Non Profit Grant Blog

I hav e the general idea I just need assistance in writing a grant proposal for a non-profit organization.

A grant is essentially a proposal. It says: This is who we are, this is how we run, this is what we do, this is our track-record, this is our need.

The most important thing to do is find out the funder is looking for and follow their guidelines example. For example, some foundations want 12 pt fonts, or 1 inch margins or they only want a 2 page proposal while others want you to fill out an online application. Some want audited financials, be sure to include everything they ask for. If you are small and lack something, ask if its okay to not send something. Don’t assume. Learn what each funder WANTS and give it to them, following their directions carefully. Never submit a grant that does not follow their guidelines or does not fit what they fund (for example if a foudnation only gives to AIDS charities, dont send them a grant application if you are a cancer organization).

Also keep in mind that simply writing grants wont guarantee anything. You have to have a strong board, a great program, a great track-record of results, good accounting/financial accountability, and connections to have a real shot.

Do your homework and NETWORK. See if the Association of Fundraising Professionals has a local chapter near you where you can meet other grant writers. There is definately lingo and knowing it will help.

The unfortunate reality is that sending a poorly planned application, exagerating, etc. can ruin an organizations reputation ensuring they NEVER get a grant. And funders talk to each other. So, please, be sure you know what you are doing before you send proposals out so you have the best chance.

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What do program planning and grant proposals have in common.

The grant proposal is what you submit the government to solicit a contract to perform an activity for example to provide training or research. Program planning is the plan of which you are going to develop that program in particular.

The grant proposal has the description of what the organization is planning to do and the deliverables, a budget and other information. The plan is just a way of executing the program that was funded or wished to be funded by the grant.

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Technorati Tags: Budget, Fund, Grant, grant proposals, Philanthropy, Research

Imagine you have two slices of pie. One of them is on your left and the other one is on your right. The one on the left is as plain as they come: brown crust, on a brown plate, with brown filling. A simple fork is put on the plate, which in turn is put in front of you.

The one on the right is very different: it’s a pie that’s cut evenly on all sides, with the cinnamon filling just oozing out of the edges of the slice. The crust is immaculately delicious and is the kind that crumbles inside your mouth as you take a curious bite into it. The slice is served on an antique ceramic plate with intricate designs adorning its mahogany finish. The waiter approaches you and courteously hands you a fork wrapped inside a fine linen cloth. Then he bids you to enjoy your meal as he smiles widely and brightly. You take your fork, scoop out a small portion, and then take a bite. You can literally taste the flavors of cinnamon and apple wash through your mouth as they twist and turn your taste buds. Simply heaven.

Truth be told, both the slice on the left and the slice on the right were cut from the same pie… just presented differently.

You may be wondering “what does all this talk about pie have to do with writing a cover letter?” It’s relatively simple: the pie on the left is a plain cover letter for your non profit grant proposal. The pie on the right is an intricate cover letter for your non profit grant proposal. Both present the same thing: a slice of pie. But one has the advantage of forming the appetite in your mouth before you even actually taste the pie.

That’s because words have the ability to change a person’s perception. An obviously plain thing can become much more beautiful and enticing if described correctly and with sufficient prose. This is exactly what you want to do with your cover letter.

You may “bake the perfect pie,” but if you don’t get people to eat the pie first, no one will know how great it is. Likewise with a cover letter: you may have the perfect program and a non profit proposal to get a funder interested, but unless your cover letter is attractive, no funder would “take the first bite” to see how good your program and proposal is.

And when it comes to a cover letter, it’s the little details that count: the person you address it to, the salutations, closing keys, brevity, conciseness and the focus of your cover letter will all help your funder “salivate” enough to want to keep on reading through your proposal. Not only that, but it’ll set the mood for the funder to perceive your proposal in a positive and excited point of view, rather than an irritated and uninterested mood.

One last thing: don’t make your cover letter too rosy and poetic. No one wants to eat a slice of pie that’s garnished with too much of everything. Keep it tight, focused and beautifully simple. When you do that, you’ll be sure to make your funder look forward to tasting the pie you have to offer him.

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Here’s a piece we shot and edited for a non-profit housing company in Spokane. Kind of long, but you get the idea!

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http://government-grants.tv/blog/sample-of-grant-proposal-for-hiv/87/

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