As a Non-Profit Organization (NPO), being granted a fund for your projects can already be challenging. An added burden would be to determine which funding agencies to apply to, and questions like how and where to apply can be quite confusing. Using an NPO funding directory can surely be helpful and can reduce a huge amount of the burden. NPOs spend so much time seeking grant-funding opportunities rather than concentrating on project proposals for which in effect do not produce an enhanced implementation of projects. Furthermore, not all foundations or grant-funding agencies have websites. Only seeking grants through the internet not only consumes a lot of time but limits possibilities as well. Fortunately, there are directories that exist and will surely guide your NPO in seeking for the right grants.
An example of this would be Foundation Directory Online (FDO). Through FDO, gone are the days where NPO employees would spend days searching the internet for random grants. Instead, they can log on to FDO where they can find a detailed database of funding opportunities as well as their requirements. Through their detailed description, NPOs can also increase their chances of receiving a grant by crafting and improving their proposals based on the information available on FDO. Although a subscription to directories such as FDO come at a cost, given the increased chances of accepting a grant, apart from additional time to further develop your NPO, subscribing would be considered a good investment.
Apart from FDO, ecosystems like AsianNGO exists as well. Although being a funding directory is one of its purposes, AsianNGO has more functions which NPOs can benefit from. The three main areas they focus on are funds, partnerships, and learning.
AsianNGO funds would be similar to the purpose of FDO. It is also a directory of the various funds separated by the list of countries they come from, divided into highly detailed thematic areas, which also provide high-level researched information regarding the grants which can really guide the NPOs seek for opportunities that match their potential. For partnerships, AsianNGO also has a wide Non-Governmental Organization list and an expert list, for those who seek for partnerships. Information on the latest development sector events are also available on the portal which can immensely increase an NPOs network, should they attend the event. Lastly, the AsianNGO Academy is present for NGOs, NPOs, and other organizations who want to gain insight on the proper management of NGOs or NPOs. Many, especially the startup NGOs or NPOs have very ambitious but reachable goals through the proper methods. In some instances, there may be a very strong mission and vision, but poor implementation due to mismanagement. The AsianNGO Academy which comprises modules and e-learning will aid NPOs and NGOs worldwide to avoid poor implementation of projects but instead succeed and in turn be capable of expanding and helping more communities.
NPOs who are worried about too many expenditures would be happy to know that AsianNGO offers its services free of charge, though to maximize the benefits you'd want to receive, there are exclusive features for premium users.
Although having a funding directory online is extremely useful and would play huge assistance to NPOs, it should be remembered that a directory is simply just a tool to aid, and not something to be relied upon. Directories in no way assure NPOs success is receiving grants. It is expected that the time saved from researching on available grants can be used to craft an enhanced and superior proposal. NPOs shouldn't forget the mission and vision of why the NPO was formed, to begin with. To successfully achieve the founder's mission and vision doesn't lie in funding directories, but the members of the NPO itself. By using a funding directory, NPOs are supposedly more efficient given that they've been given a useful tool.
