How To Have Your Grant Proposal Not Funded
Don’t ask for a specific amount of money. Don’t have a board of directors that consists of a diverse group of professionals.
Don’t have a current budget in a general accepted format.
Don’t have staff members with appropriate qualifications.
Don’t have measurable objectives.
Don’t collaborate with other organizations.
Don’t have recent, accurate financial statements in a generally accepted format.
Don’t complete a Form 990 for the previous year.
Don’t diversify your funding sources.
Don’t explain how your organization is sustainable.
Don’t give contact information for your organization.
Don’t have current and complete information on your website.
Don’t use clear and concise wording in your proposal.
Don’t adhere to funder’s guidelines.
Don’t require that all board members give dollars to your organization.
Don’t explain why your organization’s services are needed.
Don’t explain how your organization is going to try to resolve the issue you’re trying to address.
Don’t send a thank-you letter for a previous grant received.
Don’t track demographics of your clients - gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic classification.
Don't have more than three board members.
Don’t ask for funding before the project or program has ended.
Don’t submit your proposal before the deadline.
Don’t submit any required report of spending for a previous grant received.
Recent grants received by our clients include:
$25,000 for a mental health advocacy organization - for general operating expenses
$25,000 for a clinic for low-income, uninsured families - for medical and dental services for children
$20,000 (2 grants of $10,000 each) for a diabetic life skills program for children - for scholarships for children from families that cannot afford the full tuition
$10,000 for an agency serving abused and neglected children - for a program that provides funding for basic needs for at-risk children
$10,000 for an organization providing an array of services to low-income families - for their food pantry
Murray Covens, Principal