3 BASIC THINGS TO CONSIDER

1. Is it a good fit?
2. Do we have the resources to submit a strong application?
3. Are we prepared for this opportunity?

Is it a good fit?

Does the opportunity align with our business intelligence? mission, vision, and values?

Grantors will likely NOT have the same mission, vision or values as your organization, but make sure they don’t clash. For example, religious foundations may not be a good fit for some non-religious organizations. A grantor that emphasizes “self-sufficiency” as a primary outcome may not align with organizations providing continuing services.

Does the opportunity align with our existing or planned programming?

It is important for your organization to fund existing or to-be-developed programming, rather than create a new program just because you found a grant to match. If the funding opportunity doesn’t align with an existing program or planned program, it’s best to focus on other opportunities. This will help you ensure you have enough resources for what you're already doing, and will prevent you from stretching your organization too thin or starting up programs that you cannot properly implement.

Is this the type of funding we need?

There are different types of grant funding, including for programs/projects, general operating expenses (e.g., typically unrestricted funding that can be used for any expenses, including overhead like administrative expenses), technical assistance, research, scholarships, etc. What type of funding does your organization need? If you need general operating funding but an opportunity only offers funding for research, then it’s likely not a good fit.

Is the funding offered sufficient given the grantor's requirements?

Is it worth your time given the amount of work?  Application or reporting requirements for very little funding? It is important to see if the funding opportunity is worth your time and resource investment. For example, if a grantor is providing $2,500 but requiring a 30-page application, three site visits, and mid- and end-of-grant reports, it may not be the most efficient use of your time and resources. Consider the amount of funding and the requirements of the grantor as you determine whether the opportunity is a good fit for your organization.

THERE OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER

Has the grantor funded programs similar to ours?

While this is not critical, it is important to see what organizations and types of programs the funder has supported in the past. Many times, grantors fund programs in a particular field or area of service. If they have funded other organizations providing similar services to yours, they may be more likely to fund your program.

Does our leadership have any connections with the grantor? If not, can we start developing that relationship?

While pre-existing connections with the grantor are not always required, it is helpful to start cultivating a relationship with the grantor. Contacting the program officer or board chair (after checking to make sure it’s not discouraged by the grantor) is a great way to get the inside scoop of whether they would be interested in funding your organization. Meeting or having a call with the grantor provides you an opportunity to get feedback on your program or application, which can help you tweak your application and increase your chances of getting funded. They may provide you with other tips to increase your success as well, such as waiting until the next funding cycle or incorporating certain information.

TERMS WITH WHICH YOU SHOULD BECOME FAMILIAR

Grantor = Funding Authority = The organization/person approving & giving the funds

Grantee = Applicant = Your organization

Supplement = in addition to

Supplant = to take the place of, replace

Resources = staff, location, supplies, equipment, other to dedicate to the project the grant will supplement