Since 2008, the the nonprofit field has seen an enormous shift in grant making. Corporate giving has transformed the way we think about donor engagement and they way we need to think about long-term partnerships with funders. Grant makers want more than just a few pages telling them where their money might go...they want to see it themselves.
Proposals can no longer be hastily written and submitted to a foundation because you had lunch with a program officer---several months ago. Personal relationships are not a free pass for not following the rules and honoring your obligation as a grant seeker. Grant writers need to be diligent about doing their homework and educating their development team. Is the foundation accepting unsolicited proposals? What other programs do they fund? Would they be a good partner for our organization?
Foundations want to have real connection with the organizations and programs where they are investing their money. Don’t assume you have a real connection when you don’t. Don’t force one just because you think you can squeeze a few pennies from the funding tree.
As we begin submitting proposals for 2011, it will be necessary to spend quality time stewarding your funders by including them on mailing lists, inviting them to events and providing them with timely reports. Knowing what the donors need to know in order to choose you over your competition can only be discovered through good research. An educated grant seeker will always have the advantage over the uneducated ones.
For more great tips for grant writing in 2011, check out The Foundation Center's Guide to Proposal Writing, 5th Edition., where Jane C. Gleever shares key information and a realistic view of what grant makers are really looking for when they fund projects and programs. A must read for 2011 success!
~Cheers!
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