• Do prospecting: Google search and use a grants database like GrantStation.com

• Take those prospects and do your homework:

• Visit the prospect's website. Look for anything that isn't a good fit. Do they fund in your area? Do they fund your type of organization? Do they fund your type of project? Does their average funding award fit your budget?

• Review their 990's. Go to guidestar.org and search for the funder's name. You can look at the last three years of 990 informational tax returns. Check who and what they have funded and see if it aligns with your planned ask.

• Pick up the phone. Call the funder. Begin to build the relationship. Ask any clarifying questions to determine whether this is a good fit or not.

• Finalize your list of potential funders for your project.

• Make a submission calendar

Go get 'em!