Grant Writing Basics
Brook Wingate & Rich Whittington TRIAD STAGE
What is a grant? O A structured way in which a corporation,
foundation or individual chooses to share their philanthropic resources with an organization whose mission they care about.
O The application questions and format allow the
grantor to review consistent information from prospective grantees.
O Most grants are project-specific.
Before You Begin O Make sure you know AND can articulate:
O Who You Are O What You Do and Why it is Important O Who You Serve
O Consider creating a Style Guide (especially when several people are writing for the same organization). O The look of the organization – logos, fonts, colors O What names you use (and how you spell them)
The Basics – Who You Are O Tax Exempt Status O Organizational structure (board and staff) O Organization mission
O Brief History of Organization
O Overall Budget
The Basics – What You Want
O Program or Project Description
O Project Budget
O Total Cost
O Amount of request
O Other funding sources
O Population(s) Served
O Outcome/Benefits to community
Examples – Who You Are O Brief description of your organization's history,
mission and primary activities. O State the organization’s mission. O Briefly describe the organization and its
background. Indicate whether it has any standing programs and if the organization has paid staff, or operates using consultants or volunteers.
O List all Board members by name and include area of expertise, gender, and ethnicity or race.
Examples – What You Want O Explain how the grant funds will be used, what will be
accomplished, who will benefit and what will change in the community if this request is funded.
O What is the time frame for the project? O What is your desired outcome? O How will progress be tracked? O Describe collaborative efforts-formal or informal-you
have established or plan to establish with organizations working on similar issues or providing similar services.
O Discuss the plans and methods being used to raise all funds necessary to accomplish the project as proposed. Indicate all commitments already obtained.
Which comes first? O Ideally, your programs will be chosen based
on your mission and goals and you will find grants to support those.
O Sometimes the reverse approach is necessary. Understand major grant opportunities and consider if your programs need to align (NEA, NCAC).
O FIRST: Does your program align with their funding priorities as they have described them? Do not waste your time or theirs trying to “make it work”.
O Grantors have varying degrees of reporting requirements. Ensure you have systems in place to accurately monitor the progress of the grant and meet reporting requirements.
O When contact information is provided, call the staff. Begin a relationship, ask questions.
Getting Started – Before Writing
Getting Started - Writing O Read questions and requirements very
carefully. Answer every single part of every question.
O Write Smart – drafts, proof-readers, readers unfamiliar with the program.
O Follow submission guidelines carefully.
Writing for Fundraising O Remember – SELL! – every answer is an opportunity
to promote your organization and program. O DON’T: Triad Stage is a professional theater. O DO: Triad Stage is an award-winning, professional
theater with eleven seasons of proven success. O Be Honest – grantors do follow up, so you have to be
able to do what you say O Own your challenges – don’t gloss over issues;
instead, show how you address them and/or how the grant will help you meet those challenges.
Writing for Fundraising O Be Specific – stay away from broad generalizations,
especially in impact and outcomes O DON’T: This program will help hundreds of children
receive a more well-rounded education. O DO: This program will enable 200 children at
Sternberger Elementary School to receive more than 10 hours of hands-on arts education each week.
O DON’T: Arts education helps students succeed in the classroom.
O DO: Children who participate in arts education have a 50% higher graduation rate than those who do not.
Writing for Fundraising O Avoid Jargon – do not assume that every
grant reviewer will know theater (exception: when the grantor is a theater organization)
O Include external quotes and/or accolades, when they support your answer(s)
Finding Grant Opportunities O Foundation Center
O By subscription O Public Library O Visit grantspace.org to find locations throughout
the country where information can be accessed
O The Chronicle of Philanthropy (Washington, D.C.) O Daily on line O Offers podcasts, webinars, trend information along
with recent grants made
O The Philanthropy Journal O Blogs, trends
Finding Grant Opportunities O Facebook/Twitter
O Like/follow similar organizations around the country and watch for grant award announcements
O Local community foundation
O Get to know grant programs and program officers who can align your organization with prospective donors.
O Annual reports and website searches O Who / what organizations are contributing to
similar organizations?
Finding Grant Opportunities O Utilize your board
O Gather information at the onset of each new fiscal year to help generate opportunities: O Employers
O direct opportunity for funding? O Organizationally? O Departmentally?
O Houses of worship O Social, Service, Fraternal Club memberships (do
they have grant programs?)
Keys to Success O Understand the grantor:
O What is their purpose/goal for the community? O Have they funded the arts/theater in the past? O Who is on their Board? Do you have a connection?
O Understand your organization: O What is your mission? O Why are you important? O How does this project further your mission?
O Understand the grant process: O Follow guidelines. O Meet deadlines. O Answer questions completely.