Although it may fall outside of the "grant savvy" library, the question has come up about the difference between a donor-directed and donor-advised fund AND how we, as grant seekers, can find opportunities with these funds.
A donor-advised fund is just that. A fund set up, usually with a community foundation, by a donor. The fund has a specific purpose or focus such as "at-risk youth", "homelessness" or "education"--something of importance to the donor.
The donor-advised fund is typically the easiest, most flexible avenue for creating a large giving entity. Donors to these funds provide suggestions on which causes their money should support.
In the case of a donor-directed (or donor-designated) fund it is set up similarly, but the donor is specific about which organizations or groups will receive funding.
How does this affect grant seekers?
It is important to know about and be involved with local community foundations that mange these donor funds. Good relationships go a long way when tapping these opportunities.
While donor-directed or advised funds are usually closed to applications and even note: "does not accept unsolicited proposals", it doesn't mean you shouldn't look for ways to inform the community foundation advisors about the work you do.
A great example of this happened last year with an organization that I was working with. The organization received a call from a trustee/financial advisor of a local community foundation. She had attended a roundtable discussion focused on the interests of her donor where one of the organization's program managers gave a presentation.
The financial advisor took what she learned about the program and shared it with her donor, who held a donor-advised fund with the community foundation. She recommended they make a gift to this valuable program. The donor agreed. A few weeks later, the organization received a substantial, unsolicited gift. They have been told that a gift will probably arrive in 2009 as well.
There isn't a formal method for seeking support from these types of funds, but it is possible. It is the job of the community foundation to match their donor's interests with an appropriate project, program and/or organization.
It is not a typical grant seeking method, but after some relationship building, it can evolve. Donor-advised funds may ask you to provide reports or "apply" annually to receive funding. Be prepared and don't let this opportunity slip past your radar. Patience is key.
~Cheers!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Grant Savvy Books: Fundraising Consultants: A Guide for Nonprofit Organizations
By E.A. Scanlan
As part of the AFP/Wiley Fund Development Series, Fundraising Consultants: A Guide for Nonprofit Organizations is a book that benefits both organizations and consultants.
The AFP Fund Development Series is intended to provide fund development professionals and volunteers, including board members (and others interested in the nonprofit sector), with top-quality publications that help advance philanthropy as voluntary action for the public good. The Association of Fundraising Professionals(AFP) and Wiley each bring to this innovative collaboration unique and important resources that result in a whole greater than the sum of its parts.
(From the Inside Flap)
Fundraising Consultants
Lowering net costs, realizing more money, and securing larger donations are just a few of the advantages to hiring a professional fundraising consultant. But how can you know you're picking the right consultant for your organization?
Filled with invaluable information to help you identify, select, retain, and work with development/fundraising consultants, Fundraising Consultants includes practical advice, tips, guidelines, possible outcomes of consulting, exemplary stories, and other useful information for nonprofit organizations of any size?considering the use of development/fundraising consultants.
Author Eugene Scanlan—a leading fundraising consultant—offers step-by-step guidance and resources to help you in your decision to use consultants, and then shows you how to go about getting the right one for the job. Its numerous case studies and practical tools—including sample invitation letters to consultants, sample requests for proposal, sample consulting budgets, samples of reports, and recommendations—equip you to implement the concepts introduced in the book.
This book can be a valuable resource for a development office looking to hire a consultant or for the independent contractor/grant writer who is selling their services.
~Cheers!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Making Your Grant Proposal Tell a Story
Telling a compelling story in a proposal can sometimes be the difference between finding the funding you need and opening a rejection letter.
Anecdotes bring the reader into your story, your organization and your need. Depending on your subject matter, this can be a valuable tool for illustrating your need for support.
National funders with strict funding guidelines might not leave room for this type of narrative, but small family foundations or those who follow a common grant outline usually do. Likewise, larger funders usually give to those who meet their funding goals--regardless of a touching narrative about someone who has been helped your organization. In her book, Storytelling for Grantseekers, Cheryl Clarke calls this "giving from the heart" and "giving from the head".
Stories can take an abstract idea or problem and make it personal. Just as you would share a story at a dinner party, with a neighbor or with a business associate, when people can relate they can better understand your situation.
Don't forget to find ways to pull a reader into your organization outside of the statistics and boilerplate answers. Stories of those who have benefited from your organization or group show impact. They make your work real to the reader.
So, what happens when it's time to write a grant and you don't have any stories off the top of your head? Only let this happen once and you'll learn. Work with your communications/public relations/marketing department (or person!), to collect and file stories just for this purpose. They are wonderful examples of the good work you are doing and the responsibility to catalog them can be shared by communications and fundraising areas.
