Proposal Writing: Getting Personal in Grant Writing

It's Friday and this is how I feel. I know many grant writers often find themselves draped over the keyboard and exhausted by the writing process. You give every word you have and even attempt to make up new ones before you're spent. If you have never experienced this...keep writing, it will happen. Promise.

Proposal creation is craft. A creative endeavor. Technical language and dry prose can linger on the page, but at the end of the day (or week or month) you have created something that wasn't there before. You've communicated in a sophisticated way that is only possible between human beings. You've taken an obscure idea or project and given it legs, wings, a voice and pointed it in the right direction. How can you not get personal about writing a proposal?

Get personal in your proposal. It's okay. 
There are good ways and bad ways to interject a personal touch into a grant proposal. Do it right and you'll connect with the funder in a way that matters and makes them feel something about your project. Do it wrong and you'll risk your future funding opportunities. Remember, it's personal for your organization, not for you. Be one with the organization and you'll find the right words (oh, Yoda).

Here are a few simple ways that you can give a personal touch to any proposal application--short, long, fat, squiggly or something in the middle. Think of it like your favorite spice. A little dash goes a long way.

• Connect with the funder's mission and focus. Point out how your organizations are similar. 
• Mention a recent community event, site visit or shared connection. Did you recently give a tour? Can you weave a personal connection into your proposal or better yet, cover letter? 
• Tell a Story. Share a thoughtful, true and meaningful story about someone who benefits from your organization's work.
• Do your homework and find another similar project that has received a gift from the funder. Remind them of this connection and your likeminded work. 
•  Finally, say thank you. "Thank you kindly". "Thank you in advance". Be gracious and respectful. Don't sound like a talking computer. That's so 1968. 

Proposal writing is a tough, technical craft. However, you must remember that you are always writing for other people. People who (usually) know how to feel just like everyone else. If you were on the other end of your proposal, what would move you to award funding to your organization?

Photo thanks: Nicole Elkington 

~Cheers!

Systems Without Feedback Are Stupid: Evaluation & Grant Writing

Nonprofits are designed to be adaptable and responsive to their changing environments—or at least they should be. An organization must be ready to change when circumstances around them change such as politics, the economy and social expectations. What does this mean for grant writers? A lot.

One of the most important pieces of the grant writing process is evaluation. Funders want to know that you have goals and that you are able to reach them. In your proposal you must have a clearly defined plan of your benchmarks and the ability to measure your success.

As Ed Skloot, Director of the Center for Strategic Philanthropy and Civil Society and Professor of the Practice of Public Policy at the Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University (whew!), once said, “Systems without feedback are stupid”.

As a grant writer, it is imperative that you work with staff and program managers to determine what your organization can achieve and how you will achieve it over a set period of time. You are not the one guiding their program goals, but rather motivating conversation. Becoming an outcomes-oriented organization with funders means that you need to have processes in place before you ask for funding or at least before you receive any grant awards.

Grant writers aren’t simply responsible for getting good ideas on paper and making them great. It is wise to make sure what you are writing about can really happen. Ask the tough questions that will help your organization think about the big picture and design programs that can provide solid feedback to funders.

~Cheers!

Happy New Year & A Grant Savvy Thanks!

Happy New Year to all Grant Savvy readers!

Before I begin the 2010 Grant Savvy blog, I wanted to send many thanks to the Grant Savvy readers. This blog began as an experiment and a way to keep my ideas moving outside of my head. It is now something that is part of my daily work (expect during the month of December---ugh!) and my writing process.

I am humbled and energized by the people who I have met because of Grant Savvy. I have found great comfort and motivation in the work of the "underground grant writing world" and can honestly share how much fun it has brought to my ever-evolving professional career.

My biggest thanks to Melanie Negrin at For Grantwriters Only for being such an awesome inspiration and leader of a remarkable online grant writers social network. Please support her and utilize all of her priceless resources. Thanks, Melanie!

Thank you all for 'being Savvy'. I look forward to learning and sharing during 2010!

Grant Savvy is back and ready to roll!

