“Is it true… it is not what you know but who you know???”
This is just one of a myriad of questions I have been asked when it comes to successful grant writing. As I tell everyone… it is a combination of both.
Just as it is important to be sure you are building relationships with funders it is equally important that you present a proposal that is professional. The building of those relationships do make the “sell” of your idea or proposal go down much easier. Statistics show that the greatest degree of receiving a gift that you are looking for is in a face-to-face encounter…but with that encounter you need to be sure you have all your “ducks in order.” Most organizations usually ask for a large gift from a funder too early. They don’t take time to cultivate that funder by having formal and informal relationship building activities with them. One of the biggest items that are looked over is bringing people to your site to see the work first hand that you are doing. Remember logic makes people think but emotion makes people act. All in information in the world wont help you get the gift you desire…it takes personal stories and testimonials combined with on-site visits. So take your time and be sure you use your board’s relationships to maximize your effectiveness.
Just as important as who you know is what you know. What you know covers all forms of information. You should know all you can about the funder, who they give to, what do they like to give to, what is their motivation, are their personal relationships they have with organizations they are funding, etc… leave no stone unturned and no bit of information is useless no matter how silly you may feel it is. You should get a copy of their 990 Form to view a listing of who they have given too. You don’t need to be the world’s best grant writer to receive a grant just someone who can clearly present your case and communicate that on paper in a thorough concise matter.
The combination of putting both the who you know with the what you know will increase your chances greatly of receiving the grant you are looking for. Funders give to make a difference and they are looking for a “return on their investments.” They want to see what you will be able to do with the funds they are giving you in the most effective and efficient way possible. They are looking for results…they are not interested in funding dreams but goals with a written plan.
New Look – At Christiangrants.com we are rolling out a new look of our website. This new look will be more user friendly and will continue to meet of the Christian community. We are also actively partnering with other Christian ministries to provide you with helpful information in your fundraising endeavors. One such ministry is Money For Ministries, which can be found at www.moneyforministries.com
If you have not ordered your copy of the “Directory of Foundations Supporting Christian Organizations” now is a good time. With the end of year quickly approaching. Many foundations work on a calendar year and are more active in giving grants in the months of November and December than any other time of year. God Bless you as you continue to serve Him.
If you haven’t ordered your copy of the “Directory of Foundations Supporting Christian Organizations” now is a good time because the end of the year is approaching. To view a page from the directory or for more information about the directory go to www.christiangrants.com.
Timothy M. Boling
Timothy Boling
CEO
Christiangrants.com
Note: DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS EMAIL. IF YOU WISH TO CONTACT CHRISTIANGRANTS.COM, USE chrgrants@aol.com
To read past Grant Alerts or to order your copy of the “Directory of Foundations Supporting Christian Organizations” go to www.christiangrants.com.
Issue: November 2003
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organizations in finding funds for their work