Similar to the old adage regarding the chicken and the egg-which do you do first when seeking grant funding? Do you find the funder or write the proposal? There is no magic formula to obtaining grant funds, however if you have a written program plan in place prior to searching for funders you can really narrow down your search criteria. It may seem counter intuitive to have a grant proposal (or program plan) already written before looking for the right funder, but I do typically find a higher level of success when making sure everything including the budget is written out in plain language before even searching for potential funders.
Write out the program plan first, which can then be adapted to individual grant proposals that meet the individual funders guidelines. Then begin to search for potential funders that have similar interests, and may want to fund your program or organization.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
New Look
Check out my blog's new look. Please let me know what you think. You can also follow Grant Consulting Services on Twitter @ Grantwriter, become a fan on Facebook @ Grant Consulting Services, become a friend also on Facebook @Valerie A. Nelson, and get connected through Linked In under Valerie A. Nelson. Hope to see you there!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
The Philanthropist
NBC has an interesting show premiering tonight called the Philanthropist. One of the tagline's used in the promo spots is "He can have whatever he wants, but he just wants to help." The description of the show as seen on the website is:
"Teddy loves money, women and power, but following a severe flood in a Nigerian town, he is haunted by the memory of a young boy he rescued. Teddy is spontaneous and impulsive and quickly decides to channel his passion, power and money into helping those in need. The danger and risk to his life is the only way Teddy can feel genuinely alive and he'll do anything in order to achieve his goals and keep the adrenaline pumping; putting his business head and money-making skills to good use through bargaining with the self-righteous, making deals with drug barons, and trading with the nefarious."
I watched a few of the clips, and the show looks quite interesting. Another show about giving to people in need is always welcome. It looks like the Philanthropist will be action packed and filled with adventure. I am looking forward to watching it
"Teddy loves money, women and power, but following a severe flood in a Nigerian town, he is haunted by the memory of a young boy he rescued. Teddy is spontaneous and impulsive and quickly decides to channel his passion, power and money into helping those in need. The danger and risk to his life is the only way Teddy can feel genuinely alive and he'll do anything in order to achieve his goals and keep the adrenaline pumping; putting his business head and money-making skills to good use through bargaining with the self-righteous, making deals with drug barons, and trading with the nefarious."
I watched a few of the clips, and the show looks quite interesting. Another show about giving to people in need is always welcome. It looks like the Philanthropist will be action packed and filled with adventure. I am looking forward to watching it
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Federal Grant Opportunities
There is a light at the end of the tunnel...We all know the toll that the current economic landscape is taking on America-and the world. Corporate bankruptcies and consumer's spending less have everybody nervous. However, there is some good news on the horizon.
To date the Federal government has allocated over $126 billion in grant funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. $36.7 billion has already been paid out to states and other organizations. Some of these funds are being spent to help states to improve their infrastructure (Roads), education programs, and increased unemployment benefits.
Government agencies are releasing Requests for Proposals (RFP's) on a daily basis. Typically the due dates for grant applications are about one month after the RFP's are released. The applications can be quite arduous-to say the least, so it is important to have a project or program that is at least in the later part of the concept stage when responding to an RFP.
There are a lot of new funding opportunities available for new technologies that especially relate to greening the planet. To keep track of new grant opportunities, check out grants.gov, and also look at the Obama administration's Recovery website.
Much work is yet to be done, but we should begin to realize the positive impact of these grant funds within the next several months.
To date the Federal government has allocated over $126 billion in grant funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. $36.7 billion has already been paid out to states and other organizations. Some of these funds are being spent to help states to improve their infrastructure (Roads), education programs, and increased unemployment benefits.
Government agencies are releasing Requests for Proposals (RFP's) on a daily basis. Typically the due dates for grant applications are about one month after the RFP's are released. The applications can be quite arduous-to say the least, so it is important to have a project or program that is at least in the later part of the concept stage when responding to an RFP.
There are a lot of new funding opportunities available for new technologies that especially relate to greening the planet. To keep track of new grant opportunities, check out grants.gov, and also look at the Obama administration's Recovery website.
