After Margy-Ruth and Perry Davis presented a webinar - “How to Tap Foundation Support during COVID-19” - we received some great questions, and wanted to share them -- and our responses -- with you. Let's get to it! I’m finding it very difficult to reach program officers at foundations right [...]
Has the perfect grant opportunity ever presented itself to you, but with the caveat that the deadline is next week and you just aren’t ready to apply in such a short time? Wondering how to even get started in grant writing? In over two decades of grant writing, I’ve encountered [...]
In this webinar replay, Margy-Ruth and Perry Davis will help you understand how to tap into the world of foundations during this crucial time. Full Transcript: Steven: Okay, my friends, it's 2:00. Is it okay if I go ahead and get this party started officially? Margy-Ruth: Let's go. Perry: Please. [...]
The COVID-19 crisis is creating unprecedented interruptions and uncertainty across the globe. Worry has spread in every community, not only about how we slow the virus but also about how we maintain momentum during the disruption. Within the nonprofit sector, social distancing and shelter-in-place orders have led to the cancelation [...]
There are 7 basic elements to most grant proposals. But, as we say, if you have seen one grant application, you have seen one grant application. They are all different and often ask the same question in a myriad of ways. Don’t get used to cutting and pasting all your [...]
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 [...]