Getting started:

• Understand and articulate your organization’s core mission, then seek appropriate funding in support of that mission.
• Find a grant opportunity that meets your goals rather than designing a project just to win a grant.
• Talk to the Foundation’s program director about your ideas.  This can save you time and help shape your proposal.
• Look for funding from a variety of sources.
• Make sure you have completed any outstanding grant reports.  We will not fund an organization with a delinquent grant report.

Grant process:

• All grant applications are reviewed by a committee of volunteers as well as Foundation staff members.
• Site visits or phone interviews may be requested during the review process.
• The grant process can take several months.  Be sure that you are not requesting funds for a program that will be completed or nearly completed by the end of the review process.  We do not fund retroactively.

Using the guidelines:

• Answer all questions asked.
• Adhere to deadlines.  Late applications will not be considered.
• Complete all sections completely, include cover page and application summary. 
• Provide all requested documentation.

Writing your proposal:

• Do not assume the reader knows anything about your program, even if you have spoken to the Foundation staff.  Proposals are reviewed by a committee of community volunteers.
• Make sure the application is written using proper grammar, spelling and punctuation.  Have another person proofread your proposal before mailing.
• Don’t promise more than you can deliver; be realistic.

Evaluation:

• Focus on how your program will change lives rather than just report numbers served.
• How will you know if your program has been successful?
• How will you measure success?

Planning for a site visit:

• Show the grants committee member what you do.  Try to schedule visits when activities are in progress.
• Be prepared to answer specific questions about the program.
• Include program staff and/or board members in the site visit.

Using fiscal agents: