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   Part L. Generating, Managing and Sustaining Financial Res... >
      Chapter 42. Getting Grants and Financial Resources >
         Section 4. Applying for a Grant: The General Approach >
             Tools & Checklists - A checklist that summarizes the major points contained in the section. >

Applying for a Grant: The General Approach

  

Tools & Checklists

 Contributed by Bill Berkowitz

Tools
Checklist

Tools

Tool 1: Quotes

We've collected some quotes from actual foundation officials regarding the grant -writing process. So here are some tips, straight from the source, that can guide you as you proceed:

Do your initial research

"Call first and ask for a copy of our report, which describes previous grants, so people get a sense of what the amounts are and what kinds of organizations we've been supporting."

Check the guidelines

"Do your homework, not just in finding out how to apply, but in making the match between your needs and our needs. Although we have a broad giving program, it's very clear in our annual report what we are most interested in and what's important to us."

"Read our guidelines. We have a number of printed materials relating to our programs. Study our past history, and then contact us with a specific request based on their understanding of our guidelines."

Ask, if you have good questions

"I respect people who aren't afraid to get on the phone and call me to talk about ideas. I invite that, as long as they've done their homework and know what we're about. If there's a sense that there's something there, and there's any room for them to come within our guidelines, and the idea sounds plausible, I'm probably going to encourage them to proceed with a small concept paper and then a proposal. We take it one step at a time."

Don't call just for the sake of calling

"I detest people calling up and saying "Can we send you a proposal?" The answer is "yes"; that's what we're in business for. But then they always want you to have lunch, show you around, tell you their whole story. I can't do it. There aren't enough days in the year."

Sensible middle ground

"If they have done the research, it may not be necessary to call. But I'm very willing to talk with people about what they are interested in having us support and if it's feasible."

Build community support

"One thing I find compelling is some indication of community support or involvement in programs we are being asked to fund. I would encourage anyone who has newspaper articles about the importance of the organization or a special program, or unsolicited letters of praise, to send us copies of those."

(Source: Interviews in Massachusetts Foundation Examiner.)


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Checklist

Here, you'll find a checklist summarizing the major points contained in the text.


__You have determined why you need a grant.

__You understand when not to apply for a grant:

  • When you can do excellent work with little or no money.
  • When money can be a drawback.
  • Other ways to get money.

You understand when to apply for a grant:

__You want to start a new project or expand an existing one.

__You know of a granting agency that makes awards for the costs you envision.

__You know that you meet the eligibility standards.

__You have the time and energy necessary for the grant-writing process.

Steps for applying for grants:

__You are clear about your reason for applying.

__You know the types of support available.

__You are focusing on the type of support you want.

__You have searched the field.

__You have narrowed the field.

__You have investigated your leading prospects.

__You know the guidelines.

__You have followed the guidelines.

__You have asked questions, as needed.

__You have considered a meeting with the funding source.

__You have asked others to make contacts for you.

__You have built community support.

__You have formed a working group.

__You have gotten expert advice.

__You used a successful model.

__You have learned from rejection.


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