How to Find Grantmakers

by Haley Limo

Lately, many of my clients have been asking about applying for more grants from foundations. Because this seems to be a hot topic, I thought I would share with you some of the important aspects of finding and securing grants.

First, you need to find grants to apply to. This can be very difficult since 90% of foundations do not have a website. The only way to find them is through their 990’s. Having a subscription to Candid’s Foundation Center is going to be the gold standard in finding different foundations to apply to. While they offer nonprofit pricing, the price is still quite an investment. If possible, I would suggest using their “Candid Near Me” link to see if any local libraries near you carry their software. This is an excellent way to use a free resource to secure more funding

After you get your list of potential grant makers near you, targeting the family foundations is going to be the best segment for you to target. Over half of all grant-making foundations are family foundations. More importantly, they are well-capitalized: over half of these family foundations hold assets exceeding $10 million.

AdobeStock 882815297 By law, these organizations are mandated to distribute a minimum 5% payout of their assets annually, though many are even more generous, with 75% paying out more than the required minimum. Despite this capital availability, finding them requires strategy. As stated, only 10% of family foundations maintain a public website. However, every single one of them is required to file a Form 990 with the IRS, which serves as your ultimate transparency tool.

When analyzing data from platforms like the Foundation Directory Online (FDO), your first step should be to transfer the results directly into an Excel spreadsheet. Data organization is critical to preventing administrative overwhelm.

As you audit your list, filter out the "obvious misses." For a targeted foundation strategy, filter out automated or pass-through giving platforms like AmazonSmile, Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs), and broad community foundations. Instead, keep your core focus locked onto dedicated family foundations. Once your list is refined, initiate deep-dive research by Googling the foundation's name alongside the term "990" to pull their official tax filings if you don’t have a Candid login. The best free websites will be Pro-Publica or Instrumentl.

Foundations generally fall into two categories regarding how they accept applications, and each requires a slightly different outreach strategy:

1. Foundations that Accept Unsolicited Grants

For these organizations, your first step should always be to call them directly using the phone number listed in the middle section of their Form 990. Once contact is established, explicitly follow the formal steps they provide to submit a full grant proposal, and ensure you follow up as needed. They will usually have those instructions listed on the 990 or on their website.

2. Foundations that Do Not Accept Unsolicited Grants

Do not let a "no unsolicited proposals" rule completely deter you. Instead, look up their number on the 990, call them first, and pivot your strategy toward submitting a brief, compelling Letter of Interest (LOI) to introduce your work and gauge alignment.

Just because they indicate that they don’t accept unsolicited grants does not mean they aren’t willing to hear you out. Many times, grant makers check that box to ensure they aren’t flooded with email and letter requests, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t open to some new programs.

Some of the largest gifts I have ever received have been from family foundations who said they don't accept unsolicited grant requests!

Crafting the Perfect Pitch

When calling an administrator, clarity and brevity are paramount. Your script should introduce who you are, state your desire to chat about grant opportunities, and deliver a concise, human-centric elevator pitch. For example:

"Hello, I am looking for an administrator with the foundation. My name is Haley with LOT Philanthropy. I would love to chat with someone about applying for a grant. We help abortion-vulnerable women choose life."

If the foundation requests an LOI, structure it formally. State your mission upfront, provide clear historical statistics illustrating your impact since inception, offer a brief overview of your programs, and politely request the next steps to submit a formal proposal. With an organized spreadsheet and a confident outreach strategy, your nonprofit will be well-positioned to unlock vital foundation funding.

That’s it!I hope that these few tools are enough to unlock the next steps on your foundation journey!

Tagged under

My Burden Is Light

by Tammy Stearns, MS, RDMS, RVT, RT(R), FSDMS, FAIUM, LAS

Imaging in Pregnancy Help Medical Clinics (PHMCs) places each of us on the front lines regarding abortion. What might have started as an easy "yes" to help a friend, inadvertently placed us within a movement that allows us the privilege to image in Holy Ground. At the same time, God is knitting His creation in its mother's womb, and we intimately understand the reality of life and death. For some babies, we may be the only ones who pray for them and honor them as we scan. Over time, this can be wearing on one's soul.

