Non Profit Grant Blog

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.

Duration : 0:5:33

Read the rest of this entry »

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

For many organizations, grants can be an essential source of capital and funding. However, there are only a limited number of government agencies and foundations offering grant istance so competition for funding can be fierce. So, it is essential that any grant proposal should contain all the necessary information and be presented in the right manner for it to be successful. In this two-part article I look at the elements that make a successful grant proposal.

Most funders will provide their own application forms and instructions for any grants that they make available. So the first thing you should do is to request the proper forms. In some cases they may accept a generic application form but it won’t increase your chances of success. Be sure to read all instructions before you begin preparing your application. If you have doubts about anything or any questions you should contact the funder for advice.

Duration : 0:3:31

Read the rest of this entry »

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

Winning the grant writing contest is exhilarating. All the time and effort put into creating a strategic plan, collaborating, and finally writing and submitting the application has finally paid off.

Now what? When you are given grant money whether by a foundation, business, or government agency, you’re obligated to spend the money wisely.

In fact, there’s a valuable lesson in securing grant money.

With grant money, you are obligated to:

Deliver your service within your specified time period

Maintain high standards when delivering your service

Evaluate, track, and report progress

Spend the money in the manner is which you specified

Ask for budget modifications beforehand

Collaborate with integrity
Winning grant money is only the beginning.

Putting so much time and effort into the proposal can cause neglect in the actual implementation. Once you’ve secured the funding, you have to switch gears.

Duration : 0:1:51

Read the rest of this entry »

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

Gaining funding from outside sources is essential for non-profit organizations if they are to keep their technology up to date. However, there are countless organizations in competition for limited funding so it is important to have a good knowledge of the grant funding landscape before submitting an application.

One of the most important things to remember when seeking technology funding is that funders want to help non-profit organizations improve and reach their goals. However, any technology spend should be practical and within reasonable financial limits in relation to the size of the organization.

For this reason, the greater the apparent need for the technology the better the chances of securing funding. For example, a school with very old or defunct computers for students will have an excellent chance of securing funding, whereas an application for funding to improve the school’s already strong online presence may fail.

The most important points to consider when seeking funding are to submit an excellent grant application and to have a good knowledge of possible funding sources.

Duration : 0:4:28

Read the rest of this entry »

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