Guidelines concerning what grantseekers should know about foundations before they ask for money and how to find the facts needed to obtain a grant are presented. There are basically three types of private foundations (independent, operating, and company-sponsored) and one type of public foundation (community foundations) that are of interest to grantseekers. It is suggested that nonprofit organizations should explore their eligibility for federal funding carefully before approaching any other funding source. Corporations give through separately established foundations and through corporate contributions programs operated within their companies. Individuals are also a significant source of funding. Larger foundations differ from small foundations in a number of significant ways, which are of importance to grantees. Data on funding patterns of all foundations by asset categories and grant categories are presented, along with data on assets, grants, and gifts of foundations by state. Suggestions to provide alternative funding possibilities for individuals and organizations that lack official nonprofit status are offered. Specific steps for finding foundations that are in the grantseeker's geographic area and that are interested in the grantseeker's field are examined. Research steps for learning about a foundation and details on the information sources are presented, along with a proposal checklist, and an IRS form for tax exempt private foundations. Appended materials include a sample subject search, geographic searches, a bibliography of area foundation directories, and a list of reference collections operated by the Foundation Center. (SW)