Imagine you are the CEO of an average small or mid-sized nonprofit. You are great at your job, you believe in your mission, and you care about your lean but mighty team of staff and volunteers. Your modest annual grant portfolio has been growing slowly but steadily. There are not [...]
Initially, focusing on S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely) goals and objectives has been established and some strategy sessions have taken place, now it’s time to determine what resources are needed so that a project can move forward. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how incredible [...]
Here’s a great piece of grant writing advice that comes from a rather unexpected place: a test prep and study guide. One study guide for the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) exam says this: “Avoid the ‘fact trap.’ Don’t get distracted by a choice that is factually true. Your search is for [...]
There’s more to nonprofit grant writing than just “writing.” A lot more. At its core, grant writing has three steps that I call the 3 Rs: research, writing, and review. In a previous post, I shared the importance of doing your research before starting to write a grant. This post [...]
Here’s a secret: there’s more to grant writing than just “writing.” A lot more. Successful grant writing always starts with thorough research, and it ends with a thoughtful review. This post focuses on research – the most overlooked part of grant writing. If you’re new to grant writing, you might [...]
Over $59 billion dollars are awarded every year through foundation, government and corporate grants, which accounts for about 15% of all nonprofit revenue (according to GivingUSA). If your nonprofit is not applying for these opportunities then you are simply leaving money on the table. You must be one of the [...]
Unfortunately rejections will happen – both in your personal life and your professional life. When it comes to applying for grants, rejections can be particularly dejecting. But a "no" from a potential funder doesn't have to be the end of the process. Here are our top 10 recommendations on what [...]
Beyond a few standard items, the criteria for how grants are awarded varies widely. A quick search of Google asking what foundations are most looking for when deciding on future grant recipients does not produce a definitive list. Perhaps that is why the profession of grant writing is considered more [...]
If you grew up reading the Choose Your Own Adventure book series, you recall the low-risk thrill of making choices that shaped your character’s fate. Fast forward to being a grown up in a nonprofit, and the decisions you make aren’t so easy! One choice that is decidedly high-stakes for [...]
Would it surprise you to know that some nonprofits have never - and will never - turn to grant funding as part of their development plan? I have worked with nonprofits that have been around for over 50 years and are just now venturing into the grant world. They usually [...]
What size grants do private and corporate foundations make to your organization? $10,000? $50,000? Much more? Most likely, grant funders are some of your most major donors. Like with your top individual donors, your grant funders should receive personal interaction and a tailored approach. Here are four reasons you should [...]
As Executive Director of a young and fast growing nonprofit, my time at Nine13sports is typically focused on fundraising. […]