Much work is yet to be done, but we should begin to realize the positive impact of these grant funds within the next several months.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Recovery Act Update
Today, I had the honor of meeting Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm during a town hall meeting about the Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The meeting was extremely helpful in getting a better idea of how the funds will reach the state and local levels. A majority of the funding is being released through formula grants to already existing programs. For example, people eligible for unemployment benefits will see an increase of $25 per month as well as an extension of benefits to 79 weeks. This is not a new program, rather an increase in the already existing program.
Some individuals will benefit directly from the Recovery funds through tax credits-such as the newly increased Earned Income Credit. People over the age of 65 and/or people living with disabilities will receive a stimulus check for $250.
Non-profit organizations have a chance to apply the Recovery Act funds as well. There are many grant opportunities to date that are considered competitive grants and are open to all qualifying organizations. Some of the categories that these competitive grants will be awarded in are: Economic Development, Education and Research, Energy, Environment, Health & Human Services, Job Training, Public Safety, and Technology. Almost all of these grants will need to be applied for directly through the Federal Government. Some of the specific grants that will be awarded will be for projects such as: Early Head Start agencies to expand and increase the number of families served in existing programs, funds to supplement and expand ongoing efforts to provide shelter, food and supportive services for the nation's hungry, homeless and people in economic crisis, as well as grants to provide part-time employment opportunities for low-income seniors.
It is expected that the majority of the grant applications will be due within the next 90 days or so. In addition, there will be more arduous reporting requirements for organizations that receive the Recovery Act funds.
Grant Consulting Services can assist your organization with the grant application and reporting processes.
Some individuals will benefit directly from the Recovery funds through tax credits-such as the newly increased Earned Income Credit. People over the age of 65 and/or people living with disabilities will receive a stimulus check for $250.
Non-profit organizations have a chance to apply the Recovery Act funds as well. There are many grant opportunities to date that are considered competitive grants and are open to all qualifying organizations. Some of the categories that these competitive grants will be awarded in are: Economic Development, Education and Research, Energy, Environment, Health & Human Services, Job Training, Public Safety, and Technology. Almost all of these grants will need to be applied for directly through the Federal Government. Some of the specific grants that will be awarded will be for projects such as: Early Head Start agencies to expand and increase the number of families served in existing programs, funds to supplement and expand ongoing efforts to provide shelter, food and supportive services for the nation's hungry, homeless and people in economic crisis, as well as grants to provide part-time employment opportunities for low-income seniors.
It is expected that the majority of the grant applications will be due within the next 90 days or so. In addition, there will be more arduous reporting requirements for organizations that receive the Recovery Act funds.
Grant Consulting Services can assist your organization with the grant application and reporting processes.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Economic Stimulus Package
By now most have heard about the enormous $780+ Billion dollar Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, that was recently signed by President Obama. The measures are so enormous that it is difficult to understand precisely what is included in the package and how it will eventually affect nonprofit organizations and the people they serve. I am compelled to do my due diligence and understand where the funds will go, so I am taking the time to read the over 400 page stimulus plan.
At times, I would rather be curled up with John Grisham's latest novel or another great read, but want to try to understand how the organizations I work with will benefit from the money that will eventually reach the state and local levels.
Don Griesmann has already done a fabulous job of researching program areas that offer funds to community organizations in his blog article titled "24 Economic Stimulus Programs for Non Profits."
The Obama administration has also put together a nice website at Recovery.gov that gives details about the program and its expenditures. You can also read the legislation in full by clicking on the following link: http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:h1enr.pdf
At times, I would rather be curled up with John Grisham's latest novel or another great read, but want to try to understand how the organizations I work with will benefit from the money that will eventually reach the state and local levels.
Don Griesmann has already done a fabulous job of researching program areas that offer funds to community organizations in his blog article titled "24 Economic Stimulus Programs for Non Profits."
