Realism on Grant Funding

Non-profit consultant and grant writing expert, Derek Link, has a few thoughts to share on realism when you are seeking grant funding:

Grants are not a gift of money, and grants are not given blindly. Don’t think that because you have a good idea and a nonprofit, someone will simply like the idea and give you money for it. That is an unrealistic view of grants that I run into frequently, and which leads to disappointment.


Grants are:

1. Investments, not gifts
2. Established for targeted causes, not scattered about like birdseed.
3. Given to credible organizations and people with credentials, not for pipe dreams.
4. Carefully monitored fiscally, not an open checkbook.
5. Measured for impact, grant makers care what happens.
6. Limited, not a bottomless well.
7. Time sensitive, even federal grant funds have a definite season for applying.

The bottom line is that in order to get a grant, there must be a credible organization run by credible people. It is not enough to be a nice person with a neat idea. Working to establish a detailed plan and budget, establish a responsible organization, and building a competent staff with credentials all contribute to being in a strong position to receive grants.

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