We’re all familiar with the adage “Publish or Perish” and the often-intimidating process of grant writing and submission. However, a significant challenge lies in the lack of formal information sharing among colleagues regarding funding opportunities. While informal discussions might occur between friends – “Did you hear that so-and-so group is taking grant submissions on such-and-such topic?” – there’s a real need for a more structured approach to disseminating information about the numerous organizations that annually allocate funds for research on specific topics.
Thousands of philanthropic and government agencies award billions of dollars for research addressing diverse community issues. The key is finding them. Here are a few resources to get you started:
Fundsnet: This resource provides a comprehensive directory of philanthropy resources on the web. You can explore the Philanthropy Gateway to select your area of interest or use the Mega-Index to view a listing of over 890 philanthropy websites. Fundsnet also offers information on non-profit resources, grant writing, fund-raising, volunteerism, newsletters and journals, government resources, and grantmanship centers.
Foundation Center: An independent nonprofit information clearinghouse established in 1956. The Center’s mission is to foster public understanding of the foundation field by collecting, organizing, analyzing, and disseminating information on foundations, corporate giving, and related subjects. Their resources are valuable for grantseekers, grantmakers, researchers, policymakers, the media, and the general public.
Philanthropy Journal On-line: A resource with links to thousands of foundations, non-profit agencies, government sources, and businesses and corporations that support research.
Council of Foundations: A nonprofit membership association of grantmaking foundations and corporations. The Council’s mission is to promote responsible and effective philanthropy. Members include nearly 1,500 independent, operating, family, community, public and company-sponsored foundations, corporate giving programs and foundations in other countries. Members hold significant assets and contribute billions annually to programs in education, human services, health, science and research, environment, the arts, urban planning, and economic development.
AT&T Foundation: The principal instrument for AT&T philanthropy, providing cash grants to nonprofit organizations for innovative programs that focus on helping people achieve self-sufficiency and lead productive lives.
Annie E. Casey Foundation: Dedicated to helping build better futures for disadvantaged children in the United States. The Foundation fosters public policies, human-service reforms, and community supports that more effectively meet the needs of vulnerable children and families. They make grants that help states, cities, and neighborhoods fashion more innovative, cost-effective responses to these needs.
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: The nation’s largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to health and health care. The Foundation focuses on ensuring access to basic health care, improving services for people with chronic health conditions, and reducing the harm caused by substance abuse.
W.K. Kellogg Foundation: A nonprofit organization whose mission is to apply knowledge to solve the problems of people. The Foundation focuses on building the capacity of individuals, communities, and institutions to solve their own problems.
John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation: Dedicated to helping groups and individuals foster lasting improvement in the human condition. The Foundation supports research, policy development, dissemination, education and training, and practice in areas such as community development, the arts, economic opportunity, youth development, education, mental health, peace, population, and the environment.
David & Lucile Packard Foundation: Supports organizations that complement government efforts to focus on society’s needs. They focus on strengthening organizations through the improvement of scientific knowledge, education, health, culture, employment, the environment, and quality of life.
Rockefeller Foundation: A philanthropic organization chartered in 1913 for the well-being of people throughout the world. The Foundation seeks to identify and address the causes of human suffering and need.
Finding the right funding source can be a time-consuming process, but with dedication and the right resources, researchers can secure the financial support needed to advance their work and contribute to positive change in communities worldwide. Consider attending conferences to network and learn more about funding opportunities.