Fundraising > Foundation Grants

Getting a foundation grant is largely about the research. If you are seeking funds for a special program or project that matches the interests of the funder, success can be yours.

The catch is that many foundations are interested only in helping you launch a program or sustain it for a fixed period of time. When the grant runs out, you‘ll need a funding strategy to sustain the program on your own. For this reason, grants should generally not be relied upon for operating dollars.

Here’s a quick summary of how foundation grants fit into your fundraising strategies:

• What it is, and why you do it: Grants typically provide short-term funding for special programs or projects, such as a new training program for shelter dogs or spay/neuter program for feral cats.



• Who to approach: Several generous foundations specifically fund animal welfare programs. You can find a list at ShelterSource. To search for other potential funders and to learn about grant writing, check out the Foundation Center.
  
  When you find a foundation that looks promising, check out the foundation’s website to learn all you can about the organization. You’ll also be able to get the most current information about their application requirements, deadlines, and process.



• When to do it: Your grants program should be ongoing. Most foundations have deadlines for applying, so it’s a good idea to do your research and put together an annual calendar for submitting your requests.
  
  When you do receive grants, be sure to add grant report deadlines to your calendar. Most grants stipulate that you submit written reports at intervals explaining how you used their funds. These reports are an essential part of getting renewal funding.



• Bang for your buck: Good research and grant writing require hours of concentrated work; but the financial reward can be well worth it. Remember, though, that 75 to 80% of charitable giving is through individuals. Think about grants as one component of a broader fundraising strategy.

Grant Resources on the Web
Check out these links to reliable websites for information about foundations, grants, and grant/proposal writing.