Getting Started

For the grant writing group we have been trying to find a way to get a foot in the door when it comes to grant writing. To start, we have talked to John from BICAS about grant writing and were given some basic information to get us thinking about what we can do for our goals and research. We are currently setting up a meeting with both Casey and John to gather more information about what they are looking for. And to get started in our research I have watched the video from the website below and taken notes to get some basic starting ideas of where to go in my research.

Grantseeking Basics Webinar
http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/training/webinars/gsb_webinar.html

From the foundation center:
To strengthen the nonprofit sector by advancing knowledge about U.S. philanthropy.
Collect, organize, and communicate on U.S. philanthropy (grant makers)
Conduct and facilitate research on trends in the field
Provide education and training in the grantseeking process
Ensure public access to information and services through various vehicles

Part 1: Building a Credible Nonprofit Organization
What do you need to have in place before you seek a grant?
What are foundations looking for when deciding who to award?
Not only do they look at the plan, they also look at the organization as a whole
501(c)(3) status (making sure that you are legal-by law have to give their money away for charitable purposes)
Compelling mission (what is your purpose?)
Board of directors to exercise oversight
Funders Look For:
High-quality programs that meet a real need in the community (reputation-already have strong programs? Or new design?)
Need to be able to document for the needs of the program
Track record of effective program delivery
Capable leadership
A strong organizational and financial infrastructure (assurance that if given the money you will get to work and will deliver the program as well as follow up)

Part 2: World of Grantmakers: Who Supports Nonprofits?
A large percentage comes from the sales
Private contributions (individuals, foundations, bequests, and corporations)
Grants are not the only way to raise money for your work
Instituational grantmakers
Private foundations
Nongovernmental, nonprofit organization
Has its own funds or endowment (not fundraising)
Managed by its own trustees or directors
Established to aid educational, social, religious, scientific, or other charitable activities through the making of grants
Types:
Independent
Company-sponsored
Operating
Have to file with the IRS how much and to whom they give grant money to through Form 990-PF
If granted money, you cannot just sit on it: 5%payout requirement
Direct corporate giving programs
Research through sponsoring companies
Grantmaking public charities (some raise money to give away)
Disclose activities through Form 990 (as a source)
Includes:
Community foundations
Population or issue-oriented funds

Part 3: Finding Funding Partners
Identifying Funding Needs
Why do I need funding and what kind do I need? (Mission statement-program plans)
How much do I need?
When do I need the funds?
(The more specific the better)
Look for the match (foundations are looking for the right fit)
Who funds in my area of interest?
Who funds in my geographic region?
Who will provide the type of support I need?
Refine the match
Has the grantmaker funded organizations like mine?
How much does the grantmaker give to organizations like mine?
Application Process
Follow the grantmaker’s guidelines (what do they want?)
Initial contact
Telephone call?
Letter of inquiry?
Full proposal?
Variations on proposal format
Common Grant Application?
Funder’s own application form?
Pay attention to deadlines
Look for information that would make you ineligible (so you don’t waste time)