Conduct research in order to identify 5 different potential funding sources related to a cause of their choice (proposal idea from Module 1: Discussion [a]: Proposal Idea (Executive Summary)).  This will familiarize students with the current philanthropic landscape in the U.S, and globally and develop students’ research skills in this area.  Please use the spreadsheet at the bottom of this post.

The info gathered should include the following:

-name of foundation/grantmaking organization – Do not include the following: government sources, Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund, Schwab Charitable, and most financial institutions that have “Giving Fund” and “Gift Fund” in the title.  These are Donor Advised Funds or DFAs are a charitable giving vehicle which manages charitable donations on behalf of others.  A nonprofit cannot apply directly to the institution.

– funder type (Foundation or Corporate, please note that some corporations have foundations.  These should be listed as Corporate, such as Mastercard  Foundation is Corporate)

– city

– state

– country

– official website

– assets

– total giving (for the most recent year available) 

– funding focus (and any funding restrictions, such as only funds Arizona organizations) 

– application process with deadlines (if available)

– if the funder accepts unsolicited requests

– any relevant notes not covered above

The Foundation Director Online (FDO) is an excellent resource to research funders.  You can access FDO via ASU’s Library by clicking on the following link.  Make sure to watch the video on FDO in this module before conducting your research.