| |
| |
|
Small Business Information |
|
|
|
Getting Grant Funding For Your Nonprofit Organization
Do you need grant funding for your nonprofit organization? If you do you are most certainly not alone in your needs. This combined with the fact that because of regular government budget cuts there's not as many federal dollars available as there once was. And because of our current economic recession foundation dollars are down as well. What you now have are some serious concerns facing your nonprofit organization. On the other hand there is still a vast source of funding out there for your organization. But, even more so today than ever, in order for you to get your share of the treasure that's out for you. You must approach the matter of grant getting in an organized and systematic manner. And you must make the process of obtaining grants a regular and ongoing activity for your organization. Here are some guidelines to help you get the grant funds you seek: * Carefully assess your funding needs by asking yourself a number of very important questions, such as: How much funding do you need? How will this funding be used? Who will benefit from this funding? And, how will this funding be used? Having clear answers to these kinds of questions are a key part of any request for funding, and will help you determine the kinds of grantors you should be approaching. * Make a list of your target grantors specific to your needs. You can do this by going to the main branch of your public library. Where you should find some kind of grant research center with a wealth of grant funding directories you can use. * If you live in a very small community and your library doesn't have a grant research center. You should contact The Foundation Center, 79 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10003, (212)620-4230 where you'll find a wealth of grant directories too, that you can purchase directly from them. Be sure to request a copy of their current catalog when you contact them. * Contact each grantor on your list for a copy of their current funding guidelines, and proposal requirements. While all grant directories do list grantors basic funding requirements and rules. You should still always contact them before you apply. Since what's listed could be actually much different from what they currently do, and your time is too valuable to waste it. * Prepare a clear concise attractive development proposal of between 8 to 12 pages. While many large nonprofit organization tailor make a proposal for each program or project they're marketing to get specific grantor, this can be a very time consuming process if your organization is small or mid-sized, without the staff and support that many large agencies have. Thus it's better to prepare a standard proposal covering your capital, program, and operating needs. Then target it with a well-prepared submission cover letter. * Even in those cases where a grantor does have specific proposal requirements. You'll find still that most of what you've already prepared can be incorporate into your custom proposal quite easily. Allowing you to prepare custom proposals in those situations where it's needed. This is especially true when seeking federal funding, where your proposal must be targeted to the requirements of the federal grantor. * Keep in mind the fact that the easiest kinds of grant to obtain are grants for capital needs items. And grants for unique, exciting, and innovative programs and projects. Whereas the hardest items to get grant for are operating cost items. So you should use grantors primarily for capital and program funding objectives. And secure private gifts from individuals to raise most of your operating cost funds. * Set aside a block of time each week, even if it's only three or four hours. During which time you or a designated staff member will devote to the three key areas of effective grant solicitation. Namely, researching funding sources, preparing, and submitting proposals. Doing this will keep you up to date on who's doing what, improve proposal preparation skills, and keep those grants coming in regularly. Yes, you can get the grant funds you need to effectively operate your nonprofit organization. And help all those people who need the help that you provide them. But you must go about getting the grants you need in an organized systematic fashion. And refuse to take "no" for an answer, because the cost of doing otherwise is much too great for so very many. Berwyn J. Kemp is a development consultant who helps nonprofit organizations obtain funding. For free subscription to his newsletter Nonprofit Funding Solutions, or full details on his funding products and services, or to read more of his re-printable articles you can visit: http://www.berwynkempassoc.citymax.com/
MORE RESOURCES:
Small-Business - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Predicting Business Retirement Satisfaction for Business Owners Most business owners do not think of selling their companies as "retiring". Instead, these vital entrepreneurs see selling their business as a "transition. Web Based CRM Systems: Get Mobile; Get Results Everyday more web based companies enter the business scene. The low initial investment, potentially high revenue, and convenience of owning and operating a business from your home PC or laptop is enticing an ever-increasing number of entrepreneurs to try their hand at e-business. Cash Flow: Why Chaos Equals Poor Cash Flow Recently one of my customers told me the chaos swirling through his company was the result of poor cash flow. If only he had more money, his company would run better. Starting a Business in New Hampshire Hew Hampshire car wash market. Well we have visited every city in New Hampshire over the population of 10,000 at least twice, the larger ones four and five times talking to many people in various industries. Share Ad Expenses to Boost Profits The challenges of the small business owner are well documented. They must battle for market share against larger competitors, run all aspects of their business, and even pay higher rates for advertising and other marketing related expenses. Finding the Right People for your Business Where do you find the right people for a business relationship?Finding the right people may not be as difficult as you may think. Quite often they are in your neighborhood and within your inner circle. If You Want Business - Be Consistent Why does consistency in the message have an effect on how the business relationship is formed?Your message to others needs to be consistent. You need to define your expertise and develop your elevator pitch. Virtual Assistance for Healthcare Professionals Administrative and clerical tasks are the bane of every industry. No matter how small or large your business is, you will eventually find yourself with stacks of paperwork that need your attention and phone calls that need to be made. Top 7 Small Business Resources for 2005 If you want to start a business in 2005, and start making money almost immediately, the sites listed below are some of the best I have found. I've chosen each site because it is absolutely outstanding in providing the tools you need to get started, as well as taking you through the steps you need to get started immediately. SBIR vs STTR SBIR vs. STTR: If you are participating in the SBIR program you may also want to consider participating in the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program. Increase the Wealth in Your Community Many of us have noticed how some nearby communities seem to be "wealthier" than other nearby communities. They seem to have more shopping markets, more restaurants, more choices; items often cost more in these communities than they do in surrounding areas, yet the affluence remains where the prices are high; people are drawn to these communities, bringing even more resources and more wealth. Franchise Buyers from Hell I ran a franchise company for many years, a car wash franchise, and we use to get the most ridiculous franchise buyers who thought they wanted a franchise. It seems we had to deal with these Kookoo birds because they have consumer rights and the Federal Trade Commission, which looks over franchising goes out of their way to let these consumers get away with these tall tales. More Business Card Uses Why would you use an event pass?Event passes are often used as giveaways to entice people to attend some event. You will find that most time-share companies will have passes to be used to attend their spiel, plus they also give away other goodies. Designing a Franchise Training Program If you intend to franchise your company you will need to design a bullet proof training company for your new franchisees. This is above and beyond the training program you will design for them to administer to their new employees. Using Business Broker In the Franchising Industry for Franchise Sales Franchising companies often use Business Broker to help attain sales goals. Here is an interesting fact. Creating a Power Plan Part of the power plan is making sure you have all the necessary contact information within a company. It is one thing to have the CEO's information, as he is the decision-maker, but it is quite another to have the information on others that you may be working with directly. Frodos Journey: What It Can Teach You About Marketing Your Small Business Just recently, I took a break and caught "The Return of the King" at the movie theater. At the same time, I was pondering a topic for this article. Chamber Membership will BOOST your Business When is the Chamber ideal for your business?Joining a Chamber of Commerce is likely the best thing any business or individual can do. Chambers provide many benefits to members. Secrets Revealed To Having The Most Professional Staff On The Telephone! Do you have all the customers your business can use?The seemingly simple task of taking phone calls is a hidden liability for not just some, but most businesses. You've invested precious dollars in advertising and marketing. 11 Things Small Business Owners Can Learn From Punxsutawney Phil 1. Look Over Your Shoulder - Of course, Punxsutawney Phil has to look over his to search for his shadow.
|
|
|
|
|
