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Which Grant Research Database is the Best?

Writer's picture: Bria  ArlineBria Arline

There are a plethora of grant databases out there:


Instrumentl, Candid, Grants.gov


But which is the best database for researching grants? 


Well, the answer is…all of them! 


Each database can have unique benefits as you conduct each phase of grant research.


The Phases of Research


There are essentially three phases of prospect research:


  • Initial Search: Here, you want to cast as broad a net as possible, using your research criteria to gather the top 100 or so grants worth further consideration. 


  • Funneling Down: From here, you want to find the top opportunities worth pursuing. Some things to consider are dollar amounts compared to the ease of application, accessibility of the program staff, health of the foundation, or your organization’s capacity to report on the grant. 


You want to get this number of grants down to a number of proposals your team can realistically and effectively complete. A pro tip is to include a few backup prospects in case something does not work out with the others. 


For instance, consider having two to five federal grants on your calendar. Or, if you are pursuing private grants, a grant calendar with 30 to 35 prospects.


  • Picking the Top: From this list, you want to plan the grants that look the most promising and begin developing a project plan for the rest of the year or as far out as possible. 


Which Databases to Use In Each Phase


We find certain databases are beneficial for different phases. 


For instance, during the broad search, it is best to start with an old-fashioned Google search to get an idea of who is funding your work in your area. You can then move on to databases like Instrumentl, where you can search based on keywords.


If you are looking for international funding, GrantStation is a good option as it lets you search for funders across your continent.


If you are looking for federal dollars, you can use Grants.gov to gather a list of possible federal opportunities. 


Once you find your prospects, you can move on to phase two, where you are essentially gauging if the prospect is a go or no-go. For this, you can use the Instrumentl analysis tools to evaluate funders’ health and giving history. You can also use Candid’s Foundation Directory or Impala to search for LinkedIn profiles for funder staff, helping you see if your team can build an effective outreach program. 


If you are looking at applying for federal grants, it is best to do a thorough reading of the RFP as well as using USA Spending or the funding agencies’ websites to see what type of organizations or projects are getting funded.


Conclusion


When it comes to grant research, the more tools, the better. Try out each database and then build a collection for which ones are most effective for your organization’s needs. 


Want more insights into creating a successful grant strategy or other topics to help you fuel your mission? Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.


Need a skilled team to help you secure federal funding? Reach out to us today for a free consultation.

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