Tips and
Hints
Matching your strategy to the foundation
Every
foundation is a unique entity and must be treated accordingly. A
different approach is necessary for large and small foundations. While it
might be perfectly appropriate to make an informal contact with
decision-makers in a small foundation to discuss their current funding
priorities (as they change often), a more business-like approach is
suitable for a larger foundation. Some foundations favor a telephone call
to a staff (not Board) member, while others prefer a formal letter of
inquiry, and still others are encouraging applicants to review information
available on their web sites. Also, be aware that some foundations don't
consider unsolicited proposals. Review the "Application Procedure"
sections of the profiles and tables in this directory to determine how
best to approach the specific foundations of interest to you.
"Large" and "small" foundations
To determine
whether a foundation is "large" or "small," consider the size of their
assets as well as the number of staff members employed. [See "Number of
Staff" and "Assets" categories in this Directory's profiles.] A small
staff signals a small organization. Conversely, if a high number of
full-time, professional staff and Board members are involved, the
foundation may be classified as "large." However, pay attention to the
average range of grant funding and the interest areas of a foundation,
rather than just the foundation assets when deciding how much to request
from the foundation.
Many small,
private foundations represent the values of family groups or members.
Such organizations are often established as trusts to honor or memorialize
a deceased family member; consequently their giving may follow the life
and goals of the deceased. These independent foundations are typically
governed by family members who can (and will!) change their giving
patterns and funding priorities at any time.
Small
foundations frequently make use of volunteer reviewers who carefully
examine proposals and make recommendations to the family (sometimes
referred to as the "Board"). These peer reviewers are individuals with
experience analyzing grant proposals, as well as familiarity with the
funding priorities of the particular foundation. Remember, though, that
the family makes the final decision, and the process by which they do so
will most likely be unclear. By contrast, large foundations often publish
more clearly articulated selection criteria. They generally have
professional staff who can be extremely helpful in clarifying application
procedures and in consulting with you after you receive their foundation's
funding.
The terms
"staff member" and "Board member" can be confusing when ascertaining who
makes the final decision regarding the funding of a proposal in a larger
foundation. Just remember that professional staff members generally do
not make final decisions, though they often make recommendations to the
Board members. Consequently, any contact you have with staff members, be
it a telephone call or a letter, will not go unnoticed. Carefully
consider all possible outcomes before communicating with a foundation.
Funding from more than one source
Foundations are
sometimes less likely to renew grants than federal sources, which may
offer three to five years of project funding. Thus, foundation funding is
often most appropriately viewed as a start-up mechanism for a long-term
project, the future funding for which should be pursued from a different
source. (Foundations are a good source of funding for new programs that
do not yet have the track record to gain governmental support.)
From the very
outset it may be necessary to pursue funding from a variety of sources, as
a particular foundation may offer less money than you desire. It is
perfectly acceptable to submit the same idea to several funders, but tell
them you are doing so. It may, in fact, be an asset if funders recognize
that their funds may "leverage" other dollars. When submitting the same
proposal to multiple sources, remember that it is imperative that you
modify each individual proposal to fit that foundation's guidelines. A
"generic" proposal will likely be rejected, but one that is tailored and
well-defined will spark interest, as it has obviously been groomed to
target a particular foundation.
Following guidelines
Remember to
follow carefully all guidelines and recommendations. If a foundation
specifies a limit on the amount it will fund, do not exceed that amount.
Furthermore, keep in mind that foundations are frequently inundated with
grant proposals, and will exercise their right to reject a proposal if all
guidelines have not been explicitly followed!
Read all
guidelines thoroughly before calling the foundation with a question. Look
for the foundation's web site; it may provide answers to your questions
about the funding application process. You might also talk with someone
who has successfully received funding from that foundation, as he/she
might be able to clarify a point, thus eliminating the need for a
telephone call.
Provide all the
information requested in a complete, well-organized, and accurate manner.
Pay attention to details and double-check names, titles, numbers, etc.
Avoid jargon or abbreviations that someone outside the area of your
program may not recognize. Make your proposal attractive, but don't
"over-hype" or emphasize elaborate packaging over substance.