Write Grants With Finesse

Grantwriting: The Basics

Grantwriting is storytelling. Throughout the entire process your neighborhood should tell a story about who you are, what need will be addressed, and why your neighborhood is the best organization to meet the existing need. Even the budget can tell your story by including categories that match your narrative. If you think of your story before applying for any grants you’ll be well prepared when opportunities arise.

When looking for a funder, tap into resources at the Office of Neighborhood Involvement and at the Central Library. There are local grants available and the library has an entire section devoted to grantwriting.

Start building a relationship with any funder before turning in your application. Funders review hundreds of applications, so your application should ring a bell. Unknown programs and organizations are rarely funded. This includes knowing who is on the Board of Directors and on staff. If you know someone there, it is easy to make a connection about your grant before they review it. Ask organizations previously awarded if you can see their grant as an example. They may say no, but it can’t hurt to ask. Most important, know the mission and objectives of the funder. You should be able to connect the dots—show how the project meets your mission as well as theirs.

Spotlight: Arleta Triangle Project

The Mt. Scott-Arleta Neighborhood Association received a $3,750 grant from the Regional Arts and Culture Council (RACC) to continue their work on a City Repair Project. June 2005, the neighborhood came together to grade the plaza, install landscaping and build a cob wall on the public median at SE 72nd Avenue and Woodstock.

With the new funds from RACC and future matching funds, the neighborhood plans to work with a renowned public artist and a local blacksmith to develop functional art above the cob wall. The artistic, stylized metal canopy will serve as a neighborhood landmark and as shelter from the rain.

This project is the perfect example of a combined community effort. Not only have the neighborhood residents come together to build the physical structures, but funding and in-kind donations will come from local individuals including neighborhood residents, corporations and local businesses.

Even though the grant was written and awarded, the work is hardly finished. The project must still be managed and the matching funds solicited. The rewards will be well worth the work by improving neighborhood identity, increasing neighborhood safety and building community. The metal canopy will represent this community for decades to come.

Grantwriting Step-by-Step

Step 1: Identify a Fundraising Strategy

  • Grantwriting is only part of a strategy
  • Individuals give 76.3% of funds in US
  • Public/society benefit receive 4.8% of US charitable giving

Step 2: Compile Basic Components

  • Mission Statement
  • Need Statement
  • Purpose Statement with Goals, Objectives and Outcomes
  • Summarize Neighborhood History
  • Project Budget
  • Financial Statements
  • Fiscal Sponsorship for 501(c)3 Status

Step 3: Research Potential Funders

  • Central Multnomah County Library
  • See additional ONI & SEUL resources.

Step 4: Follow Guidelines to the Letter

  • Funders can throw out applications simply for using the wrong type font.

Step 5: Build Relationship with Funder

  • Know who’s on the board and staff and talk with them.
  • Know funders mission, objectives, and who they gave grants to in past.
  • Know who makes the final decisions.
  • Use the language funder uses on website and in newsletters.
  • Request example applications from previous recipients.
  • Never send in an application cold!!!

Step 6: Review Application before Submitting

  • Use an outsider to help find gaps, unclear descriptions and typos.

Digging Deeper: Additional Resources

Books & Websites
Getting Funded: The Complete Guide to Writing Grant Proposals
by: Mary Hall, PhD & Susan Howlett
Publisher: Continuing Education Press

Proven Strategies Professionals Use to Make Their Proposals Work
By: Michael K. Wells, CFRE
Publisher: Continuing Education Press

Oregon Foundation DataBook, 8th Ed.
Available at SE Uplift
www.foundationdatabook.com

OR Community Foundation:
www.ocf1.org

Trainings
FREE: “How to get that Grant”
Office of Neighborhood Involvement
Contact: Brian Hoop at (503) 823-3075;
bhoop [at] ci [dot] portland [dot] or [dot] us

FEE BASED: Classes at PSU’s Institute for Nonprofit Management
Contact Sharon Hasenjaeger;
(503) 725-8221; INPM [at] pdx [dot] edu

FEE BASED: TACS,
www.tacs.org