Grantsmanship requires a working knowledge of funding agencies and programs as well as the development of personal contacts.  The best way to learn is to talk to people in funding organizations about your project ideas.  Get to know the people who manage funding programs.  Keep in touch with them.  Identify their priorities and the trends they are following.  Explore how the grant system works, then test your understanding by submitting a proposal.  Every time you submit a proposal, you will learn more about the grant process.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Money

When you have an important project idea, do not hesitate to seek external support.  Most funding agencies and organizations have a mandated mission to provide support for specific kinds of projects.

Keep in mind that funding organizations have the difficult task of finding project ideas that will be good investments.  Funding program personnel are eager to discuss new ideas.  When you find an organization which supports your kind of project, openly present your ideas.  If they like your project, they will find a way to support it.

Talk to Someone

The fastest approach to finding information about grant funds is to talk to someone who is working with a program or on a project similar to the one you have in mind.  The first person you speak with might be a program director or coordinator at a local or state agency.  The purpose of your conversation with this person is not to ask for money, but to ask for the names of people and organizations that share your interests.  The first person doesn’t have to be the right person.  Nor does the first person have to be someone with money.  While the first person may not know the information you need, he or she may know several people who can help you.  Therefore, follow up by calling one of the people they identify.  Soon you will understand who has money and who has interests in your kind of project.

Funding Opportunities

• Funding Organizations

  Each funding organization is different from the rest.  Each has a different mission, different rules and procedures, and a different personality.  Federal agencies have national missions legislated by the U.S. Congress.  These agencies often support research and demonstration projects rather than provide funds for the operation of service programs.  State and local government agencies usually fund programs that provide needed services.  Foundations sometimes restrict their support to specific geographic areas and particular kinds of projects.  Many national corporations and large local companies support special community projects.

• Who Has the Money

  In most project areas, the lead Federal agency is the largest single source of funding.  For health research and education, the HHS agencies are the largest national sources of support.  For basic science and engineering research, the NSF is the lead federal agency.  Many other federal agencies fund basic and applied research, including the Defense agencies, DOE, NASA, NIH, and EPA. The Department of Education (DoEd) funds innovative educational research.  The NEA provides support for the arts, and the NEH supports the humanities.

  Collectively, State agencies are the largest source of funds, but individual State agencies often have very limited budgets.  In addition, foundations and private corporations may be good sources of funds for community projects in health, education, and the arts.

• Where to Look

  Most Federal, State, and local agencies, foundations, and major corporations now have websites that provide information about their grant programs.  In addition, the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance lists all Federal funding programs.  The Federal Register is a daily publication that prints the announcements of Federal funding programs as well as Federal regulatory changes.  The Foundation Directory lists information about all of the major foundations.  Telephone directories of Federal and State agencies are often excellent sources for identifying funding programs and program personnel.  Click here to see a list of funding opportunities.

Why They Give Money

Funding organizations support many kinds of projects.  Federal agencies support innovative projects within their legislated mandate such as research and demonstration projects of potential national significance.  State agencies support projects within their legislated mandate that address State problems.  Individual foundations develop their own missions, often changing their funding interests in response to current social problems and trends.

In finding a funding organization that will provide support for a project, the most important questions to ask are, “Why would they give money to this project?" and "How would this project fulfill their mission?”

Get to Know A Funding Organization

Request published information about the organization’s funding programs and currently supported projects.  Determine the mission and priorities of the organization.  Identify the names and titles of the program directors and staff.  Call them and talk to them about your ideas.  Determine what their current interests are.

You Don’t Need a Big Sponsor

Do not always limit your search to large agencies.  Even small funding organizations have sufficient funds to support a special project.

How They Give Money

Most government agencies provide printed and online information about their priorities in selecting projects and publish invitations to submit formal written proposals.

Most foundations and many government agencies also will accept unsolicited proposals.  Before submitting an unsolicited proposal, it is best to call to verify their interest.

Develop your Contacts