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. […]
It takes a lot of your staff’s time and effort to complete a funding application. If your organization hires a grant writer, you also have a financial stake in the success of the project. You want to make sure you have the maximum chance of getting grant funding, right? What [...]
Zora Neale Huston (1891-1960) was one of the pre-eminent authors of African-American literature during the 20th century. She once observed, “Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose.” I would argue the role of nonprofit research and grant writing professionals is also to be, “poking and [...]