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- Reach out to prospective foundations before
sending in a grant proposal. Call a program officer at the foundation
and get advice about marketing the idea and preparing a budget.
If your proposal is in line with their interests and a personal
connection has already been made, this may give you an edge over
other proposals.
- Present
an accurate and reasonable budget, including matching funds.
If you don’t have some of the normally expected costs of
a project, explain why. Be sure to list in-kind resources.
- Try
this format: “This proposal develops a _________to address
the ________problems in our area. The goal of the project is
to ___________within the next _________months. Our approach builds
on existing knowledge of ___________and ____________to creatively
address and permanently change ___________. The resulting outcome
will produce the most __________ever witnessed in our area. As
a result, the clients served by this program will have __________that
will help them succeed in ___________and __________.”
- Define
expected results and describe measurement indicators. Don’t
underestimate the importance of meeting performance standards.
- Write
“Thank You” notes when you receive assistance for any
fundraising activity. Even if you don’t get funded, thank
the funder for the opportunity to apply. Build your appreciation
into a publicity campaign. Write articles about the grant you
are looking for or about the people who helped you find a grant.
Thanking people reaps large rewards in the future when you may
need their help again.
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