It has become more difficult over the years to have access to many of the grant opportunities that are out there. Foundations and other grant giving organizations have change or tightened their guidelines with the changing fiscal environments. The funder I am highlighting today has put forward a unique way to gather information from organizations from which they might be interested in soliciting applications.

This week’s pick: The Edna McConnell Clark Foundation works to help low income, young people, ages 9 to 24, by assisting them in becoming independent and productive adults. They are seeking nonprofit organizations that provide services to this targeted group and will grant funds that will help these organizations develop and sustain their programs and increase their outreach in serving youth. Since the foundation does not accept proposals they have posted a Youth Organizations Survey on their website. Nonprofits can fill in and submit the survey and, based on their responses, may be contacted by the Foundation for closer examination.