~Cheers
Anecdotes bring the reader into your story, your organization and your need. Depending on your subject matter, this can be a valuable tool for illustrating your need for support.
National funders with strict funding guidelines might not leave room for this type of narrative, but small family foundations or those who follow a common grant outline usually do. Likewise, larger funders usually give to those who meet their funding goals--regardless of a touching narrative about someone who has been helped your organization. In her book, Storytelling for Grantseekers, Cheryl Clarke calls this "giving from the heart" and "giving from the head".
Stories can take an abstract idea or problem and make it personal. Just as you would share a story at a dinner party, with a neighbor or with a business associate, when people can relate they can better understand your situation.
Don't forget to find ways to pull a reader into your organization outside of the statistics and boilerplate answers. Stories of those who have benefited from your organization or group show impact. They make your work real to the reader.
So, what happens when it's time to write a grant and you don't have any stories off the top of your head? Only let this happen once and you'll learn. Work with your communications/public relations/marketing department (or person!), to collect and file stories just for this purpose. They are wonderful examples of the good work you are doing and the responsibility to catalog them can be shared by communications and fundraising areas.
~Cheers
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Grant Savvy Books: Fund Raising Realities Every Board Member Must Face
While this book focuses on how to engage your board and fundraising committee, David Landsdowne provides lessons in fundraising that everyone can understand. Whether you are a grant writer on contract or part of a development team, "fundraising realities" still apply.
Near the end of the book, Mr. Landsdowne notes, "People won't support you simply because you want them to. But they will give when they see a personal benefit or when you translate your campaign into compelling human terms". Sound familiar?
This book is a quick read and really can be completed in one hour.
~Cheers!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Tips on Getting Training as a Grant Writer
I came across an older "Hotline" article (June 12, 2008) from the Chronicle of Philanthropy filled with advice for becoming a grant writer. I'm sharing it here for all Savvy readers, but especially those who are new to the field or are considering grant writing as a career.
The Chronicle's Philanthropy Careers section asks its readers to submit questions about job hunting, recruiting, and management challenges in the nonprofit world. In their advice column, they respond to some of those inquiries with tips about resources and suggestions from experts.
Q. I am interested in writing grant proposals. How can I get some guidance in getting started?
A. Plenty of resources are available to help you, says Gail Vertz, executive director of the American Association of Grant Professionals, in Kansas City, Kan. With such a wide range of tools, you can tailor your approach to fit your time or financial limitations.
Ms. Vertz suggests Grant Writing for Dummies, by Beverly Browning, a grant-proposal writing consultant in Buckeye, Ariz. Beginners can also check out The Complete Idiot's Guide to Grant Writing: An Essential Resource for Securing the Funds You Need, by Waddy Thompson, development director for Symphony Space, a nonprofit performing-arts center in New York.
Other resources are available online, says Mr. Thompson. He recommends checking the Foundation Center's Web site for online tutorials and courses on grant-proposal writing and links to sample proposals.
More books and online resources can be found via The Chronicle's Nonprofit Handbook, available on the newspaper's Web site.
If you're looking for a classroom experience, Ms. Vertz suggests starting local. She says your town's United Way, Salvation Army, or community foundation will often "offer a one-day or a half-day training from a grant professional in the community, and those types of workshops are really invaluable, because they not only give training on proposal writing, but they also provide an opportunity for networking."
She adds that universities and colleges offer grant-proposal writing courses as well. For those interested in a more intense experience, Ms. Vertz recommends the five-day workshops led by the Grantsmanship Center, of Los Angeles, which are hosted by nonprofit groups throughout the country.
"It's a very in-depth class," she says, adding that the center will even provide you with a post-workshop review of the grant proposal you develop during the course.
Though there are many books to read and classes to attend, nothing beats learning by doing, says Mr. Thompson.
"What I recommend to a lot of people is that they look for volunteer opportunities, because there are PTA's, community choruses, kids' soccer teams — all kinds of grass-roots organizations for which there is grant money out there in the world, and they need someone who can write," he says. "So if a person is a good writer, and they've done their research by reading one of these books and looking at examples [of proposals] on Web sites, then I think they can get some good experience doing grants as a volunteer."
The Chronicle's Philanthropy Careers section asks its readers to submit questions about job hunting, recruiting, and management challenges in the nonprofit world. In their advice column, they respond to some of those inquiries with tips about resources and suggestions from experts.
Q. I am interested in writing grant proposals. How can I get some guidance in getting started?
A. Plenty of resources are available to help you, says Gail Vertz, executive director of the American Association of Grant Professionals, in Kansas City, Kan. With such a wide range of tools, you can tailor your approach to fit your time or financial limitations.
