How to Increase Chances of Receiving a Grant

Even the most touching non-profit organizations and ministries have a hard time finding funding.

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Foundations and major donors have hundreds of potential grantees submitting grant applications every year, and no matter how worthy the cause, not every organization is going to receive funding. To increase your business' chances of receiving a grant this year, follow these simple steps.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Clear mission statement
Relationships with similar organizations
Leader who can handle the load

Step1

Know the donors' major goals. If your organization focuses mostly on disaster relief but you are applying for a grant from a foundation that pushes for Christian evangelizing, you may be wasting your time.

Step2

Stick to your original mission. Foundations and major donors describe organizations that slowly expand or change their target market as struggling with "mission drift." If working to encourage and equip women in the corporate world has been your mission for years and all of a sudden you start asking for funding to include stay-at-home mom's as well, donors may start to worry you will soon lose your niche.

Step3

Form relationships similar organizations. Donors want to know that the work you are doing is actually worth doing before committing to give you money. You may be planting churches in third-world countries, for example, but who is going to be out in the community attracting new believers? And who is going to train new leaders once a crowd does show up? Your organization isn't expected to do it all, but you may be expected to have relationships with other ministries or non-profits to help fill in the gaps of responsibility.

Step4

Show strong leadership. If the head of your organization can handle the responsibility, communicate the mission clearly and inspire others to jump on board, you may be in good shape. But ultimately, a foundation or major donor is going to be looking for skills beyond that, such as business training, management experience and organizational skills, so they know their money will be going toward an organization and a cause that will stick around for years.

Step5

Find a niche. Thousands of non-profits work to increase the education, health and general well-being of children in the world. But what about the daughters of prostitutes? Or the sons of the famous Lost Boys of Sudan? The more specific and unique your cause, the more your organization will stand out.

Step6

Be ready to prove your cause is worthy. You'll be more likely to receive a grant if you have statistics and research to back up your claim that your services are truly needed in your community.

Tips & Warnings

If it seems like no one is ready to fund your cause, don't give up! It can take years to establish a clear mission and even longer to find a donor with the same passions.
Don't rely on grant money alone. Most major donors expect to help take your organization to the next level by funding a new project or vision. General funds like salaries and utilities should be covered by more personal donors within your community. So start small!