The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County
Grantmakers of Western Pennsylvania: GWP does not make grants, but as a consortium of grantmakers they provide resources such as the Common Grant Application and Grant Deadline Calendar.
Grant money is given to an organization or individual to address a specific need, with no requirement of financial repayment. However, grant funding is strictly regulated and carries legal and contractual expectations of who can receive funding and how that funding can be used. The most common type of funding is given through a type of organization called a Foundation, to another organization that has a legal status as a 501(c)(3) organization. Grants to individuals, such as scholarships, funding for artists, community workers, or others who are working outside of an organization, fall under different legal guidelines than traditional grant funding and you can find more information about those grants here.
When you are searching for a grant for your organization, it is typically easiest to find funding for a project or program that has a specific timeline, geographic location, and audience, rather than broader operational funding for your organization. Brainstorming the who, what, and where of your project before you begin your search will help you craft an effective and efficient search. Having a good idea of your budget and how much money you're seeking from grants will also help you focus your search on funders that will meet the needs of your organization.
Corporate philanthropy is driven by company interests – keep in mind that businesses aren’t just focused on donating money, but also on increasing their visibility. It’s important to think about how you can help them meet that objective.
Companies look for nonprofits that help them connect with current or potential customers and address relevant issues. The focus is often on how it benefits their business. Companies are interested in nonprofits that can help raise their profile and reach large audiences, using the partnership to attract positive attention. Additionally, companies want to be recognized as socially responsible, contributing to both economic growth and the well-being of the community where they operate. Keep these motivations in mind when writing your proposal.
Take a step back and view your organization through a company's lens – they’ll want to understand who your audience is and how present your organization is within the community. Identifying companies with products or services aligned with your nonprofit's goals will make your proposal more impactful, as it allows the company to connect directly with their potential customer base.
Companies can contribute to nonprofits in a variety of ways – through their foundations, corporate giving initiatives, through in-kind donations, and non-cash resources.
When approaching a company for potential funding, please consider these questions.
There are many ways that corporations can support your organization. These are examples of things that you might ask for instead of upfront money. Accessing resources such as these can benefit your organization despite not being a straightforward monetary contribution.