How to Apply For Nonprofits Grants

5 Tips For Nonprofits Seeking Grant Funding

Many nonprofit organizations apply for grants to help There are actually many grant making institutions including foundations not associated with the government as well as grants available from the US government.

While on average over 80% of non profit funding comes from individual givers, grants can still be an important source of funding. Grants can be a particularly appropriate form of funding for organizations that because of their mission or focus, don't do well fundraising from the general public. Grants can also be a great supplemental and reliable source of funding for non profit organizations.

Here are five tips for nonprofits seeking grant funding:

1. Target Your Grant Search

Be sure that the requests you are submitting are matched well to the funder's priorities and requirements. For example, submitting a request to fund an animal shelter to a foundation that focuses on social services may be a big waste of time.

To find out what types of causes a foundation supports, you can review their website for information on their mission and history. Some organizations will make a simple list of previous grantees available on their site. You can also review the foundation's 990 form which is available for free at Guidestar. Finally, the grant application itself may detail what causes or organizations will be given priority in the grant application process.

2. Follow Instructions Carefully

Each foundation or grant making organization has specific procedures that applicants must follow in order for their request to even qualify for consideration. Follow these instructions to an absolute T and have several members of your organization review the application before sending it in. If the grant reviewer sees errors or even simple typos, it can negatively impact your chances of getting the grant.

3. Prepare Yourself First

There are a variety of places where you can get training on how to find and write better grants. From books to classes at your local nonprofit management center, to online courses, there are resources out there to help you.

Personally I love going to seminars and conventions. Online training is great, but if you have the chance I'd encourage you to go to in-person training. I find that I learn so much from the personal interaction with the speakers and other attendees. It's a great time to network, ask questions and offer help to fellow colleagues too.

4. Diversity Income Sources

If your organization has relied on grants for 50% or more of its income, and you find that support in peril, diversification is a must. There are many solid ways to raise funds that you could consider: special events, direct mail, and corporate partnerships, just to name a few.

When considering your options, think about how the ideas would fit into your overall, long-term fundraising plan. Just adding more fundraisers is not the answer. Be sure that the strategies you are using will produce results, and be worth the time, effort and cost it takes to do them successfully.

5. Continue to Build Relationships

Just because someone can't give today doesn't mean they won't in the future. So continue to build relationships with foundations and individuals givers. Contact donors personally for reasons other than asking for a donation. They need to know you love them for something other than their wallet. Of course show your appreciation every time you do get a donation.

Keep spreading the message of the great work you are doing, highlighting great stories of clients, volunteers and donors. Keep sending those print and email newsletters on a consistent schedule. How often do you send press releases? That's another great way to keep the public informed (and maintain relationships with your media contacts).

Nonprofits can get free grant writing information and other nonprofit fundraising resources at the Step by Step Fundraising website.

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By Sandra Sims

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