Insight and Tips for Successful Foundation Grants
Learn how to secure funds from foundations and execute successful foundation grants. Discover the key factors for grant success, including funding percentages, relationship building, grantmaker definitions, and strategies for identifying the best-fit grants.
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Presentation Transcript
+ Understanding Foundations Insight and tips for securing funds from foundations and executing foundation grants
+An overview of grants at UrbanPromise 20-25 grants per year FY2016 grants goal $700,000 from private foundations Represents approximately 15% of projected income for UPC ($4.5M budget) Average of 3.5 requests go out each month Grants range from $5K - $710K ($42K per year over 5 years) Most are $10K-$50K 1 part-time grant writer, support from ED and program leaders
+What % of requests are funded? All UPC grant requests 53% With a relationship 100% Without a relationship 28% Increase to 35%when we talk to someone! Previous Donor 87% New Donor 24%
+Foundations as defined by FoundationCenter.org Private Foundation nonprofit corporation or charitable trust with a principal purpose of making grants to unrelated organizations or institutions for scientific, educational, cultural, religious, or other charitable purposes $$$ is from a family, individual or a corporation Abide by specific set of government tax regulations Give money only to 501c3 orgs with few exceptions (consider a sponsor) Grantmaking Public Charity (Public Foundation) derives support from various members of the public (individuals, foundations & government entities) i.e. Community foundations Considered public charities & not subject to the same regulations
+Identifying best-fit grants: Resources Search for grants that fit (PSU library resources) Foundation Directory Online Directory of Research Grants GrantFinder Grants Register (paper) Ask others Learn more about the grantor GuideStar.org Form 990 Foundation websites Google searches (i.e. press on grants)
+Identifying best-fit grants: What to look for Foundation s eligibility list Foundation s expressed interests Areas of focus Type of funding given Geographic interest History of giving Do their stated interests actually match their giving? Assess giving range and appropriate ask Complexity of the application vs. likelihood of funding
+Assessing fit at UrbanPromise Geographic Focus Amount of Funding vs. Grant Process Giving Interests
+What is generally needed for foundation applications? Each grantor will have their requirements and they vary greatly. This is a general outline of the types of things that most applications require. List of other funders Background 501c3 verification Statement of Need Board of Directors List Program Description Organization Budget Outcomes & Measurements Audited financial statements Recognition Project Budget
+What do foundations require after they give a grant? *Meet your stated outcomes *Reports (generally one per year, but can be more) On project outcomes & budget Organizational budget Report back even if it s not required Publicity Visits or volunteer opportunities Fulfill Contracts
+Grant writer skill sets Equal parts Clear and concise writing Ability to communicate/work with you and your team Strong administrative/organizing skill sets For foundation funding Familiarity and access to resources with foundation information Previous experience securing foundation funds Relationships with foundations is a major bonus!
+What else do foundations want from grantees? Working with your grant writer, you can make the most of grant funding & increase likelihood of reoccurring funding! Avoid over-promising or a square peg into a round hole Communicate on changes Good communication (during grant implementation) Invite them to engage (as applicable) Express gratitude and communicate the impact of their gift
+When youve met one foundation, you ve done exactly that. Unique personalities & priorities. Consider: Foundation type Size/scope of the foundation Who are the decision makers? Who are the foundations masters ? Foundations reflect the interests of their founders, trustees & staff Programmatic (i.e. education, health, community development) Funding type (i.e. programmatic, capital, general operating, research)
+Continued Each foundation has different tendencies & rules 1 year vs. multi-year grants Annual vs. one time funding Application, report & communication style Foundations are made up of people Relationships are important Getting to know the people at the foundation provides insight Trust in key staff & leadership at your organization matters Ongoing communication builds rapport
+Tips for relationship building Call prospective grantors with just a couple key questions Listen! Be sure to listen to foundations as they express priorities or interests Learn if and how the foundation likes to engage, then create the opportunity Fulfill promises & meet proposed outcomes (or communicate changes) Report on results of grant (even if they don t ask for it) (The easiest grant funding to get is repeat funding from happy grantors!)
+Examples from UPC Scholler Foundation Chatlos Foundation
