Funders are not just looking for projects to support; they are looking for partners who share their vision and can effectively contribute to their goals. Just like you, they’re working incredible hard to drive their mission forward, so here are our tips to help you to pick up what they’re putting down.
- Funders Have Their Own Rules
Don’t forget: even the most generous “general operating” funders have strict internal guidelines, grounded in their own philosophies about how to make the world a better place. Just because you think there’s a good match between the funder and your program, doesn’t mean that it’s true. Remember to start with fully understanding the vision and mission of the foundation and their theory of change. If you’re fluent in their goals, you’ll be able to best understand whether (and how) your programs align.
- Get That Story Straight
Funders always favor projects that integrate with your long-term strategic goals, which signal sustainability and impact. But if your plan is 100 pages long, you’re going to be stuck when it’s time to tell your story in a grant application or report. Plan ahead and spend time creating a one sentence, one paragraph, and one page version of your strategic plan and you’ll have a clear, concise case no matter the format.
- Help Them Help You
This sounds like a no-brainer, but you’d be shocked: please (please, please!) – read the grant application. The funder is telling you EXACTLY what organizations and programs are best aligned, and how to craft your narrative and budgets to meet their requirements. And ask questions! Almost every application has a pathway to reach out. Don’t hesitate if you need clarity but follow the rules. Backchanneling or aggressive outreach is never appreciated.
- Bespoke is Best
You’ve done that homework, so craft each application with the specific funder in mind. Avoid the temptation to copy-paste from one proposal to another. It’s an obvious move that looks lazy and invites dangerous editing mistakes (like pasting in the wrong funder’s name – eek!). When you tailor your narrative to each funder’s unique priorities and language, it shows that you respect their mission and are genuinely interested in forming a partnership, not just receiving funds.
- Does it Work? How Will They Know?
Get clear on your organization’s theory of change and your program’s hypothesis, and then translate that into a compelling narrative. Answer the questions even before they’re asked: which metrics will prove your success? Why? And how will you collect and analyze? Sweet stories are nice, but impact is everyone’s ultimate goal; so, show your potential funders that it’s top of mind and how you plan to deliver.
The grant application process is a strange mix of first dates, choreography, and inspiration. Funders want you to polish your shoes, follow the rules and be passionate and clear. Show them real alignment, a shared vision, and a path to impact and you’ll become an ally, not just a grantee.