The Center for Writers does not offer community grant consultations at this time; however, this page has been created to provide some general grant writing guidance for a public audience.

Below are a few online methods for grant searching. Remember, for each funding opportunity you are interested in, be sure to research it well before beginning an application. Double check that you are eligible by applicant type and geographic location. Read all the directions, learn about their recently awarded grants, and check for a list of “what we fund & what we do not fund.” 

Grant searching by internet browser can take time to test different search queries. Be prepared to comb through various articles, blog posts, and discussion forum threads for reference to grant funders in your subject area. Some of these types of results might be old with broken links. It's not uncommon to end up with multiple tabs and windows open in your browser when searching for grants.

There are some free-to-search databases available, such as Fundsnet Services and ProFellow for professional and academic fellowships. You can access some other grant databases with a subscription. The National Council of Nonprofits lists some of these tools here. 

Candid (a merger of the Foundation Center and Guidestar) has a database with over 3 million grants and profiles of over 120,000 grantmakers. You can verify nonprofits through Guidestar, research foundation funding opportunities through the Foundation Center Directory, and find information on improving your nonprofit or learning about the world of foundation funding. You may access the database yourself through the Fargo Public Library’sOnline Resources by using their computers or by being on site on their wireless with your own device. You may need a valid FPL Library Card in order to access the online services. Non-resident cards are available. If you have questions before planning a trip to the library, call ahead to the Reference Desk at (701) 241-1472.

The NDSU Office of Research and Creative Activity maintains this list of North Dakota and Minnesota Grant Agencies. 

Once you have found a grantmaking agency or foundation that seems a fit for you, it's time to start planning your application. Don't forget to contact the funder before applying. You can double check that your project is a programmatic fit for the grant program, ask questions you couldn't find answers for in their online materials, and make a personal connection.