The Obama administration has also put together a nice website at Recovery.gov that gives details about the program and its expenditures. You can also read the legislation in full by clicking on the following link: http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:h1enr.pdf
Monday, February 16, 2009
Non-Profits Anxious for Stimulus Package
Today, President Obama is expected to sign the multi-billion dollar economic stimulus package. All sectors of society are waiting-more like hanging on for dear life for the benifits of these measures to reach them. Non-profit organizations are especially strained for funds and other resources due to reduced giving trends and organizational cutbacks.
In response to the budget strain, Michigan Governor Granholm is cutting back nearly all arts and cultural grant funding. In addition the Governor is recommending increasing the non-refundable grant application fee from $300 to $1,000. This move will make it nearly impossible for smaller organizations to apply for the very small pool of arts funding still available through the State.
Smaller organizations that relied on these grant funds in the past will need to cut back their services and/or join forces with other arts organization as well as seek funding from other sources.
Non-profits will have to continue hanging on until the benefits of the stimulus package are realized at a local level. That will likely take more time.
In response to the budget strain, Michigan Governor Granholm is cutting back nearly all arts and cultural grant funding. In addition the Governor is recommending increasing the non-refundable grant application fee from $300 to $1,000. This move will make it nearly impossible for smaller organizations to apply for the very small pool of arts funding still available through the State.
Smaller organizations that relied on these grant funds in the past will need to cut back their services and/or join forces with other arts organization as well as seek funding from other sources.
Non-profits will have to continue hanging on until the benefits of the stimulus package are realized at a local level. That will likely take more time.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
What To Do in This Economy?
This is the question on most people's minds whether working with a for-profit or non-profit organization. I am hearing from non-profit organizations that are cutting back on services, marketing and donor relations. All of these actions will have an impact on the organization and the community in which it serves.
Obviously cutting back on services will greatly affect the people who receive services. Plan and communicate service cutbacks carefully. Organizations that handle this poorly can gain a bad reputation that could take years to recover from. Engage the people whom you provide services for in the planning stages. Listen to what they are saying. Ask one or several members of the community you serve to become your spokespeople in the community to help soften the tough message of cutbacks.
Marketing budgets are typically the first to be cut. This is often seen as a non-essential function in an organization. Many non-profits don't even have a "Marketing " line in their budgets. Be very cautious here when evaluating what to cut. Do not mistakenly cut out activities just because they have a low return on investment. For example: perhaps you send out a quarterly newsletter and cannot attribute one donation directly to that newsletter. The reality is that if you have a well written, eye pleasing newsletter it can be a fairly inexpensive way to maintain relationships and even help people that are unaware of your organization to become more familiar with it. Other options could be switching to an online e-newsletter to save on printing and postage costs, or submitting the newsletter twice a year instead of quarterly. Sometimes seemingly low return on investment activities have benefits that are not measured in dollar value.
Lastly, if at all possible, do not cut back on donor cultivation. This means cultivating individuals, corporations and foundations. This reaction will harm the organization over the long run for several reasons. The first being-other organizations are cutting back in donor cultivation. You could have the competitive edge if you continue or even dare to increase your relationship building activities. If you don't someone else will and your donor will get bored with your relationship and eventually take their hard earned dollars elsewhere. Also, this economic downturn will not last forever. Donors will give more and more frequently again. It will be great if you cultivate relationships through these tough times and it pays off big for you in the future!
Obviously cutting back on services will greatly affect the people who receive services. Plan and communicate service cutbacks carefully. Organizations that handle this poorly can gain a bad reputation that could take years to recover from. Engage the people whom you provide services for in the planning stages. Listen to what they are saying. Ask one or several members of the community you serve to become your spokespeople in the community to help soften the tough message of cutbacks.
