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The fundraising process

Using this site

We can help
Are you ready to seek funding?

If you are not yet a recognized nonprofit

If you are a recognized tax-exempt nonprofit organization

If you are an individual or artist

If you are a student/scholarship seeker

If you are a small business
What do you need funding for?

General operating support

Program or project support

Capital support

Other types of support
Understanding the funding mix

Private foundations (family and independent)

Corporate foundations, giving programs and sponsorships

Community and public foundations

Individuals

Government funding
Researching potential funding sources and donors

Identify prospective donors

Learn more about prospective donors
Making contact with donors

Initial approach

Full proposal

Chicago Area Grant Application

Next steps
Donors Forum tools and resources

Using the Donors Forum Library and Philanthropy Centers

Grantseeker resources

Glossary

Donors Forum publications

Fundraising and Management Workshops

Joining the Donors Forum
Have comments? Suggestions?
Let us know at: info@donorsforum.org




Getting private funding involves researching and gathering information, and then filtering that information.

At the end of the research process, you will have a manageable number of organizations that are likely candidates to fund your organization, project or program.

Search the Donors Forum Library catalog online
to see our materials and online databases accessible from the libraries to help you research potential donors.

Web resources
While the Internet is becoming an increasingly valuable research tool, it is not yet possible to conduct an entire research process online at no cost. The Donors Forum offers Illinois Funding Source, an online version of its popular foundation and grants directories. Illinois Funding Source is available for use in the Library, or users can also subscribe. Subscription costs cover the time and effort to gather and compile this proprietary information. For more information about Illinois Funding Source, click here.

If you are researching information on a specific funder,


Special event fundraising

Proposals aren't the only way to secure funding for your organization. Special events are a great way to raise funds, but also require planning and hard work. Listed below are some helpful web sites on planning and implementing successful special events.

Event Planning 101 (pdf)
Tips for every stage of the event planning process, from Daniel Gonzalez at the Illinois Center for Violence Prevention.

Fund-raising.com
This web site offers unique fundraising ideas, answers to frequently asked questions and links to other fundraising information resources.

Donors Forum Library Catalog
Search the Donors Forum Library Catalog for books on planning special events. Suggested search terms include special event, sponsorship, fundraising event and gala.

Skill-building tools

Donors Forum Workshops

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