Several years ago, we received a call from an abortion provider asking if we could scan an early OB exam. Their sonographer was out for the day. We had an open-door policy for them. If they needed an ultrasound done, we would be more than happy to provide the service. This allowed us to not only interact with their client but also be the ones to show her the baby in a calm and less clinical fashion. The history that we were given was that she had an abortion three months ago and that she was pregnant again. She was determined to abort again and was simply looking for verification of the pregnancy so she could schedule the procedure. We added her on the schedule and instructed them to send her right over.

Expectant mother in a quiet, contemplative moment

I remember before I walked into the room to do the exam, I hesitated. I went back into the office with the pregnancy wheel to see how far along the first pregnancy would have been if she had not had the abortion. I'm not sure why I did this, but I felt like I needed to know. Perhaps, it would come up in conversation regarding this pregnancy, I thought. I hesitated again, praying for her and her unborn baby. Prayed that God would give me the words, the love, and that she would see Him through me.

I realize now that He was preparing me for what I was about to see.

As I entered the room, the lights were already turned down. She was accompanied by her mother and there was little dialogue between the two as I prepared to scan. It was so very quiet. I remember placing my transducer down and seeing instantly on the screen not an early baby but one that was easily in the second trimester. She saw as quickly as I did, and responded, "I can't do this." I began to pray as I started scanning her baby, narrating what I was seeing. I started with the baby's face, its hands and its feet. We looked at the baby's beating heart, and I began to hear sobs in the room. See, the baby that we were scanning somehow, someway, wasn't a new pregnancy but was the baby from the pregnancy that had been aborted. Only God.

Only God.

Her mother asked, "How?"

"I don't know," I replied, "but sometimes we are given second chances." As I continued to scan.

Slowly, her mother revealed that she, herself, had an abortion at the same age as her daughter. It was all that she knew to do. It was the only answer she had for her daughter. What a blessing it was to be able to share the many answers for the both of them. Through the services at the PHMC, we were able to help the mother with post-abortion care and walk through her daughter's pregnancy with her. There was freedom found in that room that day.

I still reflect upon that day with wonder. What if we would have said, "No."? What if the sonographer at the abortion provider would have been there that day? So many "what-ifs" and yet, the God Who called us to image the unborn planned each and every detail ever so perfectly. (At that time, I was the only imager confident in scanning past the first trimester. I happened to be at the PHMC that day instead of in the mobile unit.) God's timing was ever so perfect.

In this calling that God has placed upon our lives to image the unborn, we can easily get caught up in the details, fretting over this and that and forgetting that the God Who called us is that God Who moves mountains, even today. With one word, He could change all of this. One simple command. Yet, in His sovereignty He chooses not to. He simply asks us to be obedient and do the part that He has given us to do. No more. No less. Sometimes, we get to image a client's baby and she chooses life. Sometimes, we get to image a client's baby and she chooses to abort. Our part in all of this is to image as He allows us to image. To do our part. Too often we try to hold onto all of the burden making it our own to carry when it was never ours to carry at all. We become disillusioned, hurt, bitter, and jaded.

Matthew 11:28–30

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

He doesn't ask us to carry the heavy burdens. I know several incredible imagers that no longer will scan in PHMCs after several clients chose to abort. Taking that burden on themselves, the burden of life and death was too heavy to bear. Yet, when we take only what He gives us to carry and we allow Him to work through us, our part is found in our obedience, not in the outcome. Lean into Him. Let Him work through you. Carry your part and your part only and you will find that His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

Tagged under

Serving on a Pregnancy Help Medical Clinic Island

by Kelly McCallister, BSN, RN, LAS

Working in pregnancy help can feel very isolating. Unchecked isolation can progress to burnout. The American Nurses Association reports about two-thirds of nurses experience burnout, with around 69% of those being under age 25. One would think younger nurses would be more resilient, but it seems that all are susceptible.

