Your Grant Authority

So often, people ask me how I started grant writing. Quite literally I fell into it by accident. My Bachelor’s degree is in Secondary Education so I’ve always had a fondness for teaching but my first “real” job just happened to be with a nonprofit foundation. I was funded through a grant and I worked trying to get more funding which was in my best interest since I wanted to keep my job! I had no earthly idea at the time why I was being asked to do the things that I was told would help keep our funders happy, but it was at this ground level that I got my basic training.

If you’ve been thinking that you’d like to try grant writing, or, better yet, know that your organization has to explore all avenues of funding in order to survive and thrive – jump in! Don’t let your fears hinder you. I promise, grant writing is not rocket science. Can you fill out a form? Can you answer the questions thoroughly that have been asked? That’s all it is, basically – just answering a few questions. I’m not challenging you to begin with a federal grant application that can be slightly reminiscent of sadomasochism BUT I am challenging you to just try it. Go to these websites to try your hand at some simple applications that might just yield you some big bucks. Happy Writing!

http://www.aflac.com/us/en/docs/GrantInquiryForm.pdf

http://www.thecoca-colacompany.com/citizenship/application_guidelines.html

URL: http://www.wachovia.com, Click Community Improvement, then Charitable Contributions, then Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation for application guidelines. (Note: This foundation is location specific. Check your eligibility.)