Seeking Grants From Foundations, Corporations, And Governmen

Seeking Grants From Foundations Corporations And Governmentchapter 10

Seekings Grants from Foundations, Corporations and Government Chapter 10 Understand the Funders Research Grant Prospects The Proposal Process Follow up with the Funder Grant Renewals Understand the Funder Is it a government grant, a corporate funder, or a private or public foundation Know the source of the funds and their eligibility requirements Developing a relationship with any funder is key Consider what’s in it for the grantor Think creatively, be prepared to sign a contract, don’t approach companies in financial trouble Look for the National Directory of Corporate Giving Corporate Giving Public Information About Grants Resources to Use: Chronicle of Philanthropy The Foundation Center Foundation Directory Online Grants.gov Guidestar The Grantsmanship Center The Philanthropy Journal Federal Register’s Notices of Funding Availability Reference for Power points Bray, Ilona (2016). Effective Fundraising for Nonprofits, 5th Edition, Nolo, CA.

Funds from the Great Beyond: Bequests and Legacy Gifts Chapter 7 How to Get Bequests and Legacy Gifts Leave a Family Legacy Simple Inheritance Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated First Steps Toward Attracting Gifts Legacy Giving Arrangements Developing a Planned Giving Program First steps require that a Planned Giving Program be developed by the organization. The Board of Directors will approve this plan A Development Officer needs to be trained to approach donors about giving Do your mission and goals appeal to a particular type of person? You must indicate how the money will be spent; Are donors interested in leaving money for a sports program or a new addition to your agency? Do donors object to their money being left for operating funds or do they want a special project in their name? The Howell Family Case As the Executive Director of the Coastal Hospice Program you are aware that many families want to give back when a loved one passes on. They are grateful for the excellent care and compassion demonstrated by the staff in the final hours of a family member’s life. Mr. Howell has recently lost his 80 year old mother who was cared for in the Hospice Program for the last year. The Howell’s own the local Buick dealership and they are well known for their generosity and community mindedness. You are in need of additional space in your facility as the need grows for more hospice care for seniors in your region. You would like to approach the Howell family for a donation but you want to be prepared to answer questions and offer a plan that is acceptable to them since you would like to request a major gift. Develop an appeal to the Howell family. How would you approach them? Would you use a letter, telephone call, individual meeting? Read through the possible approaches and select one to develop thoroughly. Answer in one page or less and send to the Assignment area this week. Gifts should be made specifically to your agency through a living trust or donor’s will Development Meaningful Ways to Recognize Legacy Donors Use specially designed cards for donors to use to let others know they have made a donation in their honor; for condolences or for congratulatory issues Create an online giving program for donations Send thank-you letters to the donors and also offer to notify family members on their behalf List names of donors in the annual report or newsletter of the agency Establish an ongoing fund in the donor’s name Reference for Power points Bray, Ilona (2016). Effective Fundraising for Nonprofits, 5th Edition, Nolo, CA.

DEVELOPING YOUR FUNDRAISING PLAN CHAPTER 3 STEPS IN YOUR FUNDRAISING PLAN SET YOUR GOAL CREATE A BUDGET IDENTIFY AGENCY ASSETS DEVELOP YOUR STRATEGY ESTABLISH FINAL PLAN GET STARTED! ESTABLISH A FUNDRAISING GOAL WHAT DO YOU THINK IS A REASONABLE DOLLAR AMOUNT ? Fundraising Goal DEVELOP A BUDGET YOU WILL NEED TO THINK CAREFULLY ABOUT ALL OF YOUR EXPENSES AND THE INCOME OR REVENUE TO COVER THOSE EXPENSES PRACTICE ON THE FUNDRASIING WORKSHEET 1, PAGE 49 Fundraising Budget IDENTIFY AGENCY ASSETS SKILLS, PEOPLE, YOUR AGENCY HISTORY, MISSION, AND REPUTATION CAN BE ASSETS EXAMPLE: YOUR AGENCY HAS A LARGE VOLUNTEER BASE YOU HAVE CREATIVE AND ARTISTIC PEOPLE ON YOUR BOARD YOUR STAFF HAVE EXCELLENT MARKETING OR COMPUTER SKILLS PRACTICE ON THE ASSETS WORKSHEET 2, PAGE 60 Fundraising Assets – People, Skills, and Equipment of Agency DEVELOP YOUR STRATEGY IDENTIFY WHAT FUNDRAISING TECHNIQUE YOU WILL USE TO EARN THE MONEY YOU NEED MAKE SURE THE BOARD AND STAFF ARE SUPPORTIVE OF YOUR EFFORTS THE PLAN SHOULD BE CONSISTENT WITH YOUR AGENCY MISSION AND GOALS PRACTICE ON WORKSHEET 3, PAGE 66 ESTABLISH YOUR PLAN DEVELOP A WRITTEN PLAN SET A DATE CREATE A TIMELINE WITH A MONTHLY CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES TO COMPLETE WRITE YOUR NARRATIVE WITH GOALS Reference for Power points Bray, Ilona (2016). Effective Fundraising for Nonprofits, 5th Edition, Nolo, CA.

