Grant Proposal Request

The first thing I recommend that people do once they find a funding agency is look at the request for proposal (RFP). Read it over and over again until you have a solid idea of ​​what the funder wants. Know who you are writing to. The person who ultimately rates your proposal will have experience in the field. Write to them as if you were sitting across from them telling the story of your organization.

Tea RFP is your guide. It tells you what to do and what documentation the funder requires. Different donors require different items. Just remember to give the funding agency what it wants. No matter how unimportant something may seem to you, make sure it’s in your proposal package. Oh yeah, and make sure it’s exactly where they want it.

There are a few things every funder will want from the nonprofit. They will need organization details and the name of a contact person. Documentation may include, but is not limited to, federal tax identification number, board of directors, financial statements, Form 990, and DUNS number, which is a unique nine-character number that identifies your organization. The federal government has adopted the use of DUNS numbers to track how federal grant money is allocated.

The funder will also request a description of the project / program, goals, purpose and objectives of the organization and, of course, the current operating budget. Most will require a line item estimate and tell you what percentage of indirect cost you can add.

The RFP will explain what the foundation will fund. They want to know how the money will be spent if they give you a grant and make sure you are a good steward of your money.

The needs statement, also known as a problem or vision statement, is a section of the RFP that explains how the program / project will address the needs of the community. Foundations are not interested in how funding will help the organization. They want to know that their money will help people.

Explain why your organization is the best to achieve the objectives of the proposal, with your funding.

Emphasize the facts and support your statistics with regional or national data. Be compelling, clear, and concise. Engage the reader with emotions. Paint a picture. Add stories of real people and how they relate to the problem or provide a solution.

Last but most important, know what the funder wants and give it to them.

Follow the RFP guidelines to the letter and you will have a winning proposal.