Making the Ask

Some people wonder if a grant proposal is the right place to ask for money, or is it better to give information about the organization first. The answer is-make the ask very clearly and succinctly. Also, it may be tempting to create a ten page document that gives heart wrenching stories and fabulous statistics that all lead to the crescendo of asking the funder to give money for your spectacular program; resist that urge.

The majority of funders prefer that the amount and purpose of the grant be spelled out in summary format on the first page of your proposal so that they do not have to through your entire proposal so they can determine exactly what you want. Don't make the person that might help fund your program and target audience dig through pages of information just for effect. He or she might just throw your proposal in the trash-just for effect. Foundations may get hundreds of proposals per funding cycle, so don't give them any reason to reject yours.

In some cases the proposal is the first contact you will have with the potential funder, so you want to give a positive impression the first time. Follow their guidelines perfectly, and don't be afraid to ask them specifically for what you want. Do not give ambiguous information such as: "Look at our website for further details", or "We will leave it up to you to decide how much money you want to give us toward the program." They won't take the time to look at your website and they will decide not to fund you with those wimpy statements.

Do your research and make sure the potential funder gives money to organizations in your geographic area, with your focus and within the range you are asking. It makes no sense to ask for $1 million for a capital campaign for a homeless shelter from an organization that gives grants in the amount of $5,000 for arts organizations. Always do your homework.