Please post questions and comments on fundraising in the comments section below.

Please post questions and comments on fundraising in the comments section below.

Call and talk with staff

Often you can call and talk with a staff member of the granting organization. Sometimes you can run ideas by them. Ask questions for clarification. Don't be annoying, but whether they can or will answer your question, most of the time it doesn't hurt to ask.

If possible review past "funded proposals" for the organization

Many organizations will send you copies (you may have to pay for the copies to be made) of past successfully funded grants. Get as many of these as you can and read them carefully. Do not copy them; but learn more about what the organization is looking for and apply what you learn to your grant.
Just having an example of a grant or a template you may have purchased from another company or organization is not enough. If at all possible, look at successful grants funded by the organization you are going to request money from.

Be clear, consise, neat and organized

Make sure that everything is typed neatly and well organized. Larger grants will usually require a table of contents. Make sure that every thing is easy to read. Make sure that everything is exactly where it is supposed to be. This sounds like a no brainer...but you'd be surprised what some people turn in.

Don't change who you are just for the funding.

Another common mistake for organizations or collaborations seeking funding is to constantly change their mission in order to satisfy grant makers. This is a huge mistake. While you may be able to find sustainable funds for the short term, in invariably spells the eventual and usually not too distant demise of the organization. It is better to stick with your mission, only making adjustments because of changing (non financial) needs rather than changing funding streams.

Provide exactly what they ask for

My father used to say, often, "when all else fails, try reading the directions." Sounds like simple advice and most of you have heard it before; however, many of us fail to head this simple and practical advice. I have reviewed many many grants and it is always remarkable how many people don’t follow even the basic directions. Number of pages. What to include. How to set it up. Always have someone else proof read your grant, often have two or thee people proof read; however, you must always have someone look at just how well you followed the instructions. It should be exactly as requested.

Understand what they want to fund

A common mistake for grant writers is when they request funding for programs or property that are different from the stated funding objectives of the granting organization. Pay close attention to what the organization is willing to pay for and stick to those areas. If you have something that may be close, then call and ask if it would be considered. If you do not do this, it will be quickly rejected.