The workflow that enables you to raise money while focusing on the mission (Grant Writing 5 of 5)

One of the best way to view grant-writing (and see how to “win” even when you don’t get the grant) is this:

⭐️ When you write a grant proposal you have the opportunity to put the mission of your organization into the hands of someone who has decided that THEIR MISSION is to fund organizations like yours. ⭐️

And sometimes the timing is right and your mission and their mission intersect. Other times it doesn’t. And a “no” doesn’t always mean “no forever.”

So…

Develop a workflow that actually works— so you can do this ultra-part time and still get massive results WHILE staying focused on the mission.

Here are a few tips:

⚙️ #1 = Create a filing system for all of your information.

✅ Make a folder up updated information that’s “the same” for every request (501c3, Form 990, Annual organization budget, financials, etc.)

✅ Make a folder for each project— including a narrative, the budget, partnering organizations, etc.

✅ Make a folder for each grant maker— including all requests you make to them

⚙️ #2 = Build a calendar— and work from it.

✅ Organize by the month

✅ Make a list of all grant makers who receive requests that month

✅ Include the relevant info— approximate amount, how to apply, other details

✅ Do the work a month ahead of time (i.e., do your March requests in February)

⚙️ #3 = Create your monthly workflow— based on that calendar.

✅ Week 1, write $100-200K in requests, for instance— or whatever number you determine (just stay consistent)

✅ Week 2, follow-up with “old” requests, and scout for new grant makers

✅ Week 3, Finish any work that’s been left undone.

✅ Week 4, Email all grant makers in your database— a “not-a-funding- request communication.”

Some of the best practices include…

📫 Communicate with a written thank you immediately.

📈 Some donors will want a follow- up report after the monies are spent. Always do this ASAP, b/c you can’t apply again until you do.

📣 Communicate monthly with a “not-a-funding-request communication” to everyone on your “grant-making list” to keep them updated on your progress— build the relationship so they know who you are and what you do when the proposal time rolls around again.

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Links for this talk

Free access to the grant template = https://www.amplifyonline.info/GPP 

How we can help nonprofit leaders— the framework = www.AmplifyOnline.info/501c3 

The “Grant-Making Machine” on-demand course, with worksheets, templates, etc. = https://www.amplifyonline.info/GMM 

Need help? Let’s talk = www.AmplifyOnline.info/talk