
With a slow economy such as in the current times, it is a challenge to
find donors to fund your non-profit organization. Finding funds is undoubtedly one
of the most difficult areas in running a non-profit organization. The truth is
that many non-profits don't even try grant writing, especially if they have
other sources of funding, for the simple reason that they don't know where to
begin. You do need to keep in mind that it is not enough to organize quality
programs for your community - or whoever it is you intend to serve - but you
also need to research and write grants so as to keep yourself and your capital
afloat. There are various online grant databases
sites
that
provide
Grant
for Non-Profit Organizations like yours and to numerous other groups
and individuals.
Getting in touch with a grant research and/or writer can show you some
vistas that you never knew existed. Here is a list of some sources, apart from
the grant database, that you could check out for yourself:
You could start by looking out for Community Foundations in your
community. Since both your organization and the foundation have the same goal -
to enhance the community - they will want to encourage you. They are good
partners to have because they will have a good idea of what the needs of the
community are.
Another source might be corporate companies that are situated in your
community. These would be a resourceful source to partner with if they too are experiencing
the same problems that you are fighting against.
Government agencies like those on the City, State and
Federal levels can be an additional source of grant money, although in these
cases there will be tough competition from other organizations in the same
jurisdiction. One obstacle with government funding may be that State and
Federal agencies might prefer to fund a successful venture rather than a
start-up. If you don’t have any success stories to share, then the agency has
nothing to base their judgment on and your request may be denied. So, first get
a footing, then reach out for aid from government agencies. Many new grant
funding opportunities for non profits have been announced recently, so be sure
to perform a thorough search on the government’s website, like Grants.gov, when
you think you may be likely to receive
funds from them.
That said, the easiest to access source of funding
remains the grant database. There are several
grant search engines available
online that will help you in your quest for sources of funds for a fee or free.
Older methods like researching in your libraries or similar databases are also
a possibility, but there are a lot of hurdles to overcome in this process. Your
library will need to have a membership to a reliable database. Or you will need
to find someone who has access to such a database. It is a lot easier to log on
to the website of a reputed
grant database
and start your search there. If you are looking for an efficient and effective
Grants Database please check the website
http://www.grantvine.net
.