Strategies for Finding Funding Karen Frank Mays Meg Hoey Fitchburg State University Introductions

LEARNING OBJECTIVES Identifying Funding Sources Using AASCU’s Grant Resource Center (GRC) Finding appropriate funders Government Private Agency and organization websites Agency purpose/mission Guidelines Understanding a 990 What is a “good fit” KFM

Funding Sources Private Government (Public) Foundations and Corporations Government (Public) Federal, State and Local KFM

Where to find funders Look at general “overview” resources and websites – federal, state, local, private foundations, and corporations Private Funders: Search various online databases and web sources American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) Grants Resource Center (GRC) http://www.aascu.org/grc/ Foundation Directory Online Philanthropy Massachusetts GuideStar – Limited free resources Government: GRC database State – Commbuys Federal – grants.gov or agency websites Foundation Directory Online – FSU has a membership Philanthropy Massachusetts – formerly AGM – online access to Grant Makers Directory and RFP Catalog Leominster Public Library likely has a membership – FSU does not have membership at a level to view RFP’s in detail

OTHER SOURCES Ask peers and colleagues about previous support for similar program(s)/project(s) Search like-organization websites and annual reports for grantor information Advisory board members/corporations Departmental connections – suppliers, speakers Professional Associations and newsletters Sponsors/exhibitors at conferences Search the internet (use key terms related to your project) AC

Is the funding source a good fit? Do your homework – Find out everything you can about the funder! Most foundation and corporate grant makers list guidelines on their website Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) or RFP for eligibility and other details No web presence? Review 990s Key word Google searches to find news/updates about funder

Is the funding source a good fit? Does their mission, area of interest and types of support match your project? Are you eligible for this funding mechanism? FSU Foundation is a 501c3 if that is required What are their guidelines? How many grants do they give out in a year? What is the average award amount? How competitive is the process? Who else do they fund? Note: The majority of grant proposals received by foundations are not a good match/do not qualify. AC

Is the funding source a good fit? (continued) Eligibility check Reality check Number of grants and amounts Who has been funded in the past Due date Reporting requirements Capacity to conduct research or execute project Budget limitations and match requirements Review of RFP priority Purpose of the RFP or priority (funders goals) Review criteria Sections of grant and point value

Funding Resources AASCU – GRC http://www.aascu.org/grc/ The Foundation Center - Guide to funding research (free online course) http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/tutorials/gfr/ Foundation Directory – Funder directory https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/ The Non Profit Times - Grants resource http://www.thenonprofittimes.com/grants/ U.S. Government www.Grants.gov Philanthropy Massachusetts http://www.agmconnect.org/ KFM

TYPES OF Solicitation MECHANISMS Request for Proposal (RFP) Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) Request for Application (RFA) Letter of Intent or Interest (LOI) Calls for proposals or applications Rolling Grant Applications, grant proposals Other funding mechanisms (NIH and NSF) KFM

How do funders accept applications? Specific call for proposals Proposal or solicitation announcement General statement that proposals meeting funder guidelines are accepted Firm deadline or rolling submission (get your application in prior to deadline) Some foundations do not accept unsolicited applications

Understanding IRS Form 990 Where to find 990s How to review 990s Why are they useful What you really need to know

Understand the funding guidelines, scope and mission READ the solicitation carefully Talk with the program officer if possible Do the grant priorities fit within your project? What are the specific project or program requirements/limitations? Does the proposed budget fit within project means? Review context and expectations.  RFP sections and points – the funders goals for the RFP are identified in their introduction or background Tells you where to place emphasis in your proposal Scoring rubrics – Scoring criteria - Evaluation criteria Know how reviewers will score and/or evaluate your proposal KFM

How do funders accept applications? Specific call for proposals Proposal or solicitation announcement General statement that proposals meeting funder guidelines are accepted Firm deadline or rolling submission (get your application in prior to deadline) Some foundations do not accept unsolicited applications

Common proposal elements General Components of a Programmatic Grant Proposal Title Page Abstract Purpose Statement of Need/Significance/Problem Statement Project Design & Methodology Goals, Objectives, Outcomes Evaluation Dissemination Qualifications/Key Personnel References Cited Budget Appendix KFM