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.)
Before You Contact a Funder
Laying the groundwork is essential long before you send an email or pick up the phone. Here are the first steps to focus on:
1. Learn How to Write a Letter of Inquiry and a Full Proposal
There are two core documents to master if you want to raise funding from foundations:
· Letter of Inquiry (LOI): This is your formal introduction. Typically 1–2 pages, it briefly explains who you are, what you do, the amount of support you’re requesting, and why your mission aligns with the foundation’s goals. Think of it as the first gateway—you often need approval on your LOI before being invited to submit a full proposal.
· Full Proposal: This is the detailed blueprint of your request. It lays out your project’s objectives, target population, timeline, expected outcomes, and budget. A strong proposal is clear, concise, tailored to the funder’s stated priorities, and supported by evidence of both community need and potential impact.
Proposal writing is a formal process. Most applications require a proposal package—not just the proposal itself—so it’s worthwhile to invest time in learning the fundamentals.
If you’re responsible for raising significant foundation funding, one of the best investments your organization can make is in your professional development. I was fortunate early in my career to receive formal training, and those fundamentals have guided me for over 25 years—starting with my time at Greenpeace International and continuing today in my role as Fundraising Coordinator for The Watershed Project in the San Francisco Bay Area.
If budget is a concern, consider shorter or lower-cost courses, and supplement this learning with guidebooks and advice from experienced foundation fundraisers.
A few key resources to get you started:
· The Grantsmanship Center’s Grantsmanship Training Program — a five-day intensive course (online or in person). I attended the in-person version of this course back in the day, and it gave me a rock-solid foundation early on in my career.
· Udemy — affordable entry-level grant writing courses starting around $10.
· Instrumentl — combines grant‑writing classes with prospecting and grants management tools for non-profit organizations (plans start at $179/month).
· The Complete Book of Grant Writing by Nancy Burke Smith and E. Gabriel Works — a classic with sample proposals and in-depth tips on crafting targeted grant applications.
2. Define What You’re Raising Money For
Before you start writing, you need clarity: what kind of support are you seeking?
· General Operating Support: This is unrestricted funding for your entire organization. It’s the “crown jewel” of foundation fundraising because it allows you to apply dollars where they’re most needed. But it’s also the hardest to secure, since many funders prefer measurable outcomes tied to specific projects.
· Project Support: Restricted to a defined program or activity, with deliverables, outcomes, and line‑item budgets. While more limited, it’s often the most attainable, since it allows funders to measure impact in concrete ways.
Many foundations use project support as a way to test the waters. If you deliver results, build trust, and communicate openly, you may eventually unlock multi-year or more flexible funding.
Bottom line: strong proposals begin with clear writing and a clear focus. Once you know how to structure your story and frame your request, you’ll be in a much better position to build relationships with the right funders—transforming the grant process from daunting to doable.