Nonprofit Grants

• How to search the Foundation Directory Online database for potential nonprofit grants funding?
  • Grants Research Lab virtual class (monthly)
  • Advanced Funder Research Lab virtual class (every other month)
  • Helpful resources from Candid Learning
    • Find grants by searching on Foundation Directory training video (2 minutes)
      • https://learning.candid.org/training/find-grants-by-searching-on-foundation-directory/
    • Identify potential funders using Foundation Directory search results training video (3 minutes)
      • https://learning.candid.org/training/identify-potential-funders-using-foundation-directory-search-results/
    • How to know if a funder is right for your nonprofit with Foundation Directory training video (3 minutes)
      • https://learning.candid.org/training/how-to-know-if-a-funder-is-right-for-your-nonprofit-with-foundation-directory/

• Nonprofit Startup Tool from Candid:
  • https://learning.candid.org/resources/nonprofit-startup-resources/
• Ohio Secretary of State’s Guide to Starting a Nonprofit
  • https://www.ohiosos.gov/globalassets/publications/busserv/nonprofit.pdf
• Candid virtual self-paced training course, “Is starting a nonprofit right for you?”
  • https://learning.candid.org/training/is-starting-a-nonprofit-right-for-you-2/

• Foundation Directory Online database
  • The Grants to Individuals database is now a part of the Foundation Directory Online database.
    • For information on how to search the FDO for funders who have tax-record provable histories of funding individuals please see Candid’s article,” Find your next scholarship, fellowship, or grant on Foundation Directory Professional”:
      • https://help.candid.org/s/article/Grants-to-Individuals-Search-in-Foundation-Directory-Professional
    • Artists seeking funding should refer to Candid’s article, “Where can I find grants for individual artists?”:
      • https://learning.candid.org/resources/knowledge-base/funding-for-individual-artists/

CHPL's Grant Research resources are specifically geared for nonprofits.

To research funding for for-profit or small businesses, please visit the following resources:

• CHPL.org/small-business, opens a new window
• SCORE Cincinnati, opens a new window
• City of Cincinnati Department of Economic Inclusion, opens a new window
• African American Chamber of Commerce, opens a new window

CHPL's Grant Research resources are specifically geared for nonprofits.

To research funding for education scholarships, please visit the following resources:

• Databases:
  • Peterson's Career and Test Prep Database (specifically for undergraduate education funding)
    • https://tcpr.petersons.com/ (found here: https://chpl.org/resources/education/)
  • Homework HelpNow (live tutors can help with the FAFSA)
    • https://www.brainfuse.com/highed/helpNow.asp?a_id=5096E415&ss=&r= (found here: https://chpl.org/kids-subject/education/)
  • Cincinnati State’s College Access Program is a free service on Cincinnati State’s campus that is for prospective and current college and high school students (not just Cincinnati State students.) They have several programs that can support students with finding funding and achieving their academic goals.
    • https://www.cincinnatistate.edu/cap/
  • Suggested books
    • Peterson's How to Get Money for College
      • https://cincinnatilibrary.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S170C2678187
    • Peterson's Scholarships, Grants & Prizes
      • https://cincinnatilibrary.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S170C1533215
    • The Ultimate Scholarship Book:
      • https://cincinnatilibrary.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S170C2753106
    • Funding for graduate education
      • Scholarships for graduate school are very hard to find in general. The single best place to look for graduate studies funding is the financial aid office of the school (or schools) the applicant is interested in. The advice recommended by higher education funding experts is to contact the financial aid office directly and immediately.

• Professional organizations for the applicant’s desired field of work/studies will sometimes provide access to grant/scholarship opportunities exclusive to members. Something to note is that membership to professional organizations is rarely free. So, the applicant will want to contact them to see if funds are guaranteed upon their paid membership, or if, like general scholarships, not everyone who applies gets money. Sometimes these organizations also have discounted membership rates or even financial help for students who cannot cover the membership fees.