Four Questions Funders Want You to Answer

Whether you’re just starting to apply for grants or you’ve been at it for a while, reading through grant guidelines can feel overwhelming. Between the narrative, budget, and attachments required, it seems like each grant application needs so much information. Why do you have to go through so many hoops?

When you’re in the weeds with grant application requirements, it can be helpful to consider the bigger picture. Think about grant preparation as an investment in a relationship with a funder. A grant proposal gives you and the funder a chance to get to know each other. Does your mission match theirs? Will your work help solve the problem you’re both focused on solving?

When you break it down, most applications are asking for the same information in different ways.

#1

The funder wants to know what work your organization is doing or plans to do, whether that’s for a single project or for an entire program. What is your mission? How does your organization’s work serve that mission? Does your work match the funder’s mission? What services are you providing and how?

#2

They want to know who your organization is serving or plans to serve. Some funders only focus on K-12 students; others want their funding to impact people with disabilities. The more you can make the case for the population you serve matching their priority group, the stronger your application will be. Be ready to present research data that objectively identifies the demographic and socioeconomic factors that defined the population you serve.

#3

They’ll ask questions about how credible and effective your organization is, both in carrying out your project/program and in fiscal responsibility. Some sample narrative questions in this topic would include how long your organization has been doing this work, who on your team is best qualified and how, and your methods for measuring success. Financially, you’ll need to show your organization’s tax returns, audited financial statements, as well as organizational and project/program budgets. And if you win the grant, be prepared to report on these elements in detail (so line-by-line budgeting is vital!).

#4

And most funders will ask how you’ll recognize them if they commit to your organization. While government funders are quite particular about their recognition (with many outlining specific verbal, print, and web requirements), foundations may be less specific. Be ready to discuss how the funder will benefit from their gift to you.

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It bears repeating that grants establish relationships between nonprofits and funders. As a Type A planner, I’m guilty of working through a checklist (it’s really satisfying, right?) and at times forgetting the bigger picture of the purpose of all the work. Although it’s easy to get lost in the minutiae of what is required for a grant, take time to evaluate how your organization and the funder could work together to solve the problem you’re both out to solve. And while some volunteer-run foundations may discourage you from contacting them, you’ll find that grant program managers usually love to have a conversation with you so your application can be strong and successful.

P.S. If you find a really awesome grant opportunity but it doesn’t match your current work, resist the urge to create a project or program just to chase after that grant. Working backward like this will make it difficult for you to carry out the project/program, particularly if you create the initiative and don’t end up getting the funding.