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Steps:
First thing you need
to do is to find out if your facility is "For
Profit" or "Non Profit".
Next, decide what
your need is, how much will you ask for.
Decide what do you
want to do with the money.
Be realistic, you
may only get half of what you want.
Next, find a foundation
that "gives" to the project you want.
Don't wait until
the deadline to submit
Do your research.
 How
do you find this information?
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Most foundations
are on line and provide information and applications.
Foundation Center, Guidestar, Grantsnet and
Internet Prospector are examples of foundations.
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The Foundation
Directory
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Foundation Center,
Taft Corporate Giving, D & B Americas
Corporate Families, Standards and Poor Corporations
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Magazines: Chronicles
of Philanthropy
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Newspaper: NonProfit
Times
What is a foundation?
(2001 Fundamentals Grant Writing Workshop)
Independent (Family): Family
Run. They fund organizations that are a special
interest to the family members
Operating: Private
Foundation with 501 c3 status. Conducts research,
social service or other programs. Some grants
are made but are small. Money is primarily used
for foundations own programs.
Community: Has
a 501 c3 status. Funds a specific community
or region. Funds held in an endowment.
Public Charity: Has
a 501 3c status; not a private foundation. Derives
funding from the public to carry out its charitable
mission.
Pros:
Foundation can be a good source of project start up or seed money.
Cons:
Time consuming preparation.
May have restrictions, extensive research needed.
501 c3 is an IRS code that designates a not for profit organization.
List of exempt organizations.
Corporations
Support can come
from a variety of places within a corporation;
"Giving" Committee
Public Relations Office
Marketing Budgets
Pros of Support:
Can be sizable source
Possible to establish long term funding. They may give again.
Cons
You must develop personal contacts
Some companies want to be hands on involved, i.e. McDonalds Corp
They may only give if it benefits them.
Charitable Organizations
are required by law to give away at least 5%
of their pretax assets.
What to look for!
This is the hard
part.
Read through the descriptions of each foundation. It will describe the types
of projects they award grant money to. You will need to find one that fits
your needs and type of organization you work for.
Application Process:
Every foundation
is different.
Some have deadlines, others do not.
Some require an application, others require a letter.
Some require line items, others do not.
Some require you to provide receipts for each line items, others do not.
The most important piece is to follow their exact criteria.
Always follow up
to make sure they have received the application
and when will it be reviewed.
Basic Guidelines When Writing a Proposal
ALWAYS KEEP A COPY
OF EVERYTHING.
SEND IT OUT OVERNIGHT WITH A RECEIPT.
Provide:
Cover letter
Introduction of organization and what makes you unique
Goals and objectives for your project
Time line for project
Budget and line items
Matching funds available
Statement of Need
You also may need:
Table of contents
if the proposal is large
Evaluations and Q/A
Explanation of Implementation
Follow up Notes:
Once you receive
approval, send a thank you note.
Once the check comes, send a thank you note.
Once the program is implemented, send a follow up note to let them know
how its going. Send pictures as well.
Also, it is great
to call on the phone and establish a rapport.
Know something about the organization before you call them. Build relationships.
Primary reasons
why proposals are funded:
Proposals well written and simple to understand
Compelling statement of need
Budget supplied and its not questionable
Credible organization
Relationship established
You previously received funds
Your request for funds fit the foundation giving the money
You established a relationship prior to putting a request in writing
Great presentation and appearance
Realistic plan and budget
Primary reasons
why proposals are not funded:
Poorly written
Objectives unclear
Asking for too much when the foundation clearly states its limitations
Too aggressive over the phone
You do not take no for an answer or argue with them
No research done
Not addressed to the proper person
Tiny print
Missed deadline
You do not state how much you want
Did not thank them
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