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Grant Writing and Research Tips for your organization.
Search online for corporate foundation Web sites (many prefer that you
apply online) or contact corporations, industries and franchises in your
region to see what types of funding they make available. Even if they
don't have a foundation, or you don't qualify, many have funds or
assistance available for good causes in the community.
Know your funding priorities when selecting a Board of Directors.. You
want financially responsible people who are well connected in the
community such as bankers, make ideal board members, so do volunteers
employeed by large financially solid company's local community
franchisers . Many foundations only fund charities that their employees
are involved with directly..
Before seeking funding you need a strong, clear, specific mission
statement.
Since most grants do not allow money for expenses related to overhead,
maintenance, wages for regular staff, be prepared to document how you
plan to pay for the costs not covered through grants along with
financial statements and outcomes.
Have a clearly defined program with all the major details worked out
before requesting the grant. Never attempt to create programs agencies
out of whole cloth around available grants, rather find grants that
support your causes. Illustrate the needs that your organization plans
to fill. Present the anticipated outcome or success of your program,
give a clear outline of how you will reach your goals. Put together a
slick presentation to hand out to your funders that details your charity
and your program from floor plan to budgeting.
Highlight the professional expertise of those involved with the program.
Follow the directions of the grantor when preparing the grant
application. Some just want a letter,others allow you to submit the same
grants submitted elsewhere, some are forms you fill out on line or in
hardcopy and some have very precise directions. Follow tup! Writing the
grant is the smallest part of the funding process.
Funders keep a close record of how the funding is spent, is imperative
you stay in touch with your funders. Budget a great deal of ime to
devote to this process. Which is why one person shouldn't apply for more
grants than they can follow-up on. To receive most grants requires a 501
(c) (3) status with the IRS as well as register with your State.
Focus your efforts on the grants you are most qualified for. The best
way *not* to get a grant is to send out a form letter to every grantor
or philanthropist.
Not all foundations accept solicitations but do their own research on
who to fund. Or create their own area of focus, often partnering up with
other nonprofit organizations.
More grant seekers are turned down than accepted. Don't take it
personal, review your mission and program plan and then move on.
Some foundations accept funding requests throughout the year but many
have strict cycles of when they accept applications. Watch their dates
carefully. Some require you to send a letter of intention before the
actual application.
Do not expect to receive a huge grant for a new charity. grantors.
Grantors want to see a sound financial history with positive outcomes..
Remember: Grants are just one way to fund your charity. Building up your
own list of personal and corporate supporters for annual fund drives,
get listed as a charity for the Combined Fund Drive at workplaces.
Grants are legally binding and to be used exactly for what they are
granted, only. There are tough penalties for inconsistencies.Any
deviation from the agreement requires written permission from the
grantor. Audits are costly and painful
Legitimate professional grant writers are paid at the time of services.
Beware of grant proposal writers or program developers who claim they
will pursue grants with payment contingent on the organization receiving
the money. In most cases this is considred unethical and often illegal.
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