Grants Research
Am I eligible for a grant?
Your eligibility depends on the foundations or charities to which you apply. Research will help you determine the best places to apply to meet your needs, whether individual or for an entire organization.
- Site discusses types of grants available from federal government
http://www.grants.gov/applicants/all_about_grants.jsp - To see the variety of funding offered for individuals and groups:
http://www.ipl.org/div/searchresults/?searchtype=traditional&words=grants
Are grants the only type of funding?
There are grants, scholarships, financial assistance and similar programs. See the resources listed below to learn more. Funding or grants may be for a very specialized area, look for the ones that best suit your needs.
- Resources on the web site below, maintained by the Internet Public Library:
http://www.ipl.org/div/searchresults/?searchtype=traditional&words=grants - Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: lists services, projects, programs
http://www.cfda.gov
See the “First Time User’s Guide” link on this site, and then link to “Developing & Writing Grant Proposals” for comprehensive information
What is a Foundation?
Private and public Foundations are organized for the purpose of providing funds in one some form, such as grants, to organizations, businesses, groups, or individuals for designated research and other causes.
- Foundation Center definition
http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/faqs/html/foundfun.html
What is a charity?
A charitable organization collects and distributes materials and money for those in need. It may also provide voluntary help.
Where can I find a charity or foundation that offers grants or assistance?
General:
- Foundation Finder
http://lnp.foundationcenter.org/ - FundsNet Services Online: Mega Site
http://www.fundsnetservices.com/ - Foundations Research Guide
http://www2.lib.udel.edu/subj/foce/resguide/found.htm - Mega Foundations & Grants Resource Site
http://www2.lib.udel.edu/subj/foce/internet.htm - Grants and Foundations
http://tinyurl.com/5bfvsq
Government:
- Find and apply for federal government grants
http://www.grants.gov/ - USA.gov for Nonprofits: Government assistance for businesses and nonprofits
http://www.usa.gov/Business/Nonprofit.shtml - National Institutes of Health à Office of Extramural Research (OER)
http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/grant_basics.htm - National Science Foundation—Find Funding
http://www.nsf.gov/funding/ - Small Business Research Funding Opportunities
http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/funding/sbir.htm
How can I be sure they are legitimate?
Investigate an Organization
- Search organization by name for description
http://www.guidestar.org - Give.org, charity reports from the Better Business Bureau
http://www.give.org - Charity Navigator
http://www.charitynavigator.org/ - 990-PF Tax Return Search
http://www.noza990pf.com/ - Research statistical data on charities
http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/faqs/html/charitable_stats.html
Where can I learn how to apply?
Individual funding programs will also provide application instructions
- Nonprofits Grants Resources--Links
http://www.npguides.org/links.htm - Grants,etc—maintained by the University of Michigan, provides links to funding sources and learning resources
http://www.ssw.umich.edu/resources/index2.html?collection=grants - Federal Government grants and financial assistance
http://www.grants.gov/applicants/all_about_grants.jsp
What is a proposal and how would I write one?
- Proposal Writing & Research Development
http://www.umass.edu/research/ogca/proceds/dev.htm - Nonprofits Grant Writing Tips
http://www.npguides.org/ - Grant Proposals Writing Guide
http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/grant_proposals.html - Guide to Proposal Planning & Writing
www.wm.edu/grants/PROP/miner.pdf - Grant Proposal.com
http://grantproposal.com/
Is there anything for scholarship searches?
Gale Virtual Reference, accessible from the library web page, at the enet stations or from home with your MPPL library card, provides complete text of the 6 volume College Blue Book and of Scholarships, Fellowships and Loans. [Please place direct links to these highlighted items: Gale Virtual Reference à open “Education”]
- Register (free) on FastWeb to gain personalized information about “scholarships, colleges, internships, jobs, and more.”
http://www.fastweb.com
I’m a teen, but I want to help—where can I learn about volunteering?
- Lots of information about projects and causes. Enter your zip code to learn what’s available in your area. http://www.dosomething.org
Print Collection
Writing Proposals
- Barbato, Joseph. How to Write Knockout Proposals.
658.1522 BAR - Browning, Bev. Grant Writing for Dummies, 2nd ed.
658.1522 BRO - Rinehart, Eric. Proposal Writing
658.1522 RIN - Smith, Nancy Burke. Complete Book of Grant Writing
658.1522 SMI
Finding Grants & Funding
- Bauer, David G. The “How To” Grants Manual, 5th ed.
658.1522 BAU - Bray, Ilona. Effective Fundraising for Nonprofits.
658.1522 BRA - Smith, Nancy Burke. The Everything Grant Writing Book
658.1522 SMI
Reference Books in Print
The Grants & Foundations Table holds directories, registers, and other books related to funding and grants. Among them are:
| Foundation Center’s Guide to Proposal Writing | GRANTS R 361.7068 FOU |
| Foundation Directory | GRANTS R 361.7068 FOU |
| Foundation Grants to Individuals | GRANTS R 001.44 FOU |
| Grants Register | GRANTS R 378.3 GRA |
| National Directory of Corporate Giving | GRANTS R 361.765 NAT |
| National Directory of Nonprofit Organizations | GRANTS R 658.048 NAT |
Reference: Available at Reference Desk
Government Assistance Almanac RD R 352.7097 GOV
