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How to find funding for client projects

Steps for social impact consultants to find funding for client projects, what to prepare, and how to compare search tools before applying.

By CDings ยท

CDings is published by the makers of Raise Buddy and ProductCost, which are compared here alongside other tools.

Start with a clear client project goal and a list of the facts funders will ask for. Then search several sources, read each funder's rules, and confirm details before applying. Raise Buddy is one option that lists grants, loans, credits, prizes and other funding you may be able to apply for after you paste your website or describe what you do. [1]

OptionWhat it doesCost
Raise Buddy Free plan [1]Opens programs up to $1,000. [1]Free. [1]
Raise Buddy Plus plan [1]Opens programs up to $5,000. [1]$14.99 a month. [1]
Raise Buddy Pro plan [1]Opens every program, with advisors' review and AI connection. [1]$199 a month. [1]

What you need before you start

Social impact consultants need the basic facts about their practice and the client project ready before searching for funding. Keeping these details together makes it easier to compare options.

A one-page summary with these facts makes it easier to answer applications consistently.

Step by step

Work through these steps in order, and return to earlier steps when a funder's rules change your plan.

  1. Define the client project goal. Decide what the project will achieve and what the funding would pay for.
  1. Set search rules. Note the location, sector, organization type, and any rules about who can receive funding.
  1. Search several sources. Look at government program lists, foundation directories, local support offices, and lenders.
  1. Read each funder's rules. Check who can apply, what the money can be used for, deadlines, and required documents.
  1. Build a shortlist. Sort options into ones that fit now, ones that need preparation, and ones that need more information.
  1. Confirm unclear details. Contact the funder when rules, documents, or spending limits are not clear.
  1. Prepare each application. Adjust answers to the specific funder and provide the information it requests.
  1. Track each application. Record when it was sent, what the funder asked for, and the next step.
  1. Review results and update the search. Funding programs change, so keep your project and practice details current.

Tools that can do it

Different sources can help with different parts of the search. Before using any of them, check what each one covers, whether it covers the country and sector your project is in, and what it costs.

Government program lists. Government websites can show grant and loan programs. Check each program's own rules, documents, and deadlines.

Foundation directories. Directories can help you look for foundations that take applications. Read each foundation's guidelines before you apply.

Local business support offices. Local organizations may explain programs in a specific area. Ask what services they provide and whether there is a cost.

Banks, credit unions, and community lenders. These organizations can explain loan options, required documents, and borrowing costs.

Raise Buddy. Raise Buddy is made by the team that publishes this site. You paste your website or describe what you do, and it lists grants, loans, credits, prizes and other funding you may be able to apply for. [1] Each match says whether you can apply, what one step stands in the way, or what is unclear, with the funder's own words. [1] It can read a Schedule C, Form 1120, 1065 or 990, or an IRS letter, from a photo or PDF, into a draft profile you confirm, and it does not keep the EIN or the papers. [1] It includes private foundations that take applications, read from their own Form 990-PF tax returns. [1] It covers 25 ways to raise money, such as angel investors, SBA loans and equity crowdfunding, each with its official rules and a first step. [1] It keeps track of where each of your applications stands, but you apply on the funder's own site. [1] The app works on the web and on phones. [1]

The Free plan opens programs up to $1,000, Plus is $14.99 a month and opens programs up to $5,000, and Pro is $199 a month with every program, advisors' review, and AI connection. [1] The first three matches in each section open on every plan. [1] For a guest, each search list stops after the first 5. [1]

Common mistakes to avoid

Frequently asked questions

Is Raise Buddy free for social impact consultants?

Raise Buddy has a Free plan that opens programs up to $1,000. [1] The Plus plan is $14.99 a month and opens programs up to $5,000. [1] The Pro plan is $199 a month and opens every program, with advisors' review and AI connection. [1] The first three matches in each section open on every plan. [1] Compare these limits with the size of the funding your client project needs before choosing a plan.

Does Raise Buddy apply for funding on behalf of a consulting practice?

No. Raise Buddy keeps track of where each of your applications stands, but you apply on the funder's own site. [1] The consultant still reviews each funder's rules, prepares the answers, and sends the application through the funder's required process. Raise Buddy's matches show whether you can apply, what one step stands in the way, or what is unclear. [1]

Can Raise Buddy read tax documents for a consulting practice?

Yes, within limits. Raise Buddy can read a Schedule C, Form 1120, 1065 or 990, or an IRS letter, from a photo or PDF, into a draft profile you confirm. [1] It does not keep the EIN, the business tax ID number, or the papers. [1] Review the draft before relying on it, so the profile reflects the details you have confirmed for your own practice and project.

Does Raise Buddy include foundations that fund social impact work?

Raise Buddy includes private foundations that take applications, read from their own Form 990-PF tax returns. [1] Its program list also includes funders outside the United States, such as the UK's Find a Grant, Australia's GrantConnect and France's Aides-territoires. [1] Check each foundation's own rules and deadlines before applying, and confirm that its focus matches your client project.

Is Raise Buddy available in languages other than English?

Only English is shown for now. [1] Raise Buddy works on the web and on phones. [1] The web app needs nothing installed. [1] Five more languages are planned, but they are not live yet. [1] Check the language before you rely on the results for a client-facing report.

Free plan opens programs up to $1,000; Plus is $14.99 a month (up to $5,000); Pro is $199 a month (every program, advisors' review, AI connection). The first three matches in each section open on every plan. [1]

Try Raise Buddy

Sources

  1. Raise Buddy's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher)

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