find out if they’re accepting new applications and, if so,
when and what their requirements are.
own requirements. If their website doesn’t have any, you
can contact the foundation to ask for them.
If you’ve done your homework before applying, you
should already have many of the elements you’ll need to
complete the application form. Always be sure to tailor
your proposal for each funder and make sure you explain
why your organization and project are a good investment
for that particular foundation.
CONTACT THE PROSPECT
Before you submit a proposal, it is a good idea to get in
touch with the funder to confirm that they are accepting
proposals, make sure you are eligible to apply, and that
you have the correct application guidelines. You can also
ask any specific questions you have about the proposal
process or application form.
Usually a first grant proposal will be for a one-year project,
but not always. Once you establish a track record with a
funder, they may consider giving you a multi-year grant.
If you do contact the foundation before applying, keep
your email or phone call short. State upfront why you
are contacting them. Don’t call to ask outright for a
grant – that is what the application process is for. Show
them you’ve done your research and you’re following up
on specifics. Don’t send draft documents or make a long
pitch – respect the foundation staff ’s time and be clear
about what you want.
WHAT TYPE OF GRANT ARE YOU
APPLYING FOR?
There are two main types of grants: general operating
support (also known as unrestricted grants) and projectspecific grants.
General operating support or unrestricted grants are
grants given to support your organization and its work as
a whole. These grants usually give you a lot of flexibility
on how you can spend the fu