Ms. Vertz suggests Grant Writing for Dummies, by Beverly Browning, a grant-proposal writing consultant in Buckeye, Ariz. Beginners can also check out The Complete Idiot's Guide to Grant Writing: An Essential Resource for Securing the Funds You Need, by Waddy Thompson, development director for Symphony Space, a nonprofit performing-arts center in New York.
Other resources are available online, says Mr. Thompson. He recommends checking the Foundation Center's Web site for online tutorials and courses on grant-proposal writing and links to sample proposals.
More books and online resources can be found via The Chronicle's Nonprofit Handbook, available on the newspaper's Web site.
If you're looking for a classroom experience, Ms. Vertz suggests starting local. She says your town's United Way, Salvation Army, or community foundation will often "offer a one-day or a half-day training from a grant professional in the community, and those types of workshops are really invaluable, because they not only give training on proposal writing, but they also provide an opportunity for networking."
She adds that universities and colleges offer grant-proposal writing courses as well. For those interested in a more intense experience, Ms. Vertz recommends the five-day workshops led by the Grantsmanship Center, of Los Angeles, which are hosted by nonprofit groups throughout the country.
"It's a very in-depth class," she says, adding that the center will even provide you with a post-workshop review of the grant proposal you develop during the course.
Though there are many books to read and classes to attend, nothing beats learning by doing, says Mr. Thompson.
"What I recommend to a lot of people is that they look for volunteer opportunities, because there are PTA's, community choruses, kids' soccer teams — all kinds of grass-roots organizations for which there is grant money out there in the world, and they need someone who can write," he says. "So if a person is a good writer, and they've done their research by reading one of these books and looking at examples [of proposals] on Web sites, then I think they can get some good experience doing grants as a volunteer."
Courtesy of The Chronicle of Philanthropy
Previous editions of Hotline are available at http://philanthropycareers.com/. Send your questions about job hunting, recruiting, or managing in the nonprofit world to hotline@philanthropy.com.
~Cheers!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Grant Savvy Books: How to Write a Grant Proposal
The most common question I imagine that most new grant writers have is "how do I write a proposal?". Well, this book is a great place to start! The authors discuss the importance of good research and problems that can arise during the writing process. The book also comes with a CD-ROM filled with templates and worksheets for the reader.
Cheryl Carter New and James Aaron Quick are the sole owners and directors of Polaris Corporation. Polaris teaches grantsmanship to nonprofit organizations (The United Way National Training Center, the Non-Profit Center, and the Kellogg Foundation), primary and secondary schools, and for-profit and nonprofit healthcare facilities using three primary mediums: workshops, consulting services, and resource publishing. They lead over 100 workshops that have taught more than 4,000 people per year how to develop and plan projects, research funders, and write grants.
Cheers!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Sample Grant Proposal Rejection Letter
For those of you who have never had the good fortune of receiving a rejection letter, below are a few samples of the vague language that can be included. I hope this is useful to our Savvy readers!
The first letter is from a larger foundation that reorganized its funding structure and thus many good organizations were left off of this year's funding cycle.
The second letter came from a smaller foundation in another state that funds specific programs and requires the applicants specifically mention a geographic priority. You'll notice the many reasons given, but that the foundation also welcomes future applications and discussion.
SAMPLE 1
Dear ABC Organization,
Thank you for your recent application to the XYZ Foundation. The decision-making process was a difficult one, with many worthwhile organizations vying for a limited amount of grant dollars.
Unfortunately, your organization was not selected for funding at this time. It is our hope that you will be able to obtain financial support from other sources. We wish you success in your efforts.
Sincerely,
XYZ Foundation Executive Director
SAMPLE 2
Dear ABC Organization,
Thank you for your most recent request for financial assistance. Unfortunately, we are unable to entertain your grant for this fiscal year.
In some cases, we do not approve a grant because the request does not specifically confine itself to [our program interests]. In others, it is because the request concerns salaries, professional fees, general operating expenses or building programs. Sometimes, we are unable to approve a request due to incomplete documentation. Unfortunately, in some cases, there simply are not sufficient assets from which to fund all worthy requests.
We invite you to submit a new request for assistance to us in the future. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly should you need further assistance with this matter.
Respectfully,
XYZ Foundation Board Chair
~Cheers!
The first letter is from a larger foundation that reorganized its funding structure and thus many good organizations were left off of this year's funding cycle.
The second letter came from a smaller foundation in another state that funds specific programs and requires the applicants specifically mention a geographic priority. You'll notice the many reasons given, but that the foundation also welcomes future applications and discussion.
