1. 1 How to Approach Foundations A Presentation for The Power of Education Foundations Enhancing the Education of All Our Children Growth for Good Building Strength in Organizations Oct 5, 2013 www.GrowthforGood.com

2. 2 2 About Us Growth for Good provides strategic planning, fundraising, government relations, marketing and communications expertise so that organizations can focus on what they do best: good work. Our goal is to strengthen our clients’ abilities to effectively and efficiently serve their missions. We have worked with many relevant non-profits, including:

3. 33 Today, you will learn: PREPAREDNESS - Three essential steps to increase your odds of success RELATIONSHIP - How to cultivate and maintain positive relationships with foundations

4. 44 Three essential readiness steps to increase your odds of success Go for It! Get Grant Ready Assess Alignment Set Sound Strategy Preparedness

5. 55 Step #1: Get Grant Ready Are all your ducks in a row? Preparedness

6. 6 Organizational Readiness – Board, 501(c)(3), Website, Annual Report ✓ Get Grant Ready Preparedness - #1

7. 7 Organizational Readiness – Board, 501(c)(3), Website, Annual Report ✓ Proven Impact – Need, Population, Facts, Statistics, Evaluation ✓ Get Grant Ready Preparedness - #1

8. 8 Organizational Readiness – Board, 501(c)(3), Website, Annual Report ✓ Proven Impact – Need, Population, Facts, Statistics, Evaluation ✓ Documented Planning – Mission, Vision, Values, Goals ✓ Get Grant Ready Preparedness - #1

9. 9 Organizational Readiness – Board, 501(c)(3), Website, Annual Report ✓ Proven Impact – Need, Population, Facts, Statistics, Evaluation ✓ Documented Planning – Mission, Vision, Values, Goals Financial Readiness – Operating Budget, Fundraising Plan, Audit, Board Give/Get, Finance Committee ✓ Get Grant Ready Preparedness - #1

10. 10 Organizational Readiness – Board, 501(c)(3), Website, Annual Report ✓ Proven Impact – Need, Population, Facts, Statistics, Evaluation ✓ Documented Planning – Mission, Vision, Values, Goals Financial Readiness – Operating Budget, Fundraising Plan, Audit, Board Give/Get, Finance Committee ✓ Capacity – Staff for Grant Writing and for the Project ✓ Get Grant Ready Preparedness - #1

11. 11 Organizational Readiness – Board, 501(c)(3), Website, Annual Report ✓ Proven Impact – Need, Population, Facts, Statistics, Evaluation ✓ Documented Planning – Mission, Vision, Values, Goals Financial Readiness – Operating Budget, Fundraising Plan, Audit, Board Give/Get, Finance Committee ✓ Capacity – Staff for Grant Writing and for the Project ✓ External Relationships – Competition, Partnerships ✓ Preparedness - #1 Get Grant Ready

12. 12 Organizational Readiness – Board, 501(c)(3), Website, Annual Report ✓ Proven Impact – Need, Population, Facts, Statistics, Evaluation ✓ Documented Planning – Mission, Vision, Values, Goals Financial Readiness – Operating Budget, Fundraising Plan, Audit, Board Give/Get, Finance Committee ✓ Capacity – Staff for Grant Writing and for the Project ✓ External Relationships – Competition, Partnerships ✓ Project Description – Need, Population Served, Goals, Objectives, Timeline, Methodology, Staffing, Budget ✓ Get Grant Ready Preparedness - #1

13. 13 Purpose/significance Methodology Population Served Goals, Objectives Outcomes (vs. Outputs) Logic Models Staffing Evaluation Timeline Program/Project Budget “Success is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration” –Thomas Edison Get Grant Ready – Project/Program Description Preparedness - #1

14. 14 Know the funder Follow the funder’s format Follow the funder’s guidelines Use the funder’s language Be responsive to the funder’s priorities Answer the funder’s questions! Have mercy on the funder (1 st person,12 point, white space) Preparedness - #1 Get Grant Ready – Post Reminders for when you start to write

15. 15 Step #2: Assess Alignment If you have seen one foundation… … you have seen one foundation. Preparedness No mail merge No cut and paste

16. 16 Assess Alignment – Do your Research Know the foundation Values Goals Methodology Geography Scale Types of funding Current and past grantees Preparedness - #2

17. 17 Money follows mission If it’s not a mission-based priority, think twice Mission drift can be hazardous Double check your strategic plan Assess Alignment – To Thine Own Mission be True Preparedness - #2

18. 18 Step #3: Set Sound Strategy Good things come to those who plan Preparedness “Unfortunately given the proximity to the deadline and the high volume of inquiries we receive, I am unable to schedule calls with each organization requesting a preliminary discussion about the application process.” – Foundation Program Officer

19. 19 Set Sound Strategy – Is now the right time? Are you applying based on a plan, or because an opportunity came into your inbox? Is your plan realistic and prioritized ? Can you afford to wait for this money? Are your racing against a foundation deadline? Do you have sufficient capacity to develop the project/proposal and to fulfill the funder’s reporting requirements? Preparedness - #3

20. 20 Set Sound Strategy – Stay on track Grant writing calendar Tracking sheet Foundation profiles Communications emails calls visits feedback LOIs+ Proposals Funding letters Reports Preparedness - #3

21. 21

22. 22 As you plan and prepare, cultivate positive relationships with foundations Relationship Building If there is an email address or phone number on the website, use it, BUT DO SO WISELY! If you have a connection to a foundation, use it, BUT DO SO WISELY! Do not bypass a program officer.

23. 23 Be courteous and respectful of program officers’ time Do not ask questions that are explained on the website Be prepared (positioning paper/script/talking points/budget) Be informed (the foundation’s interests, guidelines, other grantees, etc.) Above all, don’t exaggerate or overpromise Relationship Building You will be rewarded for good behavior

24. 24 Does this sound like something you might be interested in funding? Would it be possible to talk further? Should I include overhead in a project/program budget? Is 20% OK? Relationship Building Do ask in a first conversation Do not ask in a first conversation How much money to request For someone to review the narrative or budget To be given an extension – Don’t ever ask this!

25. 25 GOOD LUCK!