Foundation Grants: Is it a fit?
The most important part of approaching a foundation for grant funding is that your organization and your project is in alignment with the foundation’s mission and current priorities.
For example, if they are funding healthcare equity your project must forward the mission of healthcare equity. If they are investing in youth activities or education, your project must forward the mission of youth activities or education. Do not bend your organization or project to try to fit the foundation’s mission. If it is not a fit, look elsewhere.
Many foundations will require a letter of inquiry or a letter of introduction before accepting a grant application to ensure that missions are aligned. In addition to, or before sending a letter, it is a good idea to initiate contact with the foundation to ask clarifying questions. A phone call is less time-consuming than a formal letter or email, and it also provides the opportunity to establish familiarity with the foundation so your organization and name ring a bell when they read your grant application.
Some questions and prompts to guide your conversation:
- Current funding priorities for the foundation.
- Current projects that your organization is working on – which one is the best fit?
- Logistics surrounding when and how to submit an application for the next funding cycle.
- If applicable, would they like to come for a site visit?
Many foundations will only fund projects in a specific geographical location. If the location is made clear on their website, only reach out if your organization is within their scope. If it is unclear, reach out and ask. You should be able to find leadership contact information on the website, or on a nonprofit or foundation directory like Guidestar. Contact information can also be found on their tax Form 990.
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