--- title: 11 Tools for Grant Prospect Research description: Discover the top 11 grant prospect research tools in our latest blog post to enhance your funding opportunities efficiently and effectively. image: https://www.foxgrants.com/hubfs/Resources%20written%20in%20search%20bar%20on%20virtual%20screen.jpeg --- [Skip to content](https://www.foxgrants.com/blogs-and-news/11-tools-for-grant-prospect-research#main-content) [![Fox Grants Transparent](https://www.foxgrants.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Fox%20Grants%20Transparent.png?width=800&height=800&name=Fox%20Grants%20Transparent.png)](https://www.foxgrants.com) - [About Us](https://www.foxgrants.com/about-us) - Services - [Prospect Research](https://www.foxgrants.com/prospect-research) - [Grant Writing](https://www.foxgrants.com/grant-writing) - [Grant Management](https://www.foxgrants.com/grant-management) - [Charter School Funding](https://www.foxgrants.com/funding-for-charter-schools) - [Careers](https://www.foxgrants.com/careers) - [Blogs and News](https://www.foxgrants.com/blogs-and-news) - [Contact Us](https://www.foxgrants.com/contact-us) ###### 5 min read # 11 Tools for Grant Prospect Research By: [Fox Grants](https://www.foxgrants.com/blogs-and-news/author/fox-grants) on Mar 25, 2024, 6:36:26 PM [Prospect Research](https://www.foxgrants.com/blogs-and-news/tag/prospect-research) [Grant Strategy](https://www.foxgrants.com/blogs-and-news/tag/grant-strategy) [Nonprofit Resource](https://www.foxgrants.com/blogs-and-news/tag/nonprofit-resource) ![Featured Image](https://www.foxgrants.com/hubfs/Resources%20written%20in%20search%20bar%20on%20virtual%20screen.jpeg) Grant prospect research is a critical step for organizations looking to secure funding. It involves identifying and evaluating potential funding sources that align with an organization's mission, projects, and goals. ![7 Benefits of Grant Prospect Research Infographic](https://www.foxgrants.com/hs-fs/hubfs/7%20Benefits%20of%20Grant%20Prospect%20Research%20Infographic.png?width=750&height=750&name=7%20Benefits%20of%20Grant%20Prospect%20Research%20Infographic.png) Utilizing the right tools can significantly streamline this process, making it more efficient and effective. Below are 11 key tools and resources that can aid in grant prospect research: 1. ## [**Grants.gov**](http://grants.gov) Overview: This is the central portal where U.S. federal agencies post their available grants. It allows users to search for funding opportunities across various federal departments. Features: Users can search for grants based on keywords, funding opportunity number, agency, and category. It also offers email alerts for new grant postings. 1. ## [**Instrumentl**](https://instrumentl.com/) Overview: Designed for nonprofits and grant writing consultants, offering a comprehensive platform for institutional fundraising. Features a vast database of over $1 billion in active grants from various funders, including corporate, federal, state governments, and private foundations. Features: Offers intelligent matching to relevant funders, up-to-date grant information, clear visualization of 990s and foundation profiles, with grant management and reporting tools. It aims to streamline the grant prospecting, tracking, and management process into one easy-to-use platform. 1. ## [**Foundation Directory Online (FDO)**](https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/welcome/features?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwwYSwBhDcARIsAOyL0fiyBPrg54qJYM7AWcTLjf6aEG-uoIFARa5-UkhM2itTTe7yiNBDFC0aAioAEALw_wcB) Overview: Operated by Candid (formerly the Foundation Center and GuideStar), this is one of the most comprehensive databases for private foundation grants in the United States. Features: Provides detailed profiles of grantmakers, including their funding interests, application guidelines, and awarded grants. Subscription-based with various levels of access. 1. ## [**Pivot**](https://pivot.proquest.com/) Overview: Pivot focuses on both domestic and international funding opportunities, including grants, fellowships, and scholarships from government agencies, private foundations, and other funding organizations. Features: Offers robust search and alert capabilities, allowing users to find and track funding opportunities that match specific criteria. 1. ## [**GrantStation**](https://grantstation.com/) Overview: GrantStation offers online access to a comprehensive set of grant research tools and resources, including listings for federal, state, and private funding opportunities. Features: The site provides detailed grantmaker profiles, a library of grant-writing tips and strategies, and various newsletters highlighting new and upcoming funding opportunities. 1. ## [**The Chronicle of Philanthropy**](https://www.philanthropy.com/) Overview: While not a grant database, The Chronicle is a leading publication in the nonprofit world, offering news, articles, and resources relevant to fundraising and grant seeking. Features: Includes reporting on trends in philanthropy, major gift announcements, and interviews with grantmakers, providing insights that can inform grant prospecting strategies. 