Frequently Asked Questions
What do Foundations and Corporate Grantmakers look for in a Grantee?
Funding officials will first determine whether the purpose of an organization or project matches their interests. For related information, visit the "Foundation Center's Online Orientation to the Grantseeking Process" at http://fdncenter.org/onlib/orient/.
What can I do to get started?
Begin by identifying potential grantmakers and determining whether they might be interested in supporting your project. Determine whether there are impending deadlines for requests for funding and whether they require a letter of inquiry, a completed application form, or a complete proposal. Then, set up a meeting with the Office of Grants and Programs to determine how we can assist you.
How can I locate potential grantmakers or funding sources?
The university has a searchable database service called SPIN (Sponsored Programs Information Network) at http://www.infoed.org/new_spin/spinmain.asp which can be accessed from any computer at WCL or on the main campus. The database can be queried to do a specific search or we can help you develop a personal profile that SPIN will use to match with funding opportunities and then deliver daily updates of the results to you by e-mail. For more information on how to use SPIN, click here (PDF File).
You can also search the Foundation Center website at for information on private foundations, corporate grantmakers, grantmaking public charities, and community foundations. The website address is http://fdncenter.org/grantmaker/index.html.
