For some people the
mention of the words "grant writing" is enough for them to automatically
say phrases like: "I don't have enough time", "It is too hard ",
" I can't find anyone that wants to fund our project". Relax! Know that grant
writing, like most things in life, is a step-by-step process. You can do it!
Obviously you are a professional and expert in your job, and you believe in the
organization you work for or you would not be reading this. Trust me you are!
You need to take that knowledge and passion and FOLLOW DIRECTIONS! A huge part
about writing a grant is reading and doing what is asked of you to do. The next
biggest part is being able to explain the who, what, when, where and why you do
what you do to the casual reader. Grant writing is a challenge and it does take
time. Yet, the process can be done.
Let me caution all organizations on one fact that seems to be missed or over
looked. Getting a grant from a foundation, individual or corporation should
always be looked at as a bonus. If you rely on a grant as
your only source of funding or if you find yourself caught in the trap of
renaming the same project and twisting it around trying hard to meet a field of
interest that doesn't really work, stop what you are doing now! You are not
building long-term growth for your organization and you may actually be harming
it in the long run. Grants, for the most part, do not equal long-term
funding. A healthy attitude to take about any grant is to view it as a bonus to
your organization.
The Funding Information Center provides tools to help you
build and sustain your programs and activities. You'll find
funding ideas as well as strategies on how to apply for
federal grants.
The Nonprofit Gateway - This site, developed
by the federal government, offers a connection to various government sites of
interest to nonprofits. http://www.usa.gov/
Council for the Advancement and Support of
Education - The primary organization for college and university fundraisers,
the CASE site includes news, links and important professional development
information. http://www.case.org
Association for Professional Research for
Advancement - The primary organization for prospect researchers offers a page
with links to various databases and professional information.
http://www.aprahome.org
