Create A Winning Grant Team

When your own team is confused about the grant process, the final product will show it and the funder will notice. Gather a team of the right people and your proposal will be on the right track for success.

Depending on the type of proposal (private foundation, government contract, research study, etc.), you will have different players on your team. Sometimes the grant writer won't be the project lead, but will still be the project manager. In the case of government contracts or research studies, the grant writer won't have the expertise to be the leader. However, as a grant writer, you will still manage the process. You may also be managing several proposals simultaneously and it is good to be able to use the strengths of the experts around you.    

Who Should Be on Your Grant Team

• Proposal writer: the person who actually pulls together all of the required documents, writes the narrative and creates attachments for the submission. The Sensei of grant writing! 
• A finance expert: this can be your CFO, financial associate or accountant. It should be someone who knows about the finances of your organization and the program or project at hand. This should not be the person who only enters numbers into a database. 
• Program or project expert: this should be the person who knows the program/project needs.  
• Organization leader: this should be someone who has the authority to sign letters, decides how to allocate expenses and who adds leadership to your proposal.

Project Management Tips for Grant Writers

• Trust your teammates to do what they do best. 
• Remember that consensus does not come easily. Keep the lines of communication open and be willing to share ideas.
• Start with a draft that people can respond to rather than asking them to create it from the very beginning. Creativity flows much faster this way.
• Be the process leader. Guide people about the next steps and what needs to be accomplished.
• Ask critical questions early. Don’t wait until the last phase of creation to get answers about your budget expenses or outcomes.

Grant writing is not a one-person job. Use the expertise and insight from others in your organization to build a proposal that effectively describes what you want to do and how you are going to do it. If you take the time to involve all the players from the beginning, you will set yourself up for success when you receive the grant award and during the reporting process. When people appreciate what it takes to secure grant funding, they are more willing to help you see it through. Go Team!

~Cheers!

“That’s Your Secret Weapon!”: Going 007 to Get Ahead in Grant Writing

This is the beginning of a new year with new goals and challenges. What will make you stand out against your peers?

Recently, I have been creating a lot of personal goals related to achieving a healthy lifestyle. I bike, I do yoga, a eat an obnoxiously healthy diet and find time to de-stress, but I know I can always do more to feel my best. Last week, I was having a conversation with my practitioner and telling him about how much achieving a healthy lifestyle has focused my creativity and work. I feel sharper and less adapt to having a meltdown on my most stressful days. Without hesitation he said, “That’s your secret weapon. Being healthy and feeling centered".

I started thinking about what a secret weapon looks like to a grant writer. I thought I about dagger shoes, homing beacons, bowler hats, steel brief cases and microchip implants...nothing translated all that well to grant writing. However, it finally hit me, while James Bond may have the market covered when it comes to fancy gadgetry, we grant writers have secret weapons of our own. Secret weapons don't have to shoot lasers to be effective. They just need to work for you.

Let’s be honest, grant writing is competitive. Anyone who says otherwise has never written a grant, lost sleep over designing the perfect program evaluation or waited months to receive a reply (or rejection). Having the advantage that will make your work stand out is key to getting the award you are seeking. What will allow you to achieve your best result?

In previous posts, I’ve shared that the educated grant seeker has the advantage. Being educated is a secret weapon when others may be hastily creating proposals and throwing them out the door. Know the process, double check every submission and know what funders want to see. Leave the guessing to those who aren’t as serious about grant proposals. 

Another secret weapon is having a tickler file. Organization is unbelievably important to the success of any grant writer. Taking the time to organize your work by day, week and month helps you see the present and the future at the same time. When last minute projects come up, or a time-sensitive request lands on your desk, you’ll know how to weave them into your workload without missing any other submissions. 

Knowledge is fundamentally important when it comes to creating proposals that effectively and emotionally share your needs. Learn everything you can about your subject matter. Be the expert and teach others. If you work with environmental causes, know what other organizations are doing. How can you learn from them and create collaborative partnerships? What worked for them? What were their mistakes? If arts education is your field, pay attention to how other organizations are creatively engaging communities in artistic endeavors. How can you learn from their outcomes? How can you make your programs better?

I believe that everyone’s secret weapon is unique to their talents and work. Finding a secret weapon that focuses your grant writing efforts and keeps you headed in the right direction will buoy your spirits when you receive one too many rejection letters and it will help you soar past your goals when the checks start rolling in! In today’s grant market, going above and beyond will help you find the grant funding you need. So, start collecting your own bowler hats and laser keychains...you never know when they'll come in handy, but they always do!

"Learn everything you can, anytime you can--there will always be a time when you are grateful you did." 

~Sarah Caldwell

~Cheers!

Educated Grant Seekers Have the Advantage

As the calendar year comes to an end, development professionals and grant writers are busy compiling reports for funders.  It is also an ideal time to start stewarding your grant makers and educating yourself about what matters to them.

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!

When I Grow Up: Grant Writing and Career Direction

On career day I don’t recall telling my teachers or guidance counselors that I wanted to be a “professional grant writer”. In fact, until high school I didn’t know such a career even existed. Now when I tell people that I am indeed a professional grant writer, I usually get quizzical looks and raised eyebrows. People often bid me an obligatory “ahhh…” and try to change the subject. All you grant writers know what I mean…

The truth is that I never saw myself as a grant writer, nor do I see myself as always being a grant writer. A writer indeed, a grant writer…we will see. Nearly all of the grant writers I know ended up in their current positions without setting out on a professional grant writing quest. I truly believe grant writing finds you first.

My dream job (I’m a millennial, I have many!) is to work for a foundation that builds health care resources for children. Whether it is here in the United States or abroad where the need for health care access and education is increasingly important— I know it is what I want to do. When? Sooner rather than later, but I’m in absolutely no hurry to stop doing what I’m doing now. I love my job…however, dull it may seem. I get to find creative ways to make a difference everyday and that’s more than enough to keep me happy!

