THE THREE C’S IN GRANTWRITING IN TODAY’S ECONOMY

CRITICAL NEED-COLLABORATION-COST EFFECTIVENESS

We all know that grants are not quick fixes, but they can play a very important role in the ongoing viability of nonprofit organizations.  I recently met with two of the major foundations in the Portland/Southwest Washington area-both emphasized that because of the economic downturn their first priority in funding grant proposals in the immediate future will be based on how the project or program impacts critical needs. 

They defined ‘critical needs’ as primarily Health & Human Services projects and programs.  That is not to say they have discontinued review and funding of other categories, i.e., arts and culture, education, environment, capacity building, and capital projects.  But for the immediate future, the mandate by their trustees is to bring them proposals that clearly address ‘critical needs’ that include evidence of strong collaboration and cost effectiveness in the delivery of services. 

Now is the time for organizations to think out of the box and become creative in establishing active collaborative relationships within the project.  Perhaps an arts group could be the outlet to work with at-risk youth from a prevention/treatment organization in developing creative skills development or a shelter or low-income housing program could partner with Master Gardeners volunteers to provide mentoring to hungry families on planting community gardens.  I’m not saying these are great examples, but I use them to help jumpstart the process of “thinking out of the box.”

Last but not least.  Federal grants might not be a good fit for everyone, but now is the time to stay abreast of opportunities that are being announced and new ones that are becoming available through the Stimulus package. 

A painless and easy way to do this is by subscribing to receive daily notifications of new federal grant opportunity postings and updates on http://www.grants.gov. You do not need to be a registered user of Grants.gov to sign-up for this service.  You will receive daily postings identifying the federal departments that have just announced a Request for Proposal.  Links to the web site for a specific grant opportunity are included.  I have found that most postings come in late at night and are there waiting for you when you begin your work day.

In summary, what was true in grant funding last year might not be true today.  It’s important to keep checking the web sites of foundations frequently, especially now. Their rules and procedures keep changing as they stay attuned to the economic downturn we are all facing.  They are trying their very best to be there for nonprofits and to help those that need it the most.
Remember that no matter what type of grant you pursue, incorporating CRITICAL NEED, COLLABORATION, and COST EFFECTIVENESS into your proposal will go a long way in making it a successful one.

Guest columnist Joyce Malin of Custom Writing Services is a Nonprofit Network SW Business Member. {encode=" .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)" title="customwriting@comcast.net"}

---

Nonprofits Are Not Immune

Will things get worse or get better?  How long will it take?  Will we be able to survive?  These are just a few questions that keep many nonprofit leaders from getting a good night’s sleep these days.  Like it or not, nonprofits are like any other business and are not immune from the effects of today’s economy.

by Joyce Malin, President, Custom Writing Services, Inc.
August 2008 Nonprofit Network News
Nonprofits help the economy thrive in a variety of ways.  The important work you do touches
lives that you are not even aware of.  The availability of funding support for nonprofits continues
to ebb and flow while the need for their work becomes even more crucial.  The role of local
philanthropy becomes even more vital to stem off immediate crises while governmental and
private foundation grants continue to be another important source of ongoing support.
When it comes to relying on grant support, long-term planning is key to an organization’s
sustainability.  Grants cannot be counted on for a “quick fix.”  Once a grant has been submitted it
may take anywhere from three months to a year to learn if your organization will be receiving an
award.  A clear strategy should be in place targeting those funders whose mission clearly relates
to yours. 
Many prefer to fund projects and programs rather than operations. Can you structure your grant
to incorporate a portion of existing operational costs needed to implement the project?  Can you
clearly document the need and how the project clearly relates to your short and long-term goals?
Is your budget realistic? Do you have collaborative partners involved or in support of your
project?  Do you have an evaluation process in place?  How will you be able to sustain the
project or does it have a fixed timeline?  Is other staff willing to provide timely information
needed for the grant writing process?  Whether you are writing grants internally or using an
outside source, these are just a few of the questions that should be addressed early on. 
While an organization cannot survive on grants alone, they can be a vital resource in fulfilling
your mission.

Custom Writing Services, Inc. has been providing customized grant research, training, and
development services to nonprofits in the Vancouver/Portland area since 2002 with expertise in
both federal and private foundation grants.  Its president, Joyce Malin, has over 20 years of
hands-on experience in working for and with nonprofits in a variety of sectors, including social
and health services, historical preservation, higher education, and local government.  For more
information, contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)or 360-737-8502.

---