You can boost your grant writing success. Read on!
Apply for your 501(C)(3) nonprofit status with the IRS.
Use Candid’s Foundation Center website to search at http://foundationcenter.org Pro Tip: join their email newsletter list to receive notices on new grants.
Claim your Guidestar profile and keep it current.
Search for funding priorities that align with your mission. Besides using the Foundation Center database,
Find local grants through community foundations and service clubs.
What amount do you request? Search past recipients with projects like yours to see what they were granted. You can sometimes call and ask.
Build relationships & gather information – Ask for an appointment with someone on the grant-making team to discuss your proposal(s
Follow application directions and recommended format. Answer questions clearly and plainly. Unless they specify otherwise, use a 12 point font.
Make sure your budget data balances.
Use percentages and “We”, not “I”. For example, “75% of our students scored above 80% on the ITBS” sounds better than “6 students scored…”
Personalize each answer, but don’t start from scratch. Build a file for your grant “parts and pieces” such as. list of board members, your organization’s history, your mission, project summary, community need, etc.
Upon notification, yes or no, send a thank you. Fulfill reporting requirements.
In closing, grant writing is a “long game”. Keep applying. Competition can be fierce by sheer volume of applications received. Consistently spend 10 – 15% of your fundraising hours on grant writing.
As always, I am hoping for your every success!