Knowing how to effectively write grant applications help the hunt for funding aid that will help launch a good social project. Well, this is a common scenario among nonprofit groups. Many are looking for ways to seek help from funding institutions to finance their worthwhile causes. But is it really that easy to do?
As a member of a nonprofit, you should be aware that getting grant award is not a walk in the park. There are a lot of factors that a funding institution takes into consideration before making any decision. Below is a list of factors that you need to think through:
What Nonprofits Should Know About Grant Applications
As a grant writing firm that has been doing business for many years now, Allied Grant Writers (AGW) came to know the things that often hinder the success of “valuable” projects. We believe that getting the essential funds is all about eligibility. Below are some of the factors that you, as a grant seeker, have to consider when applying for an aid:
1. Relevance of the proposed project to the funder’s mission
This is the most vital info that foundation’s grant review committee initially looks at. Do you share the same purpose, mission, and goal with that of the funder? If no, sure you won’t get any grant money. On the other hand, if it is yes, the committee will proceed to learn more about the specifics of your proposed project.
2. Significance of the project
This may sound like the first one, but these are two different things that mean two different ideas. This one refers to the impact of the project on your target beneficiaries (without giving importance to the funder’s organizational mission). The question usually being considered is, “will it bring positive impact or influence to the lives of vulnerable group(s) of people?”
3. Beneficiaries
AGW wants to set the record straight once and for all — that funding sources do also assist men and all other types of people regardless of their race, language spoken, creed, and other aspects that may cause discrimination. Most of these institutions are just known for helping women, children, students, youth, elderly, orphans, and low-income families for their “apparent” helplessness. This doesn’t mean that men (and anyone else not particularly mentioned) need no help when they’re faced with life’s adversities.
4. Geographic focus
While all grantors consider the location of an applying group, not all applicants are aware of the geographical restrictions. Thus, it is better that you also know more about this detail before you submit a written request.
5. Amount of the request
This seems to be a common problem. AGW advises nonprofits to compute for actual or estimated program costs, learn how much is to be given by a funder (range of grant award), and know if these two amounts match so as to avoid rejection of the proposal.
6. Deadline
Though this is the last factor to ponder, AGW hopes that this is not the least of your group’s priority. Failure to conform to a set deadline can ruin the project’s chances no matter how significant your proposed project is. Submit the required documents on time and your efforts will surely payoff.
Boost Your Grant Applications
Do you have an interesting project in mind but don’t know how to write a formal request? Seek help from expert grant writers.
