It is not as simple as one might think--getting a grant from a Christian foundation. On the other hand, it's a lot simpler than many people think. Most Christian foundations start out with some key areas where they want to give grants. If you fit into those key areas you have a better chance of getting a grant.
How do you find out those focus areas? Look at grants that the foundation has given to in the past. Typically, a foundation has a pattern of organizations that they fund. If a foundation has only given to overseas international organizations and you are an urban ministry in the heart of the city, it's probably not a good match. A foundation's track record tells you generally speaking what is on their heart and passion.
Another way to find their focus area? Email them and call them. A quick word about email: don't write a long missive detailing your desperate need for money. Make it a quick short email inquiring about them. So often in ministry we find that ministries want to talk all about themselves. It's no accident that Jesus commanded us to "love one another." In other words, show interest in the foundation and their mission. If you call them, remember the focus is not on getting a grant--at least initially. It is however about beginning to establish a relationship.
And there is the real key. It really is about relationships. Even for foundations with key focus areas, they are often willing to deviate from those focus areas if they have a relationship with you. They are willing to put some money at "risk" and invest in a new area if they believe in you. If you are in their focus area, they are once again much more likely to provide a grant if they know you.
How do you build relationships with foundations? Often it starts with simple networking. Start with other ministries who write grants. Ask where they submit grants. Find out the foundation leaders they know. Ask them if they are willing to make introductions. Look at the board makeup of particular foundations. Do you know anyone on the board? Or can you network to learn and meet with particular board members. Keep in mind that the principle of six degrees of separation really holds true. We are not that far away from meeting the people we want to meet, but it does start with a desire to get out and meet people.
So getting a grant really is not so simple but really is so simple. Get the point? More on grants and grantwriting upcoming.
--William High