Last week, we navigated how to know when you should apply for foundation grant funding. If you missed that post, be sure to go back and check it out to avoid wasting time applying to opportunities that aren’t a great fit for your organization. This week, we’re going to focus on key things to remember as you seek grant funding.
To review from last week, be sure to ask yourself these three big questions as you research potential foundation funding opportunities:
-Is our organization in an area where they indicate they like to fund?
-Do our mission and interests align with the interests of the foundation?
-Does our need for funding (program, general operating, building/renovation, etc) align with the types of funding provided by the foundation?
Once you’ve answered “yes” to all of these questions, you know you’ve found some potential funding opportunities for which you may want to apply.
As you embark on your quest for foundation grant funding, here are a couple of points to remember:
*First, foundations usually require relatively little in terms of reporting (unlike government grant funders). They often want to receive a brief report at the end of the grant period.
*Second, foundations are organized and run by people; this means that like all of us, they want to develop relationships beyond the relationship we would like to develop with their checkbook. Stay in touch with your funders, send them copies of press releases, invite them to events; in other words, communicate throughout the year beyond asking them for money.
The process of applying for funding can be intimidating. Don’t let that stop you from seeking the funds you need to accomplish your organization’s mission. Once you’ve found funding opportunities that match up with your mission, you are on your way! If you get bogged down by the process, take a minute to read your mission statement and to reflect on the people you serve. They are why you do what you do and it is your passion for those people that will help you secure the funding you need to accomplish your goals.
Best wishes as you seek foundation grant funding. If we can help, please feel free to give us a call. Many organizations find it extremely helpful to have us use our research tools and databases to research and identify potential funding sources for their organizations. They have found it saves them lots of time and frustration as they go through the process. We’re here to help!
Next week, we will focus on corporate grant funding.
