How to Discover the Funding Priorities of a Grantor Before You Write a Grant

When it comes to writing a winning grant proposal, aligning your project with the grantor’s funding priorities is crucial. But how do you figure out what those priorities are? Grantors don’t always spell them out explicitly, so it’s up to you to dig into the details and uncover what they’re really looking for. In this post, I’ll share three proven strategies to help you discover the funding priorities of a grantor before you start writing.

1. Research the Grantor’s Website

One of the best starting points is the grantor’s own website. While this might seem obvious, many people overlook the valuable information hidden within the site. Here’s what you need to look for:

• Mission Statements: Many grantors will list their mission and values. These statements often give clues about what they care about most.
• Annual Reports and Financials: Some grantors publish annual reports, where they outline which projects or causes they’ve supported over the past year. This can give you a clear sense of their funding trends.
• Grant Guidelines: Make sure to thoroughly review the guidelines for any open grants. Sometimes, priorities are mentioned directly in the eligibility criteria or within specific program descriptions.

2. Examine Past Grantees

A grantor’s funding history is one of the clearest indicators of their priorities. By examining who they’ve funded in the past, you can identify patterns and trends that reveal what types of projects and organizations they’re more likely to support. Here’s how you can gather that information:

• Use Publicly Available Databases: Websites like Guidestar or the Foundation Directory Online offer access to lists of past grantees. These databases can help you find the organizations the grantor has funded over the years.
• Check Their Website: Some grantors list previous grant recipients directly on their site, sometimes even showcasing success stories. Pay attention to the focus areas of the funded projects and their scale.
• Look for Common Themes: Are they focused on a particular geographic region? Do they prioritize specific social issues like education, healthcare, or the environment? Identifying these trends can help you align your proposal with their priorities

3. Network and Build Relationships

One of the most valuable—and often underutilized—strategies for discovering a grantor’s priorities is networking. Direct connections with the grantor or with organizations they’ve previously funded can give you firsthand insights into what the grantor cares about. Here’s how you can leverage relationships to gather information:

• Talk to Past Grantees: Reach out to organizations that have received funding from the grantor. Ask about their experience, how they aligned their project with the grantor’s goals, and any tips they might have for you.
• Attend Conferences or Webinars: Grantors often host or attend events where they discuss their priorities or explain their funding processes. These events provide a great opportunity to ask questions and make connections.
• Set Up Informational Meetings: If possible, try to arrange a meeting with the grantor. This could be as simple as a phone call or an informational interview where you ask about their priorities and how your project might align with their goals.

By using these three strategies—researching the grantor’s website, examining past grantees, and networking—you’ll gain a clear understanding of a grantor’s funding priorities. Armed with this information, you can tailor your proposal to align perfectly with what they are looking for, increasing your chances of securing funding.

Don't forget to download my free resource where I share seven more strategies for discovering a grantor’s priorities before you write your proposal. Fill out the form below to get your copy!