Foundations and Funders

Communicating with Funders

1. Research: Read their website, tax forms and other materials to learn what project/programs the funder typically works with.
2. Relationships: Communicate with the funder and broaden your personal relationship to better understand how the funder's staff operate.
3. Stories with Numbers: Communicating stories about your organization built upon solid facts and evaluations will better win over grantmakers.
4. Be Clear: Knowing what you are trying to accomplish with your project/program ahead of time will help you throughout the entire process.

Foundation Center Funding Information Network

ONEplace@kpl is a Network Partner. This gives all Kalamazoo County nonprofits access to search the vast database of grantmakers across the country from any computer located within the Kalamazoo Public Library.  Simply follow the link to get started with your search or watch the video below to learn how to use the database. Access the Foundation Center Funding Information Network (must be on KPL computer)