Finding a Matching Funding Organization
- Each grant maker is an individual and should be approached in a different way.
- Design the project before you go looking for a matching funder.
- Funders match when they're trying to solve the same problem you are.
- Funders match when they fund projects in the area in which your project will be operated.
- Funders match when you are eligible according to their policy and your tax status.
- Funders match when you're asking for an amount of funds they can and will appropriate.
- Proposal review is a subjective process.
- Grant seeking is a process, not an event.
- Grant making is not a charity. It's an investment.
- The proposal tells the potential funder how you intend to do it and why they should invest in you.
- Grant makers like to partner on a project. If you have one grant maker willing to invest in your project, it's likely you can attract more.
- Most foundations like to establish a personal relationship with potential grantees. Site visits are common.
- Be honest and realistic when approaching a grant maker. Don't play games with your project or your budget. They've heard it all.