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Some On-the-money Advice on Grant Writing

By DONNA ROUNDY, CPA and CARLY CAVANAUGH, CPA

Donna Roundy, CPA

Donna Roundy, CPA

Carly Cavanaugh

Carly Cavanaugh

Grant money can be used in a number of applications, including the forming of new nonprofit organizations, startups, and the expansion or development of current initiatives and programs. However, securing grant money for your organization isn’t always as easy or straightforward as you may expect.
In a difficult and tumultuous economy, funding is increasingly difficult to secure. There is heightened competition for a diminishing grant pool, increased scrutiny by granting organizations, and limited resources to utilize when applying for grant dollars. Beyond the economic constraints involved, there are a number of additional issues to consider, including where to begin looking for grant money, how to apply, and how to determine which grants you may be eligible for.
However, despite the many challenges you may face when pursuing grant money, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. In this article, we will explore ways to differentiate and enhance your application, resources you may use in order to pursue the best opportunities, and strategies that you can utilize in order to build cohesive and effective relationships with granting organizations. Further, we will discuss the importance of finding granting organizations whose goals and mission are aligned with that of your organization.
When applying for a grant, it is crucial to be informed about the granting organization and its expectations. Ensuring that both organizations are working toward similar goals is step one; carefully read the application and assess whether your missions align. A careful analysis of your own organization’s mission and long-term goals is imperative.
Also, determine if any of your professional or personal contacts have an affiliation or relationship with the grantor. Matt Blumenfeld, principal of Financial Development Agency, noted that “your board and close friends matter. While it is frequently the executive director and/or board chair who will officially submit the proposal, it is really important to figure out if your organization (volunteers or staff) has any existing relationships with an individual at the funding source.”
If you can locate and activate a ‘champion’ inside the funding entity that will help to distinguish your proposal from all of the other excellent applicants you’re competing with, you increase your likelihood of acquiring funding. Blumenfeld stressed how important building relationships with the grantor can be. Establishing a relationship can be helpful because they get to know your organization.
Collaboration among organizations seeking grant money is a unique way to set your organization apart and increase your chances of winning a grant. When two organizations with similar or complimentary missions connect, you can increase the population you are helping and may be able to offer a more complete service.
For example, if you are applying for a grant to decrease childhood obesity through after-school programs, you may consider teaming up with a local gym, a farmers market, or your local parks and recreation department. Pooling these resources not only more effectively accomplishes your goal but also creates a symbiotic relationship between entities that makes a difference in the community and increases your chances to be successful in winning your grant award.
Be mindful of deadlines. A significant amount of information is needed to complete an application. Working with your team to set internal deadlines before the grantors’ deadline is a great way to ensure enough time for review and rewrites.
Being honest and realistic about what you hope to achieve is essential. Let your passion stand out in your writing. You want the funder to share your excitement about what you plan to achieve. It is important that you understand and can clearly communicate your program objectives but also how you are going to make that dream a reality. Realistic expectations and budgets can make the difference. Having additional funding sources can be a deciding factor in your favor, as grantors prefer not to be the sole provider of funds.
Once you have finished writing your proposal and have performed an intense self-review, one strategy for success is to reach out to people outside of your company or organization. Often, professional colleagues have gone through the process and can provide insight into making your proposal successful. A proofreader can give you objective advice on how to be more clear and logical in your language, and can catch inconsistencies. Be open-minded to suggested changes.
Here in Western Mass., there are a number of resources available to you when searching for funding sources. One organization that lists private funders is the Foundation Center Directory (www.foundationcenter.org). You may also wish to contact the Community Foundation of Western Mass. for help with the technical aspect of grant writing and to request funding. If you are a smaller organization and do not have the personnel or time to put into writing a grant proposal, you may consider using a grant-writing company, such as the Financial Development Agency of Amherst. These types of agencies are there to help you along the way and provide guidance through this difficult process if your organization lacks the resources to devote to grant writing.
Securing grant money is a difficult and challenging process. However, with the appropriate amount of research, relationship building, and passion, it’s an achievable goal. The guidance of your peers and that of the granting organization can help you successfully navigate the grant-application process. Always be sure to leverage the resources available to you, ensure that your mission and that of the grantor are aligned, and, above all, pay strict attention to detail when preparing your grant application.
By keeping these strategies in mind, you will be well on your way to winning your bid.

Donna Roundy, CPA is a senior manager with the Holyoke-based accounting firm Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. (MBK); [email protected]. Carly Cavanaugh, CPA is a senior associate with MBK; [email protected].