Grants are free financial assistance given through a variety of sources to further specific aims. Such aims may include research, education, artistic expression, capital development or support for a project of exceptional merit. Grants come in different forms: some are made to the individual, others are made to institutions. There are also grants for travel, materials, organizational alliances and collaborations. It is important to determine the reasons for requesting a grant, such as project completion, community outreach or continuing education. Applying for a grant is similar to applying for a job – ideally, the applicant seeks to match the goals of the proposed project with the mission of the potential funding source so that both grantor and grantee will achieve a common goal.
Most funding sources fall into one of the categories, below:
- Federal, state, regional, county, city governments
- Non-profit organizations
- Corporate foundations
- Public foundations
- Individual trusts
Allow plenty of time to research funding sources and even more time for the application process. It may take some time to find the best funding sources for a project. Create a list of possibilities to increase chances of finding an appropriate match. Whenever possible, ask a colleague to read and critique your proposal, prior to submission.