As I’m preparing for my LIVE presentations in Atlanta on August 11^th and 18^th, I’m reminded that sometimes folks just need to be refreshed (or even hear for the very first time) about the basics. In this presentation I get into some pretty deep stuff about what I’ve learned during my last 16 years in fund raising and the tricks and tips I’ve used to secure boatloads of grant money. But sometimes I delve so deep to give my clients “insider” information that I forget to start with the basics. So, here you go, what is elementary to me is not for the grant writer that at this time is just poised for success and I promise not to leave you behind:

1. The grants you write should directly support your mission – Don’t go chasing those grant dollars that don’t apply to you and don’t crank up a new program just to get the money. Believe me when I tell you that it’s not worth it.

2. Determine programs that you can get funding for – Some of your programs are going to be more attractive to funders than others. Determine the program that the funder likes and match your application to those preferences.

3. Identify potential funding – Research and homework are essential for success in this step. Carefully comb through the grant funder’s requirements and preferences before submitting an application that doesn’t fit their criteria.

4. Acquire guidelines from the grantor – Guidelines are there for a reason! Follow them carefully and submit your application according to their instructions.

5. Write the application in compliance with the guidelines – Duh! But do you know how many applications are rejected simply because the potential grantee didn’t know how to follow simple instructions? Be sure that yours isn’t in the “reject” pile for that reason.

6. Submit the application – Again, follow the directions given. If it states that the application must be in their hot, little hands by 5:00 p.m. on August 3^rd, that doesn’t mean 5:05. I’ve heard horror stories from writers that have written their fingers to the nub only to not be able to get the application in on time. Bonus tip for you – start the application in plenty of time!

7. Administer the program well if funded – Once you find out that you’ve gotten the grant, start thinking about next year’s application. Give them no reason during the funding period not to fund you again. Spend the money exactly how you detailed in your budget and regularly report progress of your goals and objectives to the funder.

Good luck!

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The basics, or the starting place for each project
written by Sherry Truhlar, July 27, 2010

Betsy, great info for folks, no matter their experience level. As folks get more practiced at a task, these basics get incorporated into the process without much thought. It is always a great idea to review the basics so we can be sure we haven't left anything out of our personal process.

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The basics are important
written by Roger Carr, July 27, 2010

Betsy, Thanks for the reminder that it is important to implement the basics first. The "best" grant proposal is worthless if it does not meet purpose or guidelines of the grant and is immediately thrown out without consideration.