Discussion: Funder Analysis

The Form 990 can tell a lot about an organization. The form allows you to evaluate what are the best organizations to work with when seeking funding. It can help confirm the organization is operating consistently with how it represents itself to the public. This form allows the IRS and the general public to evaluate a nonprofit’s operations; it includes information on the nonprofit’s mission, programs, and finances.

To Prepare

• Research funders (i.e., grantors) using the resources provided in your Learning Resources.
• Select a funder that you identified in your research. If you are unable to find enough information on the funder you have been researching, you can choose another funder.
• Use the Form 990 in this week’s Learning Resources to conduct a funder analysis.
• Be sure to compare the results of your analysis to the funder’s outreach materials.

Post the analysis of the funder you selected. Then, explain how the funder’s operations compare to what you discovered in your analysis (mission, programs, and finances). Finally, explain whether the funder is accurately representing itself.

Required Readings

Locke, L. F., Spirduso, W. W., Silverman, S. J. (2014). Proposals that work: A guide for planning dissertations and grant proposals (6th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

• Review Chapter 9, “Money for Research: How to Ask for Help” (pp. 157–196)
• Review Chapter 10, “Preparation of the Grant Proposal” (pp. 197–224)

Foundation Center. (n.d.). 990 finder. Retrieved September 2, 2017, from http://foundationcenter.org/find-funding/990-finde…

GuideStar. (n.d.). Retrieved September 4, 2017, http://www.guidestar.org/Home.aspx
On this free website, locate and analyze a grantor and its Form 990.