Affordable Grant Research Tools: Exploring Alternatives to FDO

by | Feb 22, 2025 | Grants, Resources

Affordable Grant Research Tools: Exploring Alternatives to FDO

If you’ve ever searched for grants, you know the struggle is real. Nonprofits are out here saving the world one program at a time, but somehow, researching funding still feels like decoding ancient scrolls—with a hefty price tag attached.

Many organizations rely on Candid’s Foundation Directory Online (FDO) to find potential grants and donors. However, FDO’s pricing can make smaller nonprofits feel like they need to fundraise just to afford the tool that’s meant to help them fundraise. Yeah, the irony is not lost on us either.

But fear not! There are more affordable alternatives that still deliver the goods—without making you contemplate selling office furniture or using rocks to chisel your narratives on instead. So, to avoid those potential realities, let’s see what alternatives there are and compare them.

Many organizations rely on Candid’s Foundation Directory Online (FDO) to find potential grants and donors. However, FDO’s pricing can make smaller nonprofits feel like they need to fundraise just to afford the tool that’s meant to help them fundraise. Yeah, the irony is not lost on us either.

At the end of the day, the best grant research tool is the one you can afford and actually use.

Why Nonprofits Use Grant Research Tools

Finding grants is like online dating—you’re looking for a good match, but instead of swiping right, you’re scrolling through funders hoping one of them is “The One” (or at least willing to commit for a fiscal year).

Tools like FDO provide access to a massive database of funders, allowing organizations to:

  • Discover grant opportunities.
  • Research funders’ giving history (a.k.a. their “dating history” with other grantees).
  • Track deadlines and trends, so you don’t submit a grant proposal three days after it was due.

However, with FDO’s annual cost of up to $1,599, it can leave many of the smaller nonprofits wondering if they should apply for a grant just to afford their grant-finding software. Luckily, here are some budget-friendly alternatives that might just be your perfect match.

1. GrantStation – The Practical Choice

Cost: $699/year (but watch for those sweet discounts—sometimes as low as $159/year!)
Best For: Small to mid-sized nonprofits that need solid research tools without breaking the budget.
📌 Why You’ll Love It: GrantStation offers a well-organized database of U.S. and international funders, free webinars, and grant-writing tips. While it may not have the sheer volume of data that FDO does, it’s like shopping at a well-stocked grocery store instead of an overwhelming warehouse club—you still find what you need without getting lost.

2. Instrumentl – The Fancy Overachiever

Cost: $179/month or $1,788/year (yes, it’s pricey, but hear us out).
Best For: Nonprofits juggling multiple grants that need a digital assistant (minus the small talk).
📌 Why You’ll Love It: Instrumentl not only finds grants but also helps you track deadlines, auto-suggests new opportunities, and keeps everything neatly organized. It’s like having an ultra-efficient intern—minus the need for coffee breaks.

3. GrantWatch – The Straightforward One

Cost: $199/year or $18/month (cheaper than your fancy latte habit).
Best For: Nonprofits that just want a list of available grants—no frills, no fuss.
📌 Why You’ll Love It: GrantWatch is like Craigslist for grants: a constantly updated list of opportunities, categorized by sector. It won’t tell you the funder’s entire backstory, but if you just need quick leads without extra research tools, it gets the job done.

4. OpenGrants – The Tech-Savvy Disruptor

Cost: Free version available; premium starts at $24.99/month (a steal compared to FDO).
Best For: Startups, innovation-based nonprofits, and anyone looking for tech-related funding.
📌 Why You’ll Love It: If your nonprofit is all about cutting-edge projects or public innovation, OpenGrants is likely your best bet. It’s basically a platform that helps nonprofits find funding and connect with grant professionals; fast, easy, and makes searching for funding feel less like a treasure hunt and more like finding $20 bucks in the parking lot. 

*Please note that when doing a quick internet search, you may find a similarly named service called Open Grants (with a space) at ogrants.org. This is more of a knowledge-sharing repository for grant proposals and is not the one being referenced in this blog but check it out all the same!

5. FundsforNGOs – The Global Connector

Cost: $25 to $50/year (basically, pocket change in nonprofit terms).
Best For: Small nonprofits and international organizations working on global issues.
📌 Why You’ll Love It: If your nonprofit operates outside the U.S. or wants to explore global funding, this is a great low-cost resource. It won’t have the high-powered tools of FDO, but if you need basic grant leads and fundraising tips, it’s got you covered.

How Do These Compare to FDO?

  • Data Depth: FDO is the gold mine of funder info, with historical giving trends, recipient profiles, and fancy search filters. Most alternatives, like GrantStation and Instrumentl, have decent but not encyclopedic databases.
  • Search Features: FDO’s search tools are top-tier—think Google with a PhD. Most alternatives offer basic to mid-level search options, but some (like Instrumentl) come close.

  • Cost: FDO’s $49.99/month (or $1,599/year) price tag is hefty. By comparison, GrantStation and GrantWatch offer a lot of value at a fraction of the cost.

In Conclusion: Which One Should You Pick?

The best tool for your nonprofit depends on your needs:

If you’re still unsure, check if your local library offers free FDO access (many do!). Because nothing feels better than getting high-end research tools!

At the end of the day, the best grant research tool is the one you can afford and actually use. So pick the one that makes your organization’s life easier, not harder. Because let’s be honest, you’ve got enough on your plate already.

Of course, finding a good source is the first step. The second is being able to understand exactly how and what to look for. That’s where Arula Consulting can help! We’re grant strategists that navigate through the maelstrom of information out there to find the best fit grants for your missions and programs. Check us out and send us a message to see what we can do for you!