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Have you ever come across advice that made you raise an eyebrow? I recently stumbled upon an Instagram post by a grantwriting coach who advocated for submitting a grant proposal every single day to stay consistent. While the sentiment of consistency resonates deeply with me, I have to say, this approach raised a red flag.

Let me be crystal clear: churning out grant proposals daily isn't the recipe for success. In fact, it's a surefire way to produce subpar proposals and target funders that may not align with your organization's mission. And let's face it, those proposals likely won't secure funding anyway—and may damage your organizational brand.

However, amidst this flawed advice lies a nugget of truth: consistency is indeed critical in grantwriting. But here's the key—it's all about finding what consistency means for you.

Actionable tips

• Aim High: Plan to request more funds than your budget requires to ensure you meet your financial goals. The amount you need to apply for will depend on your organization's experience and track record. For example, if you have never written a grant proposal, you may need to ask for three to five times your budget to ensure you get there. If your organization is more established and has a track record of success, you may be able to plan on requesting just 50% more than your budget.
• Seek Alignment: Identify funders whose missions align with yours. Focus on those that resonate with your organization's goals and values. And always make sure you meet the eligibility requirements! (Note: If prospect research is something you need help with, don't forget about our Find Your Funders mini-course! We'll walk you through this process.)
• Map Out Your Calendar: Create a calendar outlining application deadlines and key milestones. This will help you stay organized and ensure you don't miss any opportunities.
• Craft Your Story: Develop a solid proposal template that you can customize for each funder. This will streamline your process and maintain consistency in your messaging.
• Tailor to Perfection: Customize each proposal to fit the specific requirements of each funder. Personalization is key to making a strong impression and increasing your likelihood of success.
• Stay the Course: Submit, submit, submit! Regular submission is essential for success. Find your rhythm based on your funding needs and projected success rate. Remember, we’re not asking for money just for the sake of it. We’re asking for what we need to achieve our goals and outcomes.

In the end, consistency is about finding your stride – it's not about mindlessly churning out proposals. By following these steps and staying true to your mission, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the grantwriting journey with confidence.

National funder of the week

The Allianz Foundation provides funding to organizations that create or expand personal and professional growth experiences for high-school/GED-aged teenagers and young adults (ages 16-25). The Foundation supports young people in developing the skills, motivation, perspectives, and opportunities they need to be successful, self-reliant, and socially conscious members of society.

Grants are given in communities where Allianz companies in North America maintain offices (see eligibility requirements for more information). Concept forms are due by July 31, 2024.

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Have a good week!

Tracy

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Founder, Tracy Babler & Associates LLC
​@nonprofitgrantmagic​

6417 Penn Ave S, Ste 7-220, Minneapolis, MN. 55423
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