Maximizing Your Orgs Grant-Seeking Journey
Applying to every grant you find isn’t an efficient way to fund an organization. Achieve success by strategically planning your grant-seeking efforts with a “grant pipeline.” This pipeline involves systematically identifying, applying for, and managing grants to support your organization's mission effectively and efficiently.
Here are 5 steps to building an effective grant pipeline:
#1 - UNDERSTAND YOUR ORGANIZATION’S NEEDS:
Identify and assess your organization's financial needs by conducting a thorough assessment of your financial situation. What are your current expenses, future expenses, and current revenue sources? What is the income gap that needs to be filled with additional funding?
Identify the initiatives, projects, or programs within that require financial support to achieve their objectives. This may involve assessing the impact, scope, and feasibility of each project before developing a grant application proposal.
#2 - RESEARCH GRANT OPPORTUNITIES AND IDENTIFY PROSPECTS:
Utilize databases, directories, and search engines to identify potential funding sources. These can include government databases, foundation websites, and specialized grant search engines.
A few favorites are: Candid’s Foundation Directory Online, Grant Station, Grants.gov, and Community Foundations located in areas near your organization
If you’re in Metro-Atlanta: Georgia Center for Nonprofits, Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta, Georgia Council for the Arts
Assess Eligibility Criteria for each opportunity:
Review the criteria for each grant opportunity to ensure alignment with your organization's mission, goals, and activities.
Consider geographic restrictions, funding priorities, and other reporting requirements that require a certain level of staff capacity.
#3 - BUILD A PROSPECT LIST:
Create a comprehensive list of potential grant opportunities, including deadlines, funding amounts, and application requirements.
Organize the list by priority and likelihood of securing funding. Prioritize opportunities based on their alignment with your organization's strategic priorities, funding urgency, and potential impact on your programs and projects.
#4 - TRACK AND MANAGE APPLICATIONS:
Include a "status" column in your grant calendar to monitor the progress of applications, track deadlines, and record outcomes.
Follow up with funding organizations to inquire about the status of submitted applications, address any queries or concerns, and maintain clear and transparent communication throughout the application process.
Carefully track the reporting requirements outlined in your funded grants. Keep a record of the deadlines for meeting these obligations and submitting post-funding reports accordingly.
#5 - SUSTAIN SUCCESS AND IMPACT
Ongoing Research: Stay proactive by regularly exploring new funding opportunities and staying updated on changes in grant landscapes. Sign up for email alerts from different grant databases to receive notifications about new opportunities.
Flexible Restructuring: Adapt your grant-seeking strategies as needed to accommodate program changes and strengthen relationships with various funders. Flexibility ensures alignment with evolving priorities and enhances your organization's competitiveness in securing funding.
In summary, a well-structured approach to grant-seeking is essential to effective and efficient funding. By understanding your organization's needs, researching grant opportunities, and meticulously tracking applications, you can maximize your chances of success. Continuous research, flexible restructuring, and proactive follow-up will help sustain the impact of your grants, ensuring that your organization continues to thrive. With dedication and strategic planning, you can navigate the grant-seeking landscape with confidence.
Hannah Ranson is a consultant with Purpose Possible specializing in grant writing and database management. She has worked with Cure NF with Jack, LEAD Center For Youth, Community Farmers Markets, Georgians for a Healthy Future, VOX Atlanta, Global Growers, Truly Living Well, and Clarkston Community Health Center among others.