Grants: Ready? Willing? Able? Presented by Trace Hoekstra, Kitchen Sink Communications

Grants: Ready? Willing? Able? A typical first conversation with a new client…

Awwwwww!

At this point in the conversation… We can typically agree: ▫ There is a problem the client is passionate about. ▫ There is a potential solution, often a bird’s-eye view. Problem: Without tags or a microchip “found” pets are unlikely to be reconnected to their families. Solution: Microchip all pets.

Are they able? TIME At the most basic level, yes! They, or someone supportive of their mission, has good technical writing skills. They are google-savvy and can look up anything they don’t understand about writing a grant request. The most common reason a group is unable? TIME Are they able? At the most basic level, yes!

Are they willing? TIME For the most part, yes! Because they are passionate, they are willing to do anything to move toward fulfilling their mission. When someone tells them they can’t, they use it as fuel to show they can. They are willing to learn. The most common reason a group is unable? TIME Are they willing? For the most part, yes!

Are they ready? Almost never. Their view: We have a problem and a potential solution. The IRS determined we are approved to accept charitable donations. We want to do good! We are READY! My view: A problem, solution, willingness to do good and charitable status are critical, but don’t make an organization ready for grants. They are the basics. Are they ready? Almost never.

Just OK = Meeting minimum requirements = Having a problem, potential solution, a willingness to do good and an IRS charitable designation.

The “Other” Basics Organizational Infrastructure Mission, vision and goals Independent board of directors Strategic planning/goals Bank account and basic accounting practices The “Other” Basics Organizational Infrastructure

The “Other” Basics Key Documents Detailed org budget 990 Filings/IRS filings Audited financials or year-end W9 Board list with affiliations/contact info/terms The “Other” Basics Key Documents

The “Other” Basics A Project A specific project or program which requires funding A project timeline Target Audience Need Identified objectives/ outcomes The “Other” Basics A Project

We have the basics, now what?

Your Organization is Ready at a Basic Level… Your Organization is Ready at a Basic Level…. But Are Grants Right for You? Does Your Organization Have the Resources? Is Your Organization Likely to Be Successful? Time to build a relationship with a funder? Time to write a proposal? Time to document expenditures and collect data? Time to report? Will you get enough funding to offset the time and energy you are putting in? ?

Let’s Go Back to the Dogs… Grants are competitive funding sources, which means to be successful your project must be… compelling!

What Makes a Proposal Compelling? Need Solutions Partners Potential for Success

Need In General For the Dogs Societal v. Org Supportive Data How can you frame the need to make it relatable and broad? What does society need? Microchips? To keep pets safe? To reunite families? How many pets go missing each year? How many stray animals arrive at shelters without microchips? How many that arrive with microchips are reunited with owners?

Solutions In General For the Dogs Realistic & effective Cost-appropriate Detailed Ability to measure Did the research on needs lead to the conclusion that microchipping would help solve the problem? Is it feasible? How far will the money go? Does a microchip cost $10 or $100? Can you create broad impact at minimal cost? How, exactly, is this going to happen? Where will you purchase the chips? How will you distribute them? Who is the target audience? How will you show this work met the need? How many dogs will you chip? How many will return to families after getting lost because of your work?

Partners In General For the Dogs Credible partners Non-duplicative Financial leverage Broad support Do you have veterinarian or shelter partners who are invested in this work? Credible organizations in the field? Who microchips dogs now? How is your project different? Who has contributed financially to the cause? Did you get microchip donations? Do you have funding we raised or invested? Do you have community support? Lots of small donations? Lots of volunteers?

Potential for Success In General For the Dogs History of success Strong leadership Audience Have you piloted the program with a shelter or veterinarian? Are you already doing this work successfully? Have you done other, similar work effectively? Who is leading the organization? Do they have a history in the field? What is their background? Is the work you want to do compelling to potential funders? Do they care about this?

Trace Hoekstra 515. 992. 2291 trace@kitchensinkcommunications. com www Trace Hoekstra 515.992.2291 trace@kitchensinkcommunications.com www.kitchensinkcommunications.com