Getting Started With Private Foundation Grants

Your First Steps to Securing those Elusive Grant Dollars

Securing funding from private foundations can feel intimidating when you’re new to the process—and the truth is, it is a lot of work. Decisions often take three to six months, sometimes even up to a year. It’s time-consuming. But when done right, it can be deeply rewarding.

The two keys to success are:

1. Developing a clear, well-crafted written proposal.

2. Identifying funders that are a genuine fit for your organization and your project or program.

Whether your nonprofit is just beginning to explore grants or already has some experience, this article walks you through the basics of getting started. Think of it as the first step that moves you from uncertainty into action—and toward unlocking new funding for your mission. (In the next article, we’ll dive into the elements of a strong proposal.)