Comprehensive Grant Writing for beginners: 7 simple steps

In which we cover:

• A few definitions of fundraising.
• Broad definition of who gives funds, and some restrictions for their giving.

We take a look at the ethics of fundraising including:

• use of funds, matching funds, reporting
• hiring a fundraiser: how, and the reasons why it has to work this way

Categories of Grants

• Operating funds
  • definition
  • what to watch out for
  • funding some Operating expense, ethically
    
• What to ask for: projects
  • how to ask for all funds required
• Project grants
  
  • fee for service
  • what to watch out for
  • capital projects
    • how they may be funded
  • Matching funds and in-kind donations

Prepare information for your Case for Support document.

Start by assembling information about your Organization.

• legal information and status
• primary and secondary mandate
• community support
• public face of the organization
• history and story
• financials

Preparing "your" people for grantwriting and fundraising

• Board
• Volunteers
• Community

Determining how to recognize and thank funders

Why telling stories is so important. And what are the elements of a great story.

How to get compelling stories.

Writing style, and getting the conversation started.

What do you do if you are new to an organization and require historic or sector background? Read on...

How to describe your need, while demonstrating fiscal responsibility.

• What type of thing you might ask for.
• how to describe your need.

Budget for the project.

• Be detailed, answer fully.
• Income (confirmed or unconfirmed), and all expenses.

Organizing your Funder search

• spreadsheet
• database of your funders

Funders and finding them

• Government (levels)
• Funders Database (purchased)
• Foundations

Community and Private Foundations

• How to find them
• Information that is available to everyone
• Canada; USA; Australia; Britain

Online searches

Other local funders

• who
• what they will want from you

Corporate Foundations

Where else to find (even more) local Funding sources

Meeting with Funders

Styles of Applications

• what to watch out for
• following their style and requirements

Organizing the Application

• brief, but including everything needed

Well written (succinct, but telling story)

• Describe the need, tell the story, use the words that they use

Multi year applications

Checklist

Follow up

When not to write asking for a Grant

You're successful, now what?

• reporting

You were not successful, what to do.

• connect and chat

Build relationships

Review of the 7 Steps for Grantwriting Success!