At both the state and federal levels, budgets for social service programs for the poor and disadvantaged are being slashed at unprecedented levels. Many social service programs struggle to make due with budgets that are less than half of what they were just a few years ago.
Fortunately, faith-based organizations have stepped in to help ensure that poor and disadvantaged populations have access to essential social services. Since the federal government enacted the “Charitable Choice” legislation in 1996, faith-based organizations (FBOs) have been able to apply for and receive state and federal grant dollars. Yet, despite the fact that FBOs are eligible to receive grants, the overwhelming majority are not successful in their efforts.
Most FBOs are unsuccessful in grant seeking because they don’t understand how proposals are reviewed and awarded. In developing their funding proposals, FBOs tend to use the same emotionally based strategies they use to appeal to individual donors. While this may be an effective strategy for encouraging individuals and families to donate, it doesn’t work well in the grant-seeking world. Instead, FBOs need to rethink their approach to the proposal development process and move away from straight emotional appeals. Instead, the approach to grant proposal development must be responsive to the granting agency’s guidelines, including all relevant information, data and action items, as requested.
Here are some tips about how FBOs can improve their grant-seeking success:
1. Demonstrate need with recent, relevant data and cite sources. Depending on the type of project, there are a number of excellent sources for uncovering local data. These include: www.countyhealthrankings.org; www.kidscount.org; or U.S. Census Bureau Quick Facts, among others.
2. Include SMART objectives (specific, measurable, attainable, reasonable and time-specific) in every proposal. Funders want to invest in projects and programs that are likely to be successful, but without measurable objectives, there is no way to determine whether or not the initiative achieved what it set out to do. An example of a SMART objective could be “within 12 months, to reduce the number of applications for food stamp assistance in the targeted community by 10 percent.”
3. Demonstrate capacity to manage projects and grant funds with the highest degree of accountability. If possible, provide examples of past projects that were successful, indicating how the project had a positive impact on the community.
4. Follow the written guidelines and directions exactly as they are written. Do not ignore or leave any sections of the proposal blank. If something does not apply, write “not applicable,” and, if appropriate, include a brief explanation.
5. Be succinct. Reviewers are not impressed by buzzwords or flowery language, so get to the point and say what needs to be said in a clear and concise manner.
In order to be successful in seeking grants, it is critical that FBOs recognize that funders make their funding decisions using objective criteria rather than subjective motivations, like most individual donors. Following the simple suggestions outlined above can significantly improve an FBO’s chances of obtaining grant funding to support its programs.
Ron Flavin is an internationally acclaimed business organizational strategist who has specific expertise in getting funding for businesses of all sizes, as well as for nonprofit organizations, government agencies and educational institutions. www.rflavin.com.
Writing Grant Proposals for
Faith-Based Organizations
By Ron Flavin