Hiring a Freelance Grant Writer

As organizations begin to plan for 2010 or the second half of their fiscal year, talk of hiring a fundraising consultant or in particular, a freelance grant writer can find its way into a development office. Below are some pros and cons of hiring a freelance grant writer--courtesy of the Minnesota Council on Foundations.

There are plenty of freelance grantwriters in most communities who write proposals for a fee. (Most experienced writers will remind you that it is unethical to work on commission.) There are both good and bad reasons to hire a freelancer:

Good Reasons to Hire a Freelance Grant Writer

1. To write a good, basic proposal — the "mother proposal" — that your group can then adapt to suit different circumstances. After a year or so, however, you should be able to write this on your own.

2. To search grantmaker directories and databases and identify likely funding sources. Again, your organization should soon develop these skills internally.

3. Because you have five proposals due in one week.

Bad Reasons to Hire a Freelance Grant Writer

1. Because your group wants grant money but neither your volunteers nor your staff want to "dirty their hands" by asking for money. Seeking money is a core activity for most nonprofits. Learn to live with it.

2. Because a freelance fund raiser promises he can get you a lot of money through his "connections." Particularly with major funders, projects are generally funded because of their worth, not due to connections.

3. Because your organization has never tried to raise money before and suddenly wants a large amount of money for a big capital project. Alas, big money tends to go to groups with a long track record and solid funding base. There are exceptions, but don’t count on being one of them.

If you decide to hire a freelance grantwriter, be sure to look at some writing samples. And ask for the names and phone numbers of past clients who work in your field.

~Cheers!

Tips for Writing a Letter of Inquiry

I am asked many times about writing letters of inquiry (LOI) or letters of intent. What should be included? Is "letter" just a loose term? Can it be longer than 3 pages?

First of all, there is a purpose and strategy to submitting an LOI. It is not just about following a funder's rules. As an organization, it gives you a chance to throw out your ideas and get some feedback without writing a lengthy proposal. As the funder, you get to screen the ideas that do or do not fit your guidelines and invite full proposals from groups that are the best match. It really is a win-win process for everyone.

Secondly, as an organization you'll usually receive a response within 4-6 weeks, not 4-6 months as with some proposals. My own grant calendars have a lot of LOI submissions during the 1st and 2nd quarters off the year. This gives us time to hear back from the funder and respond by the 3rd or early 4th quarter.

Be Concise. Be Concise. Be Concise.
The greatest challenge in creating an LOI is filling 2-3 pages with ten pages of ideas. Being a skilled writer is imperative to a winning LOI. You must be concise and clear throughout the entire letter. You must also state your need and make it compelling. You are trying to get an invitation to the "big dance" and it's your job to convince the funder you'll be a great partner.

Below are a few tips to keep your LOI on track:

· Be concise and clear.
· Include a condensed, yet compelling needs statement.
· Include your ask amount in first paragraph.
· Avoid using overly relaxed grammar. (This is a legitimate request for support, not a status update on Facebook.)
· Eliminate "fluff".
· Make sure to include your mission statement or a description of those you serve.
· Don't assume your funder already knows about your organization.
· Use an active voice: "With your support, we will install sixteen new wheelchair ramps...".
· Talk about the funder’s impact, answer the "So what?".
· Be concise and clear.

The key to communicating your ideas in a compelling way is to have a vision that you can describe as an “elevator speech”. Your ideas need to be easy to understand and relevant, no matter who is listening.

Finally....remember that "letter" is not a loose term. It really is a letter. It really is signed by your ED. It really is submitted on letterhead. It should not be more than 3 pages and if it is too long, no one will read it. You must still follow the funder's guidelines.

Favorite link for LOI tips: GrantProposal.com

~Cheers!

Grant Planning for 2010: A Silver-Lining for a Gloomy Outlook?

As most grant writers are during October and November, I have been terribly busy writing final 2009 submissions and year-end grant reports. Thus, it has left Grant Savvy a bit neglected. Even @SavvyGrants is suffering. Yikes! I'll be back to being Savvy soon!

During this busy time, I am also creating 2010 grant plans for my clients. This year was no cake-walk and we worked hard to secure the funding that we did (let's hope a few more awards come through before 12/31/09). As I plan for next year it is my responsibility to take into account the external factors that affected our grant efforts...the economy, program cuts, fewer donors, changing collaborative relationships. My brainstorming reminded me of the August 2009 article from the Philanthropy Journal about the less-than-stellar fundraising outlook.

According to the Philanthropy Journal article:

• More than half of fundraisers say their organizations raised more money in 2008 than in 2007, while about four in 10 raised less.
• Virtually all fundraising channels, with the exception of Internet, email and direct mail, are at their lowest success levels since the Philanthropic Giving Index was launched.

With such a "gloomy" outlook, what can we do to plan for a successful 2010?

We'd like to think that sending out more grant proposals increases our chances enough to make the extra effort worth it. This isn't always the case. You cannot change the economy, the new focus of your most loyal foundation or your organization's new strategic direction. You can improve your own work, internally and externally.

The first step in preparing your grant operations for 2010 is to start small and simple. Step away from your narratives and budget summaries. You know you can write a fabulous proposal. Instead, focus on the core of your grant operation. How does your machine work?

• Organize your grant office and make your 501(c)(3) letters, annual reports, board lists, letters of endorsement, budgets and program brochures easily accessible. You'll be surprised at how much time and energy this saves you. Don't underestimate it!
• Run a report on what was funded and what wasn't. If you have the luxury of working with a research team, ask them to help you run some reports. If not, a simple report in Excel can show what was asked, expected and funded, etc. This will give you a better understanding of your grant program and explain your outcomes to stakeholders outside of the development office (board members, CEO, program directors).
• Interview program managers, directors, clients, etc. about their needs for 2010. Don't give feedback yet, but engage in a thoughtful conversation about their needs and wants (usually different). Don't assume you know what they want for 2010. Diagnose before you prescribe!
• Prospect! You should be doing this all year, but make a dedicated effort towards adding new prospects to your portfolio. Be ready with their guidelines and due dates. Do your research before 2010 and you'll be able to move faster when new projects hit your plate.

Don't be discouraged by the "gloomy outlook". Planning for success, not failure, puts you one step ahead of the rest!

Grant Savvy will be doing a lot of planning and organizing during the next eight weeks. Look for more tips and strategies coming soon!

Basic Steps to Grant Writing

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) offers a library of resources for all types of development professionals, including grant writers. Below is an excerpt from one of their fact sections about basic grant writing. I hope this is a helpful piece to add to your own writing library. Enjoy!

What are the basic steps to grantwriting?
1. Determine that you have a need.

2. Suggest a solution through planning, research, and experience.

3. Determine whether the grantmakers' goals will help you achieve your objectives, while matching your purposes.

4. Target your proposal to grantmakers appropriate to your field.

5. Present your proposal.

What are the components of a grant proposal?
1. Every grantmaker has different guidelines, priorities, deadlines and timetables for their organizations. Some accept a Common Application Form (CAF), a single proposal accepted by a number of grantmakers to help grantseekers save time and streamline the grant application process.

2. Always follow the exact specifications of the grantmakers in their grant applications, Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and guidelines.

3. Present your full proposal neatly, professionally, and in an organized package.

4. Type and single-space all proposals.

5. Write, organize and present your proposal in the order listed in the application and guidelines.

6. Only include the information and materials specifically requested by the grantmaker.

7. The proposal is judged on content and presentation, not weight.

8. Unless required, do not include an index or table of contents, or bind the proposal, and be sure to sign it and submit the number of copies requested by the grantmaker.

How do I find someone to submit my grant proposal to?
Research is the key to finding a compatible grantmaker. While there may be many grantmakers that match your organization's interests, locating the handful that will be most swayed by your proposal is important. Various methods of locating grantmakers include:

1. Web searches. Many organizations have websites devoted to their philanthropic interests. Find one that coincides with your goals.

2. Philanthropic publications. Many publications and periodicals publish reports of grants coming from different organizations.

3. News reports. Often an organization or individual will publicize their grant program for specific purposes. This is often useful for locating grantmakers in the local area.