Being a grant writer is about learning, teaching and sharing what you know about a problem and coming up with solution to make it better. Grant writing has taught me more about public policy, nonprofit management, community collaboration and health care than any of my other nonprofit roles. I’m constantly learning and I am invigorated by the good work of people who really want to impact their community and the world. Really…people like that do exist. It’s amazing.

Recently, I connected with several new Grant Savvy readers who just started a new career in grant writing and I’m thrilled that they are finding the Grant Savvy blog is a useful resource. Their infectious enthusiasm inspired me to write this post and to share my favorite (and fun!) careers links below. Where ever your own career trail leads you, let it be a happy one!

Grant Writing Careers
For Grantwriters Only
Careers in Grant Writing

Grant Gurus
Pamela's Grant Writing Blog
Joanne's Nonprofit Blog

Nonprofit Novas
Step-by-Step Fundraising
Get Fully Funded

If you want to connect with more super smart grant writers and nonprofit novas, check out Grant Savvy's list of Savvy Bloggers & Links.

~Cheers

Proposal Rejection: Saying Thank You is Critical

Last week I had the opportunity to share a guest piece with Sandra Sims of Step By Step Fundraising for the Step By Step Fundraising blog. I was thrilled and honored to write about a topic that has been on my mind lately as we approach the middle of the year: Proposal Rejection: Saying Thank You is Critical.

Step By Step Fundraising's mission is to connect you with fundraising strategies for your school or non profit, so you can continue to make a positive impact in the world.

Published since 2003 Step by Step Fundraising, has become a valued resource for the non-profit sector. It has been listed in several print publications and many online sources.

Visit their blog and follow Sandra on Twitter @sandrasims and @sbsfundraising!

Thanks, Sandra and Step By Step Fundraising!

~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!

Using Stories in Grants to Demonstrate Needs

One of the most compelling ways to share your organization’s success or need for funding is to put a face to your program. Collecting stories, quotes and photos throughout the year will make the proposal process much easier. When your grant writer has creative tools at their disposal, the more powerful your proposal can become.

• Do you currently collect photos of program participants (with consent)?

• Do you have system for tracking feedback or comments (an important part of the evaluation process)?

• Do you save press-clippings that are relevant to your program needs or success?

• Do you get updates from program managers on a regular basis?

Incorporating a participant experience throughout your proposal can draw the readers into your story and help them relate to your needs. Effective storytelling is one important layer in establishing relevance to what you do. Consider a few techniques to make this work:

• Use a main character who can be present during the entire proposal. An example being a small child who enters a hospital via an emergency department for care, but cannot pay for services. Throughout the proposal, you will highlight the needs of this child/family and how they relate to the program(s) you are trying to fund. Their journey will be representative of your larger population. Personalizing their journey adds a dynamic outside of statistics and raw data.

• Incorporate quotes, testimonials, and anecdotes from program participants and managers. What does the doctor in the emergency department have to say about the importance of helping a child who cannot pay for services? What does the child’s family have to say? What does this mean for them?

Proactively think about finding opportunities to bring a human element to your proposal. It makes it easier to read and much more enjoyable to write. Remember, the majority of grant reviewers aren’t an expert on your program and you need to relate in terms they can understand. People relate to people.

One final point: don’t make up stories and/or quotes in order to sell your program. Not only is this just plain wrong, it’s unethical. Don’t do it. Work with program managers, program participants, and your communications department to gather materials throughout the year that will help you. I guarantee it will make your proposal stronger and more meaningful.

What’s a great way to get started? Dust off a declined proposal that you want to make better and incorporate a bit of storytelling. Then share the proposal internally (staff, volunteers, board members) and see what kind of response you get. You’ll see what I mean…

Proposal Rejection: "We Wish You Luck...

A letter from a funder with the words: "We regret to inform you..." OR "We had many worthy requests, but did not have the funds to help everyone..." OR "We wish you luck in your future fundraising endeavors...", can feel like a knife in the heart. There is no worse feeling for a grant writer than working long hours with program managers to write a compelling case with solid measureables and then have it rejected in a five-line letter. Ouch.

It hurts and it's a rough scratch across your ego, but it doesn't spell complete disaster when you have a rejection letter fall on your desk. Well, it shouldn't spell D-I-S-A-S-T-E-R, if you have a plan for action. If the funder does have likeminded interests, don't give up and don't let them forget about you.

1. Have an upbeat, grateful and well-written thank you letter ready for your rejections. There is nothing more gracious than for a denied grant seeker to say "thank you".

2. Put the funder on your calendar for the following year.

3. If you have a relationship with the funder, ask for the chance to further discuss your denial whether via phone or email. Program officers WANT to find good organizations to partner with, but don't always have the time to learn about them in a meaningful way.

4. Share your feedback with your own program managers and leadership. A quick update through email or in a staff meeting can be appropriate. Don't let program managers feel like their hard work on the grant (on top of their "real" job) wasn't worth it---keep them motivated to try again!

5. Invite your funder for a site visit. This can be informal through an event or a regular tour that you already offer. However, rolling out a little red carpet for a private visit might be a better fit for funders who need one-on-one time. Know what makes your funder happy!

The bottom line is that there is no need to tuck your tail between your legs if you have a good funding fit. We are working in a challenging and ever-changing landscape of grantmaking. Being creative with your stewardship shouldn't be overlooked.

Try incorporating this type of action plan into your 2010 grant process and see what results you get! If you keep up with your relationship-building when times are tough, you'll be better prepared when the economy turns around!

~Cheers!

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 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!