Grab That Grant

17 Oct Grab That Grant

8 guideposts to demystify the process

Let’s be honest: applying for a grant can be intimidating. The key is knowing what to expect ahead of time for a clear path on where to focus your time and energy. Read on for some benchmarks to guide you through the process with confidence, purpose, and efficiency!

1. First things first: look within

Before you start looking for applicable grants, know your organization’s goals and make sure they are SMART – Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely. This will make it easier to zero in on grant opportunities that are a match for your priorities, and puts you one step ahead when it comes to making financial requests.

2. How you will measure success?

Make sure you can measure the success potential funding would bring, and have a plan in place to do so. Can you translate this success to a number such as increased usage, reach or impact? Or is it a measure of quality of life or change in behavior? Check out this great resource for writing the evaluation section of the grant application: https://www.thebalancesmb.com/grant-proposal-evaluation-section-2501961

3. Know the priorities of the grant’s funder

Find out what projects, programs and priorities have been funded by the grant in the past to ensure your project is a fit with the organization’s overall mission and goals.

4. Letters of support

Not every grant application provides an area to share physical letters of support, but it’s important that you are not working in a silo. Involve supporting organizations to ensure success beyond just your immediate organization. If you’re representing a community, it is extremely valuable to involve the school, businesses, individuals, as well as community organizations and articulate their involvement through letters of support.

5. Recognition for the grantor

Identify how you intend to recognize the grantor for their contribution. No matter how big or small the gift may be, find out ahead of time what requirements they might have. Don’t hesitate to go above and beyond being gracious for their support! Also be aware if they specifically do NOT want to be recognized for their contribution and honor their request.

6. Fine-tune your budget

Make sure your numbers match. This may sound like a minor detail, but on every grant review committee I have been on, applications are immediately thrown out if the numbers in your application don’t match your budget and the grant request. Take note of these details. Double and triple check your math to ensure that the review committee gets to hear about your valuable project!

7. How do you decide how much to ask for?

Know how much the grant has typically rewarded in the past. Know their history. Also know whether your project fits or not. If you have a six-figure project and the grant is for $10,000 or less, they’re going to expect that you share the plan as to how you’re making up for the difference. While you could still ask for $5,000 in this scenario, the grantor will want to ensure that your project will actually happen so their funds will be put to good use. Likewise, if your project is a $10,000 project and the grants typically awarded are $100,000 or greater, they likely won’t be interested in funding this smaller project. Consider coupling a few projects that will work well together if you wish to apply for the larger grants.

8. Don’t wait until the last minute

Most grant applications take time and effort to complete. Waiting until the last minute, even if you are an experienced grant writer, may cause you to make errors or omissions. We recommend starting at a minimum of two weeks prior to the grant due date (depending on the length of the application) and ensure you have at least two people review your work before submitting.

And finally, good luck! Your dedication, enthusiasm and passion for your community or non-profit organization are priceless factors in securing the future. Add to that a knack for snagging grant funds, and your vision for your community will become a reality sooner than later!