1. The Role of Grants in a Diversified Fundraising Portfolio
Presented by:
Maureen A. Ryan
Write Connections, LLC

2. What is the Current Grant Funding Climate?
Federal Government level:
Most federal departments do not have leadership
Some federal departments have already made changes to eligibility requirements or intent of funding (DOE, DEP)
Some departments have already been threatened with elimination or reduction in funding (NEA, NEH)
Legislative/policy changes directly impact local nonprofit operations
State and Local Government level:
PA budget often in limbo
Possible shift of responsibility for federal funding allocations – states to allocate w/o federal oversight?
Foundation Level (community, independent, family):
Foundations being more strategic in who they fund and for how much
Foundations often shift their giving priorities every 3-5 years
Open to working with nonprofit organizations on innovative ways to collaborate for long-term sustainability

3. Securing grant funds takes PLANNING and PREPARATION
What Can Nonprofit Organizations do in Response?
PLAN & PREPARE!!!
Winning a grant takes more than an idea and a funding source. It takes an organization that is well managed, that understands its purpose, and one that utilizes its staff and board efficiently. A successful grant program requires the organization to identify its long and short term goals, the priorities of the proposed project, and the strengths and limitations of its staff and their procedures.
Securing grant funds takes PLANNING and PREPARATION

4. Effective planning strategies:
Look to your organization’s Strategic Plan to identify organizational priorities – where are there opportunities for new programs or the expansion of existing programs?
Direct service interventions
Education
Outreach & Advocacy
Policy/Legislative change
Fee-for-service
Funders want to see that your organization has a robust scope of programs and services that address the needs of the population(s) that you serve – that your organization is being “responsive” to the community’s needs.

5. Effective planning strategies: Develop new partnerships
Look for opportunities to collaborate with other nonprofit organizations that can offer complementary services to your proposed program.
Consider partnering with other mission-similar organizations to submit “joint” grant requests.
With grant funds being ever-competitive, funders want to see innovative and sustainable partnerships between and among nonprofit organizations.

6. Effective planning strategies:
Develop a DIVERSIFIED fundraising strategy.
Membership fees
Individual Giving
Major Gifts
Planned Giving
Events
Grants
Crowdsourcing
Space rental
Fee-for-service (i.e., training other nonprofits)
Corporate sponsorship
Foundation/Endowment/Investments

7. So how do you determine a level of effort for securing Grant funds?

8. ABC Historical Society Property & Grounds Rental
Admission Fees
Special Events
Donors
Grants
(Gov’t & Foundation)
Individuals paying average of $6 admission fee to Museum.
Current:
900 visitors = $5,400
Target
Grow # of visitors to 1,600
Individuals paying for annual membership
$25/yr.
$35/yr.
$55/yr. =
$13,000
Target:
Grow # of memberships by 350 (at average $35/yr. rate)
= $12,250
High-Net worth individuals
Individuals/members donating $100+/year.
Annual giving in December = $4,000
Grow individual giving by 100%
Independent & community Foundations (SWPA and National)
PA Foundations
Federal Agencies/
Departments
No grants.
Solicit grant funds to support educational programming, archives, and special events.
Signature Events
Festival Days
Fall Fest
Festival Days = $40,000
Brew Fest = $0
Grow FD 2017 by $5,000
Grow revenue for Fall Fest to $5,000
Members
$ 10,000
$ 25,250
$ 8,000
$ 50,000
$ 1,000
Revenue Growth Targets for Operating Budget (FY 2017): Goal = $250,000 (Baseline Approx. $100K)
Proposed Projections
Museum Shop
$15,000
Annual revenue from retail sales in Museum Gift Shop.
$5,000 in annual sales.
Grow retail sales by $10,000
Property & Grounds Rental
Property and grounds rental to community.
$500 annually
Grow rentals by 100%
Educational Programs
School Tours
Educational workshops
Classes
$8,000 annually
Grow by $5,000
$ 13,000
$ 107,750
Corporate Sponsorship
$20,000
Sponsorship for underwriting of special events and/or programs or publications.
Current:
Festival Days = $12,000
PNC Bank = $4,000
Target:
Grow corporate sponsorship for events and programs by $4,000

9. Keep in Mind:
Planning for grants should be LAST!
Grant funding should only be considered as funding support for:
Launching a new program/project
Expanding an existing program/project
Helping to support a deficit or funding shortfall
Grant funding is TEMPORARY – never expect that grant funding will always be available

10. Why is it important to know where “Grants” fit into your fundraising?
Programs & Services
Helps to support sustainability of the program you are proposing.
Example: “The Lone Star organization has established a diversified fundraising strategy. Future funding costs for the XYZ Project will be secured through “individual giving dollars,” “profits from our annual golf gala,” “board contributions,” etc.
Funding /Revenue
Helps to support your ability to show in a grant budget that a portion of the program/project funds will be covered by the organization itself – putting up “committed funds” helps show the funder that your organization is willing to commit operational funds to the proposed program/project.

11. Build the Best Case for Support
Strengthen your case for support both NARRATIVELY and FINANCIALLY.
Proposal narrative:
- Develop a solid Need Statement/Case for Support
- Refer to your Diversified Fundraising Strategy in your Sustainability Statement
Budget:
- When possible, show that your organization has “skin in the game” by putting up operational funds to support the program/project (25% Rule)

12. Helpful Takeaways:
“Are You Grant Ready?” video at
Grant Ready Checklist: The Practice of Preparation in Grantseeking

13. Questions & Comments? Maureen A. Ryan Write Connections, LLC
Phone: