Bespoke Grants vs Candid (Foundation Directory)
Candid search brings Foundation Directory and GuideStar together, with free and Premium options for nonprofit and funder research. If you're weighing it against Bespoke Grants, here's an honest comparison — starting with what it costs.
Searching for Foundation Directory Online pricing? Candid has brought Foundation Directory and GuideStar together in Candid search. Premium nonprofit pricing starts at $1,199 billed annually, or $219 with monthly billing. Candid offers AI funder matches and LOI drafting as well as research tools, so the difference is not simply AI versus manual search. Bespoke Grants combines matching and a focused grant workflow for $19/month, built for U.S. nonprofits of every size, from volunteer-led organizations to established development teams.
Candid (Foundation Directory) vs Bespoke Grants at a glance
| Candid (Foundation Directory) | Bespoke Grants | |
|---|---|---|
| 12 months of paid access | Premium for nonprofits starts at $1,199, billed annually | $228 across 12 monthly payments of $19 |
| Monthly billing | $219/month for nonprofit Premium | $19/month, billed monthly — All access |
| Free option | Free plan; community/library access; eligible Go for Gold and other sponsored access | One successful personalized search per account; three readable matches; no card |
| Research approach | Nonprofit and foundation research with AI funder matches and LOI drafting | AI matching with fit explanations, funder intelligence, and RFP workflows |
| Data | Combined Foundation Directory and GuideStar research | 225,000+ foundations from public IRS 990 filings + live RFPs |
| Best for | Teams seeking Candid’s research breadth, or eligible for free or sponsored access | Nonprofits of every size seeking affordable matching and a focused grant workflow |
What Candid (Foundation Directory) is best at
Candid (Foundation Directory)'s strength is the breadth of its nonprofit and foundation research, combining Foundation Directory and GuideStar with AI funder matching and LOI drafting. Its free plan and community/library access can be valuable. Eligible U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits with annual revenue or expenses under $1 million can earn a 2026 Gold Seal by December 31, 2026, to receive one year of Premium through Go for Gold; confirm current program terms.
Where Bespoke Grants is different
Bespoke Grants matches funders from public IRS 990 filings to your nonprofit’s mission, location, and budget, with the reasoning shown. All access is $19/month, billed monthly, and includes live federal and foundation RFP workflows, pipeline management, LOI drafting, and boilerplate reshaping. It is built for nonprofits of every size. Try one successful personalized search with three readable matches and no card. Compare both services’ coverage and workflow before deciding.
See the matches before you pay anything.
Try one successful personalized search with three readable funder matches, no credit card required. Revisit your preview, then unlock all product features for $19/month. Compare it to Candid (Foundation Directory) with your own mission in hand.
Get my free preview →Frequently asked questions
- Is Bespoke Grants cheaper than Foundation Directory?
- At Candid search Premium’s published nonprofit annual starting price, yes. Candid search brings Foundation Directory and GuideStar together. Premium starts at $1,199 billed annually; Bespoke Grants All access costs $228 across 12 monthly payments of $19, about 81% less over 12 months. Candid’s nonprofit monthly price is $219. Candid offers a free plan and eligible free, discounted, or sponsored access, so review those options first. The services differ in features, data coverage, and user limits.
- Does Candid also offer AI grant tools?
- Yes. Candid search offers AI funder matches and LOI drafting. Bespoke Grants also offers AI matching and LOI drafting, alongside funder intelligence, RFP workflows, and a pipeline. Compare the specific coverage, features, user limits, and price that fit your nonprofit.
- Can nonprofits get Candid Premium for free?
- Candid offers a free plan, community/library access, and eligible sponsored access. Through Go for Gold, eligible U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits with annual revenue or expenses under $1 million that earn a 2026 Gold Seal by December 31, 2026, can receive one year of Premium. Check Candid’s current eligibility and access terms before buying either service.
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Sources: Candid pricing, Candid search features, Go for Gold eligibility, Candid free access.