Marketing budgets are typically the first to be cut. This is often seen as a non-essential function in an organization. Many non-profits don't even have a "Marketing " line in their budgets. Be very cautious here when evaluating what to cut. Do not mistakenly cut out activities just because they have a low return on investment. For example: perhaps you send out a quarterly newsletter and cannot attribute one donation directly to that newsletter. The reality is that if you have a well written, eye pleasing newsletter it can be a fairly inexpensive way to maintain relationships and even help people that are unaware of your organization to become more familiar with it. Other options could be switching to an online e-newsletter to save on printing and postage costs, or submitting the newsletter twice a year instead of quarterly. Sometimes seemingly low return on investment activities have benefits that are not measured in dollar value.
Lastly, if at all possible, do not cut back on donor cultivation. This means cultivating individuals, corporations and foundations. This reaction will harm the organization over the long run for several reasons. The first being-other organizations are cutting back in donor cultivation. You could have the competitive edge if you continue or even dare to increase your relationship building activities. If you don't someone else will and your donor will get bored with your relationship and eventually take their hard earned dollars elsewhere. Also, this economic downturn will not last forever. Donors will give more and more frequently again. It will be great if you cultivate relationships through these tough times and it pays off big for you in the future!
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Roller Coaster Ride
Tracking the economy and its effects on nonprofits lately has me feeling like I am on a roller coaster ride. I have that kind of sick to my stomach feeling just after you leave the highest point of the ride and begin the lightning speed descent downward. I am glad we are securely strapped in.
It looks like working through the current economic conditions may take a while. According to an article published today by Guidestar titled "Fasten Your Seatbelts: It's Going to Be a Bumpy Giving Season" gave results of a recent survey. The survey states that 35% of respondents noticed a decline in giving. This is the largest percentage of organizations that have seen decreases since 2003. For comparison-only 38% of respondents noted increases this year in giving-compared to 52% last year that reported increased giving to their organization.
These are uncertain times for all of us. Next time, I will offer strategies for non-profits to weather the storm.
It looks like working through the current economic conditions may take a while. According to an article published today by Guidestar titled "Fasten Your Seatbelts: It's Going to Be a Bumpy Giving Season" gave results of a recent survey. The survey states that 35% of respondents noticed a decline in giving. This is the largest percentage of organizations that have seen decreases since 2003. For comparison-only 38% of respondents noted increases this year in giving-compared to 52% last year that reported increased giving to their organization.
These are uncertain times for all of us. Next time, I will offer strategies for non-profits to weather the storm.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Trickle Down Theory
Today I am joining thousands of others by writing this post for Blog Action Day. The theme for 2008 is poverty. The idea behind this movement is to get as many people as possible to blog about poverty on this day in order to raise awareness and move toward viable solutions. I don't know if the organizers chose this theme in light of the current economic conditions, or if it is a very ironic coincidence.
Obviously the current economic downturn is going to affect how non-profits do business, just like it is affecting for profit businesses. I am hearing about cutbacks in services and personnel at non-profits because of the economy. As discussed in the last Take It For Granted post titled "The Economy and Reality" I cited an article from the New York Times that discussed how the assets from the foundations that were set up by Lehman Brothers, AIG and others have plummeted.
The majority of foundations in America have a large portion of their investments in the stock market. When foundation assets decline, foundations give less to organizations. When organizations receive less funding, they cut back on services.
This means that the impoverished, and I don't mean just cash poor people, but others who will loose their health care, or jobs, and the hungry will all loose out. For some people, they will be worse off than when they started receiving services from the non-profit organization that can no longer for example-help pay for childcare services. That single mom will loose her job due to lack of child care and then her car will be repossessed and she will be unable to find another job. She will be right back in to the cycle of poverty that she is so desperately trying to escape.
It looks like President Reagan's trickle down economic theory really is true. Only in this case the poor will just get poorer and the executives at the bankrupt businesses will get their millions in severance pay and bonuses.
Obviously the current economic downturn is going to affect how non-profits do business, just like it is affecting for profit businesses. I am hearing about cutbacks in services and personnel at non-profits because of the economy. As discussed in the last Take It For Granted post titled "The Economy and Reality" I cited an article from the New York Times that discussed how the assets from the foundations that were set up by Lehman Brothers, AIG and others have plummeted.