When I began working in pregnancy help, I felt very alone and wondered what I had gotten myself into. Nursing clinicals didn't include a rotation in pregnancy help and as I graduated nursing school, this area of nursing was never presented as an option. Chances are you, too, found yourself here as a result of word of mouth because some sweet soul thought that you would make a most wonderful addition to the local pregnancy help organization. You prayed about it, talked with your family about it, prayed about it some more, and felt that ever gentle nudge to join in this service. However, once you took that leap of faith, it probably didn't take long to see the surroundings were very unfamiliar.

I was the only nurse at my Pregnancy Help Medical Clinic (PHMC) for many years. The work was not quite the same as any other nursing position that I had ever held and the only nurse to confer with was — myself! I really had to lean into the training that I received in nursing school preparing me for independent nursing practice. Policies and procedures, doctor's orders, and guidance from professional organizations felt like a lifeline on my PHMC island.

Feeling isolated and even helpless can create the perfect environment for weariness and spiritual heaviness. The false belief that you carry everything on your shoulders and whether or not this mother will choose life is your burden to bear can creep in easily.

The term "moral injury" was originally a military term that described the moral conflict a soldier felt from events witnessed or even performed during warfare. During the coronavirus pandemic, the term moral injury migrated over to healthcare workers due to the conditions they were forced to work in which created a sense of powerlessness and moral distress.

In 2023, moral injury was further explored among healthcare missionaries serving in the mission field and revealed seven major themes:

A deep sense of responsibility for patients
Differing cultural values
The need to be professionally competent and the conflict with personal feelings of inadequacy
The struggle between practicing within one's training and another's desire for one to step outside of that and do more than they are trained to do
Desire to share God's message of love balanced with the demand for the clinical services needed
Faith in God's sovereignty in conflict with the suffering and loss of lives
Strong sense of obligation to serve others colliding with personal family responsibilities and one's own spiritual growth

Sound familiar? We serve in a very emotionally and spiritually demanding environment. Oftentimes, we are the first to love and the last to see.

But, we also have a God that is near.

Isaiah 41:10

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

After witnessing many working in pregnancy help for years and not only surviving, but thriving — there is encouragement for you, too! You are not the only one in this work, nor do you have to suffer silently. One study shares that social support is critical to reducing loneliness and aiding in the prevention of burnout. Many strides have been made over the years to help bring medical professionals that work in pregnancy help together. One of the most beautifully unifying elements for us is that we are all here for the same reason — to serve. To serve women and families in need. To bring hope to desperate situations. To shine lights in the ever-encroaching darkness.

John 1:5

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

What are some ways that you can connect with other medical professionals in this work?

Attend conferences — Many national organizations hold annual conferences to help equip you for this work. It is empowering to see everyone come together from all over and connect with one another, sometimes even from across the world!
Participate in state coalitions — State pregnancy center coalitions have become more and more prevalent over the years. These are great because they connect those in pregnancy help that reside in the same state. Often sharing and learning from others in your state can be insightful due to the different nuances that state guidelines can have.
Network with nurses in PHMCs near you — You may have another Pregnancy Help Medical Clinic near you that you can connect with for encouragement and support along the way. Reach out, introduce yourself, and start a relationship. They would probably love that and it could prove to be mutually beneficial for both PHMCs!

Pregnancy Help Medical Clinics may operate differently, but all Pregnancy Help Medical Clinics are an essential part of their communities — helping women and families get the care they deserve and giving them the support they need to reach their full potential! This work is important and you are deeply appreciated. God has placed this calling on your life because He loves those you serve and He loves you!

