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Issues to Consider for Grant Writing
By: Ralph Thompson, PhD

As an experienced professional in grant writing I have found success in following the tips listed below:

Things to do before writing the grant:

• Identify foundations in your county/local to determine those that support local or regional not-for-profits.Research the foundations of your choice to determine their funding history.
• Who do they fund?
• How much money do they give to organizations like yours?
• Ask to meet with a program officer in person to learn more about their foundation and to explain your idea. Not all foundation staff will do this so be appreciative if they say, "yes".
• Explore whether or not your organization or program would help the Foundation in achieving its mission.
• Ask about the grant making process and get the most up-to-date publications available with this information. Foundations are known to update information on an annual or even semi-annual basis.
• In the face-to-face meeting briefly explain your idea for a proposal and ask for feedback.
• Take notes if it helps.
• If you get affirmation for your idea ask if you can contact them while you are writing the grant if you have further questions.
• Ask if the foundation give operating funds grants and/or program grants.

Writing the grant:

1. Follow their instructions. Do the 3 B's;
   Be complete
   Be on time
   Be accurate
   
   
2. Give credit to references you use.
   
   
3. Demonstrate the need for the program.
   Include letters of endorsement from area executives that see the need for your program.
   
   
4. Make your proposal "outcome" oriented.
   Foundations like to know what the results will be of the program they fund.
   They want measurable outcomes.
   
   
5. You have to show that you believe in what you are doing.
   Foundations want to know that their grant will make a difference in people's lives.
   
   
6. Make sure that numbers you use in the proposal match the numbers you show in your financials.

After the grant decision:

1. If you get the grant send in progress reports on time.
   Send in an occasional "extra" update without them asking. It helps to share good news and it puts your organization in their mind before you do the scheduled reports.
   
   
2. If you get a rejection learn from it!
   Ask the program officer if they would make suggestions on how your proposal could have been improved or strengthened. This may help you get consideration the next time you apply.
   
   
3. Keep building a relationship with your foundation contact person. Be sincere.