3 Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Grant
Jessica Nurack, ICG Founder & Managing Partner - October 14, 2024
Grantwriting can be intimidating, especially if it's new for a nonprofit. Whether you're a seasoned nonprofit leader or fresh off the starting block, knowing how to increase the likelihood of securing a grant is a combination of preparation, strategy, and understanding what the funders are looking for. Here are three tips that will help you move towards success in securing the much-needed funding for your nonprofit.
Choose Funders with Priorities that Align with your Mission
Grantmakers want to support organizations that fit with their funding priorities. Well in advance of applying, research the grantmaker's goals. Review its website, past annual reports, public tax documents, and any press releases to give you a clear idea of its areas of interest. Does your nonprofit's work match the values and funding objectives of the funder? It is always advisable to skip an opportunity if your mission does not closely relate to what a funder is looking for. Investing time in finding a funder that fits well with your organization's programs and trajectory will pay dividends. This is a very important step because funders will not consider proposals that do not clearly relate to their focus.
Also, tailor your application. Sending out a boilerplate ask to a variety of funders will result in swaths of rejections and wasted time. Instead, be sure to tailor your proposal in a day that demonstrates that you know what the funder values and that your organization is responsive to that. . Address the mission of the grantmaker directly by showing how your project coincides with their interests and highlight how your nonprofit is uniquely positioned to deliver results in these areas.
Demonstrate Sustainability and Impact
Think of grant funding like an investment. Funders want to be assured that their money will bring long-lasting change, not just a quick fix. When you write your grant proposal, make certain to indicate how your program is sustainable. Indicate your long-term success beyond the grant period by discussing how you will work with partnerships, diversification of funding streams, and community support. For example, if your nonprofit is engaged in a community health project, outline a plan for program sustainability beyond expenditure of the grant funds through possible local partnerships and strategies for earned income.
Be specific regarding the measurable impact that your program will make in the community. Instead of saying "I am going to improve community health", break it down into attainable, concrete goals. That is, how many people does the program serve? What concrete outcomes are expected? Support your claim with data, case studies, or past successes. Funders love a thoughtfully laid out plan focused on deliverables.
Relationship Development with Grantors
Building relationships with potential funders is too often an afterthought for nonprofits. Building relationships with grantmakers greatly improves the chance of a successful proposal submission. The question often is, where to start? When grantors are presenting at events, join in on their webinars, and call program officers with well-thought-out questions about priorities and expectations from the funder. Additionally, your organization’s board of directors is often an excellent resource. Asking them to tap their networks to make introductions can be a beneficial strategy. When all else fails, sometimes you need to start by submitting a proposal or LOI – and getting declined. This opens the door for you to have a deeper conversation with them about whether or not your organization and focus is a good fit for them right now, and can help to reduce the time you spend “tilting at windmills”, so to speak.
Remember, giving wisely is a foundation’s job. In fact, section 4942 of the Internal Revenue Code stipulates that private foundations must distribute 5 percent of the fair market value of their assets each year for charitable purposes. So do not let cold feet get in your way of approaching a funder. Try to look at it as though you are giving them an opportunity to invest in an amazing organization that is doing (or is capable of doing) amazing things.
Grantwriting is so much more than filling out forms. It's a presentation of how an organization has the capacity and skill to effectively meet a need, demonstrating alignment with funder goals. Do your homework in researching the funders, be sure to demonstrate your sustainability, and build relationships to substantially enhance the possibility of landing that much-needed grant that will keep your mission in motion.
Have more questions on this topic? The ICG team specializes in understanding how funders operate, how to develop successful proposals, and how to build relationships. We work with and provide support to nonprofit leadership and development teams. You can schedule a consultation and make the move toward amplifying your organization’s impact any time: https://www.impactcurveglobal.com/get-started
