Grant research · head to head
Candid Foundation Directory vs Grantable
Candid Foundation Directory and Grantable are both grant research tools. Candid Foundation Directory fits deep due diligence on specific foundations and their 990 giving history; Grantable fits small shops that want ai help drafting grant applications without hiring a writer. The table below lines up price, free tier, and fit so you can see which one matches your shop.
| Candid Foundation Directory | Grantable | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | From ~$449/yr; free at partner libraries | Free plan; paid from $50/mo |
| Pricing model | Tiered subscription; free on-site access via Candid partner libraries | Flat monthly tiers; 50% off first year for small nonprofits |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Deep due diligence on specific foundations and their 990 giving history | Small shops that want AI help drafting grant applications without hiring a writer |
| Last verified | Jul 2026 | Jul 2026 |
Candid Foundation Directory
Strengths: The most authoritative foundation and 990 data set available; Grant-history detail shows who a funder actually gives to; Free at hundreds of partner libraries.
Watch for: Paid tiers get expensive as search scope grows; Research tool only; no deadline or pipeline management; Dense interface built for researchers.
Grantable
Strengths: AI drafting trained on grant writing, reusing your best past answers; Free plan to start; flat tiers with no per-seat fees; 50% first-year discount for nonprofits under $500k budget.
Watch for: AI drafts still need a human editor who knows the program; Writing assistant first; lighter on funder discovery than research platforms; A newer product category; expect the tool to evolve.
Try Grantable— 50% off first year for nonprofits under $500k budget