Stephanie Y. Shoemaker, MSM, CFRE October 22, 2016 Soroptimist North Atlantic Region Fall District Meeting Grant seeking 101 Stephanie Y. Shoemaker, MSM, CFRE October 22, 2016

What you should know before you begin: What are your Vision and Mission Statements? What services does your club provide? What are the financial needs of your projects WHAT IS YOUR “ELEVATOR SPEECH”?

TYPES OF GRANTS Grantseeking 101 Businesses Clubs & Associations (like Soroptimist) TYPES OF GRANTS Corporations (CSR vs. Advertising Budgets) Foundations (Private, Family) Government Federated Campaigns Religious Organizations

TOP REASONS FUNDING REQUESTS ARE DENIED… It is estimated that less than 20% of grant applications are awarded. Here are some of the most common reasons cited for being denied funding: Proposal doesn't meet funder priorities. The organization is outside the funder’s geographic area. Proposal doesn’t follow the format/directions Proposal lacks clarity. Proposal is not within the budget range The proposing organization is unknown to the funder.

HOW DO I INCREASE MY CHANCES FOR GETTING A GRANT? Build the relationship… Report on the progress… Thank the funder… REMEMBER: GRANTMAKERS ARE PEOPLE FIRST! HOW DO I INCREASE MY CHANCES FOR GETTING A GRANT? Grant writing is all about RELATIONSHIPS!

How do I build a relationship with the funder? Grantseeking 101 1. Research 2. Approach How do I build a relationship with the funder? 3. Identify the project/request 4. ASK! 5. Follow-up 6. REPORT! 7. What’s next?

1. RESEARCHING FOR FUNDERS… Foundation Center’s Foundation Directory Online (http://foundationcenter.org/) FoundationSearch (http://www.foundationsearch.com/) Grant Watch (https://www.grantwatch.com/grant-search.php) Guidestar (http://www.guidestar.org/Home.aspx) Good Ole’ GOOGLE

Foundation Center FIN Locations FUNDING INFORMATION NETWORK LOCATIONS Chester County Library and District Center Exton PA Pottstown Regional Public Library Pottstown Montgomery County Community College Blue Bell Free Library of Philadelphia Philadelphia University of Delaware - Center For Community Research and Service Wilmington DE University of Delaware - Hugh M. Morris Library Newark Margaret E. Heggan Free Public Library Sewell NJ Reading Public Library Reading Margaret R Grundy Memorial Library Bristol Allentown Public Library Allentown Source: http://foundationcenter.org/ask-us/find-us

HAVE YOU LOOKED IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD?… North Atlantic Region website has links to awards and grants! http://www.soroptimistnar.org/forms-documents/ SIA Celebrating Success Awards – Due July 1st Peace Begins at Home Grant Program – Due December 31st in the 2nd year of the biennium _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SIA has a grant program for you! https://www.soroptimist.org/members/program/programdocs/soro ptimistclubgrants/scgapplication-writeable.pdf Soroptimist Club Grants for Women and Girls – Due March 1st

2. APPROACHING THE FUNDER Each funder is different 2. APPROACHING THE FUNDER Review the research from grant guidelines or online information May be done by phone call, letter of inquiry or a personal visit (when invited)

3. IDENTIFY THE PROJECT What are the funder’s giving priorities? What project of yours matches the funder’s interests? Review the deadlines and timing of your needs. Develop a case for support

4. ASK!!! Remember you are building a partnership and investment… Follow the directives of the funder. Only submit what is requested Online grant proposals vs. hard copy proposals Proposals mirror letters of inquiry. Remember you are building a partnership and investment… not a one-time donation!

Letters of Inquiry vs. Proposal Components Letter of Inquiry Proposals Inquiry letters are typically 2-3 pages and include: Organizational overview (mission, etc.) Explanation of funding request Needs Statement Project Description List of other funders approached Ask for the application Cover Letter Executive Summary Narrative which includes: Needs Assessment Goals & Objectives Methodology Evaluation – MEASUREMENTS FOR OUTCOMES! Budget Qualifications Conclusion Appendices/Attachments Source: http://www.npguides.org/

SAMPLE KEY INDICATORS FOR PROGRAM SUCCESS Grantseeking 101 # of current participants % of participants by gender # of girls/women who completed the program SAMPLE KEY INDICATORS FOR PROGRAM SUCCESS (a.k.a. Outcomes) Type of education pursued What participants are doing (i.e., employed, in school, etc.) Amount spent by category of expense Actual vs. Budgeted cost per person

Contact the funder (unless otherwise prohibited) to make sure all materials were received 5. FOLLOW-UP Communicate regularly when awarded Thank the funder!

6. REPORTING WHAT ELSE? Grantseeking 101 What are some ideas for reporting? 1. Required forms and reports 6. REPORTING 2. Testimonials 3. Pictures of beneficiaries/volunteers 4. Thank you letters from recipients WHAT ELSE?

7. WHAT’S NEXT? Maintain ongoing communication with the funder Ask for their ideas Let’s do it again!

INFORMATION OF INTEREST… Helpful information on grant writing http://www.npguides.org/index.html Article discussing some different online databases http://www.thenonprofittimes.com/news-articles/finding-grants-through-online-databases/ Pamela’s Grantwriting Blog offers a 5 part free intro to grant writing course http://www.pamelasgrantwritingblog.com/

QUESTIONS? Stephanie Y. Shoemaker, MSM, CFRE Development Director Hendricks House Group, Inc. my4jacs@verizon.net QUESTIONS?