How to know if your organization is ready to apply for grant funding

The majority of 501c3 nonprofit organizations anticipate receiving a significant amount of funding from grant funders as soon as they have received their IRS tax determination letter. Organizations dream of how efficiently they will be able to serve their community as soon as they receive support from a donor that supports their mission and believes in their strategic plan. Unfortunately, a large portion of these nonprofits’ board members may soon be disappointed when the large checks do not come in as quickly as desired. They are often left wondering why they are not hearing back from donors and become disheartened very, very quickly.

Keep reading on to receive some tips that may assist your organization in receiving support.

1. Make sure that you have a strong board of directors. Many grant funders require biographies and detailed descriptions about board members, their previous experience, and duties for being on the board. It is essential that your organization is made up of professional community members that have related work experience for their board position and a strong passion for making their community a better place.
2. Develop a strategic plan and clear objectives on how you will meet your goal. Grant funders will want to want to read what your specific goals are for the upcoming year. Some examples of your goals may include, but are not limited to the following: How many homeless people will you serve in your food program? How many kids will you support in your tutoring programs? How many dogs will you rescue from shelters? The grant writer will also need to specify what methods your organization will undertake to reach these goals.
3. Grant funders are interested in contributing to organizations that have raised support prior to applying for grants. It helps the foundation feel more confident in your organization and that their donation will make a real difference in the community. Therefore, it is essential to describe the success that organization has accomplished via fundraising events, corporate sponsors, and special initiatives. If you can show the funder that your organization has a plan to be self-sufficient without grant funding, you will significantly increase your odds of receiving support.
4. Create an attractive appendix section. In the appendix section is where your organization will include any press materials that have featured your organization’s events and program brochures. Be sure to include materials that are professional looking and show your programs in an attractive light.
5. Prepare a board approved budget. Grant funders will required a budget that details your sources of income and projected expenses. Please be aware that every grant funder has specific categories of expenses they will contribute to and programs that they are looking to support. Doing your research prior to submission will help your organization be more successful with future funding.

To learn more regarding how to write a proposal, please feel free to visit our Grant Writing page or Contact Us at 407-857-9002.

Author Bio: The writer is an expert in the field of Grant Consultant in TX with focus on Fundraising Service.

CharityNet USA offers nonprofit consulting services towards starting a nonprofit or charity.