GRANT WRITING, FUNDRAISING ISSUES, MISC.
GRANT WRITING

Grant writing is a never-ending task for a nonprofit organization, so let's take a look at the next one on your to-do list. Of course you have reviewed the foundation or corporate giving guidelines noting funding priorities, deadlines, eligibility and required attachments. If you have determined that your organization can meet the funder's criteria, here are a few specific tips on proposal writing:

State the name of your organization, the requested amount and purpose of the grant at the beginning of the proposal. This statement declares who you are and what you want from the start.

Refine the program description until you can express it in one sentence. This forces you to identify the key features of the program and gives the funder a frame of reference in reading the proposal.

Know the foundation's funding priority. Unless you clearly fit the funder's priority, don't apply. There are too many applicants out there that unequivocally meet the guidelines. Remember, there are a myriad of other opportunities for you to apply for. If you are unclear about the priority or think that their priorities may have changed, call. It will save you much valuable time, and help you to better tailor your grants to the foundation's goals.

Avoid overblown language. Using superlatives invites the question "Compared to what?" Establish what makes your organization distinctive and effective, but don't make exaggerated claims.

Be careful when using old proposals. If you use language from a proposal to another funder, be sure to change references to that foundation or corporation. For example, if you are sending the request to MasterCard, check carefully that the document doesn't say Fuji Film somewhere in the copy.

Be reasonable with the amount that you request. If a funder has a track record of making small $2,500 to $5,000 grants, don't ask for $25k.

Make sure the proposal is well-organized and presented clearly and logically. If the grant guidelines specify a page limit, don't try to dodge the restriction by presenting the "objectives" or "organizational description" as addendum pages.

Be succinct. Don't waste your time and that of the funder with unnecessary repetition and description. More words don't mean more money.

Pick up key words and phrases from the funder's literature or web site, and address those directly in your proposal. This reassures the funder that you have the same priorities and perspective.

Acknowledge previous donations. If the foundation or corporation has contributed to your organization in the past, don't forget to take the opportunity presented in your cover letter to thank the funder again for previous support.

Ann Faith is a freelance grants writer and ADO member. She has five years of experience preparing proposals for arts, social service, health and educational nonprofit organizations. (203) 792-0583 or skanjoro@aol.com.

November, 2002