The Nonprofit FAQ

Where do we start looking for support for a new organization?

First, assess your goals. How will an organization help you achieve them. If you do create a nonprofit, what will be its niche? How will it differ from (be better than) others of the same type? How will its activities fit its mission? Where is it going in the long run? Have your goals changed recently? Do you have a long-range plan? What are the organizers' qualifications? What is unique about them? Do you have board members (or potential board members) committed to the organization both financially and in spirit? What experience do they bring to the organization? Next, define what you will need money for, and how much you will need. Is there a logical connection between the new organization's background and the program or project for which you will seek funding? Can you clearly identify the constituency the organization serves? How is the organization uniquely suited to meet their needs? Do you have hard evidence of the need for your program or project? Why is your organization the best choice for doing this program or project? Will you need continuing funding? If so, where will it come from? Then spend a lot of time doing your research. Most fair-sized libraries will have directories of foundation and corporate grantmakers, indexed by interest. There are also databases avialable for purchase. If you are interested in Federal grants, make it a habit to read The Federal Register frequently, or to check Internet listings from government agencies. Also call pertinent state agencies to learn how to get on the mailing lists for their RFPs. Grantmakers for Effective Organizations (an association of foundations that give special emphasis to nonprofit management) has a guide for funders considering support to a start-up organization on its website. The issues raised in this guide are things anyone investing time, thought or money in a new organization will want to think about. The .pdf file is available http://www.geofunders.org/document.aspx?oid=a0660000003YTZ4AAO">here; for more information about Grantmakers for Effective Organizations, see http://www.geofunders.org/. There is lot more advice in other sections of this Nonprofit FAQ (choose the relevant topics at http://www.nonprofits.org) and elsewhere on the Internet. Revised from a very early FAQ item on 10/16/02; reference to the GEO guide added 8/11/03 and corrected 10/7/09 -- PB.