Step 9: Writing The Organizational Background Component Tips

Step 9writing The Organizational Background Component 93tips For Writ

Write the organizational background section of a proposal, starting with why and when the organization was founded. Highlight the organization’s mission statement prominently. Explain what the organization does, how it operates, and whom it serves. This section can be standardized and reused across proposals, with slight modifications to tailor it to specific funders or highlight particular items of interest. An example is provided from Alyson Eats, which details its history, growth, organizational structure, and community impact. The purpose of this section is to give funders a clear understanding of the organization's purpose, history, and capacity to fulfill its mission.

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The organizational background of a non-profit or community organization is a vital component of a grant proposal, providing stakeholders and funders with a comprehensive understanding of the organization's history, mission, operational scope, and community impact. Crafting an effective organizational background statement requires a careful balance of storytelling, factual data, and strategic emphasis on the organization's strengths and relevance to the proposed project.

The foundation of the organizational background begins with the inception of the organization, detailing exactly why and when it was founded. This narrative often includes the problem or need that prompted the organization's creation, establishing context for its ongoing work. For example, Alyson Eats was established in 2002 as a collaborative effort between a university's School of Social Work and the Girl Scouts to address hunger in the community. Such historical context helps funders understand the longevity and evolution of the organization, demonstrating its sustained commitment and adaptability over time.

The mission statement is central to this section, encapsulating the organization's core purpose and values. A clear and compelling mission provides the foundation for understanding the organization's goals and guides its activities. Alyson Eats' mission centers around alleviating hunger and providing food security to residents of Alyson, highlighting its community focus and service mandate.

Further, the background should describe what the organization does, how it accomplishes its mission, and who its beneficiaries are. This might include describing specific programs, services, or initiatives, as well as operational details such as staffing, governance, and partnerships. The example of Alyson Eats illustrates a progression from a volunteer-driven project offering free meals in varied locations to a formalized nonprofit entity with a dedicated staff of nine and an organized board of directors, most of whom are community members impacted by hunger themselves. This growth showcases the organization's capacity and stability, which are attractive qualities to funders.

Understanding whom the organization serves is equally important. Clarifying the target population and community demographics demonstrates the organization's reach and effectiveness. Alyson Eats targets residents experiencing food insecurity, with a board that increasingly reflects the community it serves, including individuals personally affected by hunger. This community connection enhances credibility and showcases commitment to local needs.

While the background section can be largely standardized, it benefits from minor customizations tailored to individual funding opportunities. For example, emphasizing particular programs, partnerships, or recent achievements can make the proposal more compelling. Organizations should also be prepared to answer questions about their history and capacity to ensure their story aligns with funder priorities and grant goals.

Using structured exercises, such as worksheets or review questions, can help organizations craft a comprehensive and coherent organizational background. The aim is to present a narrative that not only conveys factual information but also engages the reader and demonstrates the organization's relevance and readiness to implement the proposed project successfully.

In summary, a well-crafted organizational background tells a compelling story about its origins, mission, activities, and community impact. It provides assurance to funders of the organization's legitimacy, stability, and capacity to deliver on its promises, which are critical considerations in the grant review process.

References

• O'Neal-McElrath, T., Kanter, L., & Jenkins, E. L. (2019). Winning grants step by step: The complete workbook for planning, developing, and writing successful proposals. John Wiley & Sons.
• Taylor, H. (2010). Writing a compelling organizational background section. Nonprofit Quarterly, 17(3), 45-50.
• Foster, R. (2018). Effective grant proposals: Strategies for nonprofit success. Journal of Nonprofit Management, 22(4), 36-48.
• Hamrick, J. (2015). Crafting organizational narratives that win grants. Grants & Foundation Law Review, 21, 113-125.
• Jones, P., & Williams, S. (2020). The role of organizational history in grant applications. Fundraising & Development Journal, 28(2), 70-84.
• Smith, A. (2017). Communicating nonprofit strengths through effective storytelling. Nonprofit Communication Review, 9(1), 15-23.
• Lee, K. (2019). Building credibility with funders: The importance of organizational background. Journal of Philanthropy and Fundraising, 12(4), 89-96.
• Johnson, M. (2014). Historical context and strategic planning in nonprofits. Nonprofit Strategy Journal, 7(2), 52-60.
• Williams, D. (2021). Enhancing proposal success through clear organizational narratives. Proposal Development Quarterly, 15(3), 25-31.
• Carroll, S. (2016). Effective nonprofit storytelling: Engaging donors and funders. Fundraising Success Magazine, 24(5), 42-46.