1. ## **Google and Other Search Engines** Overview: Don’t underestimate the power of a well-crafted search query. Search engines can unearth announcements, press releases, and previously awarded grants. Using a [**Boolean search**](https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/boolean-operators/#:~:text=What%20is%20a%20Boolean%20search,Exclude%20keywords) can be helpful. Features: Useful for identifying lesser-known grant opportunities and researching potential funders’ interests and priorities. **Example Boolean Search:** ("performing arts" OR theater OR dance OR music) AND (grants OR funding) AND federal NOT "visual arts" NOT sports 1. ## **Internal Resources** Overview: Leveraging your organization’s existing relationships, networks, and previous grant applications can yield valuable leads and insights. Features: Review past proposals and reports to identify funders who have previously supported similar projects or areas of interest. 1. ## **Social Media and Professional Networks** Overview: Many foundations and funding organizations use social media platforms to announce grant cycles, workshops, and funding priorities. Features: Following potential funders on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook can provide real-time updates and networking opportunities. 1. ## **Regional and Local Grantmaker Associations** Overview: These associations often have directories or listings of local foundations and grant-making entities, which can be invaluable for targeting region-specific funders. Features: May offer workshops, training, and networking events that can further assist in grant prospecting and application processes. 1. ## [**Candid’s GuideStar**](https://www.guidestar.org/) Overview: GuideStar provides information on nonprofit organizations and is a valuable resource for researching potential funders and understanding their philanthropic history. Features: Access to financial documents, IRS 990 forms, and detailed profiles of nonprofit organizations, including foundations. Each of these tools has its strengths and can be combined to conduct thorough and effective grant prospect research. Identifying the right mix of resources will depend on your specific needs, the nature of your projects, and the scope of funding you are seeking. Grant prospect research is a fundamental yet time-consuming phase in the grant application process. While this research is crucial for securing necessary funding, it can also be a substantial drain on resources. This is where considering a partner to assist with the process can be highly beneficial. If you're looking for a partner in [grant prospect research](https://www.foxgrants.com/prospect-research) and [grant writing](https://www.foxgrants.com/grant-writing), you've come to the right place! [Let's connect](https://www.foxgrants.com/contact-us) and see where you are, where you'd like to be, and how we can support you during the process. - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## [How to Create a Grant Budget That Funders Love](https://www.foxgrants.com/blogs-and-news/how-to-create-a-grant-budget-that-funders-love) Every grant proposal tells a story, and the budget is where that story meets numbers. A grant... ## [The Power of Grant Prospect Research for Post-Secondary Institutions](https://www.foxgrants.com/blogs-and-news/the-power-of-grant-prospect-research-for-post-secondary-institutions) In today's dynamic and competitive educational landscape, securing funding for vital projects,... ## [Insights from the Field: 3 Lessons for Today’s Grant Environment](https://www.foxgrants.com/blogs-and-news/insights-from-the-field-3-lessons-for-todays-grant-environment) Over the past several years, I’ve had a front-row seat to how dramatically the grant landscape has... ##### Menu Menu - [About Us](https://www.foxgrants.com/about-us) - [Careers](https://www.foxgrants.com/careers) - [Blogs & News](https://www.foxgrants.com/blogs-and-news) - [Contact Us](https://www.foxgrants.com/contact-us) ##### Our Partners Our Partners - [Fox Fractional](https://www.foxfractional.com) - [Fox Advancement](https://www.foxadvancement.com) ##### Our Purpose Our Purpose Our purpose guides our work:** “securing resources to build vibrant communities so that people can experience the joy of giving.”** Giving is most joyful when it is rooted in equity, diversity, and inclusion. We recognize that philanthropy was built on privilege and power. Our consultants, clients, and partners inspire us daily with their commitment to building a philanthropic environment that is accessible and open to change. All members of our firm are committed to listening, learning, and growing so we can contribute to inclusive and vibrant philanthropy. [![Logo Alternate](https://www.foxgrants.com/hubfs/Logo%20white%20text%20for%20dark%20background.png)](https://www.foxgrants.com) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.foxgrants.com/privacy-policy) - [Terms & Conditions](https://www.foxgrants.com/terms-conditions) © 2026 Fox Grants LLC | Made with ❤️ in Minneapolis, MN ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Fox Grants", "url" : "https://www.foxgrants.com/blogs-and-news/author/fox-grants" }, "dateModified" : "2024-03-25T23:36:26.994Z", "datePublished" : "2024-03-25T23:36:26.000Z", "headline" : "11 Tools for Grant Prospect Research", "image" : [ "https://www.foxgrants.com/hubfs/Resources%20written%20in%20search%20bar%20on%20virtual%20screen.jpeg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.foxgrants.com/blogs-and-news/11-tools-for-grant-prospect-research", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.foxgrants.com/hubfs/Fox%20Grants%20Transparent-1.png" } } } ```