The NonProfit Times - February 15, 2008 - (Page 13)

GRANTS Continued from page 12 check in with the funder to see if you’re on the right track. It is often well worth your time to pick up the telephone and succinctly present your project, rather than sending a “cold” proposal. It goes without saying that you make this call only after you’ve done your research, and only if the grantmaker accepts calls. WHAT ALL FUNDERS REALLY WANT the specific problem you want to address is unclear. Take the reader through a logical sequence, telling the story of what you will accomplish with the grant. DON’T FORGET SUSTAINABILITY While each funder might have a preferred proposal format, they are all looking for effective programs backed by strong organizations. Program officers have described to The Foundation Center what they want to see in proposals: • The nonprofit should be very clear about the dollars they need from us, the purpose for which funds are needed, and the time period in which the funds will be used. • A compelling need statement followed by a clear program response with measurable outputs and outcomes. When crafting a compelling need statement, make the data as relevant and local as possible. The funder wants to see where its dollars will have an impact. For example, if your Keep these tips in mind, and never lose sight of your long-range goal. project is to launch a new community garden project, which of the following two sentences is a more powerful opening? 1. Policymakers and citizens around the globe are debating the best response to the challenge of combating greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the environment. 2. A child living in Ward 7 must travel several miles outside the boundaries of her neighborhood before she will see a garden, park, or any green space. The second sentence is much more immediate and draws the reader into your world. Beginning a proposal with generalizations about the problem is a wasted opportunity. The grantmaker might not turn the page if Funders want details on how you plan to sustain the project after their grant money has run out.They want to know who else is supporting the project now, other funders you are approaching, and your plan for raising money in the long run.Although many foundations are looking for innovative, new program ideas, they could be hesitant to take a risk on an unknown entity. The sustainability section of your proposal is your chance to demonstrate that you have a fiscally viable project and organization. Keep these tips in mind, and never lose sight of your long-range goal: developing partnerships with foundations to solve problems in your community and make the world a better place. NPT Caroline Herbert is the senior training coordinator at The Foundation Center’s Washington, D.C., library/learning center. She has been with the center since 1998, teaching proposal writing and other grant-seeking elements. From the nonprofit world’s most beloved columnist… Revolutionize your fundraising. Survive and Prosper in the Challenging New World of Twenty-First Century Fundraising . . . 8-1/2 x 11 166 pages paperback $24.95 With expert guidance from the master . . . Herschell Gordon Lewis Online: www.racombooks.com Call 24/7: 800-247-6553 Mail: Racom Communications 150 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2800 Chicago, IL 60601 NAME: STREET: CITY/STATE/ZIP: PHONE: EMAIL: Credit Card: Nonprofit Strategic Positioning: Decide Where to Be, Plan What to Do 0-471-71749-5 • Hardcover • $45.00 Streetsmart Financial Basics for Nonprofit Managers, Second Edition 0-471-20570-2 • Paper • $34.95 Trade Secrets for Nonprofit Managers 0-471-38952-8 • Paper • $29.95 “Mal is the best in the business, and this book is a tremendous tool for anyone looking to grow and maintain a strong organization.” —Russ Feingold United States Senator (Wisconsin) Visit us at josseybass.com H VISA H MasterCard H American Express H Discover Shipping & handling: $6 for first book; $1 for each additional book; shipping is FREE for orders over $200 NUMBER: EXPIRATION DATE: SIGNATURE: NPTS-1 To receive MOBILE ALERTS from THE NONPROFIT TIMES text the word NPTIMES to 85944 FEBRUARY 15, 2008 THE NONPROFIT TIMES www.nptimes.com 13 http://www.racombooks.com http://www.racombooks.com http://josseybass.com http://www.energizeinc.com/bookstore.html http://josseybass.com http://www.energizeinc.com/bookstore.html http://www.nptimes.com http://www.nptimes.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of The NonProfit Times - February 15, 2008

The NonProfit Times - February 15, 2008 Raising $1 Billion Rebranding A Tradition Making The Pitch Contents Message Matters Consolidation Continues Coordinating Your Message All About The Money Ho-Ho-Hoping At Christmas Best Practices It’s A New Year NPT Jobs Resource Directory

The NonProfit Times - February 15, 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.