Grant Advice
We offer the following advice in the spirit of helping you prepare and submit an application that has the best chance of being funded. While some points below may seem obvious, our experience shows us that many worthwhile programs go unfunded because basic steps were overlooked in the process:
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Homework, homework, homework…do it well and do it thoroughly: The first step is to do the necessary research to have a clear understanding of a foundation’s grant-giving priorities and your organization’s aims and mission.
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Where to go for information: With the vast array of information available on-line today, the best place to find information on a funder is to visit their website. On our own site, potential applicants can consult the list of funding priorities, read stories about current grantees and look at previous awards, all of which will give a clear picture of the initiatives we are most likely to fund.
Take the time to visit “umbrella” sites such as the Foundation Center or more locally, Maryland Association of Nonprofits and the Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers. These sites have searchable databases and other tools to help you focus on the best possible fit for your proposed project
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Write a Focused Proposal: By doing your homework and following the funder’s guidelines and application procedures, you will find that your funding success rate will increase. Honing your application for a specific grant will enable you to focus on your organization’s broader objectives by clearly defining why and in what ways your program is vital to the community.