Prospect research is the absolute key when you're investigating potential sources of foundation funding And there is no finer tool for truly observing the workings of a private foundation -- and whether or not their mission provides a match with your organization -- than with a thorough investigation of a foundation's federal 990-PF form (downloadable at a number of sites for free, including Guidestar and Nozasearch)

In my position working in programming for one of the country’s major foundations, I reviewed many many grant proposals And, while I loved the opportunity to become acquainted with the regions many nonprofit organizations, I was also dismayed by how dry and tedious so many of the proposals seeking funding were

When approaching development writing, whether it’s for a grant proposal, an annual appeal, a brochure, or an online appeal, the secret is to always keep in mind your donor As Terry Axelrod, founder of the Benevon method of building lifelong donors, notes, an organization’s “emotional hook” is critical to fundraising success