4. Direct contact. It is beneficial to specifically tailor your grant request to the organization you are submitting it to. Knowing the details of the organization's philosophy and mission is an invaluable tool to beginning a grant relationship.

Find more information by visiting AFP Online's Resource Center!

~Cheers!

Grantwriting Tip: Cast Your Agency as a Hero, Not a Superhero

More accolades for Cheryl A. Clarke today! This is a great excerpt from her book, Storytelling for Grantseekers. I am skimming the pages again to inspire me to write a multi-layered grant request for a rare form of pediatric cancer. The book is candid, funny and energizes my creativity even when tackling a tough subject matter. Enjoy!

"When writing the goals and objectives section of a foundation grant proposal, grant seekers are like sci-fi writers. They envision the future. Of course, there is one critical difference: whereas sci-fi writers generally present fantasy, grant seekers discuss what is realistic and feasible.

To understand this concept, it may help to think in visual terms. Take a mental snapshot of the community where your nonprofit agency does its work today, at this very moment. What is the problem of unmet need that your agency addresses? Who are the people served by your agency? What more could your agency do if it had additional funds?

Now imagine taking a second mental photograph of the same community at the end of the projected grant period. Compare it with the earlier snapshot. What’s different? How has the need been met? How have the clients been served? Most important, how have the lives of your agency’s clients been positively changed? You should “see” a noticeable difference between these two mental snapshots.

How the community and your story’s main characters (your agency’s clients) will have changed is portrayed in the goals and objectives section of a grant proposal. The challenge in writing this portion of the proposal story is to vividly and accurately describe to the reader what can be seen in the two mental photographs just mentioned. The change that occurs helps resolve the conflict (the problem or need).

Readers appreciate a story that has a believable, satisfying resolution. Program officers and others reviewing grant proposals do too. The validity of your request for grant funding hinges on whether the resolution of the conflict rings true. If it doesn’t, no matter how well the story is written or told, it falls flat and short of the mark."

Want to know how to be a hero? Click here.

Thanks, Cheryl A. Clarke!

~Cheers!

Grant Savvy Books: Grant Proposal Makeover: Transform Your Request from No to Yes

Grant Proposal Makeover: Transform Your Request from No to Yes

By Cheryl A Clarke, Susan P. Fox

This one is being added to the Savvy library immediately! What a wonderful find by one of our Savvy authors Cheryl A. Clarke and Susan P. Fox. Cheryl Clarke is the author of Storytelling for Grantseekers.

Here is an excerpt fromt the AFP website: "Nine out of ten grant proposals are rejected. Grant Proposal Makeover shows how to transform lackluster proposals into excellent ones-that have the potential to be funded. This book stands out from other traditional grantwriting books because it illustrates common flaws and problems in proposals and shows exactly how to fix them. It also includes helpful tips and quotes from foundation program officers and funding community insiders taken from an international survey of foundation professionals."

I'll be sure to share my insights after I read this great find!

~Cheers!

Follow Grant Savvy on Twitter!

Did you know that Grant Savvy is tweeting? Join Grant Savvy on Twitter for simple, quick grant writing tips, quotes and links to other great resources! There is a wonderful group of grant professionals in the Twittersphere that I am excited to share with Grant Savvy readers!

Start tweeting...
@savvygrants

~Cheers!

50 Tips for Improving Your Chances of Winning a Grant

From "The Only Grant-Writing Book You'll Ever Need", Ellen Karsh and Arlen Sue Fox provide a solid list of not ten, but 50 tips for improving your chances of winning a grant!! Take note, these are great tips that we often forget in the rush to complete a grant application on time. More details are found in "The Only Grant-Writing Book You'll Ever Need"  add this book to your library today!

1. Take stock of your own organization. Know what your organization can manage when it comes to grants and grant size.
   



2. Incorporate as a tax-exempt organization.
   


3. If you're not a 501 (c)(3), link up now!
   


4. Find the Foundation Center Library
   


5. Get online. Have a website, publish your annual report and financials, and tell people who you are!
   


6. Find the right funding opportunity. Don't submit something that isn't a good fit. It's a waste of your time and the funder's.
   