Hebrews 13:20–21

Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus — the great Shepherd of the sheep — through the blood of the everlasting covenant, equip you with everything good to do his will, working in us what is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

If you feel like you need further training or could benefit from additional education related to pregnancy help, Heartbeat International offers learning pathway opportunities. Email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we would be happy to send you more information!

Tagged under

There is Power in Nursing and Power in Love!

Christa Brown Senior Director, Medical Impact, Heartbeat International

Medical Impact team — Ashley, Lisa, Brooke, Teresa, Kelly, and Christa are nurses who oversee Medical Impact at Heartbeat International and are committed to the mission to make abortion unwanted today and unthinkable for future generations.

God will not leave nor forsake the dreamers who wish to make the world a better place. Pregnancy Help Medical Clinics provide compassionate, honest care for women and families, empowering them to make the healthiest choices possible for everyone involved in an unexpected pregnancy.

In John 6 when the Pharisees brought the woman caught in the act of adultery to Jesus, His immediate response was to go down to the ground and touch the dirt — the place of her humanity. Instead of the judgement the Pharisees had hoped for, Jesus went to where she was. He was not shocked by her sin. And this is exactly how PHMCs serve women.

Nurses who serve on the frontlines get into the dirt with the clients. We meet them and serve them exactly where they are, even when things are messy. And we get dirty. We feel their pain; we carry them in our hearts; and we walk through the fiery trials with them. This is the harder way to serve — but it is God's way.

We carry them everywhere. We wake up in the night worrying over each family we have served. We are always hoping for the best for them, feeling His love towards them. We willingly carry those burdens that are often too heavy for women to carry alone.

Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

But Jesus did not stay there in the dirt with her. Rising up out of the dirt, He defended her, showed her grace, and then challenged her to sin no more. He demonstrated His full grace — giving her mercy and love despite her sin — and His full truth — giving her the realization that there is a better life for her.

What happened 2,000 years ago continues to happen in 2026 in Pregnancy Help Organizations worldwide. Our teams continue to offer full grace — loving every client who enters our doors, showing them compassion when sin deceives them, and encouraging them when life overwhelms them. At the same time, we will continue to offer full truth — challenging them with accurate information, inspiring them with the possibilities that await them, and praising them as they find freedom in new beginnings.

PHMCs will continue to make those ripples, those splashes, and sometimes even a tidal wave in order to reach and rescue as many lives as possible, around the world. Together we will strive to make abortion unwanted today and unthinkable for future generations. We will maintain the strength, the patience, and the passion of that first dreamer to change the world one heart at a time.

Heartbeat International healthcare team nurses

These are just some of our healthcare team nurses at Heartbeat International who work diligently to reach and rescue lives 24/7.

Tagged under

Nurses, Powered by The Provider!

Nurses Article

By Ashley Vance, BSN, RN, LAS

Nurses with the power of God can change the lives of many. Comfort, calm and presence in a person's life can offer support when life has brought physical, emotional or mental turmoil. Faith is the foundation of which we practice!

Nurses sacrifice immensely for those they care for and need the power of God in their own lives to do their good work. God sees the late nights, early mornings, missed meals — and something even deeper: the weight in your heart for all those you care for.

Uplifting a mom in her pregnancy decision and being one of only a few people on earth to know of a little life is honor as seen in:

"But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded." 2 Chronicles 15:7

Never forget that God is alongside them while He lovingly whispers direction in your ear as well.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you..." Isaiah 41:10

The power of nurses comes from the Lord and while your caregiver's heart loves your clients and those you diligently serve — always remember He loves you too!

Nurses Advocacy Week · Faith in Practice

Tagged under

Pregnancy Help Network - Pakistan

LRG Pakistan

Pro-Life Pakistan

Pro-Life Pakistan works to educate women, families, and communities about the value of human life. In Pakistan, many abortions happen because of fear, pressure, misinformation, and trauma. Our mission is to reach hearts Pakistan 1 and minds through education, compassionate counseling, and the message of hope found in the Gospel.

