Developing a Grant Proposal
A successful grant proposal is one that is well-prepared, thoughtfully planned, and concisely packaged. The potential applicant should become familiar with all of the pertinent program criteria related to the Catalog program from which assistance is sought. Refer to the information contact person listed in the Catalog program description before developing a proposal to obtain information such as whether funding is available, when applicable deadlines occur, and the process used by the grantor agency for accepting applications. Applicants should remember that the basic requirements, application forms, information and procedures vary with the Federal agency making the grant award. 

Virtual Classroom
The Foundation Center - Choose one of the tutorials below:
Guide to FC Web Site - The look is different, but the content you'll find here is richer than ever and navigating the site has never been easier. Take a look at our handy Guide to "Your Gateway to Philanthropy on the World Wide Web."
Orientation to Grantseeking - If you are new to grantseeking from private foundations, or if you'd like a refresher course, this online orientation is for you.
Guide to Funding Research - If you are a first-time grantseeker, a new nonprofit staff or board member, or a volunteer for your favorite charity, this online guide was created with you in mind. It is intended both as a basic primer on the grantseeking process and as an introduction to the resources available.
Proposal Budgeting Basics - This tutorial offers the basics of developing a project budget--an important component of the grant proposal. The course covers issues such as overhead costs, and employee fringe benefits, and provides links to sample budget templates.
Proposal Writing Short Course - The subject of this short course is proposal writing. But the proposal does not stand alone. It must be part of a process of planning and of research on, outreach to, and cultivation of potential foundation and corporate donors.
Demystifying the 990-PF - This online training course provides an overview of the content, accessibility, and value of Form 990-PF, the tax return filed by private foundations.
FC Search Guided Tour - In just a few minutes, you'll learn how FC Search can help you to target funding prospects from among the universe of every known U.S. grantmaker.
Advanced FC Search: Strategies & Techniques - This online training course is geared for advanced users of the Foundation Center's database of private U.S. funders. Learn how to create effective strategies, and uncover hidden tips and little know tricks that will maximize search results.
Foundation Grants to Individuals Guided Tour - In just a few minutes, you'll learn how Foundation Grants to Individuals can help you to target funding prospects from among the Foundation Center's unique database of grantmaker that provide support for individuals.
LNPS Online Guided Tour - Literature of the Nonprofit Sector: The Foundation Center's Online Catalog with Abstracts (LNPS Online) is a searchable database of the literature on philanthropy, the foundation world, the nonprofit sector, voluntarism, and charitable giving.