Effective Grant Research

Drill down to be efficient

203 Elm Street

Woodland, CA 95695

530.669.3600

Creative Resources + Research 20102

Overview

Screen out unlikely funders using 8 key factors:

Geographic Location Funding Priorities

Funding Amount Timelines

Populations Special Requirements

Applications Open Accountability

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Geographic Location

Restrictions – Do the guidelines limit giving to a state, county or city?

Drill Down – Do they follow their guidelines?

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Funding Priorities

Topic Areas – Your mission is your guide.

Drill Down – Aardvarks or Cats?

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Funding Amounts

Too High/Too Low – Often a grant maker states a floor and a ceiling for grants.

Drill Down – Review previous grants.

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Timelines

Deadlines and Cycles – What does the funder specify?

Drill Down – When uncertain make a phone call or email contact.

A late grant is a dead grant.

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Populations

Where are the grants going? Drill Down – The proof is in their

giving history and their currently stated priorities.

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Special Requirements

Fiscal Auditing – Conduct an annual audit and then implement the results.

Drill Down –Do you have a CPA on your Board?

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Special Requirements

Budget Limits – Does your organization’s budget meet the funder’s guidelines?

Drill Down – Review guidelines carefully.

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Special Requirements

Staffing Requirements – Is there a required number of full time staff members?

Drill Down – Don’t fudge, your organization either meets the staffing requirements, or not.

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Special Requirements

Funding Limitations – You may be restricted from applying because of other grants you receive.

Drill Down – Provide adequate information to your grant writer.

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Special Requirements

Type of Organization – Are you a 501(c)(3) non-profits or a 501(c)(4) or neither?

Drill Down – Know the form of your corporation and locate the documents.

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Not Accepting Applications

Eligible Applicant/Ineligible Applicant – Be clear whether apps are invited or not.

Drill Down – Read the guidelines, communicate results, network.

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Accountability Requirements

Evaluation – How are you communicating your results?

Drill Down – Consistent, open, communication about accountability.

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Final Grant Research Tips

Foundation Web Sites Make contact Review the 990 Drill Down – Research

thoroughly!

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990 Review Tips

Identify trends Identify priorities Identify range of funding Drill Down – Visit the web site to see if new

priorities have been announced. Sign up for email lists and mailing lists.

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http://grantgoddess.com

203 Elm Street

Woodland, CA 95695

530.669.3600