When Do You Need A Grant Writer

The allure of getting a large grant to help get the funding that will put their organization on the map often makes non-profit organization contact me for my services. I'd like to help them all, but unfortunately, many of them are not yet quite ready for this step, and here are the questions I ask them to help them determine if, and when, they need my services.

1. Do you have a specific program you want funded or want funding for general operating costs?

It is very difficult to get money for general operating costs and usually when an organization does it is because it has established itself in the eyes of a funder as organization that deserves it. In most cases, showing worth means several years of program funding from the foundation or corporation before the request for general operating support is considered. Program funding, on the other hand, is a much quicker path to funding.

2. Have you received funding in the past?

If the answer is "No", then I suggest organizations keep their expectations and the amount they ask a foundation for low. Foundations do give money for start-ups organizations or first time applicants, but the amount they give is seldom large. I often ask organizations to imagine if someone they had never met before or knew very little about came up to them and asked for a great deal of money. Even if they would give money, would they be willing to make a very large contribution, or instead, give a smaller amount the first time around to make sure the money is used for what is asked and that their contribution truly makes a difference?

3. What is the percentage of the amount you want to raise from foundations to your overall organization and program income?

It is unreasonable for an organization to expect to meet all of its income needs entirely through foundation giving. The most appealing organizations, from a foundation's standpoint, are those that can generate up to 80% of thier expected income from earned income sources, such as ticket sales, individual donations or events or government funding. I suggest that organizations view foundation giving as a way to fill the gaps, not a means to build the structure.

I don't mean to be discouraging to organizations that approach me, but I believe if they honestly look at their needs, look at things from a foundation's viewpoint and look at how they expect to continue doing what they want to do if they don't get the money they need from foundations, thier odds of eventually getting funded will be improved, and I can help them get the money they need to succeed.

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