Grant Tip: How to Get in the Door
by William High

Grant Tip!--How to Get in the Door

 

These are uncertain economic times—to say the least.  Many non profits are concerned and to put it bluntly will struggle in the coming months.  Nonetheless, grant funding is still a real possibility.  Many foundations are willing to dig deeper in these economic times. 

 

What is the key to getting grants?  It is not simply reviewing the profile of a foundation and then writing the grant and hoping that something will come of it. 

 

Here’s the simple tip:  subscribe the Christian Foundation Grants database.  Then, carefully review the foundations in your immediate geographic area.  As you look at those foundations, carefully review the people on the boards of the foundation.  See how many you know.  If you don’t know people on the board, then send out an email, or make phone calls to your friends.  Ask them if they know people on the board, and here’s the clincher:  ask them if they will make an introduction for you to meet the board member.

 

Then go have the meeting with the board member.   Leave your proposal at home.   Listen carefully.  Ask questions to learn about (a) the board member, (b) the foundation and its goals and aims (c) determine how your ministry fits within their goals and aims.  Finally, ask for permission to submit a proposal.

 

Try it.  This process works—particularly when you seek to understand them first, and talk about your ministry second.

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