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

2. 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

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

4. 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)
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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Funding Resources AASCU – GRC http://www.aascu.org/grc/
The Foundation Center - Guide to funding research (free online course)
Foundation Directory – Funder directory
The Non Profit Times - Grants resource
U.S. Government
Philanthropy Massachusetts
KFM

10. 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

11. 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

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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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