We organize awareness and education campaigns in communities, churches, and small groups to help people understand the dignity of life from conception. We speak openly about abortion, its impact on women and families, and how better, life-affirming decisions are possible. Alongside education, we offer one-to-one counseling for women who are at risk of abortion. We listen to their stories, walk with them in their fear, and help them find hope and practical next steps.

We also support women who are living with deep emotional pain from a past abortion. Many suffer in silence for years. Through compassionate listening, counseling, prayer, and Gospel-centered support, we help women begin healing from trauma, guilt, and shame. For many, this is the first time they have been heard and shown grace.

The work is challenging. Abortion is hidden, resources are limited, and social pressure is strong. Speaking for life can bring opposition and risk. Yet the need is great, and the pro-life voice in Pakistan is small. With your support, we can continue educating society, counseling women in crisis, and sharing the Gospel that brings true healing and hope.

Pakistan 2 Pakistan 3 Pakistan 4 Pakistan 5

All financial gifts received designated for our approved “alliance” affiliates will be forwarded to them in a reasonable timeframe (usually upon exceeding $250US). Heartbeat International deducts $30 plus 3% from the transfer, to help defray internal cost for money transfers, currency conversion, clerical costs, bank fees and any processing fees that might be charged. Should any funds be unable to be forwarded – primarily related to the recipient - they may be re-allocated for similar international work.

Tagged under

Pregnancy Help Appreciation Week Devotions

Fundraising Friday

As our last day of PHAW, Lauri Campbell, Affiliation Coordinator, shares a special message:

Thoughtful Thursday

On this Thursday, Camille Cisneros, Affiliate Grant Specialist, shares a devotion with us:

Wellness Wednesday

This Wednesday, Valerie Harkins, Executive Director of the Maternity Housing Coalition, shares an important message:

Team Tuesday

Now be encouraged by Michele Cheresnick, Affiliation Coordinator:

Medical Monday

To start off this week, watch our first devotion by Kathy Jerman, Director of Affiliate Services:

PHAW Deal of the Day 1

And don't forget to check out the deals of the day and share the love on social media!

Tagged under

Life Reach Global Bangladesh

LRG Bangladesh

Life Giver Care Centre: Bangladesh

In the heart of Bangladesh, where poverty and hardship are daily realities, Life Giver Care Centre is shining a beacon of hope for mothers facing crisis pregnancies. This vital ministry, in partnership with Heartbeat International affiliate Beautiful Feet International, offers prenatal care and ongoing support to both mothers and their children during the crucial early years.

A Lifeline in Crisis

Life Giver Care Centre understands the unique challenges faced by pregnant women in vulnerable situations. They provide essential prenatal care, ensuring mothers receive the attention and support they need for a healthy pregnancy. Beyond this, the centre offers practical assistance, guidance, and a safe space for mothers to navigate their difficult circumstances.

The ministry's commitment extends beyond pregnancy. They provide ongoing support to mothers and their children during the first years of the child's life, offering resources, education, and encouragement to help them thrive. This holistic approach addresses the immediate needs of mothers and children and empowers them to build a brighter future.

Sharing the Gospel

At the core of Life Giver Care Centre's mission is a deep commitment to sharing the Gospel. Every mother and family who comes to the centre hears the message of hope and salvation through Jesus Christ upon their first contact. The ministry believes in providing physical support while also nurturing spiritual well-being, offering a foundation of faith and hope for the future.

The Heart of the Ministry: Pastor Roming

The driving force behind Life Giver Care Centre is Pastor Roming, a dedicated and compassionate leader. Living and working in Bangladesh, Pastor Roming understands the immense challenges faced by the community. He works tirelessly to support both the ministry and his own family, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to serving those in need. Bangladesh is a very poor nation, and Pastor Roming works hard to support both the ministry and his family.

How You Can Help

Life Giver Care Centre relies on the generosity of supporters to continue its vital work. Any funds raised will be used for general ministry work, enabling the centre to provide essential services and resources to mothers and children in crisis. Your contribution can make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.

