Grant Funding Opportunities

Locating Grant Funders

Locating the perfect funder can be a tedious process.  Carefully reviewing funders up front will greatly improve your chance of success. 

When reviewing funders ask the following questions:

• Is my library eligible to apply? 
  • Does the library need to have a 501(c) (3) status? If so do you have a Friends group that can act as your fiscal agent?
  • Does the funder support libraries and/or educational organizations?
  • Does the funder have a geographic preference? (For example, do they only fund libraries in the seven county metro Denver area?)
  • Review the funder’s eligibility checklist.
• Do my project goals align with the funder’s mission?
  • Review the funder’s areas of giving.
• Will the funder support my budget request?
  • Will the funder accept the dollar amount of your request?
  • Do they fund the items you are requesting? (Capital construction, technology, refreshments, furnishings, operating expenditures, etc.)
  • Do they have matching fund requirements?

Be sure to review funders “what we typically don’t fund” list.

Finally, review who the funder has previously funded, the types of projects, and funding amounts. If not listed on the funder’s web site you can locate this information in IRS Form 990’s.

Types of Funding Sources

• Federal Government
• State Government
• Foundations - Private
• Foundations - Community
• Foundations - Corporate
• Local Clubs & Organizations
• Directories

For more information contact Jean Heilig, 303-551-4711