1+1 Does Not Equal Two. Before you critique my arithmetic, allow me to explain what this phrase means. This is the scenario I often see occur: A Christian ministry finds a great foundation who has a strong history of faith-based giving. It seems like a perfect fit, because “1 Christian ministry” plus “1 Christian foundation” should equal the final solution of a check. The ministry sends in a grant proposal, but they are surprised to receive notification that their proposal has been declined.
So what can you do to avoid this situation and have grant-writing success? Consider these ideas:
Maybe 1+1+1+1+1=10.
Especially for those just beginning the grant writing, you must understand that grant writing is a process. The majority of grant proposals are rejected, but just because this happens probably does not mean that your ministry is utterly loathsome and undeserving. Shift perspective. It takes time, but be patient.
Understand that there always is more to the story.
Everyone is feeling the effects of the economic down-turn. Foundations lost, on average, 20% of their assets in 2008. Keep this in mind as you apply for grants. Appeals centered around urgency or a crisis are seen as turn-offs to most donors, as statistics show. Do your research on the foundation to see how their giving may be affected. Be gracious.
Honestly evaluate your proposal.
This also comes back to the 1+1 does not equal two idea. Even though the Christian foundation may be the perfect fit for your ministry, you must still follow guidelines. The purpose of your grant proposal is not to convince them of your devotion to Christ. Rather, it is critical that you give a complete proposals. Give realistic statistics, show how your plan will be carried out and evaluated, and include relevant stories.
Read a foundation’s perspective on this here.
Have you done your homework?
This is one of the most common problems I see in grant proposals. Your relationship with a foundation before you submit a proposal is a critical component. If you find a foundation of interest, do some research on them. Learn about their history, their current situation, who is on their board, etc. Contact people on the board and just get to know them; bring up some of the interesting things you learned from your research. Only once you have truly invested in people are you ready to apply.
Having a proposal declined is difficult, I understand, but keep heart. One of the joys and struggles of life simply is to be a life-long learner. God is faithful.
Send me an email or comment if you have questions. Want honest feedback on your proposal? Send it to me. I am here to help.
-- Jessica High is a Research Assistant at Christian Foundation Grants (www.christianfoundationgrants.com) which is a subscription database of foundations that provide grants to faith based organizations. iDonate.com is a website (www.iDonate.com) that allows ministries to receive non cash gifts online