There are some free resources for researching funders on the web, but for a detailed, targeted search you will probably need to use a subscription database or go to the library. Links to both free and fee-based sources are listed below.

Free Foundation Databases

• NOZA - Searches for foundations are free. For corporations and individuals, there is a fee. You can search by subject area, though not in as much detail as in the subscription databases. Entire database available at Redmond King County Library.
  
• Foundation Finder - If you already know the name of the foundation you're interested in, the Foundation Center will give you basic information and the website URL.

The tax forms filed by all private and corporate foundations are available free at these sites:

• NOZA
• Foundation Center
• Guidestar - includes Form 990s, filed by grantseeking organizations, as well as 990-PFs. Only the most recent three years of 990s are free.

Subscription Databases

• Philanthropy Northwest Directory, available online or at the Seattle Central, Redmond, and UW Tacoma libraries. (Ask the librarian how to log in.) Bring a flash memory stick to save your searches.
• Foundation Directory Online, available free at the same libraries. You can subscribe on a monthly or annual basis, at different levels of cost and coverage. You'll want at least the Premium level for real usefulness.
• FoundationSearch / BigOnline - The Foundation Directory's main competitor. Includes maps, charts, analyses of giving patterns, and many more excellent tools. Shows new foundations in your area. More expensive and not at libraries, but loved by many researchers.
• Washington Foundation Data Book Directory and CD. Hardcopy available at libraries.
• Guidestar - Offers a subscription grants database. Two levels, annual or monthly subscriptions.
• GrantStation - Watch for their "sales," available several times a year, when they offer a year's subscription for $99. Includes weekly newsletter and "how to" grantwriting sections. Covers only 5000 number of private foundations, but includes federal and state grants.  Available in all Seattle Public libraries.

Free Grants Newsletters
Newsletters can help you keep up on RFP's (Requests for Proposals), new funder guidelines, and other current grant information.

• Don Griesmann's Grant Opportunities
• Foundation Center's Philanthropy News Digest
  News, RFP's and jobs. You can sign up to receive RFP's in your area of interest, such as arts, education, or human services.

Click below for more information on these types of grants:

• Corporate Grants
• Government Grants
• International Grants

Gateways to Further Information

• King County Library System's Nonprofit and Philanthropy Resource Center. Created by our own Jeannette Privat, this outstanding collection can help you learn whatever you need to know about philanthropy in the Northwest and nationally. Includes a book collection at the Redmond Library and an online resource collection available from any computer.

• David Lamb's Prospect Research Page Annotated links for researching foundations, corporations, public records, and many others.