Often churches in high-potential metro areas need to seek out funding sources to help fund the wide variety of needed ministries. The following bibliography lists sites that may be helpful as you navigate the sometimes confusing world of grants. We provide these links as a service to visitors and urge that you use discernment in checking the quality and adequacy of the content of each site. Please note that the High-Potential Metro Church Initiative of the General Board of Discipleship does not necessarily endorse any of the links listed on its webpages.
BoardSource
Formerly known as the National Center for Nonprofit Boards, this organization provides resources to strengthen and support nonprofit boards. It includes an online bookstore.
The Center of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
This site includes information about some of the federal grant programs that are open to faith-based and community groups.
Charity Channel
Charity Channel is best known for its nonprofit arena discussion forums. E-mail forums discuss topics such as grants and foundations, the law and tax-exempt organizations, college and university advancement, health-care philanthropy, fundraising, and mentoring. The site is not password protected, but it does have a modest subscription fee.
Chronicle of Philanthropy
This national magazine on grants and giving has made its informative articles, a searchable guide to grants, and a host of other information available online. Some of the material is free, but most of it requires a password.
Council on Foundations
The Council on Foundations works to support foundations by promoting knowledge, growth, and action in philanthropy. Learn about the role foundations play and how to start your own foundation.
CSC Non-Profit Resource Center
This site is a good research tool for searching for foundations and corporations that fund nonprofit endeavors.
The Foundation Center
This comprehensive website provides information about U.S. and international giving. It includes studies, reports, and trends related to giving by U.S. foundations. Some of the information on this site requires a subscription fee, while other information is free.
Foundation News and Commentary
An online publication with news related to the nonprofit sector. Some articles are free and others require a subscription.
Grantmakers Without Borders
A collaboration of the International Working Group and the National Network of Grantmakers, GWB works to "expand and enrich progressive international philanthropy" by providing free advice, alternative sources of information, and increased opportunities for communication among donors.
GrantStation
Provides services for nonprofit groups seeking grants. Much of the site requires a membership fee. For no cost you can receive a weekly e-mail newsletter that provides information about upcoming grant deadlines, new funding programs, and so forth.
GuideStar
A national database of nonprofit organizations. The donor's guide to the nonprofit universe.
Proposal Writing: Internet Resources
Provided by the Grants Information Center of the University of Wisconsin, this site provides suggestions, guides, and sample proposals that will help first-time grant seekers.
