One of the most challenging parts of obtaining grant funding can be matching the goals of the funder to your project. Done correctly, the process results in a mutually beneficial, and hopefully long-term, partnership.

Identify Project Goals and Benefits

Begin by clearly articulating the goals of your project. What are you trying to accomplish? Who will be served by the project? What problems will be solved or resources provided? How will your project enhance your community? Once you understand the myriad of benefits offered by the project, you are better able to identify those who would benefit from a partnership.

To become even more attractive to a funder, think of how supporting your project will make your sponsor(s) attractive to their target audience. Mention these opportunities to the potential funder in your interactions with them and in your grant request.

Consider Immutable Factors

Some factors related to your project can not be changed. Among these can be location and cost. Location is often an important consideration and one that can be used to identify potential sponsors and disqualify others. State and local governmental grants, as well as foundation funding, are often tied to geography.

Scan the landscape to identify governmental agencies, corporations and influential persons serving your area. Each of these may be sources of funding. Many banks, transportation companies, retail chains, utility companies, and businesses have related foundations. Meet with your local Community Foundation to learn about the funding sources they manage for your area.

Cost will determine the focus of your search, which in turn can affect the number of funding sources you seek. If you need a small amount of funding, below $5,000 for example, your choices will be much different than if you need $100,000. Small requests are usually best directed to individuals and local sources, while larger requests warrant applying to foundation or government sources. If you are planning to involve multiple funders, be careful not to invite competitors to fund the same project.

Match Your Interests

Finding the right match involves more than geography and cost. It is fundamentally a question of finding a funding agency whose mission matches the mission of your project. Pay close attention to their goals and funding criteria. Consider researching their past awards. Do your goals align? Will your budget request be in line with past awards? Don’t apply if you’re not a match.

Match Your Demographics

Consider yourself a matchmaker. Your project will serve a specific demographic. What age groups, segments of the population, or interest groups will your program attract? Once you have a list, search for funding organizations that also want to serve the same populations. Each population that you serve points to potential funding sources who also serve the same populations.

Grant Writing Tip

Any group that might benefit from a project points to a potential funding source.

Build Relationships

Finally, be prepared to be a good steward. Before, during, and after funding, every interaction is an opportunity to strengthen your ties to a funding organization, and increase their desire to fund your work. Review the requirements that accompany the funding. Your new sponsor will likely want regular reports on progress and results. Give them what they request and more. If there is an event associated with the project, invite them as special guests. If you receive an especially good review or comment on the project, share it with them.

Funders also want to be acknowledged. Help them have ownership of the project by regularly involving them and publicly acknowledging their contribution. This will not only improve your relationship but will enhance your reputation with future partners.

Taylor Studios works with TheGrantHelpers.com to assist in all aspects of the grant funding process. Contact Samantha Osborne at Taylor Studios or Carol Timms at The Grant Helpers to discuss ways to find and attract multiple grant funding sources that boost your programs.