Paper For Above instruction

Effective fundraising is a cornerstone of nonprofit success, particularly when seeking grants from foundations, corporations, and government entities. This process involves comprehensive research on potential funders, understanding their priorities, and building robust relationships that extend beyond a one-time request. Grants are often awarded based on the funder’s specific goals and eligibility requirements, emphasizing the importance of tailored proposals and ongoing communication. Developing a systematic approach, including thorough research, relationship cultivation, and strategic planning, is essential to secure sustainable funding.

Researching funders begins with identifying the nature of the grant source—whether it’s a government agency, corporate entity, or private foundation. Each type has distinct eligibility criteria and priorities. For example, government grants often have formal application processes and strict compliance requirements, while corporate funders may seek alignment with their corporate social responsibility initiatives. Private foundations may have grant cycles and specific areas of interest, such as health, education, or social services. Resources like the Foundation Directory Online, Grants.gov, Guidestar, and the Chronicle of Philanthropy provide invaluable data to aid in identifying and evaluating prospects.

Building relationships with funders is a critical step that involves more than submitting applications. Establishing trust and demonstrating alignment with the funder’s mission can lead to longer-term support. Strategic engagement includes face-to-face meetings, personalized communication, and actively demonstrating impact and accountability. A well-maintained ongoing communication plan ensures the funder remains engaged and informed about the organization’s successes, needs, and future plans. Cultivating trust over time can also facilitate renewal grants and increased funding.

When preparing applications or proposals, organizations must focus on articulating the need clearly, demonstrating the capacity to deliver, and showing how the project aligns with the funder’s priorities. Consideration of the grantor’s benefits—such as positive public relations, fulfillment of corporate social responsibility goals, or alignment with their mission—is vital. Additionally, organizations should prepare to negotiate contractual obligations and adhere to compliance requirements.

Beyond securing grants, nonprofit organizations can enhance their funding stability through planned giving initiatives, including bequests and legacy gifts. Developing a planned giving program requires strategic planning, approval from the board, and training staff to approach donors about legacy gifts. Engaging donors thoughtfully about their motivations—whether they are interested in supporting specific projects, operating costs, or endowments—helps tailor solicitations appropriately. Recognizing and respecting donor wishes fosters loyalty and encourages future philanthropy.

Approaching legacy donors like the Howell family involves understanding their values and motivations. An effective approach might include personalized face-to-face meetings or handwritten letters, emphasizing appreciation and mutual goals. For instance, highlighting how their donation could expand hospice services while honoring their loved one and aligning with their community-mindedness can be compelling. Clear communication about the impact, transparency about future plans, and flexible recognition strategies can facilitate a major gift.

Ensuring sustained donor engagement involves recognizing contributions in meaningful ways, such as personalized acknowledgment cards, online giving portals, and public recognition through newsletters or annual reports. Ongoing stewardship is crucial for cultivating long-term relationships, which can be systematically managed through established fundraising plans. Setting clear goals, creating budgets, and utilizing agency assets such as volunteer networks, staff skills, and organizational history are fundamental steps in developing an effective fundraising strategy.

In conclusion, successful grant seeking and donor engagement require strategic planning, relationship building, and diligent stewardship. By understanding funder priorities, effectively communicating your organization’s impact, and fostering long-term partnerships, nonprofits can secure sustainable funding streams necessary for fulfilling their missions and expanding their services.

References

• Bray, I. (2016). Effective Fundraising for Nonprofits (5th ed.). Nolo.
• Foundation Center. (n.d.). Foundation Directory Online.
• Grants.gov. (n.d.). Federal Grant Opportunities.
• Guidestar. (n.d.). Nonprofit Information Database.
• National Philanthropic Trust. (n.d.). Legacy Giving and Bequests.
• The Chronicle of Philanthropy. (n.d.). Funding Trends and Resources.
• The Grantsmanship Center. (n.d.). Grant Proposal Writing Resources.
• Federal Register. (n.d.). Notices of Funding Availability.
• Watkins, J. (2013). Winning Grants Step by Step. Wiley.
• Warren, R. (2014). Building Donor Loyalty. HarperCollins.