The majority of foundations in America have a large portion of their investments in the stock market. When foundation assets decline, foundations give less to organizations. When organizations receive less funding, they cut back on services.
This means that the impoverished, and I don't mean just cash poor people, but others who will loose their health care, or jobs, and the hungry will all loose out. For some people, they will be worse off than when they started receiving services from the non-profit organization that can no longer for example-help pay for childcare services. That single mom will loose her job due to lack of child care and then her car will be repossessed and she will be unable to find another job. She will be right back in to the cycle of poverty that she is so desperately trying to escape.
It looks like President Reagan's trickle down economic theory really is true. Only in this case the poor will just get poorer and the executives at the bankrupt businesses will get their millions in severance pay and bonuses.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
The Economy and Reality
It seems as if the whole world is on edge the past few weeks due to the spiraling economic conditions in the U.S. I don't believe it is the end of the world, but I do think that the current events will have a negative impact on charitable giving in the immediate and foreseeable future.
Finally, someone with teeth agrees with me. Check out this NY Times article titled "Economy Expected to Take a Toll on Charitable Giving" I believe the most interesting point in this article is the vastness of the ripples that each of the bankrupted/overtaken corporations (or their foundations) will have on non-profits that serve communities of people.
Stay tuned for more...
Finally, someone with teeth agrees with me. Check out this NY Times article titled "Economy Expected to Take a Toll on Charitable Giving" I believe the most interesting point in this article is the vastness of the ripples that each of the bankrupted/overtaken corporations (or their foundations) will have on non-profits that serve communities of people.
Stay tuned for more...
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Where Oh Where Have All The Grant Funds Gone?
Americans are feeling the economic effects of higher gas and food prices as well as the recent major issues in the financial markets. Nonprofit organizations are no exception. Or are they?
According to a June 28, 2008 article in the Philanthropy Journal, Americans "donated $306.39 billion to charity in 2007, more than ever before." Giving USA states that is a "3.9% increase compared to 2006." To put this in perspective, individuals give just about 75% of that $306+ billion dollar figure and half of that amount was directed to religious organizations. Giving from foundations rose 12% and corporate giving fell by less than 1% in 2007.
So where are these funds going? Nonprofit executives that I talk to around the country are scratching their heads. Across the board their organizations are experiencing declines in grant funding. These are the people on the front lines providing services to people in need, and they are cutting back. They are scaling down services, staff and using other cost savings methods.
So again, where are these funds going? It is my unscientifically proven belief that more individual, grant and corporate gifts are going to disaster relief efforts. Rightfully so. Communities ravaged by earthquakes, fires and hurricanes need help-and a lot of it.
Meanwhile organizations that serve other needs are continuing to scramble to keep their doors open.
According to a June 28, 2008 article in the Philanthropy Journal, Americans "donated $306.39 billion to charity in 2007, more than ever before." Giving USA states that is a "3.9% increase compared to 2006." To put this in perspective, individuals give just about 75% of that $306+ billion dollar figure and half of that amount was directed to religious organizations. Giving from foundations rose 12% and corporate giving fell by less than 1% in 2007.
So where are these funds going? Nonprofit executives that I talk to around the country are scratching their heads. Across the board their organizations are experiencing declines in grant funding. These are the people on the front lines providing services to people in need, and they are cutting back. They are scaling down services, staff and using other cost savings methods.
So again, where are these funds going? It is my unscientifically proven belief that more individual, grant and corporate gifts are going to disaster relief efforts. Rightfully so. Communities ravaged by earthquakes, fires and hurricanes need help-and a lot of it.
Meanwhile organizations that serve other needs are continuing to scramble to keep their doors open.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
GRANT CONSULTING SERVICES OPENS NEW LOCATION IN SAN DIEGO, CA
At a time when many companies are laying off their employees, or closing up shop, Valerie Nelson, President, of Grant Consulting Services announced the opening of a new office in San Diego, CA. “The decision to open another location is based on the desire to better serve our increasing base of national and international clientele.” Grant Consulting Services assists non-profit organizations in meeting their goals and objectives through comprehensive grant development services. These services include program/project planning, funding research, grant proposal writing, and grant reporting.
