How to Match Grant Funding

A Match grant is when a government agency, foundation or private operation agrees to match the other donations given. A match grant is common place when a funder only funds a specific amount of a project. Many funders will only fund fifty percent of any project, no matter how small or big. So if you get a match grant in the amount of up to $20,000 dollars you must raise $20,000 from another source to get the full grant amount. If fund raiser only raised another $10,000 then only a $10,000 grant will be received. Learn how to get the most possible out of a match grant.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Get the match grant offer in writing. Not only is this good for legal reasons, it is great for publicity. Make sure that press releases are given detailed information about the match grant to the media.

2. Never procrastinate when it comes to winning grant money. Develop a time line of how you are going to raise matching funds and get a list of who is responsible for what. Keep progress up to date, this is a great motivator.

3. Send a email out to newsletter prescribers as soon as possible. The newsletter prescribers should be employees, volunteers, board members, donors, and potential donors that have shown interest. Let them know about the grant match offer and what they can do to help. Do not ask directly for donations yet. Ask for ideas for raising funds.

4. Gather the ideas and form fund raising committees. Have one large group working on the matching funds and then form smaller groups to develop and carry out individual parts of the fund raising. If having on big fund raising there will still be several different sides of the project. Remember never to spread your self to thin.

5. Keep the funders for the match grant in the loop. Not only will they serve as great cheerleaders but they usually have been through it all and can give great free advice.

6. Look into other government and private grants that may help generate the extra funding needed. Look at the fine print on ways you may or may not raise funds to match the grant. Some organizations want you to raise funds completely by community involvement while others would love to see other foundations and government agencies support the project.

7. Do not forget to get the board deeply involved. Sometimes it is hard for potential donors to hear out employees that are paid to work for the company, but it is a lot easier and interesting to listen to the story of individuals that give to the organization that is not connected by a paycheck.

8. Community involvement is key. Create community awareness and connect with local businesses. Fund raising to match a small or large grant will not come through overnight. Going door to door will only get a few dollars. But getting them involved and making part of the process will not only help with getting the mission it self but in the end more funds will be generated.

9. Always keep the cost of raising funds to match a grant low. You never want to end up spending more then you make in donations. Remember the time you spend is valuable also.

Tips & Warnings

• When seeking donations from business and other profit organizations remember that asking for a donation will probably get you advice. Asking for advice may lead to a bigger donation.
• Raising funds to match a grant is not a easy one two three process, it takes creative thinking and the ability to redirect as needed.
• Some match grants count volunteer hours as time donations and a specific dollar amount is given to match each volunteer hour spent on the mission. Volunteer hours spent on raising funds for the match grant does not always count.

Resources

• How to Get A Service Grant
• How to Write A Statement Of Purpose For A Grant Proposal
• How to Write A Title Page For A Grant Proposal
• How to Apply For A Mini Grant
• How to Find Government Grants For Building and Equipment
• How to Improve Chances of Getting A Project Grant
• How to Find Government and Private Grants
• Recommended reading for grant writing.

[MidniteWriter]

on 8/28/2009 Good grant matching info, 5* and subscription, thanks!