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Associate Librarian and Scholarly Services Librarian
Campus Resources for Private Funding
The office of Corporate and Foundation Relations (CFR) builds strategic partnerships with corporations, foundations, associations, and civic groups that help Seattle University gain increased funding, more visibility, and greater recognition.
CFR is available to assist faculty and staff in securing private funding for research or special projects. The CFR team can: help identify likely funding sources; develop funding strategies; assist with writing/editing letters of inquiry and proposals; secure letters of support; compile necessary documentation to accompany proposals; arrange visits with funders; facilitate practice sessions for site visit presentations; draft letters of thanks; help write and submit reports; provide updates on the funding landscape, and much more.
CFR works closely with the Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) on applications for and management of funding from private sources. Every private grant at SU has a point person on both the CFR team and the OSP team who work in partnership to ensure your grant has the best chance of success. As faculty and staff are required to submit any applications for external funding in consultation with OSP and CFR, contact OSP for additional information and support when beginning a search for private funding.
Researching Private Funding Sources
Interested in learning more about potential private funders? The Foundation Directory provides detailed information about private foundations and corporate donors, including recipient names and amounts for previously awarded grants:
- Foundation Directory Online Professional This link opens in a new windowThis database, available online with Seattle University login credentials or at designated computer terminals within Lemieux Library, compiles extensive information on grantmaking organizations. It also offers a news feed on philanthropic funding, as well as tutorials on grantseeking and grant applications.
- GrantStationGrantStation's databases are accessible to Seattle University users through the Chronicle of Philanthropy. Click 'Grants' at the top of the linked page and then the blue button to access GrantStation. Use the 'Find Grantmakers' tab to search grantmaking organizations in the U.S., Canada, and overseas.
- Michigan State University List of Funding Affinity GroupsMichigan State University maintains a list of funding affinity groups, associations that organize and advise grantmakers interested in specific issues. Reviewing relevant groups' members may help to identify potential funders while reports and analyses can offer insight into current funding trends.
Examples of Private Funding Sources
- M.J. Murdock Charitable TrustFocused primarily on the Pacific Northwest region, this foundation supports projects related to health and human services, arts and culture, education, and scientific research.
- Bill and Melinda Gates FoundationThe largest private foundation in the United States, the Gates Foundation focuses on global health, development, growth, and policy, as well as education and improving the lives of children and families within the United States.
- Spencer FoundationThe Spencer Foundation focuses on education, supporting a wide variety of educational research endeavors.
- David and Lucile Packard FoundationA family foundation seeking to encourage social, cultural, and environmental change to improve the lives of children, families, and communities.
- Alfred P. Sloan FoundationA large foundation funding science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and economics.
- FADICA Member ListFADICA is a network of Catholic funders seeking to combine faith and philanthropy. Their membership list links to foundations supporting research and other endeavors relevant to the Catholic Church.
- Grantsmanship Center List of Washington State FoundationsA list of the top-giving private foundations in Washington state, with links to information on their grant programs.
- UW Directory of Foundation Funding for EngineeringThe University of Washington's College of Engineering maintains an extensive list of regional and national private foundations interested in funding engineering research.