Week 1 – August 2nd, 2022 Theme: Community Foundations
Are you connected with your state’s community foundations? Did you know they can connect you to local donors who care about your cause? Did you know they can turn land and auto donations into cash for your center, or help you build an endowment? Learn more about what a community foundation can do for you here: https://cof.org/foundation-type/community-foundations-taxonomy
Week 2 – August 9th, 2022 Theme: Community Foundation Locator
Most states have a network of community foundations. Establishing a relationship with the one nearest to you may also gain you relationships with the others across your service area. Learn what community foundations exist in your service area here: https://cof.org/page/community-foundation-locator
Week 3 – August 16th, 2022 Theme: More on Community Foundations
There are two types of foundations: public and private. Community foundations are public. That means they have added tax benefits to donors, and programs to benefit your work. However, they may also have limited funds available for competing grant priorities and less leverage in their donor-directed investments. That’s why it is a good idea to know what private foundations you should develop relationships with as well. Learn more about private foundations here: https://www.fidelitycharitable.org/guidance/philanthropy/community-foundations.html
Week 4 – August 23rd, 2022 Theme: Grant Giving Foundations
Of the private foundations in the US, there are 13, well-established, large, grant-makers to keep an eye on. Most of them have grant-making priorities that align with parent centers. Here is a list and biography for each of them: https://charity.lovetoknow.com/Grant_Giving_Foundations
Week 5 – August 30th, 2022 Theme: Top 10 Grant Databases
As parent centers, we know that no one should ever underestimate the influence of a “small shop.” That goes for foundations as well. But, how do we find the small ones? A grant-making database is a small investment that can lead to large gains of your center. Most will offer grant writing services and training as well. For a crosswalk of the top 10 grant making databases in the US, click here: https://www.learngrantwriting.org/blog/grant-database-review