Heading up the West Coast office is Amanda Guerin, who has over 20 years of experience in working with expanding markets in varied roles. Amanda’s experience in living and working in locations around the world, such as West Africa, Israel, and the Grand Cayman Islands brings dynamic skills to the company that will empower the organization to better serve the unique needs of non-profit organizations.
Grant Consulting Services serves nonprofit organizations around the globe. The mission of the company is to affect positive change through the written word. Excellence and high value for nonprofits are unique and important aspects of the company.
For information: www.GrantConsultingServices.com or
Contact: info@GrantConsultingServices.com
Telephone: (248) 761-6256 Midwest Office
(619) 252-7189- West Coast Office
Heading up the West Coast office is Amanda Guerin, who has over 20 years of experience in working with expanding markets in varied roles. Amanda’s experience in living and working in locations around the world, such as West Africa, Israel, and the Grand Cayman Islands brings dynamic skills to the company that will empower the organization to better serve the unique needs of non-profit organizations.
Grant Consulting Services serves nonprofit organizations around the globe. The mission of the company is to affect positive change through the written word. Excellence and high value for nonprofits are unique and important aspects of the company.
For information: www.GrantConsultingServices.com or
Contact: info@GrantConsultingServices.com
Telephone: (248) 761-6256 Midwest Office
(619) 252-7189- West Coast Office
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
New Website
Check out our new website at www.GrantConsultingServices.com
More exciting changes will be announced soon!
More exciting changes will be announced soon!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Help Wanted
Grant Consulting Services is in need of an experienced grant proposal writer to subcontract on an as needed basis. Hourly pay with no other benefits, except the ability to work from home.
Federal grant application experience is a plus.
Your writing skills could help to positively affect hundreds of thousands of lives.
Please send your resume and cover letter to Grantstuff@wowway.com or fax to 248-786-6866.
Federal grant application experience is a plus.
Your writing skills could help to positively affect hundreds of thousands of lives.
Please send your resume and cover letter to Grantstuff@wowway.com or fax to 248-786-6866.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
The State of Nonprofits
Blackbaud-the makers of the highly used nonprofit software-Raisers Edge, released their study on the State of Nonprofits in the United States. You can view the full report at the Blackbaud website.
To summarize, the outlook looks favorable for nonprofits around the country. Need for services is expected to rise. Staffing projections are on the rise. Revenue from charitable donations are expected to increase. The report notes that "Corporate donations, foundation grants, and special events were also believed to be the areas of greatest revenue improvement." Only 20% of respondents expect revenue to decrease, which is very positive considering the doom and gloom economic reports we see on a nearly daily basis.
What does this mean for grant proposal writers? Keep on cranking out those proposals! Of course the level of giving depends on many factors, such as the type of programs you offer, what new initiatives you will offer over the next year, and the region your organization serves. Regardless of those factors, a well designed fundraising plan that includes grant income can help your organization to increase its revenue, and the good it does in the community.
To summarize, the outlook looks favorable for nonprofits around the country. Need for services is expected to rise. Staffing projections are on the rise. Revenue from charitable donations are expected to increase. The report notes that "Corporate donations, foundation grants, and special events were also believed to be the areas of greatest revenue improvement." Only 20% of respondents expect revenue to decrease, which is very positive considering the doom and gloom economic reports we see on a nearly daily basis.
What does this mean for grant proposal writers? Keep on cranking out those proposals! Of course the level of giving depends on many factors, such as the type of programs you offer, what new initiatives you will offer over the next year, and the region your organization serves. Regardless of those factors, a well designed fundraising plan that includes grant income can help your organization to increase its revenue, and the good it does in the community.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Year End Checklist
It's hard to believe that 2007 is almost over. I always like to take some time at the end of the year to reflect on personal and professional milestones and evaluate what worked and what did not.
