1. 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

2. 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”?

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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!

6. 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?

7. 1. RESEARCHING FOR FUNDERS…
Foundation Center’s Foundation Directory Online (
FoundationSearch (
Grant Watch (
Guidestar (
Good Ole’ GOOGLE

8. 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:

9. HAVE YOU LOOKED IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD?…
North Atlantic Region website has links to awards and grants!
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!
ptimistclubgrants/scgapplication-writeable.pdf
Soroptimist Club Grants for Women and Girls – Due March 1st

10. 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)

11. 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

12. 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!

13. 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:

14. 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

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

16. 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?

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

18. INFORMATION OF INTEREST…
Helpful information on grant writing
Article discussing some different online databases
Pamela’s Grantwriting Blog offers a 5 part free intro to grant writing course

19. QUESTIONS? Stephanie Y. Shoemaker, MSM, CFRE Development Director
Hendricks House Group, Inc.
QUESTIONS?