Foundations
Working with private foundations is just as personal as working with individuals. If the foundation is large enough to have staff, then it’s almost always best to schedule a meeting to discuss your nonprofit organization and your project before submitting a proposal.
The staff is there to guide you in creating the best possible proposal for them to take to the board of directors for a vote. It’s in their interest to help make you look good, or, if you’re not a fit, to tell you so upfront before wasting both your time and theirs.
I have worked with the major foundations in Dallas and Houston and several regional or national foundations that fit with particular local causes.