THE GRANTSEEKING PROCESS:
Tips for Grantseekers

Why would my approach to a foundation or corporation be different from asking an individual for support?

· Foundations, corporations, and government are institutions that grant funds that are not theirs personally.

How is the process different from fundraising from individuals?

The application process is:

There’s value beyond the dollars.

Start with understanding your organization's core mission and work. Then research funding sources.

• Spend time identifying foundations and corporations that are interested in your field and fun work like yours.
• Read annual reports, newsletters, guidelines, lists of prior grants.
• Use the Foundation Center library system; use the Internet, the Council on Foundations: www.Grantsmart.org, www.fdncenter.org, www.Guidestar.org
• Don’t attempt to force a “round peg” request into a “square hole” foundation— look for a good fit. A mismatch will not yield good results.
• Find a grant to meet your needs; don’t design a project just to get a grant.

What about guidelines?

Guidelines are designed to help the funder as well as the grantee. They vary widely.

• Get them.
• Read them.
• Follow them
• Adhere to deadlines.
• Provide all the documentation requested.

Writing a proposal

• Know what your organization and project are about and what you need.
• Don’t assume a funder knows anything about your organization or program.
• Answer ALL the questions posed in the guidelines.
• Write clearly using good English and good punctuation.
• Make it legible—double space and use a font size of at least 11.
• Avoid jargon, acronyms, and excessive statistics.
• Avoid predictions of what might happen without the program.
• Don’t promise more than you can deliver.

Evaluation

• Think about your outcomes, not out-puts—not just the numbers served but rather, how will lives be changed?
• How will you know if your program has been a success?
• How will you measure success?

What’s it like inside the world of funders?

• Grantmakers know and talk to each other.
• They expect quality and they look for it.
• They have competencies that come from personal and professional experience.
• They have an overview of activity in the nonprofit sector that gives them a unique and valuable perspective.
• Many grantmakers have worked in or studied the field they fund. They may know as much as you do about your work.
• For corporations, grantmaking is often an extension of their marketing efforts.
• Make sure you understand their business, customers, and markets.

Program officers are people too!

• Talk to them.
• Build relationships with them.
• Answer their questions.
• Listen carefully and hear them.

Tips on funding strategies

• Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
• Keep looking for and adding new sources, constantly.
• Don’t ever forget that individuals do 80 percent of all giving in the United States.
• Foundations and corporations are a small slice of the total philanthropic pie.
• Work in partnership with other nonprofits and with your funders.

Remember!

• Grantmaking is as much art as science.
    

QUESTIONS? Call the Foundation Office at (505) 883-6240 or e-mail us at foundation@albuquerquefoundation.org