How to Use Form 990s to Research Foundations
Every tax-exempt organization in the United States is required to file a version of the Form 990 annually. For foundations—especially private ones—the Form 990-PF is a gold mine of information.
By studying these forms, you can discover:
Financial Data: Total assets, revenue, expenses, and the amount granted out over the fiscal year.
Grantmaking Patterns: Who received grants and for what purposes. This can reveal a foundation’s priorities and whether your project fits their mission.
Governance Information: Lists of board members and top staff. This can help you identify potential connections or networking opportunities.
Application Guidelines: Sometimes even details about how and when to apply.
This transparency is crucial for effective grant research and writing a compelling proposal that speaks directly to a foundation’s priorities.