Grants are the most lucrative source of funding, so you should start there first. Each grant has its own specific requirements and most require you to complete an application or proposal. Much of the information you will need about Green Dot is listed under Resources. Information specific to schools will be made available here as users like yourselves add to it!

Avoiding Conflict with Green Dot Corporate Fundraising

As you know, Green Dot raises capital to fund start-up costs for all of its schools, including facilities costs. We ask that you not submit proposals to foundations that are on Green Dot's target list, both to prevent confusion on the part of the foundations, and also because Green Dot's collective ability to raise money is probably greater than any individual school’s or classroom’s.

Having said that, I do not want to limit anyone’s entrepreneurial spirit in going after funders, particularly if school staff has a connection that Green Dot doesn’t. I do want to encourage a spirit where we’re working together to get the most money possible out of people who are giving it away.

At some point in this space, I will try to create a list of foundations not to contact. In the meantime, it is probably easiest if you run your targets by me, and I will go over them with you.

Thank you so much for your cooperation!

Free Grant Database from the Foundation Center

For grants, the first place to start is by researching grants. The best grant database is from the Foundation Center (www.foundationcenter.org). The most comprehensive database costs $1500 per year BUT is you can use it for FREE if you go in person to:

The Center for Nonprofit Management (www.cnmsocal.org)
1000 N. Alameda St., Suite 250
Los Angeles, CA 90012.

We have found some additional Online Resources (click on link to left), or you can search online using Google or other search engines.

Keep in mind that grants vary from year to year in amount and deadlines.

Please email Tony Shen with additions or changes to this page.