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If your nonprofit organization is considering a project for literacy, grant funding may be worth a look.  There are numerous charitable groups, organizations and foundations that offer money to support projects they believe in.  Most large companies set aside money for philanthropic purposes.  The  money is out there to support your project.

The first step in seeking grant funding is to have a well-developed project idea.  Very few funders are willing to provide general operating support.  Know your area, and find a way to fill a specific need.  You’ll need to be able to document, with verifiable statistics, both the reason your program is vital and how it helps people.  Design effective evaluation techniques, because this is how you will document changes.  The more effectively and concretely you can describe the need, your program, and how you will demonstrate that it is working, the more likely you are to receive funding.
The most important tip to remember is to carefully research and match your needs to the funders’ priorities.  No matter how worthwhile your project may be, a funder whose priorities are different than yours will not want to help your group.  There are four main areas of priority to check.  Make sure your project fits the focus area of the group you are asking for money.  Literacy projects will not be funded by groups whose focus is art or science.  Make sure your target population is in line, too.  A funder who considers racial equity may not be interested in a low-income program.  Check the funder’s geographic coverage area.  Some groups limit their scope to specific states, regions or countries.  Some companies confine their philanthropic activities to areas where they have employees, offices, or locations.  Finally, match the scope of your request to the size of the funder’s typical awards.  It is futile to request $100,000 from a group that typically awards $5,000 to $10,000.  So be sure to match the funders’ priorities, service area, and financial scope to your project to improve your chances of success.

The last step is to write the grant itself.  Be sure to follow the funder’s directions exactly.  Use whatever forms are provided, give all of the information requested, and adhere to stated deadlines.  If the funder wants you to submit a proposal, be sure to introduce your organization, define the problem, outline your proposed solution, tell how you will evaluate your success, and how important the funder’s support will be to your project.  Support all of your statements with statistics, facts and examples.
Remember that funders will look for several pieces of evidence that your program has other support.  Before approaching any funder, you should find community partners.  Who can help by providing space, volunteers, publicity, in-kind donations of supplies or services, or other help?  Which local businesses or philanthropists would be willing to support this effort?  If you have already received funding or plan to pursue other funding, you will need to disclose that if asked.
Grant funding may be just what your organization needs to implement that great literacy project!  Remember, though, that competition for grants is usually stiff.  Have a well-thought-out statement of need and a project that clearly addresses it.  Find local sources of support and carefully research each funder to be sure that your project is a good match with their priorities.  Make your application as perfect as can be and follow all of the funder’s guidelines to the letter.  If you do these things, you will dramatically improve your chances of receiving funding.
Need more specific advice or consultation?  I have been writing grants on a freelance basis for several years now, and have secured funding for several literacy programs.  Feel free to email me if you’d like further information or details.

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© 2006 Sandy Fleming