SAMPLE 1
Dear ABC Organization,
Thank you for your recent application to the XYZ Foundation. The decision-making process was a difficult one, with many worthwhile organizations vying for a limited amount of grant dollars.
Unfortunately, your organization was not selected for funding at this time. It is our hope that you will be able to obtain financial support from other sources. We wish you success in your efforts.
Sincerely,
XYZ Foundation Executive Director
SAMPLE 2
Dear ABC Organization,
Thank you for your most recent request for financial assistance. Unfortunately, we are unable to entertain your grant for this fiscal year.
In some cases, we do not approve a grant because the request does not specifically confine itself to [our program interests]. In others, it is because the request concerns salaries, professional fees, general operating expenses or building programs. Sometimes, we are unable to approve a request due to incomplete documentation. Unfortunately, in some cases, there simply are not sufficient assets from which to fund all worthy requests.
We invite you to submit a new request for assistance to us in the future. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly should you need further assistance with this matter.
Respectfully,
XYZ Foundation Board Chair
~Cheers!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Proposal Rejection: Saying Thank You
Your grant wasn't funded, but it doesn't mean the grant process is over and that all opportunities are lost.
Did you follow the guidelines? Did you make a good case? Did you answer each and every question that the funder asked? Did you spell the names of the contact person correctly? Nothing can be overlooked and the smallest error (yes, even a typo or misspelled name) can lead to rejection.
If you think you did everything correctly and cannot see an obvious reason for your rejection (we'll discuss larger rejection issues in later postings), then it is a good idea to search for more details about your proposal.
It's fair to say that your rejection letter will offer little or no feedback. Assuming you have a strong relationship with a program officer, you can ask for feedback directly. Government agencies may provide comments or feedback with their rejection. Be careful not to overstep your relationship in this area.
Program officers are busy and may not like to get too involved with organizations that didn't receive their foundation's funding. A short phone call is the most appropriate. Make your conversation brief. Ask for suggestions. Ask if they would welcome another proposal from you in the future. Is there a timeframe for resubmission? Take notes and thank them for their time.
Thanking a funder even when you didn't get funded is a critical part of the grant process. Especially if a funder spent time helping you prepare your proposal for submission. A "thank you" can go a long way with anyone. Write a letter thanking the potential funder for their consideration and if you are still a good fit, even include an invitation to visit during an upcoming event at your organization.
Don't loose sight of a worthy funder just because they didn't write you a check this time around. Include them like you would any prospect into your fundraising strategy. Make sure they get newsletters, invitations to events, annual reports, etc. Be mindful of the things you mail to them...you don't want to look like you are wasting resources. However, if it matches the funders interest, make sure they see it.
A good foundation will value your efforts to keep them aware of your organization. Develop a strategy to build your relationship and if their feedback gives you an opportunity to apply again, don't let the chance pass you by.
~Cheers!
Did you follow the guidelines? Did you make a good case? Did you answer each and every question that the funder asked? Did you spell the names of the contact person correctly? Nothing can be overlooked and the smallest error (yes, even a typo or misspelled name) can lead to rejection.
If you think you did everything correctly and cannot see an obvious reason for your rejection (we'll discuss larger rejection issues in later postings), then it is a good idea to search for more details about your proposal.
It's fair to say that your rejection letter will offer little or no feedback. Assuming you have a strong relationship with a program officer, you can ask for feedback directly. Government agencies may provide comments or feedback with their rejection. Be careful not to overstep your relationship in this area.
Program officers are busy and may not like to get too involved with organizations that didn't receive their foundation's funding. A short phone call is the most appropriate. Make your conversation brief. Ask for suggestions. Ask if they would welcome another proposal from you in the future. Is there a timeframe for resubmission? Take notes and thank them for their time.
Thanking a funder even when you didn't get funded is a critical part of the grant process. Especially if a funder spent time helping you prepare your proposal for submission. A "thank you" can go a long way with anyone. Write a letter thanking the potential funder for their consideration and if you are still a good fit, even include an invitation to visit during an upcoming event at your organization.
Don't loose sight of a worthy funder just because they didn't write you a check this time around. Include them like you would any prospect into your fundraising strategy. Make sure they get newsletters, invitations to events, annual reports, etc. Be mindful of the things you mail to them...you don't want to look like you are wasting resources. However, if it matches the funders interest, make sure they see it.
A good foundation will value your efforts to keep them aware of your organization. Develop a strategy to build your relationship and if their feedback gives you an opportunity to apply again, don't let the chance pass you by.
~Cheers!