November 6, 2009, Newsletter Issue #150: Establishing Your Charity's Grant Writing Program

Tip of the Week

If your charity is thinking about establishing a grant-writing program, start by taking the time to consider:

At the heart of grant writing is the validation that comes from those who do not share your passion, but have been persuaded (by you) that you are “worthy”. While many might believe that writing grants can become routine, those who are successful in acquiring funding know that while facts and figures may be formula—without a comprehensive and compelling case, funding seldom materializes. No proposal stands alone. Mastering the process of planning, conducting research on what you do best and what you believe you should accomplish in the future is essential. In addition, who you outreach to and the impact your program has on them are critical factors in whether or not you have the credible track record to acquire funding. The identification, cultivation and solicitation of potential pubic, foundation and corporate donors who make it possible for you to perpetuate your mission is a continuous process. Grant writing truly is rooted in the partnership between the organization seeking funds and the donor (whether that donor is the federal government, a private foundation or a committed benefactor [individual or corporation]). For those who spend time every single day concerned about funding, you should remember that funders are in the business of gifting funds to worthwhile organizations. In the case of public funds, legislation requires certain funds are awarded. In the case of private foundations, their missions and tax-exempt status are dependent upon their ability to expend funding. While passion and commitment to perpetuating your program’s needs is a complex discussion, there are still basis steps within the process of grant writing that can bring you closer to accessing donor dollars. It takes time and persistence to succeed. After you have written a grant, it can take as long as a year to obtain the funds. More often, perfectly written proposals are rejected for any number of reasons. Raising funds is an investment in the future. Your aim should be to build a network of public and private, foundation and corporate funders, many of which give small gifts on a fairly steady basis and a good number who make significant grants. By persistently following the grant preparation process, you will increase your agency’s chance of receiving major grants as well as preparing for a sustainable future.

If your charity is thinking about establishing a grant-writing program, start by taking the time to consider:

At the heart of grant writing is the validation that comes from those who do not share your passion, but have been persuaded (by you) that you are “worthy”. While many might believe that writing grants can become routine, those who are successful in acquiring funding know that while facts and figures may be formula—without a comprehensive and compelling case, funding seldom materializes. No proposal stands alone. Mastering the process of planning, conducting research on what you do best and what you believe you should accomplish in the future is essential. In addition, who you outreach to and the impact your program has on them are critical factors in whether or not you have the credible track record to acquire funding. The identification, cultivation and solicitation of potential pubic, foundation and corporate donors who make it possible for you to perpetuate your mission is a continuous process. Grant writing truly is rooted in the partnership between the organization seeking funds and the donor (whether that donor is the federal government, a private foundation or a committed benefactor [individual or corporation]). For those who spend time every single day concerned about funding, you should remember that funders are in the business of gifting fund

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