Should you apply to invitation-only funders?
It could turn into grants...
You're doing grant research. You find a foundation that looks like a strong fit - their giving priorities align with your mission, they give to organizations like yours, the geography matches...
And then you see it: INVITATION ONLY or 'we only support preselected charitable organizations.'
(Invitation-only is a filter you can use in Grant Frog for grant research)
Grants management software for nonprofits
Full grants management, a 200K funder prospecting list, and team collaboration in one place.
Do you move on?
Not so fast!
That "invitation only" label doesn't always mean what you think it means, and skipping those foundations without a second look could mean you're missing out on grant funds!
Here's why...
There's a foundation in a mid-size community in Texas. They give generously to their community and other areas. You see their name listed on annual reports, websites, plaques, and other recognitions.
You finally decide to look at their 990 because you think they might be a fit for your organization.
And what do you see?
"Check here ✅ if the foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds."
The dreaded 'by invitation only' checkbox.
Oh no!!
But yet...
This is not actually the case for them.
They actually just need a letter of request, your 501c3, and financial statements.
To build that bridge? A phone call to the main man running the show to share more about your organization.
Related: Learn about grants from invitation-only foundations
Not the same as 'we already have our preselected charities and nonprofits we support - don't ever contact us - we will never fund you'
So if you've completely taken the 'we only give to preselected charities' foundations off your list, I would encourage you to revisit your approach.
This isn't meant for you to start blitzing funders who don't fund your type of cause, those who have a specific process, or those who tell you they only want to support certain organizations.
It's meant to help you not just take the 'preselected charitable organizations' ✅ checkbox at face value.
Do your research, see what you can find, and then call, email, or send an intro letter.
If you're like me, it just might turn into $391,000 in grants and a supporter of your nonprofit for many years.
