This week I submitted a proposal on behalf of a non-profit to a local community foundation. In reviewing the non-profits past fundraising activity I noticed that they had been very successful with foundation funding in the past. However in the last two years they had not submitted any requests to those same foundations that had already proven willing to give them money.
Remember this: your funders remember you! If they like you and you prove you can spend wisely, they are likely to continue giving.
In many cases, a particular grant program has the exact same application period every year. So my recommendation to you is to put it on your electronic calendar. Outlook is the one I use. Put it in red, and set a reminder far enough out so you have plenty of time to deal with the application.
This is an organized person’s game my friends. Don’t let funds slip away because you forgot to reach out to your funding sources.
Until next time, may all your requests be granted. Brian
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Best Practices
I spent last week in Sacramento reading proposals from various organizations throughout California. I have done this before and always find it very beneficial. In fact I always walk away with tips and tricks to put in my tool box that I never would have come upon if left to my own devices. If the opportunity ever presents itself this is a “must-do” for any grant writer. One of my favorite parts of a week like this is the “Best Practice” session.
As the reviewers read, they document sections that stand out for clarity, logic, format, innovation, etc. Then at the best practice session we all share the “best practices” that stood out for us. Copies are made of these sections and all reviewers leave with a folder of “best practices” to consider using on their on documents at a later date. I should point out, the authors of the proposals are all there and consent to this wholeheartedly.
For you, I recommend assembling your own folder of best practices. Maybe you have seen a purpose statement, budget section, or assessment you thought really stood out. Don’t be shy about asking the author permission to use their format on one of your own proposals. They will probably be flattered. Of course if they say “no” you have to honor their wishes and come up with your own format.
Try to do this whenever the opportunity comes up. Eventually you will have your own folder of “best practices” to refer to when you write.
Unil next time, may all your requests be granted.
Brian
As the reviewers read, they document sections that stand out for clarity, logic, format, innovation, etc. Then at the best practice session we all share the “best practices” that stood out for us. Copies are made of these sections and all reviewers leave with a folder of “best practices” to consider using on their on documents at a later date. I should point out, the authors of the proposals are all there and consent to this wholeheartedly.
For you, I recommend assembling your own folder of best practices. Maybe you have seen a purpose statement, budget section, or assessment you thought really stood out. Don’t be shy about asking the author permission to use their format on one of your own proposals. They will probably be flattered. Of course if they say “no” you have to honor their wishes and come up with your own format.
Try to do this whenever the opportunity comes up. Eventually you will have your own folder of “best practices” to refer to when you write.
Unil next time, may all your requests be granted.
Brian
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Use of the word "enhance"
An associate of mine asked me to review a couple of elements of his most recent proposal today. In reading through, what stood out the most was his use of the word “enhance.”
It made me think of all the times I used it, and all the times I have seen it used.
Ladies and Gentlemen, that word is trouble. Sure there are times when you can include it in your proposal, but be careful!
Most of the time when you say “enhance” you know exactly what you intend to do; sometimes you don’t. Either way you should probably not say “enhance” rather, be specific about what you are planning. For example:
Instead of: “Enhance our ability to deliver training to local small businesses.”
Try: “Add one full time instructor to our staff. This will enable us to increase training to our small business community by 10 deliveries a week.”
By being more specific you tell the reader and/or the grant giver exactly what you are going to do with the funds given to you. And that my friends, is likely to make your score go up.
Until next time, may all your requests be granted!
Brian Lee
It made me think of all the times I used it, and all the times I have seen it used.
Ladies and Gentlemen, that word is trouble. Sure there are times when you can include it in your proposal, but be careful!
Most of the time when you say “enhance” you know exactly what you intend to do; sometimes you don’t. Either way you should probably not say “enhance” rather, be specific about what you are planning. For example:
Instead of: “Enhance our ability to deliver training to local small businesses.”
Try: “Add one full time instructor to our staff. This will enable us to increase training to our small business community by 10 deliveries a week.”
By being more specific you tell the reader and/or the grant giver exactly what you are going to do with the funds given to you. And that my friends, is likely to make your score go up.
Until next time, may all your requests be granted!
Brian Lee
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Grants: An Alternative Funding Source
As education funding is slashed, teachers and schools should be researching alternative ways to make up for budget shortfalls. Applying for grants is one option. Certain grants can be used to fund after-school programs or purchase educational technology or supplies. Finding and applying for grants isn’t easy, though. It takes research and planning.
Various private foundations and governmental agencies give out grants each year. Grants.gov is an excellent starting place for your grant research. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the MacArthur Foundation are two well-known private grant-making foundations. And the Foundation Center offers a free basic service or a more in-depth subscription service to help you research available grants. Finding an appropriate grant can be a time-consuming process, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time for this research phase.
Once you’ve identified grants for which your school might be a match, it’s time to start the grant writing process. To stay organized and ensure that you meet important deadlines, start by creating a master calendar. Put the application deadline at the top and work backward to help you plan how long you’ll need to write your grant. As a rough guide, you should plan to put your application in the mail two weeks before the due date to ensure it arrives on time. You’ll want to have someone review and proofread your completed application, so allow two weeks for that process. It could take four to six weeks to prepare the entire application. And you might need another four to six weeks to research and compile data on your project. In general, the larger the grant, the more complex the application. Do your research, and plan in advance!
For expert answers to your grant writing questions, visit our website and download our ebook!
Various private foundations and governmental agencies give out grants each year. Grants.gov is an excellent starting place for your grant research. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the MacArthur Foundation are two well-known private grant-making foundations. And the Foundation Center offers a free basic service or a more in-depth subscription service to help you research available grants. Finding an appropriate grant can be a time-consuming process, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time for this research phase.
Once you’ve identified grants for which your school might be a match, it’s time to start the grant writing process. To stay organized and ensure that you meet important deadlines, start by creating a master calendar. Put the application deadline at the top and work backward to help you plan how long you’ll need to write your grant. As a rough guide, you should plan to put your application in the mail two weeks before the due date to ensure it arrives on time. You’ll want to have someone review and proofread your completed application, so allow two weeks for that process. It could take four to six weeks to prepare the entire application. And you might need another four to six weeks to research and compile data on your project. In general, the larger the grant, the more complex the application. Do your research, and plan in advance!
For expert answers to your grant writing questions, visit our website and download our ebook!
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