Large nonprofits saw an 11 percent drop in donations from the public in 2009, according to a survey by the Chronicle of Philanthropy. Smaller organizations have seen a rise in donations from the public, but giving is still shaky as the economy struggles to recover from the most recent recession. Now, more than ever, nonprofits compete for scarce financial resources to continue their work in communities across the country and around the world. It is time to dig a little deeper to find grants for which your organization is eligible.
Instructions
1. Find grants on the Grants.gov website. This site contains federal grants available to nonprofit organizations and governments. Use the search tool to find grants for which your organization may be eligible. Search using key words related to your organization. For example, if your organization re-settles refugees, search the database using "refugee" as a key word. It is not necessary to register on this site to look for grants, but it will be necessary to register when you are ready to apply for a grant. This can take between three and five business days.
2. Contact your state government to see if it publishes a list of grants available on the state level. This information may be available on the website of a state government agency related to the work your organization does. Local foundations may also provide funding to area nonprofits.
3. Read nonprofit journals such as "The Chronicle of Philanthropy" and "The Philanthropy Journal." Stay up to date with the latest funding news in the nonprofit world. Note who makes donations to organizations like yours as you read through these journals.
4. Read the grantor section of websites of organizations similar to your nonprofit. Ask for an annual report of organizations with missions similar to yours. Read who funds the organization in the report.
5. Join a subscription-based online grants database. Some include the database at The Foundation Center's website and GrantSelect. Search for grants that fund work your organization does by keyword or type of nonprofit.
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