Perhaps your online search yielded a long list of potential funders – foundations with an interest in your issue or target population. Before you send a proposal…before you even write a word, call the foundation! Be prepared to briefly describe your target audience and the program in need of funding. Confirm that the foundation would be interested in receiving a proposal from your agency.
Foundation’s interests change over time, and directories are not always up to date. Plus some interest areas are very broad (e.g. health or children), and the Foundation’s board may have created a priority list. It is best to call first before wasting valuable staff time.