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Funding Resources Guide

Do you have a research need but are not sure where to begin? Perhaps, you would like help finding more corporate or foundation funding for your program? This guide lists several useful tools to help you identify potential funding opportunities. Some of the listings are available for university-wide distribution, while others are limited to login restrictions.

Questions? Please direct your inquires to Michelle Arroyo, FRIE Researcher, at mvarroyo@unc.edu or (919) 962-2867.

Additional Resources

  • SPIN
    Access: All

    SPIN is a funding opportunity database provided by the Office of Research Development (ORD) with Requests for Proposals (RFPs) from diverse funders (government, corporate, foundation, etc.). Use your ONYEN to create an account and save custom
    searches and create email notifications.

  • EDGAR (US SEC)
    Access: Free

    EDGAR is the SEC’s electronic system for collecting and storing companies’ data disclosure forms and documents. Access is free.

  • Foundation Directory Online
    Access: Contact FRIE

    Foundation Directory Online is a service of Foundation Center and is a searchable database that provides grantmaker profiles, giving history and searchable 990s and 990-PFs. Access is available to all UNC students, staff and faculty. Login information applies to all UNC users.

  • Google
    Access: Free

    Google is one of the most popular search engines available and is not one to discredit as a prospect research tool.

  • GuideStar
    Access: Free

    GuideStar is the world’s largest source of information on nonprofit organizations. Sign up is free, with premium features accessible through a paid subscription.

  • Inside Philanthropy
    Access: Contact FRIE

    Inside Philanthropy is an online media resource that provides in-depth and timely articles, profiles and reviews of individual and organizational funders. Inside Philanthropy is a great resource for identifying what are the current popular giving areas of interest as well as analyzing grantmakers’ interests and awards. Access is limited to 5 views per month before activating a paywall.

  • Linkedin
    Access: Free

    LinkedIn is a business and employment-oriented service that operates via websites and mobile apps. It is mainly used for professional networking but can be used for prospect research to determine if an individual works at a company.

  • Philanthropy News Digest
    Access: Free

    Philanthropy News Digest is a daily news service of Foundation Center and provides philanthropy-related articles and features collected from print and electronic media sources nationwide. Philanthropy News Digest (PND) also publishes Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and has a simple and searchable database grouped around broad areas of interest. Access is free to anyone and there is a newsletter email subscription available.

  • PR Newswire
    Access: Free

    PR Newswire is a provider and distributor of PR news from across the globe and covers diverse industries. Access is free to read and there is a search function that can be used for broad or targeted searches.

  • Chronicle of Philanthropy
    Access: Contact FRIE

    The Chronicle of Philanthropy is a magazine that covers the nonprofit world. Access is only available to researchers in the Prospect Management, Research & Analytics (PMRA) department at University Development (not FRIE).

  • Triangle Business Journal
    Access: Contact FRIE

    The Triangle Business Journal features local business news about Raleigh/Durham. They also provide tools to help businesses grow, network and hire.