For this Discussion, you will analyze a potential grantor or funding source. The IRS Form 990 can provide a lot of information about a nonprofit organization. Most nonprofit organizations that have filed for tax-exempt status are required to file Form 990 with the IRS on an annual basis.
IRS Form 990 allows you to evaluate the best organizations to work with when seeking funding. It can help confirm whether or not the organization is operating consistently with how it represents itself to the public.
This form also allows the IRS, and the general public, to evaluate a nonprofit’s operations by including information about its mission, programs, and finances.
Review this week’s Learning Resources to help you better understand funding sources.
Research funding sources appropriate to your research topic.
Select one funder that you identified in your research.
Note: If you are unable to find enough information about a funder, you should choose a different one.
Use IRS Form 990 from this week’s Learning Resources to conduct a funder analysis of the funder you selected.
Compare the results of your analysis with the funder’s website and other outreach materials.
Post your funder analysis for the funder you selected. Then, explain how the funder’s operations (e.g., mission, programs, finances, etc.) compare to what you identified in your analysis. Finally, explain if the funder is accurately representing itself or not, and why.