This is also a great time to submit grant proposals-it's not too late! Many foundations meet during the month of December before the holidays to wrap up their giving for the year. Be sure to look at their printed materials for specific deadlines, or call the foundations if printed guidelines are not available.
One of the best things you can do now to enhance your future grant proposals is to assess the programs that are already in place. Be sure to engage your program people in this process. After all, they are the ones on the front lines delivering the services. They will have a unique perspective as to what is working and what isn't. Some of the items that you want to review are:
This is also a great time to submit grant proposals-it's not too late! Many foundations meet during the month of December before the holidays to wrap up their giving for the year. Be sure to look at their printed materials for specific deadlines, or call the foundations if printed guidelines are not available.
One of the best things you can do now to enhance your future grant proposals is to assess the programs that are already in place. Be sure to engage your program people in this process. After all, they are the ones on the front lines delivering the services. They will have a unique perspective as to what is working and what isn't. Some of the items that you want to review are:
- Were all of the grant funds spent?
- How were the funds spent? What did you purchase?
- How many people did you serve?
- Demographic information such as: Age, race, sex, and other information that is important to your particular program or project.
- What specific activities took place to help meet the needs of your constituents?
- What were the outcomes, or what benefits did your constituents gain from the program activities? How were their lives enhanced.
- What methods did you use to evaluate the effectiveness of the program? These could be simple participant surveys, or more elaborate data collection methods.
If you get all of this information on paper now, you will have a nice report to send to your funders-even if they don't require one. You can also utilize this information for an annual report or other communication tools.
Happy Grant seeking and Happy Holidays!
Friday, September 07, 2007
The Magical Money Tree
My father frequently muttered something about money not growing in trees. He was right. Not even grant awards, which some people refer to as free money fall from the trees.
As a grant development professional, I would like to be able to wish up on a star, or plant a magic seed in order to help bring in the funding my clients need. It just does not happen that way.
Far too often, I receive emails or telephone calls from people who work with non-profit organizations and are in dire need of money to help them stay in a positive cash-flow situation. They want me to write a few quick grants to help solve their problems. Grants are not the answer. The process takes too long and is not inteded to take the place of other fundraising opportunites, or be a debt reduction strategy.
According to an article in the Charity Navigator, " Americans gave over $260 billion in 2005. Individual giving is always the largest single source of donations. It rose by 6.4 percent to an estimated $199.07 billion. It accounts for 76.5 percent of all estimated giving in 2005." Corporate and foundation giving totaled a little over $40 billion.
Based on these facts, a good rule of thumb that I like to use is that grant funding from corporations and foundations should make up about 20% of your organizations revenue. The other 80% should come from individuals through varied tactics such as events, annual appeals, and good old fashioned relationship building.
Don't count on grants to meet all of your organizations needs. However, grant awards can help you start new projects or improve projects you already have.
As a grant development professional, I would like to be able to wish up on a star, or plant a magic seed in order to help bring in the funding my clients need. It just does not happen that way.
Far too often, I receive emails or telephone calls from people who work with non-profit organizations and are in dire need of money to help them stay in a positive cash-flow situation. They want me to write a few quick grants to help solve their problems. Grants are not the answer. The process takes too long and is not inteded to take the place of other fundraising opportunites, or be a debt reduction strategy.
According to an article in the Charity Navigator, " Americans gave over $260 billion in 2005. Individual giving is always the largest single source of donations. It rose by 6.4 percent to an estimated $199.07 billion. It accounts for 76.5 percent of all estimated giving in 2005." Corporate and foundation giving totaled a little over $40 billion.
Based on these facts, a good rule of thumb that I like to use is that grant funding from corporations and foundations should make up about 20% of your organizations revenue. The other 80% should come from individuals through varied tactics such as events, annual appeals, and good old fashioned relationship building.
Don't count on grants to meet all of your organizations needs. However, grant awards can help you start new projects or improve projects you already have.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Rejection Hurts
You have strategically planned, done all of the appropriate research, written a flawless proposal, and sent it off with enough time to spare before the deadline. Ahh a sigh of relief at a job well done. A few months pass by and you finally receive a nice letter from that nice potential funder that starts with:
We regret to inform you....
