Each fall, our major grant rounds open for application. These important programs are very competitive for the funds we have available. Because we want all of the nonprofits that apply for these programs to have the best chance possible, we’ve put together the tips and reminders to consider when applying for grants from the CFO.
When writing a proposal, keep these tips in mind:
- The committees favorably view thoughtful efforts which don’t duplicate existing services. In fact, efforts which consolidate duplicated efforts into one priority program are very welcome.
- Grant budgets should have a clear connection between budget and proposed program. CFO is not opposed to components of a budget including staffing or other operational costs, but be sure to clarify that the role of the staffed person or operational need directly relates to the project.
- The lead agency needs to be a nonprofit — a 501(c)3, school, faith-based organization or government entity.
- Do your best to be memorable so your program sticks out in the committee's minds.
- Many of our grant programs fund one year of a project. We encourage you to have a plan in place for future funding needs to ensure the sustainability of the program.
Grantwriting tips from our panel of experts:
from Sarah Morrow; Heather Zoromski, Darr Family Foundation; and Frank Carnahan, Carnahan Evans Cantwell & Brown
- It is very important that the concept/program/agency direction you are proposing in the application is clear. Be upfront about the purpose of the money in a grant application, and be clear about the intended goal for your agency. Don’t wrap too much flowery wording around an application and lose the meat of the request.
- Never provide a surprise when the budget spreadsheet is opened by the grantmaker. Let the budget outline be a summary of what you already explained in the proposal. Don’t describe a program with no mention of staffing and then request only staffing costs — explain the purpose of budget line items throughout your proposal.
- Application answers don’t need to be particularly long. If you can explain your concept in a concise manner, please feel free to do so. Grantmakers are happy to see a clear path from the agency’s current challenge to proposed solution — if that can be done briefly, it’s a bonus!
- Each grantmaking agency prioritizes different things with regard to expenses. For example some funding agencies don’t like supporting staffing costs while others prefer it. Things to consider:
- Do your research in advance. Read press releases on past funded grants for the program to which you’re applying.
- Always read the grant summary documentation very thoroughly and make sure your application fits within the grant program’s goals without any mental gymnastics.
- If it is a stretch to apply in a program that doesn’t really fit your ask, don’t waste your time completing that application.