7. Read the guidelines.
   


8. Do your homework. Study up on the foundation through their 990s, guidelines, past giving, etc.
   


9. Read the instructions. Don't skim or give half-answers to questions.
   


10. Get organized! Have documents ready to submit in a file system that works best for your organization.
    


11. Give yourself time to prepare.
    


12. Bring partners into the project development as early as possible.
    


13. Speak with the program officer.
    


14. Call for technical assistance during preparation of government proposal. Ask for help!
    


15. Don't use acronyms!
    


16. Watch your language. Be sensitive to other community groups, cultures, individuals or organizations.
    


17. Use the grantmaker's language. Incorporate their language from guidelines or website when it fits.
    


18. Repeat yourself when you have to. Don't go overboard, but emphasize your important points.
    


19. Give proposal reviewers a break! Don't write pages and pages of narrative. Make it interesting and include charts, graphs and quotes.
    


20. Create a checklist. This is important for attachments, budgets, financials, etc. that may come from several different people.
    


21. Be sure each section of the proposal is consistent with the others.
    


22. Use the application topics as headings in your proposal. This will make it easier to show the reader you are addressing their issues.
    


23. When designing your program objectives, be realistic.
    


24. Know how you will recognize success. Explain how you will know you reached your goals.
    


25. Read the instructions!
    


26. Get consulting for the evaluation section of the proposal. Involve them early to get feedback.
    


27. Make sure your budget is reasonable.
    


28. Computer your budget figures carefully.
    


29. Think about sustainability.
    


30. Include a timeline in your proposal.
    


31. Write your abstract or executive summary two days before you submit the proposal—no sooner, no later. By then you'll understand exactly what you are submitting.
    


32. Don't stuff the appendix. Be thoughtful on attachments. Don't send more than they ask for.
    


33. For a gov't. proposal, include a letter from your elected official. For a foundation proposal, don't.
    


34. When in doubt, ask the grantmaker questions before submitting.
    


35. Think about the final report. Can this be measured and implemented successfully.
    


36. Use spell-check and colleagues for proofreading help.
    


37. Use your own reviewers. Ask different people for help during different phases of the process.
    


38. Save your most trusted, courageous "reviewer" to read the final draft.
    


39. Get involved with advocacy groups.
    


40. Get on mailing lists. Make sure you know about available funding.
    


41. Clip magazine and newspaper articles.
    


42. Get to know your elected officials.
    


43. Don't ask gov't. or foundation program officers to change guidelines for you. (No comment on this one…!?!?)
    


44. Do discuss unmet needs and potential new funding directions.
    


45. If you don't get funded, go back to the proposal. If there are issues, ask to discuss it with the funder.
    


46. If you get turned down for funding, find out why and how you can do better next time. Politely.
    


47. Wait until next year.
    


48. Keep the funders informed.
    


49. Get on the funders' radar.
    


50. Read the instructions.

~Cheers!

Grant Savvy on Twitter!

Lots of grant writing and not so many blog posts have inspired me to launch Grant Savvy on Twitter! Join Grant Savvy on Twitter for simple, quick grant writing tips, quotes and links to other great resources! Don't worry, more blog posts to come in the future...

~Cheers!

Grant Savvy Books: The Essential Nonprofit Fundraising Handbook

The Essential Nonprofit Fundraising Handbook: Getting the Money You Need from Government Agencies, Businesses, Foundations, and Individuals

By Michael A. Sand and Linda Lysakowski

Our newest Savvy recommendation is also listed in the August 20 issue of The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Written by Michael Sand and Linda Lysakowski, this book covers the basics of fundraising success and tips to diversify your fundraising model.

As grant writers, our fundraising efforts are only one piece of the pie. What other development functions depends on us? What functions do we depend upon? Knowing how to interweave volunteers, specials events, major gifts and grant writing is key to building a strong development plan.

Michael A. Sand, Esq., the author of How to Manage an Effective Nonprofit Organization, has more than 40 years' experience as a staff member, board member and consultant to nonprofit groups that need to raise funds. He heads Sand Associates, a consulting firm that provides comprehensive services to nonprofit organizations across the country. Sand lives in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Linda Lysakowski, ACFRE, is the founder and president of Capital Venture, one of the country's most successful consulting and training fundraising firms. She is the author of Recruiting and Training Fundraising Volunteers and The Development Plan and a contributing author to The Fundraising Feasibility Study-It's Not About the Money. She lives in Las Vegas.

(Biographies Courtesy of Barnes & Noble Online)

Grant Savvy Books: Managing the Nonprofit Organization

Managing the Nonprofit Organization: Principles and Practices
By Peter Drucker

While this book isn't completely grant writing related, it has a great deal of information regarding the management of nonprofits and its fundraising activities. Drucker focuses on real-world examples about leadership, mission, volunteers and donor relationships. This approach to uncovering the order of nonprofit management is incredibly useful for anyone working for or with a nonprofit organization at a leadership level.

As a grant writer or fundraising consultant, it is imperative that you have a strong understanding of the nonprofit world, not just fundraising. Your ability to relate to a nonprofit client in terms of the "big picture" makes your contribution more meaningful than just taking on the task of writing a proposal.

This book is a fast read and the chapters are broken up by narrative, interviews and analysis. A big recommendation from Grant Savvy for this one! Enjoy!

~Cheers!

Evaluation Planning and Measurable Objectives

To add a some more to yesterday's post about learning from sample proposals, I've opted to share a few bits from Beverly Browning's book, "Perfect Phrases for Writing Grant Proposals". This whole book is filled with sample phrases that you can learn from to craft your own proposal.

One of the more confusing pieces of the proposal process is creating an evaluation plan and explaining your objectives, outcomes and criteria for success. Endlessly, it seems, I am explaining what an "outcome" is and how the objectives meet the goal, etc. It is a difficult thing to wrap your brain around sometimes.

Below are a few examples that I enjoyed in Browning's book. I highly recommend adding this to your book shelf for easy reference when you hit a wall with your writing or need a creative way to describe your measurement framework.

Question: Who will be involved in the evaluation process?
Answer: (For a Fire Safety and Education Program) The evaluation will be conducted on site at each of the targeted elementary schools. Using a stakeholder approach, teachers, administrators, students, and their parents will be asked to provide feedback on the impact of the program.

Objective A: Increase performances for school-age audiences by 25% or more and work to align accompanying music history lecture with the Department of Education's Academic Standards for Arts and Humanities.
Measurement A: Number of lectures and accompanying performances for school-age children and feedback from students and teachers.

It is imperative that you state specifically how you will measure your objective. Giving answers with broad terminology or unattainable feedback goals is not answering the question. Keep it simple and measureable. That is what a funder wants to see!

~Cheers!

Learning From Sample Proposals

Thinking that another, similar organization's proposal can be substituted for one of your own is a mistake. Grant proposals are unique and no two are alike. No two organizations are alike, foundation guidelines are not alike and thinking that your proposal could be a copy of something that has already been submitted is not the way to craft a winning grant.

We can learn a lot from reviewing proposals and reading samples of grant outlines. As writers our senses are altered when we edit work that is not our own. We notice the voice and flow of words that didn't come from our thoughts. We learn a what works and what definitely doesn't. Reviewing grants gives writers the chance to "beg, borrow and steal" good ideas to add their own toolbox.

Below are sample excerpts from two different proposals. Notice the different approaches to the question. Each was asked to answer: What are your long-term funding strategies?

A. ABC Organization's long-term funding strategies for sustaining this effort includes obtaining foundation and corporate grants, soliciting individual contributions and sponsors, in-kind gifts, and conducting a full-scale capital campaign.

B. Collaboration with other programs and agencies continues to be a key to sustainability. The sharing of resources and referrals to external programming allow us to ensure that resources are not duplicated, as well as pooling the knowledge gained to develop the most effective and most innovative education methods. Diversification of funding is also critical in program sustainability. Finally, sustainability will come in the form of an increased emphasis on volunteers. Properly used volunteers can have a tremendous impact on the ability of an agency to serve the community, and over the past three years XYZ Organization has increased its commitment to the use of volunteers in program delivery.