Ugh! What do you do now? Bang your head against your desk, quit your job and become a recluse, write a seething response letter? No. Feel the pain of rejection for a few minutes and then try again.
It might help to know that only one in three grant proposals actually get funded. In some parts of the country people have told me that the average in their region is more like one in five. It is also beneficial to realize that the one funder that does offer the grant award may not give you 100% of what you asked for. Ugh again!
What is a grant development person to do?
1. Approach more than one funder at a time.
2. Utilize diverse funding sources for each and every program. Remember giving by individuals outpaces corporate and foundation giving by a ratio of 80:20. In other words, individuals give approximately 80% of all donations, while corporate/foundations give about 20%.
3. Don't give up. Build relationships with colleagues and others in the field. Learn your craft, and grow in your skills.
We regret to inform you....
Ugh! What do you do now? Bang your head against your desk, quit your job and become a recluse, write a seething response letter? No. Feel the pain of rejection for a few minutes and then try again.
It might help to know that only one in three grant proposals actually get funded. In some parts of the country people have told me that the average in their region is more like one in five. It is also beneficial to realize that the one funder that does offer the grant award may not give you 100% of what you asked for. Ugh again!
What is a grant development person to do?
1. Approach more than one funder at a time.
2. Utilize diverse funding sources for each and every program. Remember giving by individuals outpaces corporate and foundation giving by a ratio of 80:20. In other words, individuals give approximately 80% of all donations, while corporate/foundations give about 20%.
3. Don't give up. Build relationships with colleagues and others in the field. Learn your craft, and grow in your skills.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Summer Time Writing Part 2
The vacation that I joked about in my last post really turned into a joke. Over the past two months, I have submitted 19 proposals. This is a grueling pace-even for an old seasoned pro like me. Sure, a seasoned pro who really needs a vacation now more than ever:).
Some of the submissions went very smoothly, others did not. Guess which ones were well planned and thought out? You got it-the ones that went smoothly. I will always preach that grant writing is a process that starts with the recognition of a need, has clearly defined goals and outcomes. After all of the necessary documentation is in place then organizations should search for matching potential funders to help meet the specific need.
In the real world of grant development, sometimes-great opportunities come up that are a good match for an idea that has not actually made it entirely on paper or through the planning process. When this occurs try to get as much information on paper to include the goals, objectives, specific activities, outcomes (what the grant funds will help you do), and a budget before submitting the proposal. Utilize this written information to craft the proposal. Make sure all the responsible parties understand exactly what it is they are committing to do, should you receive the grant award.
Meet with the key stakeholders and go over the document to ensure their buy-in and clear up any potential miscommunication that will occur through rushed phone conversations and quick emails.
Quick proposals are not a good idea, and I try to avoid them like those dangerous summer UV rays, but every once in a while they provide funding for much needed services.
Now where is my sunscreen and beach umbrella…
Some of the submissions went very smoothly, others did not. Guess which ones were well planned and thought out? You got it-the ones that went smoothly. I will always preach that grant writing is a process that starts with the recognition of a need, has clearly defined goals and outcomes. After all of the necessary documentation is in place then organizations should search for matching potential funders to help meet the specific need.
In the real world of grant development, sometimes-great opportunities come up that are a good match for an idea that has not actually made it entirely on paper or through the planning process. When this occurs try to get as much information on paper to include the goals, objectives, specific activities, outcomes (what the grant funds will help you do), and a budget before submitting the proposal. Utilize this written information to craft the proposal. Make sure all the responsible parties understand exactly what it is they are committing to do, should you receive the grant award.
Meet with the key stakeholders and go over the document to ensure their buy-in and clear up any potential miscommunication that will occur through rushed phone conversations and quick emails.
Quick proposals are not a good idea, and I try to avoid them like those dangerous summer UV rays, but every once in a while they provide funding for much needed services.
Now where is my sunscreen and beach umbrella…
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