Getting the grant: Funding your mission Julie Stanley Director of Grants and Strategic Initiatives
Vocabulary Grant Grant writer/funder Grant seeker RFP LOI Application/proposal
Where to start: Research potential funders Mission/vision Priorities Subject areas Geographical focus Types of grants awarded
Did someone say research? fconline.foundationcenter.org grants.gov foundationsearch.com grantstation.com grantspace.com
Be someone to fund! Credibility Capacity Evidence Sustainability
Now what? More research! Current/past guidelines Current/past grantees Average grant size Geographical region and subject area of actual grant awards
Build your relationship Identify relationship building activities Treat grant funders as you do individual donors Don’t be tempted to skip this step Don’t make assumptions
The application process Concise and compelling application that tells a consistent story across all application elements No mistakes Perfect budget Follow submission guidelines EXACTLY
You’re funded! Clarify grant terms Be responsive and meet deadlines Recognize your funder appropriately Communicate Report
Oh, wait, you’re not… Be gracious Follow up and ask questions Share their feedback Try again?
What grants cannot do Not a quick fix solution to budget woes Not an easy and low-maintenance revenue stream Not successful without full team support
What grants can do Can help launch a new program Can create leverage for securing other support Can bring a collaborative effort together and move the needle for a community issue
Remember: Stay positive Be polite Build relationships Come to us for help
Kiwanis Children’s Fund KiwanisChildrensFund.org grants@kiwanis.org 1-800-KIWANIS, ext. 225 (U.S. and Canada) or +1-317-217-6225 (worldwide)