Ten Commandments of Successful Fundraising
You have written a great proposal, now it's time for a "once over" to make sure that you have positioned your request in the most positive light. Review your funding request against these top ten rules.
- Always know your funding source; ask questions about priorities for funding.
- Remember to make a compelling case for funding based on a documented need.
- Do not use jargon. Make it simple.
- Always check and recheck your figures.
- Ask for a reasonable amount for the project; do not "pad'' the budget or ask for less than seems reasonable.
- Don't try to figure out unclear guidelines or applications by yourself -- call the grant program administrator to ask questions (it is his or her job to answer them).
- No question is too small or too dumb. The little things often trip up applicants because panelists are looking for projects NOT to fund and any flaw could be cause to dismiss the proposal.
- Write your proposal as if you were explaining your case to a judge -- that is what grant review panelists are.
- Use only relevant documentation. More is not better; brief but complete is best.
- Find out about your successes and failures; ask the reasons for rejection and success so that you can continue to hone your skills and understand your weaknesses.
If you have trouble reading this e-newsletter due to formatting issues, or visible HTML code, or if you would like to discuss content-related issues, please contact Bill Freeman, NRC e-Newsletter Editor at wjf@daremightythings.com.
Hypertext links and other references to non-CCF products and services are provided for information only and do not constitute endorsement or warranty, express or implied, by the CCF, DHHS, or U.S. Government, as to their suitability, content, usefulness, functioning, completeness, or accuracy.