How to approach a private foundation

Private foundations give away money from an endowment, but many only support organizations they already know. Treat outreach as relationship-building, not mass mailing.

1. Find foundations that fit

Look for foundations in your area that fund your kind of work. Their public IRS filing (Form 990-PF) lists the grants they actually made: who received them, how large, and for what. That tells you far more than any marketing page. FundLuma's foundation directory links to these filings.

2. Check how they want to be contacted

Read the foundation's own website. Some publish guidelines and deadlines, some accept only a short letter of inquiry, and many state plainly that they do not accept unsolicited requests. Respect that: sending an application anyway rarely helps.

3. Look for a connection

Do you know a board member, a past grantee, or a program officer? A warm introduction from someone who knows your work matters more than a polished proposal.

4. Make a small, specific first ask

If they accept inquiries, send a one-page letter: who you are, the need, your plan, the amount, and why this foundation. Offer to share more.

5. Keep the relationship

Thank them, send brief updates, invite them to see your work, and report on results if you receive funding.

An entry in the directory does not mean a foundation is open to applications.