Broad search for scholarly articles, legal cases and patent applications.
Materials about Grant Budgets
The library has a few books (both online and physical) about developing a grant budget. There is also a free video from Candid on how to develop budgets.