Non Profit Grant Blog

Hype and dollar signs can get in the way of effective grant writing. People signup for grant workshops and training with big ideas attached to big price tags.

But many grant seekers fail to plan before they start writing. The key to competitive grant writing is to plan first. Planning can help you reach your long term objectives by breaking down your program into discreet, achievable goals.

But, planning is more that just reading the grant application directions. But, how is it different and how can it help you reach your goals?

Strategic Planning

Creating a strategic plan requires thinking through every possible detail — not just a single year. Most projects will take longer than a year to finish. In fact, most programs will require yearly financial support.

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Technorati Tags: BUSINESS, Frank, Funding, Fundraising, Grant, Klein, Proposal, RELATIVITY, SOLUTIONS, TECHNOLOGY

In the first part of this article, I explained how to write the opening sections of your grant application. In part two of the article, I explain how to complete the process.

Now that you have identified the goals of your project, it is time to give details about how you are going to achieve these goals. Basically, you need to answer any questions a funder might have about the project so think about all the basic questions – Who, Where, When, What and Why.

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Technorati Tags: Bridging, BUSINESS, Frank, Fund, Funding, Gap, Klein, RELATIVITY, SOLUTIONS, TECHNOLOGY, the

If you or your organization is making a grant application there are a number of sections you will have to complete. However, what you do or do not include in the budget section of your application could be the difference between success and failure. In this article I take you through some of the do’s and don’ts of preparing your grant budget.

The first thing you should do is read the application guidelines carefully so you are sure of what you need to include—or exclude—in your budget. For example, some funders will not cover overhead costs or additional staff costs.

On the other hand, include everything that applies to your project, no matter how trivial it seems. So, for example, don’t omit training costs, copying costs, and all other relevant costs ociated with your proposed project.

In the budget section of your application, you need to present your information in a format that is easy to understand, such as in a table. It should include all of the projected costs of the project and all sources of income and funding.

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Technorati Tags: Bridging, BUSINESS, Frank, Funding, Gap, Klein, RELATIVITY, SOLUTIONS, sports, TECHNOLOGY, the

The technology push in schools is more obvious as businesses compete globally for the best talent. One of the main problems for K-12 grades in getting the technology they need is limited finances. Experts say that funding technology programs in the K-12 system may be even more essential than at the college level. Technology funding is becoming a larger part of grammar school budgets across the United States. Although more states are funding technology programs in schools, competition is …

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Technorati Tags: BUSINESS, Frank, Funding, Fundraising, Grant, K-12, Klein, Proposal, RELATIVITY, SOLUTIONS, TECHNOLOGY

Writing a good technology grant proposal is more than following directions. Many grant writers underestimate the competition. So, instead of setting themselves above everyone else, they continue to pound out mediocre applications.

The key, then, to successful grant writing is being different. Below are ten tips that will help you stand out from the crowd.

1. The wrong way to apply for a grant is to look at what’s available.

Your first task is to determine what you want to accomplish. Don’t try to force what you want into what a beneficiary needs. Be sincere in your efforts. If what you want to accomplish fits into what a funding source is willing to invest in, then go for it. Otherwise, move on.

2. Start early.

Grant funding should be a part of your business processes. It can take months, sometimes years, before you receive funding. Do your research. Find out which proposals won grants and why. This practice will take longer than a few weeks.

3. Look beyond typical funding sources.

Start local. Many city governments, civic organizations, and businesses offer grants to a very small pool of applicants. This is a great way to get connected within the community.

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Technorati Tags: BUSINESS, Frank, Funding, Fundraising, Grant, Klein, Proposal, RELATIVITY, SOLUTIONS, TECHNOLOGY