Hey Grantseeker…

You have to do the research. The right proposal in the hands of the wrong funder = $0. Spend the time, energy and effort on getting the grant research right. Here's a brief overview of a grants research strategy to consider:

1️⃣ Start with a Google search. Identify some key phrases and words that describe your project, program and/or organization and plug them into a search. See what grant sources and/or funders present. This requires some time and going down some rabbit holes but it can yield some good possibilities. You aren't done yet; move to the next step.

2️⃣ Research through a grants database. This isn't a free option, but it's an efficient one. Our partner, of course, is GrantStation.com but there are others on the market. Use a database that is user-friendly and comprehensive. Take your key words and your geography and see what presents. (If you are a member of CDP, ask me how you can get GrantStation's terrific tool at our member price!) You aren't done yet; move to the next step.

3️⃣ Visit the websites. Gather your list of potential funders from your Google search and database search and go to the websites. See if you are a good fit for them. Do they fund your type of program or project? Do they fund in your geography? Do they give out the level of funding you are seeking? No? Let them go. Yes? Move forward to the next step. **You are not primarily looking for quantity here; you are looking for quality.

4️⃣ Check out 2 - 3 years of 990's. Take the time to look at their 990's (available at GuideStar). Do they fund your type of program or project? Do they fund in your geography? Do they give out the level of funding you are seeking? No? Let them go. Yes? Move forward to the next step.

5️⃣ Call them. Once you've done your homework and know this funder is a good fit, call them. Make a connection. Let them know this seems a great match and why. Tell them you'd like to submit a proposal. Ask if there is any additional information you need before you follow their outlined procedures. Grantseeking, like other development functions, is about relationship-building and this is a necessary step in that process.

As you ready your organization to receive grant funding, start with the research. The right proposal in front of the right funder will yield far better results then the spray-and-pray method. Need help? Reach out to us.

-Mindy Muller, CFRE, President/CEO of CDP

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