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Hey, hey.
We’re officially one month away from spring.
That means we’re that much closer to longer days, warmer weather, and, of course, all those spring grant deadlines.
But don’t worry, we’re giving you some time back by summarizing everything you need to know in the world of grant writing.
This week, we’ve got what to look for in a potential funder, writing style tips to boost your chances in the selection process, and one of our favorite collaboration tools, plus so much more.
May all your deadlines get extended and your writer's block disappear!
Pitfalls and Pointers
Picture this: you’ve found the perfect grant.
Your organization meets all the requirements. Your project is exactly what they’re looking for. Even the amount seems perfect for what you need.
So that’s it, right? Time to get to work on the proposal?
Wait! Before you go all-in, what do you really know about the funder?
And are they really the right group to help you make the impact you’re hoping for?
⚠️ Pitfall: Not Researching Demonstrated Impact
Understanding the impact a funder has made as a result of their strategic giving is an essential part of evaluating a funder.
Because if there’s no proof that their giving has resulted in positive outcomes, your project isn’t likely to be much different.
💡 Pointer: Check for Annual Reports or Information from their 990s
Some funders might publish comprehensive reports on how their giving has created real impact.
For others, you might have to dig into their Form 990s to uncover the information you’re looking for.
But, trust us, taking the time to research now will save you so much more in the long run.
Because there’s nothing more wasteful than a project that never got the chance to get off the ground.
Looking for a quick way to evaluate a funder’s giving history?
📊 Instrumentl’s 990 Snapshot tool breaks it down into simple graphs and charts ✅
The Latest Numbers
A recent study analyzed how writing style could affect a grant application’s success, and the results just might help your future proposals go further.
But who has time to deep-dive into scientific studies and draw relevant conclusions?
We did. And we got you.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Analytical project descriptions written as a narrative were more likely to be granted
- Technical content was more important than having easy-to-read text
- Longer text, longer sentences, and less common words worked positively – but too long text and too long sentences worked negatively (that’s called balance!)
- Certainty words and casual words showed confidence and were received positively
- Writing style had a significant impact in the first step of the selection process, but hardly in the second
🤓 Set your next project up for success by checking out the full study!
Tech You Should Know
Tired of digging through your email for that one edit to that one page on one of the five grant proposals you’re currently working on?
In the world of nonprofits, there are much better ways to spend your time.
So how can you quickly communicate with your team while keeping everything organized?
What:
Slack is a messaging app for businesses that organizes different conversations into spaces called channels.
How Grant Writers Can Use It:
- Organization: Dedicate channels to specific projects so you can quickly reference notes and conversations without getting any wires crossed.
- Communication: Easily start a conversation over chat, audio, or video with internal and external collaborators.
- File Storage: Upload important documents to specific channels so your entire team can access the most up-to-date information.
- Integrations: Connect your Google Drive, Dropbox, Salesforce, Asana, or other tools your team uses to get the job done.
- Workflows: Automate and streamline repetitive tasks or processes – no coding necessary.
Keep in Mind:
- Pricing: While there is a free version, many organizations will need a paid tier to accommodate the features they want and number of users they have.
- Compliance: Only the Enterprise Grid tier includes HIPAA-compliant message and file collaboration
✨Discover more of the best grant writing tools for nonprofits ➡️
Expert Perspectives
Maureen McGuire on making the most of every proposal
Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to building homes and communities for families in need. And as the Grants Manager at the Habitat for Humanity DuPage, Maureen McGuire is dedicated to securing funding to make safe and affordable housing a reality.
Now, Maureen has a few tips to help grant writers win as much funding as possible.
Here’s her expert advice:
- Be Proactive: Build relationships, identify key contacts, and gain valuable insights by attending presentations and sessions hosted by potential funders.
- Submit Early: Many funders are exceptionally strict about deadlines, so submit grant applications early, or at the very least avoid being last-minute.
- Maintain Relationships: After you’ve won funding, be “Johnny on the spot” with reporting, meeting deadlines, and providing timely and accurate reports.
- Know Your Facts: Get to know potential funders by examining their 990s, studying their grant awarding history, and assessing whether their focus aligns with yours. (Insider Tip: Instrumentl can find all this information for you!)
🔥 Check out the rest of Maureen’s story for more expert tips to win more funding!
Networking Nook
The opportunities that were originally shared in this issue of The Impact have since passed. To check out more recent and upcoming live events, go here.
Opportunities Spotlight
The Audacious Project Grant Program
Who It’s For: Nonprofits with a bold vision for large-scale change to create a better world
Next Deadline: Mar 15, 2024
Grant Amount: Unspecified amount
The Details:
- Project topics can vary, but ideas should be original and involve improving issues such as global health, climate change, social justice, or education
- There should be evidence or justification to support how the idea will have impact
- Organizations should have the core infrastructure necessary to support the work
- Past projects have had an annual operating budget of $1 million or more
Power Of Music Grants
Who It’s For: Music nonprofits with a mission directly related to health and wellness, education, and/or underserved communities
Next Deadline: Mar 31, 2024 (Predicted)
Grant Amount: US $5,000 - US $50,000
The Details:
- Looks to provide meaningful support to impactful organizations that use the power of music to improve lives and benefit society
- The Foundation’s intention is to award between eight to ten grants
- Submit an application for what will have the biggest impact
- For smaller organizations, this might be general operating funds
- For larger organization, applying for a specific project is encouraged
Don’t see what you’re looking for?
👉 Explore thousands of other grant opportunities!
In Case You Missed It
📄 Article: The art of grant writing: write, rewrite and write again
In this article, the University of Illinois Chicago summarizes what they call the “secrets to writing a successful grant application.” Whether you’re new to the world of grant writing or a seasoned professional, these tips can be a good refresher.
🎙️ Podcast: From Ideas to Impact: Unveiling the Key to Successful Grant Funding
In this episode, grant writing expert Teresa Huff answers the important question: “Why aren’t funders supporting my groundbreaking idea?” Discover what else grantmakers look for in a proposal and how you can turn your brilliant idea into an impactful program.
Simplify and Streamline Your Grant Work
Looking to break the cycle of needing funding but not knowing where to start? Join more than 2000 nonprofits who use Instrumentl to discover grants, research funders, identify good fits, and keep track of proposals with ease.
