and compelling.
I. Prospect Research
More than 44,000 foundations, 90% of corporations and thousands of government programs
provide grants and in-kind support for nonprofit organizations. Targeting the right funding
sources is an essential step in meeting your fundraising needs. To navigate the complex funding
world, study the following key information about potential donors to find funders that match
your needs and priorities.
a. Giving area (such as Arts & Humanities or Health & Human Services)
b. Assets
c. Types of support
d. Application guidelines
e. Initial Contact method
f. Contact Information
g. Officers and Trustees
h. Amount of grants
i. Giving range
j. Past grants given to similar causes
l. Location
m. Limitations
n. Activities
Certain funding sources only give to pre-selected organizations. Look at “limitations” before
you go any further so you don’t waste your time. After a preliminary search, compile a chart
with the criteria most important to your search. You can use an overview listing each donor
prospect with a few essential points about each as a reference sheet to present to the board.
|
Potential donor |
Assets |
Program |
To apply |
Due date |
Contact person |
|
Wicket Corp. 700 E 4 St. NY 10017 (212) 555-9000 |
$20 B |
Higher Education Media (film) Minorities Museums |
Letter or phone inquiry |
April 1 |
Mr. John Doe |
government alone has more than 1400 programs (each with many components) that provide assistance
or benefits to the American public. Each state government also has grant programs to help its citizens
and local organizations. Record all potential foundation and corporate donors in your database cross-
indexed by deadlines, program area, giving amount and contact names.
Keep more detailed files on the donors with the greatest potential. Consider including updates on
their application process, web site informationand references or articles you come across. With the
donor profiles in yourrecords, you will have a strong basis for matching your need with the
donorinterests when it comes time to write the grant
II. Grant Development Research
Developing the Statement of Need Section of a Grant Proposal
Use your answers to the following questions to draft the statement of need section of your proposal.
Include measurable data – percentages, growth rates, ratio comparisons—to verify your credibility and
illustrate the urgency of the issue. Funders want to see evidence to back up your claim that something
needs to be done now. Measurable data in your statement of need also lays the groundwork for a
rigorous evaluation, which is increasingly important to donors and will help you secure funding in the
future. A strong evaluation will show donors that you accomplished what you said you would with their
money and will help build a strong enduring relationship that will bring you ongoing funding.
a. What societal need will this project address?
b. What are the effects of this problem and on what populations?
c. What factors contribute to this problem?
d. What aspects of the problem do you want to focus on?
e. What is your approach?
f. How do other groups (including the government) approach this
problem? What are their failures and successes?
g. Why is this a good time to attack this problem? Show how the funder will be part of something big
and exciting. No one wants to be part of a crisis. Turn the need into an opportunity for renewal.
h. What are the short and long term goals of the project?
Use charts, graphs and pictures to make the statistics meaningful and to engage the reader.
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