The first proposal was asking for $30,000 a year, for two years. The second, a $5,000 one-time grant.

If you were a grantmaker, which answer sparks your interest? Which answer gives you the information you need? (Remember, grantmakers review a lot of proposals and skim for the answers.) Which response gives you confidence in the grantees actions? Is their plan feasible or is it just fluff that answers the question without a lot of detail?

There is no possible way of knowing what the discussion sounded like when the grants were reviewed. Both answers addressed the question, but how well did they do it in context to their request? Being clear and concise is the best way to form your response.

I hope you learned something from reading these answers and could craft something even better for your own proposal!

~Cheers!

Hosting a Site Visit or Tour

Site visits by funders can be a vital part of securing the funding you requested and an important step in the proposal process. A visit can be scheduled before or after your request is formally submitted. You can also invite funders to your organization even if a site visit is not part of their traditional grant process.

When you bring grantmakers to your organization, the work that you do turns into something real and tangible. It makes the words in your proposal come to life.

Your site visit is like any other tour you would give. The preparation may vary slightly, but it's not rocket science. There is no need to over-complicate the tour because it is called a "site visit". If your site visit is required there may be specific guidelines set forth by the funder. Make sure you are aware of these requirements.

Prepare your team with:

• the background on the funder
• what/why you are seeking funding
• an organized tour route
• input from key volunteers or staff related to the project

Do not include people on your tour who don't have a direct link to your tour's purpose. Too many people can quickly overwhelm the situation.

It is incredibly important, especially in small organizations, to let staff know you are having visitors. Do not assume they will be okay with a surprise visits into their workspace. This can have a negative affect on morale when staff who hold your operations together aren't notified of important tours.

Keep remarks by executive directors and board leadership to a minimum. Let your funder ask the questions. Don't go to great lengths to prepare complicated PowerPoint presentations--this is rarely necessary.

Your experience should be "real" and it should reflect your organization. Don't overhaul your workspace or tell staff to dress in a way they normally wouldn't. Your site visit is about showing how you operate on a daily basis. Needless to say, tidying up and taking out the trash is probably a good idea.

After your site visit be sure to send a thank you letter signed by leaders who were part of the visit. This process is no different than after a meeting. Sharing your thoughts on what went well and expressing words of thanks can go a long way!

~Cheers!

Grant Savvy Books: Consulting and Evaluation with Nonprofit and Community-Based Organizations

We're back, Savvy Readers! Enjoy today's posting for the "book of the week".

Consulting and Evaluation with Nonprofit and

Community-Based Organizations

By Judah J. Viola, PhD, and Susan Dvorak McMahon, PhD

I have not personally read this cover to cover, as it just hit the market. However, their publishing website gives a great overview and provides some feedback from readers.

According to the book review, "The need for consultation and evaluation among non-profits and government agencies has soared in recent years, as funders have demanded accountability and agencies are ill-equipped to provide the types of data-based information needed."

Consulting and Evaluation with Nonprofit and Community-Based Organizations fills a critical gap in the academic literature for non-profit management. This unique text is a collection of advice and voices from a diverse group of successful, practicing consultants who work with non-profits and government agencies. Through surveys and interviews, these experts relate detailed information on how they got started in consulting, what types of services they provide, what types of clients they serve, the biggest challenges they face, and much more. The book also integrates current topics from a wide variety of sources, so that interested readers can easily access important information all in one book.

“As a beginning consultant I sought out a guide such as this but no other source provided such a range of information and experience. The detailed advice, tools, and examples provided in this book will aid new and experienced consultants alike to begin or grow a successful consulting career. It certainly did for me.”

—Michelle R. Bloodworth, PhD, Community Psychologist and Educational Consultant with Apex Education

Stay tuned this week for a full line-up of Grant Savvy features!

~Cheers!

Technical Difficulties

Grant Savvy is experiencing changes. Please look for new postings later this week...we have lots of new stuff to share in the coming weeks! Thanks for being a "Savvy Reader"!

~Cheers!

Donor-Directed vs. Donor-Advised Funds

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!