Creating a Grant Strategy for the Coming Year: Tips and Best Practices

Grants are a crucial source of funding for nonprofit organizations, providing support for projects, programs, and initiatives. As such, having a strong grant strategy is essential to secure funding and achieve the organization's mission. In this blog post, we will provide tips and best practices for creating a grant strategy for the coming year.

1. Review Your Mission and Goals:The first step in developing a grant strategy is to review your organization's mission and goals. Consider the priorities and objectives of your organization and how they align with prospective grant opportunities. Ensure the grant proposals you submit are consistent with your mission and goals.

2. Research Funding Opportunities:Researching available funding opportunities is crucial to the success of your grant-seeking strategy. Look for grants from government agencies, foundations, corporations, and other grant-making organizations in areas related to your mission and goals. Check out reputable grant databases such as GrantWatch and the Foundation Center's Directory.

3. Develop a Grants Calendar:Developing a grants calendar can help you track grant deadlines and ensure you are submitting applications on time. Identify potential grant opportunities and their associated deadlines for the coming year. Include relevant details such as grant amounts, restrictions, eligibility criteria, and requirements.

4. Create a List of Grant Points of Contact:Create a list of grant points of contact, including program officers, grant administrators, and other relevant stakeholders. Building relationships with these individuals can improve your chances of securing funding and provide valuable insight into the grant application process.

5. Write a Compelling Proposal:Writing a compelling grant proposal is crucial in securing funding. Develop a compelling narrative that explains the problem your organization is addressing, your solution, and how you plan to achieve your goals. Use data and evidence to support your argument, and tailor your proposal to the specific grant requirements and criteria.

6. Establish Evaluation Metrics:Establishing evaluation metrics is necessary to demonstrate that you are meeting grant requirements and achieving project goals. Develop metrics that are measurable, achievable, and relevant to the grant proposal. Regularly report on progress to the grantor, including any challenges and setbacks.

7. Cultivate Funder Relationships:Cultivating relationships with funders is an effective way to increase your organization's chances of securing future funding. Regularly communicate with funders to show your appreciation for their support and update them on your organization's activities and achievements.

Creating a successful grant-seeking strategy requires a proactive and organized approach. By following the tips and best practices outlined in this blog post, you can develop a comprehensive grant strategy for the coming year. Remember to stay true to your organization's mission and goals, conduct thorough research, and write compelling grant proposals. With consistent effort, cultivation of relationships, and commitment to achieving success, you can secure funding and achieve your organization's objectives.