Researching the Funding

It is vital to create a compelling, data driven case for our grant proposals.  But a big part of the issue you face becomes finding the right funder to fit the activities you are proposing.

But why not the other way around?  What if we see a really great grant opportunity and create a proposal to fit?  Here's a little dialog from an article on the issue in SOFII:

PD: ‘I just of heard of this great new foundation grant! $100,000 a year to provide pre-natal support services for young parents.’

CEO: ‘That sounds great. Do we serve that population?’

PD: ‘Well, not yet, but we could. It’s $100,000!’

CEO: ‘What do they cover?’

PD: ‘Any operating expenses.’

CEO: ‘Any start-up money?’

PD: ‘Well, no, but it’s $100,000!’

CEO: ‘You really think we should go after this anyway?’

PD: ‘Absolutely! It’s $100,000!’

$100,000 sounds great!  But with restrictions that won't allow the funds to be used to create start-up infrastructure or support the administration of the funds (that's a lot of money to keep organized records on, write reports for, etc.)  It's not to say that we shouldn't ever consider an opportunity when it arises, but we need to give careful consideration to whether the money is actually going to support our work or create a new strain on our organization.  That is why we are looking at grants as thoughtful programs we have created that we can then find the best funding fit for.

In navigating these waters, it is crucial that our approach to grants is strategic. Instead of molding our projects to fit the specifications of available funds, we prioritize the development of robust programs based on our mission and goals. Once these programs are well-defined, we then seek out funding sources that match these initiatives. This strategy not only streamlines the application process by targeting the most compatible grants but also enhances the sustainability and impact of our programs.

Moreover, by focusing on grants that genuinely fit our pre-existing programs, we can more effectively allocate resources, ensuring that the funds advance our core activities rather than diverting our focus towards fulfilling restrictive grant requirements. This approach also helps in building and maintaining a strong foundation for our organization, which is crucial for long-term sustainability.

As we move forward, it will be important to maintain a balance between ambitious fundraising goals and the practical aspects of grant management. We must be vigilant in our grant selection, choosing opportunities that allow us to maintain our integrity and focus on our mission. In doing so, we not only optimize our financial resources but also reinforce our commitment to our cause, ensuring that every dollar we receive advances our work in a meaningful way.