Come learn about 12 winning and easy steps to ensure you are putting your best program information in front of funding organizations. This seminar is the true "reality check" you need before starting to explore grants for your program.
3. What is your elevator speech?
Can you explain the program both concisely and in detail for the
proposal? Do you fully understand the program needs and feel
passionate about it?
If you do not understand it, you cannot write about it.
STEP ONE: KNOWLEDGE AND PASSION
#NAFNext2014
4. Is your request for funding the entire budget, or just one
portion of the budget for a specific program?
Can you explain how the program fits into the overall budget?
Do you understand the program budget and how the funds
specifically being requested will be spent?
Questions may be asked later, and accountability for what you
have written is crucial.
STEP TWO: KNOW THE BUDGET
#NAFNext2014
5. Be Honest
Does the program fall under the mission of
your organization?
Do you believe it is worthy of funding?
Is your Board 100% in support of this request?
STEP THREE: MISSION? WHAT MISSION
#NAFNext2014
6. Grant Research Tools
The Foundation Center On-line:
http://foundationcenter.org/
The Grantsmanship Center – Funding by State
https://www.tgci.com/funding-sources
STEP FOUR: RESEARCH & MORE RESEARCH
#NAFNext2014
7. STEP FIVE: MAKING CONTACT
#NAFNext2014
Take the time to make contact
Making a phone call, requesting a face to face meeting
can save you time in the long run
8. When writing your grant put yourself in the shoes of someone
who knows absolutely nothing about your organization.
Don’t assume they know anything about you!
Don’t use acronyms or abbreviations
Have one to two others review your grant before submitting
Be careful with cut and paste on several different applications
STEP SIX: WRITING
#NAFNext2014
9. Review the submission guidelines several times.
Some submissions are on-line, some may want a program
summary written on one page, single spaced, etc.
Include all items the funder is requesting – if you don’t have
what they want – call them!
Avoid submitting at the final hour – I guarantee your work will
look rushed
STEP SEVEN: GRANT GUIDELINES & DEADLINES
#NAFNext2014
10. Be Patient but not Complacent
While waiting for an answer keep posting on social media and
doing PR submissions about all of your good work.
The guidelines will usually give a timeline – if the notification
period has passed it is perfectly fine to call and inquire about
the status of your request
STEP EIGHT: COMMUNICATION WHILE WAITING
#NAFNext2014
11. What type of NO was it – can it be a YES later?
STEP NINE: WHAT IF IT IS A “NO”
#NAFNext2014
12. Thank you letter on organization stationery should go out
within 48 hours of the receipt/notification of the grant.
Use Social Media to thank them - list them on your website
(check to make sure this is Ok with them first!)
Submit Press Releases to the local media
Send a thank you letter signed by the students with an enclosed
picture.
Make sure your Board and staff are aware of the grant
STEP TEN: THANK YOU & ACKNOWLEDGE
#NAFNext2014
13. Read the Contract
Are there reports due?
Get them on your calendar right away.
If they don’t ask for reports, submit one anyway
Regular communication binds donors more closely to your
organization and can lead to additional financial support
STEP ELEVEN: REPORTS & MORE REPORTS!
#NAFNext2014
14. Even after the grant award has been spent
and the final report sent
• Keep them on your mailing list
• Send them e-newsletters
• Invite them to your events
The next check could be bigger!!
STEP TWELVE: KEEP THEM IN THE FAMILY
#NAFNext2014
