Grants for a non-profit organization

Obtaining grants for a non-profit organization can be a very difficult and lengthy process. First and foremost the organization must be a non-profit organization. More specifically most grants require that the organization be a 501c (3). 501c (3) means that the organization is recognized by the IRS as tax exempt. Once this status is secured it is time to put together your plan for obtaining grants.

Every grant proposal that you write should be tailored to the specific funding source, just as a job hunter would tailor their cover letter and resume to a specific company. Also check with your funding source and see if they require any special paperwork. Most government grants require that special paperwork be filled out when submitting grant proposals. Once you have settled on a specific funder it is advisable that you contact the funder or funding organization in order to obtain more information about the grant. This is also a good time for you to introduce your program to the funding organization.

Once you have decided on a funder or funding organization and decided your program is appropriate for this funder, it is time to begin to put together your proposal. Be sure to review the funding program and read over all instructions of the funder or funding organization. Simple oversights in this area could cause your whole proposal to be rejected and thus leave you with a lack of funding. When you begin to write your proposal be sure to elaborate on all your actions and how you plan to carry them out. Also be sure to include all pertinent numbers, i.e. how many people you plan to reach with your program. Another important section will be the budget of the program. This is required in most applications. Be sure to put everything you will need in the budget. However this is where prior research will help you out also. You do not want to put together a really large budget for a program if the funding source simply does not have that kind of money available to grant you. It is also important though that you do not sell yourself short and make unrealistic goals and budgets.

When the proposal is finished be sure to check over all of your work. This means having your proposal proofread multiple times by people inside, as well as outside of your organization. The people inside will look for missed facts and other issues. Those people outside the organization should look at it and see if you are able to clearly describe your plan. If they cannot understand the plan then take a look at it and change some things around. If a plan is too hard to figure out organizations will reject your application also. Once everything is proofread and the figures are all added correctly have the head of your organization sign the application and send it off to the funder or funding organization.

Once your grant application is sent off, be sure to take part in some of the following follow up activities. Wait a two to three weeks and then contact the funder if they have not already contacted you. At this point it is important to request an appointment to meet with them. This is an important time to clarify any questions or concerns they may have with your program or application. If your grant is rejected be sure to ask questions of the funder in a way that is non-threatening. You want to use this to help you in your future grant writing. Also they may have funds available at another time and you may be asking them again. If your proposal is accepted be sure that you know exactly what the funder requires and expects of you and your organization. Be sure that you report to the funder what the grant allowed you to accomplish. Lastly no matter if your proposal was accepted or rejected always send a thank-you note. This note is important in maintaining quality relationships between your organization and the funder or funding organization.