Ask Dalya: Q & A about grantwriting

You’ve got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are just a few:

Q: If you’re applying to a foundation that supports operating costs as well as programs, should you build a relationship first by going for a program-related grant, and then follow up the next year with an operating cost grant, or can you go right for the operating costs? Which is more likely to get funded, in your opinion?

A: Most funders will want to start out with a program grant to test you out. But I would recommend contacting them, explaining that you are interested in both, and getting their suggestion. Each funder is very different, as I am sure you know.

Q: If a foundation has a grant range of $5K-$25K and an average grant size of $15K, what’s the best number to pick for your first grant request to them?

A: This is another great question to ask when you speak with the funder. Generally, a first grant is going to be on the lower end. With no other info, I would probably ask for $15K. A first grant will probably be less than the funder’s average grant size, but it is always good to ask for a bit more than you expect. Just make sure you ask for only a fraction of the total project budget.

Q: If you are pursuing other funding for a project but have not been approved for it yet, do you include that in a new proposal?

A: In the Request for Proposal or Grant Guidelines, you will often be asked about other pending funding and/or your financial sustainability strategy. These are great opportunities to talk about other grants you are pursuing.

Good news! These questions are exactly the kind we answer in the Grantwriter’s FastTrack Coaching Program. You will also get to practice a grantmaker-grantseeker conversation where you can ask these questions (and many more I suggest) during a role play, in preparation for the real thing.

Writing Quote of the Month: Sept. 2014

Put your butt in a chair and write. And nevermind feeling blocked. Everyone feels blocked all the time.” – Anna Quindlen

Watch the free webinar: Grant Proposal Feedback Clinic

Could you use some targeted feedback on your Letter of Intent or brief grant proposal? Have you participated in trainings but find you need some individual feedback to fine-tune your draft (one you’re currently working on or one you recently submitted)?

While your colleagues may be helpful (or maybe just too busy), an outside perspective is often exactly what you need to view your work as a funder might.

That was the idea behind the Feedback Clinic, a safe online space where 2 people shared drafts with their peers and the instructor (a seasoned grant writer with more than 15 years of experience). Others listened in and learned from the two reviewed drafts’ successes and challenges, and practiced providing analytical feedback.

Here’s what folks had to say about the feedback clinic:

“This was really helpful. I really liked that we got to see what other people had written. It’s helpful to get to read and give feedback on others’ writing – and Dalya’s feedback was wonderful.”

“I was delighted to get a better sense of how to hit an LOI out of the park. I soaked everything up.”

“I thought this was incredibly helpful. This format of seeing other people’s grants in areas that were different from my own and seeing the feedback was just absolutely tremendous.”

“Often, I find myself wanting to dig my eyeballs out with a grapefruit spoon with webinars. This one, however, held my attention throughout and flew by.”

To watch the free webinar just go HERE!

The feedback clinic webinar provides just a taste of what you will experience in the full Grantwriter’s FastTrack Coaching Program. From October 13 – November 20, a small group of up to 6 grantwriters will get in-depth training and individualized feedback to help polish at least 1 proposal in real time. Space is extremely limited. Learn more and grab your spot now HERE. The Early Bird Discount is good through Friday, September 26.