Grant research · head to head
Candid Foundation Directory vs Grants.gov
Candid Foundation Directory and Grants.gov are both grant research tools. Candid Foundation Directory fits deep due diligence on specific foundations and their 990 giving history; Grants.gov fits established organizations with the capacity to compete for federal funding. The table below lines up price, free tier, and fit so you can see which one matches your shop.
| Candid Foundation Directory | Grants.gov | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | From ~$449/yr; free at partner libraries | Free |
| Pricing model | Tiered subscription; free on-site access via Candid partner libraries | Free federal government service |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Deep due diligence on specific foundations and their 990 giving history | Established organizations with the capacity to compete for federal funding |
| 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.
Grants.gov
Strengths: Free, and the authoritative source for every federal grant opportunity; Required for federal applications, so established shops end up here anyway; Saved searches and email alerts for new opportunities.
Watch for: Federal grants are highly competitive; rarely a realistic first move for a grassroots shop; Covers no foundation, corporate, or state funders; SAM.gov registration is slow; start weeks before any deadline.