MESSAGE FROM THE FUNDER

Before you sit down to begin to gather your thoughts on writing the grant you have been assigned to undertake (or assigned yourself), you must first understand what the funder is looking for. The best way to determine this is by reviewing the Request for Proposal released by the funder or funder’s organization in an attempt to match the need of the funder with the foresight and ability of potential applicants.

Upon reviewing the Request for Proposal, you need to have a clear picture of what the funder stands for � values, mission and the reason and focus of this initiative. You may believe that your program or organization is so well-regarded that you do not need to do due diligence with regard to researching the funding source. In this instance, you would be making a costly mistake. You will develop a clear picture of the funder’s requirements and why they are what they are if you do some preliminary research into the funder’s organization and background.

As stated earlier, you may think that your program/project can stand on its own merits, but you are taking a chance that is reckless and needless. If your program or project does not meet the funder’s criteria, as outlined in the Request for Proposal, then you will have no chance at the funding and you will have wasted your time as well as the time spent on the endeavor by your team.

There is a plethora of information on the Internet that can serve this purpose. A little advanced research will help you immeasurably to decide whether this is a venture you should undertake. The key point to remember when reviewing possible grant opportunities is that your project must fit into the criteria as presented by the grantor. If you have to alter your project to meet the criteria for the grant, it will not work out well.