How can a new grant writer best help small, newer non profits that want federal grants?
non profit grant writer asked:
I am working pro bono in the non profit sector. I have met with several organizations that want to go for federal grants; they do not have their organizations structured so they can be viable and compete for grants. The EDs want me to act as a consultant as well as a writer. I give the organizations a detailed written list of what I need in order to write for them-mission statement, objectives, goals, programs, partnerships…. yet they are slow to respond or don’t understand the basics. The non profits have good people working very hard for the benefit of the disabled or children. I truly want to help but cannot create their structure for them. How can I best help these organizations and write the grants that they need?
I am working pro bono in the non profit sector. I have met with several organizations that want to go for federal grants; they do not have their organizations structured so they can be viable and compete for grants. The EDs want me to act as a consultant as well as a writer. I give the organizations a detailed written list of what I need in order to write for them-mission statement, objectives, goals, programs, partnerships…. yet they are slow to respond or don’t understand the basics. The non profits have good people working very hard for the benefit of the disabled or children. I truly want to help but cannot create their structure for them. How can I best help these organizations and write the grants that they need?
I want to write 12 pro bono grants. It is a way to pay my dues, serve my community and then, as a disabled woman myself, support my family while working at home.
Thanks,
non profit grant writer
As a member of a non-profit, I can tell you that you have your hands full. We thought we were set up correctly but were not even close so I had to file all the paperwork, set up the organization to stay in compliance etc.
The people are very good, but the first time they see the stack of paperwork involved PANIC takes over.
To get them through the panic and denial, get as many of the members involved as possible. Let them know what is at stake. If the organization is big enough there will probably be someone who will take the helm and do the paperwork.
Give them a timeline. Tell them you need a, b and c done by next month. Break things down into smaller bits for them and check in frequently. You may have a lot of handholding to do.
They will feel overwhelmed and maybe even a little angry at having to do so much extra work when their focus is on the work they are trying to do. If they can see that setting up the organization and doing the paperwork will eventually help the organization run more smoothly they will be more willing to get things done.