Do you need grant funding for your nonprofit organization? If you do you are most certainly not alone in your needs. This combined with the fact that because of regular government budget cuts there's not as many federal dollars available as there once was. And because of our current economic recession foundation dollars are down as well. What you now have are some serious concerns facing your nonprofit organization.
On the other hand there is still a vast source of funding out there for your organization. But, even more so today than ever, in order for you to get your share of the treasure that's out for you. You must approach the matter of grant getting in an organized and systematic manner.
And you must make the process of obtaining grants a regular and ongoing activity for your organization. Here are some guidelines to help you get the grant funds you seek:
* Carefully assess your funding needs by asking yourself a number of very important questions, such as: How much funding do you need? How will this funding be used? Who will benefit from this funding? And, how will this funding be used? Having clear answers to these kinds of questions are a key part of any request for funding, and will help you determine the kinds of grantors you should be approaching.
* Make a list of your target grantors specific to your needs. You can do this by going to the main branch of your public library. Where you should find some kind of grant research center with a wealth of grant funding directories you can use.
* If you live in a very small community and your library doesn't have a grant research center. You should contact The Foundation Center, 79 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10003, (212)620-4230 where you'll find a wealth of grant directories too, that you can purchase directly from them. Be sure to request a copy of their current catalog when you contact them.
* Contact each grantor on your list for a copy of their current funding guidelines, and proposal requirements. While all grant directories do list grantors basic funding requirements and rules. You should still always contact them before you apply. Since what's listed could be actually much different from what they currently do, and your time is too valuable to waste it.
* Prepare a clear concise attractive development proposal of between 8 to 12 pages. While many large nonprofit organization tailor make a proposal for each program or project they're marketing to get specific grantor, this can be a very time consuming process if your organization is small or mid-sized, without the staff and support that many large agencies have. Thus it's better to prepare a standard proposal covering your capital, program, and operating needs. Then target it with a well-prepared submission cover letter.
* Even in those cases where a grantor does have specific proposal requirements. You'll find still that most of what you've already prepared can be incorporate into your custom proposal quite easily. Allowing you to prepare custom proposals in those situations where it's needed. This is especially true when seeking federal funding, where your proposal must be targeted to the requirements of the federal grantor.
* Keep in mind the fact that the easiest kinds of grant to obtain are grants for capital needs items. And grants for unique, exciting, and innovative programs and projects. Whereas the hardest items to get grant for are operating cost items. So you should use grantors primarily for capital and program funding objectives. And secure private gifts from individuals to raise most of your operating cost funds.
* Set aside a block of time each week, even if it's only three or four hours. During which time you or a designated staff member will devote to the three key areas of effective grant solicitation. Namely, researching funding sources, preparing, and submitting proposals. Doing this will keep you up to date on who's doing what, improve proposal preparation skills, and keep those grants coming in regularly.
Yes, you can get the grant funds you need to effectively operate your nonprofit organization. And help all those people who need the help that you provide them. But you must go about getting the grants you need in an organized systematic fashion. And refuse to take "no" for an answer, because the cost of doing otherwise is much too great for so very many.
Berwyn J. Kemp is a development consultant who helps nonprofit organizations obtain funding. For free subscription to his newsletter Nonprofit Funding Solutions, or full details on his funding products and services, or to read more of his re-printable articles you can visit: http://www.berwynkempassoc.citymax.com/
Berwick Chicago charter limousine .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareWriting a business plan for a mobile car wash is... Read More
When you hear the word "success" does it bring on... Read More
It appears the mini-blimp indoor theme and concept is making... Read More
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF PRICINGIn case you hadn't noticed, people can... Read More
When it comes to cost, how much can you afford... Read More
Ok, so next to the taxman, your company payroll department... Read More
Some of the greatest words of wisdom for any man... Read More
You've been meaning to tend to the administration part of... Read More
So you want to start a business but you don't... Read More
My 16 year-old daughter said, "Gee Dad! You look just... Read More
Q. I am a former pastor who left the ministry... Read More
When working properly, computers enable small businesses to make big... Read More
If your home business is not performing the way you... Read More
As small business managers, we juggle limited resources in a... Read More
Too often in business we get trapped into reviewing our... Read More
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a... Read More
Why? Because they have access to world class public relations... Read More
When working from home, it is usual to find that... Read More
Introduction: This article is written as a general discussion on... Read More
A recent survey showed that only 28.7% of small business... Read More
There is a Batting Cages Business for those people who... Read More
There were only an estimated 1800 active franchisors in this... Read More
Success is the desire of everyman on the face of... Read More
Before you start a business we encourage you to prepare... Read More
Where do you look for the appropriate alliance?One of the... Read More
Antioch Chicago limousine service ..The less a business pays for goods and services the... Read More
In the first part of this article I put forward... Read More
If I had $1.00 every time I heard someone say... Read More
The Federal Trade Commission is assisting competitor to cheat and... Read More
The revenue history is a vital piece of your power... Read More
Financial Consultants are one of the fastest growing industries today.... Read More
1. TargetYou are not all things to all people. Decide... Read More
When you go into business for yourself, there are many... Read More
Do you spend every waking minute in your business? Do... Read More
Buyers want both online and local information about where to... Read More
-- Beyond Cold Calling, "Warm" Calling and Sending E-mails --Many... Read More
Canon City, Colorado is known for it's 6 Prisons; State... Read More
Database Problems in MarketingI have been working on a direct... Read More
On June 8, 2004, the world witnessed what no one... Read More
Many businesses offer small business franchise opportunities. There are many... Read More
Being a small or home-based business owner can be loads... Read More
I started working with another new client last week. He... Read More
If you ask most small business owners what priority CRM... Read More
Where do you look for the appropriate alliance?One of the... Read More
What was your aim when you went into business for... Read More
A Small Business Opportunities Magazine is one of the new... Read More
If you are a small business and qualify to participate... Read More
Large corporations use employee manuals to both educate employees about... Read More
If you want to start a business in 2005, and... Read More
The easiest way to lift profits is to cut the... Read More
Small Business |