In each LOI or grant proposal to a potential funder, tell your organization’s story and tell it well.
One of the big recommendations we make when evaluating a nonprofit’s grant writing potential is to see a grant proposal as an opportunity to really tell your organization’s story.
Make every proposal answer the question, “Because the organization did what it did, what positive impact did it bring to the community?”
Get detailed with your demographics. Be sure to note any changes in your population served, as it may signal something else going on in your community.
Tell your potential grant maker how you define success in your organization.
How do you know when you’ve done well? Cite the statistics and client testimonials that paint the picture you want to portray. Don’t forget to elaborate on the diverse skill set of your board. What do they bring to the table? What is the organization able to accomplish because they are there that might not happen otherwise? Give grant makers solid evidence that funding your organization will get major results, allowing it to continue making a strong impact.
Say what your organization does in a way that will create interest and encourage a dialogue.
What issue is your organization working to eradicate? What solution does your organization offer? What is changing because your organization is doing what it’s doing? For example, if your agency provides resume updates and employment readiness for the unemployed, what positive results are coming out of these trainings? Can you highlight a high success rate for your program graduates? How many are getting jobs as a direct result of what they’ve learned at your organization?
Highlight your programming and its outcomes with measurable results.
For example, does your organization offer a different take on after school programming than other similar outfits in your city? What benefits and successes are you having? How is what your organization does the key to getting a handle on a certain issue? What numbers do you have to back this up?
Craft this part of your ask carefully for great results. Then, repurpose this information later for your donors and friends. It’s information they’ll be interested to know too.
This post is the third in a four-part series.