There are three steps to finding the right grant for your project.

1. Search the Web
2. Contact the Agency, Foundation, etc...
3. Start the Process

Search the Web

    The web can be your best asset for finding grant opportunities for your project.  Look through the links available at our site.  We offer links to the Grant Resource Center, Grant Select, and all the federal agencies and foundations available.  We also offer links to federal search gateways.  Make use of these sites.  You may be surprised at the amount of information available regarding your topic or area of interest. The Grant Coordinator/Facilitator is also available to help you locate funding.

Contact the granting agency or foundation

As you pursue grant funding, personal contact is one of the most powerful tools that you have.  Once you have identified opportunities, look for contact names, addresses, phone numbers, fax numbers and e-mails.  Next, get on the phone and talk. Only you can ask the questions that will help you identify if this is the right grant for your project.  This contact is the first step in your proposal.  The impressions you make with your contact (energetic, thoughtful, organized) will pay off throughout every stage of your proposal.  Remember to ask the following questions:

• What projects does this agency/foundation like to fund?
• What projects has the agency/foundation funded recently?
• What is the typical, average award from this agency/foundation?
• What are the deadlines for submitting proposals?

Start the Process

There never seems to be enough time to write a grant proposal.  To manage the process more effectively, you may wish to divide the process into different sections.

• Start by searching the web for opportunities.
• Make your contacts by phone.
• Review the grant application forms with a colleague, or grant coordinator.
• Talk to fellow grant writers who have successful proposals and ask for tips and advise.
• Keep the payoff in mind, new equipment, release time, travel and so much more can be your reward for a successful proposal.

Start today, there is no time like the present.  Good luck!!