Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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What is The Grant Portal?

The Grant Portal is not a grant provider.  It is the largest online catalog of grants currently accepting applications.  The Grant Portal developed a proprietary grant searching engine. We strive to be the one-stop source for reputable, reliable, and up-to-date grant search information. The Grant Portal is a subscription-based website. Only paid subscribers to the website can view the grant details. Anyone can create an account and select grant categories of interest.  The Grant Portal send alerts to email.

if the  Deadline  shows  'Ongoing',  this means the grant provider accepts grant applications or letters of inquiry at any time and awards are issued annually.  It is important to check the grant provider's website for specific application deadlines.

If the  Grant Funding Amount  shows  'Open'  , this means the grant provider does not limit the request amount for funding.

Why does The Grant Portal charge a fee?

You can locate grants for free on your own - but for people who are short on time, staff, or don't know where to start - they can use our extensive service to make it easier to find grants! Our service is targeted towards nonprofits and established for-profits (businesses). We are a proprietary listing directory, and our diligent staff spends each working day adding verified grants to our database.

How do I add or list a grant to The Grant Portal?

You can list a grant to our site by visiting "Add a Grant" displayed in our website's navigation tab. Once your listing has been verified and approved by our team, it will be added to our site.

How can I be added to your email list?

If you wish to join our email list and receive our free weekly newsletter, please “  sign up here  ”. Check your spam folder if you do not receive our emails in your inbox within 7 days.

Can I search for grants based on my recipient type?

Yes, we have filters available to help narrow down your search.

  • Grants for Nonprofits
  • Grants for Small Businesses/For-Profits
  • Grants for Individuals

Once you click on the link above, select your 'Location' by choosing your State.

Then, use the 'Category' dropdown menu available to filter your grant interests. We highly recommend selecting only one location and one category at a time for the most efficient results.

Do you have grants for my location?

Our database includes grants for all 50 USA states, US territories, Canadian provinces, as well as an international selection.

Will I need a grant writer?

Each grant has a different application process. Some applications are simple and designed to be completed without the need for a grant writer. Typically, however, larger sum grants require a more extensive application and knowledge process. We recommend hiring a grant writer if you are not comfortable completing the grant application process yourself.

Why can I not see the full grant details?

As a free Member, you have limited access to The Grant Portal. You will not be able to view the full grant details, nor apply for grants. You will need to upgrade to a paid account if you wish to have full access.

Can I cancel my paid subscription?

Yes, you can cancel a paid subscription at any time. Follow the direction on the Terms & Conditions page

Can I upgrade or change my paid subscription?

In order to change your paid subscription to another paid subscription, you must first cancel ( Terms & Conditions ) your current subscription. Next, purchase a new subscription. Fees paid towards previous subscriptions are not pro-rated or applied toward to a new subscription.

FAQ for IRS 990 PF-Private Foundations

Where does the IRS 990 PF data come ?

The IRS started publishing private foundation tax returns in "machine-readable format" in 2016.  The Grant Portal retrieves the data and makes if available to paid subscribers.  The dataset only contains electronically filed tax returns.  The Grant Portal cannot edit or remove or control any content provided to the public by the IRS. The Grant Portal presents the content as presented in the tax filings.

What organizations are required to electronically file the 990 PF?

For tax years beginning on or after July 2,2019, the Taxpayer First Act, section of P.L. 116-25, requires that returns by exempt organizations be filed electronically. Accordingly, organizations must file return electronically for tax years beginning in 2021.

What is the value of The Grant Portal’s IRS 990 PF search tool?

The Grant Portal’s search engine access the dataset makes for an incredible research and prospecting tool. improving as a prospecting tool.  Profiles Search quickly finds a funder's profile (if one exists).

The Grants Search helps fundraisers do basic prospecting by exploring which foundations have donated to similar grantees in the past. Discover foundations that have donated to similar organizations in the past using Grants Search.

Who controls the frequency of updates?

IRS controls the frequency of updates.  Updates for the previous year are typically made in the fall of the subsequent year.

Who controls the content of the data?

Foundations control the content. The information a foundation enters when filing their return appears exactly as entered on the return. As expected, you’ll find misspellings and odd content.

Note that grantee names can be whatever the foundation wants to list. There is no IRS requirement to use the actual legal name for the grantees, and no requirement to distinguish between national HQ recipients and their local/regional organizations. Use the filter tools to select the names relevant to your search, and keep in mind that misspellings exist.

Can profiles be edited or removed?

Only the IRS can edit, remove or update the 990 PF information.

Why can't I find a foundation?

It's likely they either did not file their taxes electronically or they did not file Form 990 PF.

Do you make any changes to the data?

All data found on www.thegrantportal.com regarding the IRS 990 PF data is presented exactly as found in the tax filings.

Do you exclude any data?

Only to stay within the free tier limits of our search partner.