By supporting Life Giver Care Centre, you are investing in the future of vulnerable mothers and children in Bangladesh, offering them hope, support, and the opportunity to thrive. Your generosity can help Pastor Roming and his team continue to transform lives and share the love of Christ in a community facing immense challenges.

Summary

Life Giver Care Centre in Bangladesh provides essential prenatal care and support to mothers facing crisis pregnancies. Partnering with Beautiful Feet International and led by the dedicated Pastor Roming, the ministry offers practical assistance, shares the Gospel, and empowers mothers and children to build a brighter future. Your support can help sustain this vital work and transform lives in a community facing immense challenges.

LRG Bangladesh6 LRG Bangladesh7 LRG Bangladesh8 LRG Bangladesh9 LRG Bangladesh10

Tagged under

Empower Life Grant

The Empower Life Grant is an invitation-only, operational grant intended to empower both organizations and their clients to transform their communities for life in the United States. Good candidates for the Empower Life Grant are Heartbeat International Affiliates in full agreement with the Commitment of Care and Competence (particularly the birth control statement), are committed to sharing the Gospel with clients, and serve primarily clients at-risk for abortion.

The commitment to sharing Christ with clients is very close to the heart of the anonymous donor and plays a role in which organizations receive grants. Applicants receive training on representing their organization well to grantors as well as a complete checklist of what they need for the application. Over $5 million in grant funds have been distributed to more than 500 pregnancy help organizations so far.

The map below shows when organizations should expect to receive an invitation to apply. Cycles are named for when grant monies are distributed. The Spring application window typically opens in January and the Fall application window typically opens in August.

Questions about the Empower Life Grant should be directed to Camille Cisneros at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Tagged under

grants

Babies Go to Congress

2023BGTC Banner Concepts 1

Heartbeat International’s Babies Go to Congress campaign may be one of the most powerful Pro-Life events on Capitol Hill. Just imagine your lawmakers meeting with women who chose life at your center! Working with you and your clients, we can communicate with various congressional offices from both sides of the aisle. After all, who can turn away smiling mothers, with happy babies in hand, who share their stories of the love and support they found at their local pregnancy help center?

One by one these moms will share their stories of how your organization helped them through a difficult time in their life. Some with a pregnancy test, some with housing, some with ultrasound, and some with mentorship programs... each story is different but highlights the fact that once each woman walked through your door, you continued to build a relationship and invest in them.

Pregnancy help centers are great for America. We know this. Women know this. Your centers and organizations provided resources and support when no one else did.

Babies Go to Congress in the news:

Additional articles can be found in Townhall, Daily Signal, CBN, CNS News, and on our own Pregnancy Help News.

Because of organizations like yours, we are able to continue bringing mothers and babies to Washington, D.C., to deliver the good news of pregnancy help! Will you join us?

Thanks to centers like yours, more than 180 moms and babies have gone to D.C. and told their stories in nearly 400 Congressional offices since our first trip in 2009! Every one of these moms and their babies are living proof that pregnancy centers are great for America.

Tagged under

Lauren Bell

How to Find Grantmakers

1. Foundations that Accept Unsolicited Grants

2. Foundations that Do Not Accept Unsolicited Grants

Crafting the Perfect Pitch

My Burden Is Light

Serving on a Pregnancy Help Medical Clinic Island

There is Power in Nursing and Power in Love!

Nurses, Powered by The Provider!

Pregnancy Help Network - Pakistan

Pregnancy Help Appreciation Week Devotions

Fundraising Friday

Thoughtful Thursday

Wellness Wednesday

Team Tuesday

Medical Monday

Life Reach Global Bangladesh

Life Giver Care Centre: Bangladesh

A Lifeline in Crisis

Sharing the Gospel

The Heart of the Ministry: Pastor Roming

How You Can Help

Summary

Empower Life Grant

Babies Go to Congress

Babies Go to Congress in the news: