Order Code RL30013
CRS Report for Congress
Received through the CRS Web
Grants and Foundations:
Selected Print, Electronic, and Internet Sources on
Government and Private Funding
January 6, 1999
Rita Tehan
Information Research Specialist
Congressional Reference Division
Congressional Research Service ˜ The Library of Congress

---

ABSTRACT
This report describes more than 35 print, electronic, and Internet sources of information on
financial support, and lists a few of the current general guides to writing grant proposals.
In addition, annotated Internet sources are provided for federal government, private
foundation, corporate, and charity agencies. Another CRS report which may be helpful is
Grants Work in a Congressional Office (97-220 C). This report will be revised annually.

---

Grants and Foundations:
Selected Print, Electronic, and Internet Sources on
Government and Private Funding
Summary
Congressional offices receive numerous requests for information on how to
obtain funds. Many worthwhile projects can only be carried out with outside
assistance. This bibliography is intended to help planners learn about assistance
programs and sources of funds. Of the many good guides to grants and foundation
support, those listed in this report have been selected as representative of the variety
of resources available.
The publications and databases included in this bibliography describe general
sources of support and a few of the current general guides to writing grant proposals.
In addition, Internet sources are listed for federal government, private foundation,
corporate, and charity agencies. In the descriptions of the publications and databases
listed, Library of Congress call numbers have been provided where available.

---

Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Guides to Writing Grants and Proposals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Government Grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Foundation Grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Corporate Grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Internet Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

---

Grants and Foundations:
Selected Print, Electronic, and Internet Sources
on Government and Private Funding
Introduction
Congressional offices receive numerous requests for information on how to
obtain funds. Many worthwhile projects can only be carried out with outside
assistance. This bibliography was prepared to help planners learn about assistance
programs and sources of funds. Of the many good guides to grants and foundation
support, those listed below have been selected as representative of the variety of
resources available.
Before determining whether the best funding source is a federal program, a
small private fund concerned primarily with local projects, an organization providing
grants in a particular subject area, or a national foundation, the grant seeker should
prepare an analysis of the contemplated project. Any request for funding will require
a clear, brief, and specific presentation which describes:
! existing problems to be addressed by the project;
! anticipated immediate and long-term results;
! a description of proposed implementation, organization, staffing, budget, and
evaluation of the project.
A number of research tools are available to help choose a government agency
or private foundation that may be interested in a particular project. It is important to
know the organization’s or agency’s stated purposes, the amount of funds available,
any conditions or restrictions on the grant, and the types of projects the organization
has previously supported.
Every attempt should be made to identify only those funding sources whose
stated purposes are consistent with those of the grant seeker. Since more than 70%
of foundations limit their giving to their own city, state, or region, important sources
of funding are community foundations dedicated to the encouragement of local
endeavors.
The publications and databases included in this bibliography describe general
sources of support and a few of the current general guides to writing grant proposals.
In the descriptions of the publications and databases listed below, Library of
Congress call numbers have been provided where available.

---

CRS-2
Guides to Writing Grants and Proposals
A number of guides to funding and grantsmanship in specific areas have been
published in recent years. These may be available at public or research libraries
under such subject headings as “fund raising,” “endowments,” “grants-in-aid,”
“research grants,” and “federal aid to ...” [followed by broad categories such as
education, hospitals, law enforcement agencies, libraries, outdoor recreation, the arts,
or transportation]. Other titles may be located under a subject heading with “research
grants” as a subdivision, such as “humanities—research grants.”
Bauer, David G. The “How To” Grants Manual: Successful Grantseeking
Techniques for Obtaining Public and Private Grants. Phoenix, Oryx Press,
1995. 234 p.
HG177.B38 1995
Provides insights into the grants marketplace. The book gives advice on
organizing a proposal-development workbook, writing proposals, and choosing
the correct marketplace. The book also gives guidance on locating government
and private funding sources.
—— with contributions by Mary L. Otto. Administering Grants, Contracts, and
Funds: Evaluating and Improving Your Grants System. Phoenix, Oryx Press,
1995. 233 p.
HG4027.65.B38 1995
This book is designed for use by nonprofit organizations. Provides
assistance in developing a work plan (using worksheets and checklists) to
identify grants sources.
Belcher, Jane C., and Julia M. Jacobsen. From Idea to Funded Project: Grant
Proposals That Work. Phoenix, Oryx Press, 1992. 138 p.
LB2336.B43
This book provides guidance in writing a proposal, including developing
the idea into a detailed outline, finding a potential sponsor, submitting and
evaluating the proposal, and administering the grant.
DeVaul, Diane, and Heather Twomey. Federal Grant Programs: A Shrinking
Resource. Washington, Northeast-Midwest Institute Center for Regional
Policy, 1990. 200 p.
HJ275.D425
Covers the principles and skills involved in preparing and presenting
written proposals. The authors emphasize the importance of developing a
strategic approach to proposal writing and grant seeking, and discuss various
components and types of proposals. An appendix presents a sample proposal
with criticisms and suggestions for improving it.
Ferguson, Jacqueline. The Effective Grant Office: Streamlining Grants
Development and Management. Alexandria, VA, Capitol Publications, 1994.
94 p.
HG176.7.F47 1994
This book outlines how to locate funding sources, develop project ideas,
prepare grant proposals, communicate and negotiate with funders, monitor
projects and their budgets, retain grant records, and seek continued funding. It
explains how to set up an organized, well-coordinated system for bringing new
funds into organizations and making sure they are used properly.

---

CRS-3
Frost, Gordon Jay, ed. Winning Grant Proposals: Eleven Successful Appeals by
American Nonprofits to Corporations, Foundations, Individuals, and
Government Agencies. Rockville, MD, Fund Raising Institute, 1993. 160 p.
HG177.5.U6.W565 1993
The institutions which agreed to participate in this collection selected the
proposals they wished to include. The only direction they were given was to
supply a proposal of which they were especially proud, both for its quality and
its success, and that had received support since 1990. The result is a fairly
diverse lot, with a wide range of applications and projects. Provides examples
of good work.
Hall, Mary S. Getting Funded: A Complete Guide to Proposal Writing. 3rd ed.
Portland, OR, Continuing Education Publications, Portland State University,
1988. 206 p.
LB2825.H223
Besides providing information on funding trends, funding sources, and
databases, Getting Funded gives a broad range of examples of both how to and
how not to go about proposal writing. In addition, it offers many critical
checklists, sample formats, and models.
Kiritz, Norton J. Program Planning and Proposal Writing. Los Angeles,
Grantsmanship Center, 1980. 48 p.
Outlines grant application procedures and a standardized application
format, which has been adopted by many government agencies and private
foundations. It describes appropriate cover letters and provides examples.
Nauffts, Mitchell F., ed. Foundation Fundamentals: A Guide for Grantseekers.
New York, Foundation Center, 1994. 220 p.
HV41.9.U5.N37
This book describes the various types of foundations, the regulations that
govern their activities, and the relationship of foundations to other funding
sources. Describes the planning process prior to seeking funding. Discusses the
resources available and how grant seekers can use them to find the funders most
likely to be interested in their proposals. Takes the reader step by step through
the three basic approaches to finding a funder: subject, geographic, and type of
support.
Ries, Joanne B. Applying for Research Funding: Getting Started and Getting
Funded. Thousand Oaks, CA, Sage Publications, 1995.
HG177.R53
Focuses on strategies for developing a competitive application for research
funding. Presents the components of making choices in preparing the
application. Discusses key contacts that the author has found useful. Presents
the strengths and weaknesses of various research environments. Gives practical
suggestions for writing persuasive applications.
Government Grants
The best single resource for leads on federal funding programs is published by
the federal government and is called the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance.
This manual of more than a thousand pages provides the most comprehensive

---

CRS-4
information on federal funds, cross-indexed by agency, program type, applicant
eligibility, and subject. The Catalog and some of the other publications listed in this
guide are also available as online databases, both through commercial services and
on the Internet at no cost. Such databases can be searched using personal computers
with modems, or perhaps by arranging for a search to be conducted at a local library.
While not all libraries offer online searching services, many larger public and
research libraries do, generally for a fee. If a local library does not have online
searching capabilities, library personnel may be able to direct interested parties to
outside search services or consultants.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. Washington, GPO. Annual and update
vol., looseleaf.
HC110.P63U53a [year]
A government publication available in many libraries, describing federal
programs which provide funds or nonfinancial assistance to state and local
governments, public agencies, organizations, institutions, and, very rarely,
individuals. Included are the program’s legislative authority, explanations of
each program, types of assistance provided, restrictions, eligibility requirements,
financial information, application and award procedures, information contacts,
and related programs. Updated information on federal programs and grant
awards appears in the daily Federal Register, also available from the
Government Printing Office.
Online availability:
! Internet: [http://www.gsa.gov/fdac/default.htm].
! The full text of the Federal Register is available online on NEXIS, produced
by LEXIS/NEXIS, Inc.; LEGI-SLATE, produced by LEGI-SLATE, Inc.;
DIALOG (file 669), produced by Knight-Ridder; WESTLAW, produced by
West Publishing Corporation; and GPO Access, on the Internet.
! Information given in the printed Catalog is also available online through the
Federal Assistance Program Retrieval System (FAPRS) database. Access
is by both category and keyword. To request a FAPRS search, contact the
General Services Administration to inquire about obtaining the FAPRS
database information on magnetic tape, floppy disks, or CD-ROM. (FDAC
Staff, Ground Floor, Reporters Building, 300 7th Street N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20407. Telephone: 202-401-8135.)
DIALOG. DIALOG, a commercial online service, offers a number of grants
databases (described below), including:
! Federal Research in Progress: file 266 (FEDRIP)
! NTIS: file 6
! Foundation Directory: file 26
! Foundation Grants Index: file 27
! Grants: file 85
Many large university and research libraries offer DIALOG searching for a fee.
For information about obtaining DIALOG service, contact: Knight-Ridder
Information, Inc., 2440 El Camino Real, Mountain View, CA 94040.
Telephone: (650) 254-7000 or (800) 334-2564.
Internet: [http://www.dialog.com].

---

CRS-5
Federal Research in Progress database. Washington, National Technical
Information Service (NTIS).
Contains summaries of ongoing, federally-funded research projects in the
physical sciences, engineering, and life sciences. Project descriptions generally
include title, keywords, start date, estimated completion date, principal
investigator, performing and sponsoring organizations, summary, and progress
report. Although primarily used to avoid research duplication, it can also be
used to locate sources of support. No print equivalent.
Online availability:
!
DIALOG (file 266)
!
Knowledge Express Data Systems [http://www.knowledgexpress.com]
!
NERAC [http://www.nerac.com]
!
Internet: [http://www.ntis.gov/fedrip.htm]
National Technical Information Service (NTIS) database. Washington, National
Technical Information Service. (DIALOG file 6.)
Consists of unclassified government-sponsored research, development, and
engineering reports, as well as other analyses prepared by government agencies,
their contractors, or grantees. It is particularly useful in identifying sources of
support.
Internet: [http://www.ntis.gov/].
Blum, Laurie. Free Money from the Federal Government for Small Businesses
and Entrepreneurs. New York, J. Wiley, 1996. 358 p.
HG 4027.7.B6
This directory lists grant programs in seven general areas: agriculture,
community development, environment/conservation, general business, research
and development, minorities, and housing. Lists the individual state or regional
offices through which a grant seeker from a given state should apply.
Foundation Grants
The Foundation Center is a nonprofit organization which gathers and
disseminates factual information on foundations. The Center’s libraries in New York
City, Atlanta, San Francisco, Cleveland, and Washington, D.C., contain copies of
foundations’ tax returns, extensive collections of books, documents, and reports
about the foundation field, and current files on the activities and programs of about
37,000 U.S. foundations, plus knowledgeable staff to assist users in locating
appropriate information.
The Foundation Center also publishes funding directories specific to certain
fields, such as: aging; arts and culture; children, youth, and families; health; higher
education; international programs; libraries and information services; religion;
women and girls; and elementary and secondary education.
In addition, the Center has established cooperating reference collections in each
state, where Center publications and information on foundations in the immediate
state or region can be consulted. A list of cooperating libraries housing these

---

CRS-6
regional collections appears in most of the Center’s publications, and on its Web site
at [http://fdncenter.org/library/corporat.html].
It is most often a good idea to look for foundations close to home; they are more
likely to have an interest in local problems than would larger foundations with a
national focus. Foundation Center resources are a good starting point for identifying
likely funding sources. The next step is to learn more about these foundations by
obtaining copies of their annual reports and/or grants guidelines. Some may be
available at the Foundation Center’s cooperating libraries. Grantseekers will need
to find out whether their projected proposals match the foundation’s areas of interest
and geographic guidelines, whether the proposal is within the foundation’s budgetary
constraints, and whether the foundation normally funds the type of project being
considered. For further information, contact the Foundation Center, 79 Fifth Avenue,
New York, NY 10003. Telephone: (800) 424-9836 or in Washington, D.C., (202)
331-1400.
Foundation Directory. New York, Foundation Center. Annual. 2 v.
AS911.A2F65 [year]
Provides a description of over 7,900 large American foundations having
at least $2 million in assets or $200,000 in annual giving. Each entry includes
factual and financial data, statement of purpose and activities, and grant
application procedures; indexed by fields of interest, names of donors, trustees,
and administrators, and by state and city.
The Foundation Directory, Part 2, which provides information on 4,800
private and community foundations making grants of $50,000-$199,000
annually and holding assets of less than $2 million is a guide to smaller but
significant grantmakers whose giving often supports local organizations. Over
83% of the entries include geographic limitation statements showing
preferences for giving within specific cities or states. The directory provides
lists of sample grants whenever available, to provide concrete indications of the
foundation’s fields of interest, geographic preferences, and range of giving.
A supplement is issued 6 months after parts 1 and 2 are published in order
to update the information.
Online availability: DIALOG. File: 26 (FOUNDATION DIRECTORY).
Foundation Grants Index. New York, Foundation Center. Annual.
AS911.A2F66 [year]
Describes over 73,000 grants awarded by approximately 1,000 foundations
within the previous year or two. This is a selective listing, useful for identifying
potential funding sources based on previously awarded foundation grants. The
main listing of grants is arranged by major subject fields with the grants listed
alphabetically by state. A typical grant record includes the name and location
of the recipient, the amount awarded, the date authorized, and a description of
the grant. Grant descriptions are succinct but descriptive, for example: “To
promote community involvement in ground water protection in Ohio.” Includes
a detailed subject index.
Online availability: DIALOG. File: 27 (FOUNDATION GRANTS
INDEX).

---

CRS-7
Foundation Grants to Individuals. New York, Foundation Center. Biennial.
LB2336.F598 [year]
While the majority of foundations in the United States limit their grants to
nonprofit organizations, this publication gives information on funds available
to individuals from approximately 2,600 foundations. Emphasis is placed on
educational and scholarship awards. Six indexes help users target prospective
grants by subject area, types of support, geographic area, sponsoring company
(for employee-restricted awards), educational institutions, and foundation name.
Bibliography included.
Guide to U.S. Foundations, Their Trustees, Officers, and Donors. New York,
Foundation Center. Annual. 2 v.
AS911.A2F64 [year]
Lists over 40,000 private, corporate, operating, and community
foundations, including thousands of smaller ones not described in other sources.
These smaller foundations are especially important as local sources of funding.
Overall arrangement is by state, with foundations listed from largest to smallest
in terms of grants awarded. For each foundation, the Guide gives the
foundation’s address, telephone number (when available), financial summary,
list of officers, trustees and donors, geographic limitation, and (when available)
contact person.
Online availability:
DIALOG. File: 26 (FOUNDATION
DIRECTORY).
The Foundation 1000. New York, Foundation Center. Annual.
HV97.F65.F67a [year]

Provides data on the 1,000 largest U.S. foundations, including names of
officers and staff to contact, current program interests, and names of nonprofit
organizations which have already received grants for similar projects. Indexed
by subject field, foundation name, type of support, and geographic location.
Corporate Grants
When government funding on the federal, state, and local levels has declined,
there is an increase in the number of grant seekers pursuing corporate support. Many
corporations provide funds for local projects in areas where they have their
headquarters or plants, or sponsor projects which somehow enhance their corporate
image. Information on corporate foundations and direct corporate giving is listed
below.
Corporate Foundation Profiles. 9th ed. New York, Foundation Center, 1996. 778
p.
HV89.C68 1996
Detailed profiles of over 228 of the largest corporate foundations (those
that give at least $1.25 million annually). Includes address, contact person,
purpose, statement on limitations in giving, application guidelines, key officials,
and sponsoring company profile. Subject, type of support, and geographic area
indexes are included.

---

CRS-8
National Directory of Corporate Giving. New York, Foundation Center. Biennial.
HV89.N26 [year]
Comprehensive descriptions of over 2,500 corporate foundations plus 650
direct giving programs. Alphabetically arranged by company name with a
general description of the company and its activities and a description of the
company’s direct giving program and/or foundation for each entry. Indexed by
corporation, officers, donors, trustees, geographic areas, types of support,
subject, and types of business.
National Directory of Corporate Public Affairs. New York, Columbia Books,
1995. 967 p.
HD59.N24 1995
This directory identifies the key people in the corporate public affairs
profession. The first section is an alphabetical list of almost 2,000 companies
of varied sizes with public affairs programs. It includes corporate headquarters,
and (where they exist) Washington, D.C., area offices; political action
committees; foundation or corporate giving programs; and corporate
publications. Key facts and figures on corporate philanthropic activity and
political action committee involvement are also summarized. Also included is
a list of each company’s public affairs personnel, and the office in which they
are located. The second section of the book is an alphabetical list of
approximately 16,000 individuals in the public affairs field.
Taft Corporate Giving Directory. Washington, The Taft Corporation. Annual.
HV97.A3T29 [year]
Describes the giving programs of 1,002 corporate contribution programs.
The entries are arranged alphabetically by company (or company foundation),
and list size, locations of operation, products, contacts, amounts and types of
grants, philosophy of giving, typical recipients, executives, and a statistical
breakdown of the year’s giving. The indexes to biographical information on
corporate officers and program decision makers include officers and directors
by name, place of birth, alma mater, corporate affiliation, and nonprofit
affiliation. A monthly newsletter, Corporate Giving Watch, updates the
directory.
Other
Annual Register of Grant Support. New Providence, NJ, R. R. Bowker. Annual.
AS911.A2A67 [year]
Descriptions of over 3,000 government and private programs, arranged by
broad fields of interest, which give purpose, types of awards, eligibility
requirements, financial data, application, and deadline information. Access is
provided by subject, organization, geographic, and personnel indexes.
Directory of Research Grants. Phoenix, Oryx Press. Annual.
LB2338.D57 [year]
Concise descriptions of nearly 6,000 research programs that offer
nonrepayable funding for projects in medicine, the physical and social sciences,
education, the arts, and humanities. Grant programs are listed in alphabetical

---

CRS-9
order, followed by three indexes: subject, sponsoring organization, and program
type.
Online availability: DIALOG. File: 85 (GRANTS).
Internet Resources
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Programs (CFDA) is a
government-wide compendium of all federal programs, projects, services, and
activities that provide assistance or benefits to the American public. These programs
provide grants, loans, services, information, scholarships, training, insurance, etc.,
to millions of Americans every day. Searchable by keyword.
[http://www.gsa.gov/fdac/default.htm]
Community Resource Institute
This site provides information on national, local, and corporate grant
foundations. Can be searched by grant categories (e.g., Arts & Culture, Community
Development, Education, Environment, Health, and Youth).
[http://www.granted.org]
Council on Foundations
The Council is a nonprofit membership association of grantmaking foundations
and corporations, with a mission of promoting responsible and effective philanthropy
by assisting existing and future grantmakers. Provides press releases, legislative
updates, and fact sheets on foundations and the Council.
[http://www.cof.org]
The Foundation Center
The Foundation Center is an independent nonprofit information clearinghouse
established which collects, organizes, analyzes, and disseminates information on
foundations, corporate giving, and related subjects. The Web site provides links to
grantmakers (private foundations, corporations, public charities, and community
foundations), the Philanthropy News Digest, and seminars, workshops, and training.
[http://fdncenter.org]
Foundations On-Line
This Web site provides information on foundations, charities, government
grants, fund-raising events, and incorporation resources.
[http://www.foundations.org/page2.html]
Fundsnet
Fundsnet provides extensive resources in the areas of philanthropy for nonprofit
organizations, grantwriters and consultants seeking information on funding sources
for their projects, scholarships and financial aid for college and high school students,
and other resources.
[http://www.fundsnetservices.com/main.htm]

---

CRS-10
The Grantsmanship Center (TGCI)
The Grantsmanship Center was founded in 1972 to offer grantsmanship training
and low-cost publications to nonprofit organizations and government agencies. It
also offers daily summaries of Federal Register new grant announcements.
[http://www.tgci.com]
The Internet Nonprofit Center
This Web site links to home pages of nonprofits and charities, information about
nonprofits (e.g., top 40 charities, how to evaluate nonprofits, and standards in
philanthropy), and information for donors and volunteers.
[http://www.nonprofits.org]
Nonprofit Gateway (Grants & Non-Financial Support, Federal Agencies)
This Web page is a collection of direct links to the Grants and Non-Financial
Support Home Pages of cabinet departments and other federal agencies.
[http://www.nonprofit.gov/resource/support.html#departments]
SRA’s GrantsWeb (Society of Research Administrators)
This is a collection of hundreds of links to funding resources from federal and
state governments and private, international, and general organizations. It includes
links to federal agency policies, electronic journals, grant forms, and writing guides.
[http://web.fie.com/cws/sra/resource.htm]
U.S. Business Advisor (Loans and Grants)
The U.S. Business Advisor exists to provide businesses with one-stop access to
federal government information, services, and transactions. The Loans and Grants
section of the Finance page contains information on obtaining funds from the U.S.
Departments of Transportation, Energy, Commerce, Agriculture, the Export-Import
Bank, National Science Foundation, Small Business Administration, and the National
Institute of Science and Technology.
[http://www.business.gov/Finance.html#L&G]
The dynamic nature of the Internet means that information sources appear and
disappear without warning. The sources listed above were chosen because they are
relatively stable, and committed to providing grant information on the Internet.
It is possible to find additional Internet resources by using different search
engines, such as:
!
AltaVista
[http://www.altavista.com/]
!
Excite
[http://www.excite.com/]
!
Hotbot
[http://www.hotbot.com/]
!
InfoSeek
[http://www.infoseek.com/]
!
Metacrawler
[http://www.metacrawler.com]
!
Northern Light
[http://www.nlsearch.com]
!
Yahoo
[http://www.yahoo.com/]
When searching for grants or funding resources, combine a subject of interest
(e.g., education, small business, or environment) with terms such as:
! grants
! financial aid or financial assistance

---

CRS-11
! charities or charity
! foundations
! fund raising or fundraising
It is possible to further limit search results by adding additional terms, or
specifying particular domains (e.g., government, nonprofit, or educational).
Searchers should consult the search engine’s help screens for further information on
effective search strategies

---