Tag Archives: Nonprofits

Ask Dalya: How can I tutor and support someone else in writing a needs statement for our grant proposal?

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Q: How can I tutor and support someone else in writing a needs statement for our grant proposal? No one ever seems to feel like they can do it.

A: The needs statement is one of the core elements of a grant proposal, but it doesn’t need to be a scary piece to write. In fact, the simpler the better. I use (and teach) a 5-part system for putting together your proposal’s priorities; two of them relate to the needs statement:

Facts and Figures: This is simply the context you are in. Who are your clients/participants? What are the top few issues they’re dealing with? What are some current trends that make those issues so pressing? Are there research data or statistics that can back you up?

Importance of the issue: If you were telling a stranger why they should care about this issue what would you say? Don’t assume the answer is obvious. If they asked you, “So what?” would you have a clear answer? Outline what is at stake if that issue were not addressed. If you’re proposing a specific project or program, talk about how it’s a priority for you in working toward your organization’s overall mission.

Here are a couple of examples: Continue reading →

Ask Dalya: What if 2 or more similar grant proposals get funded? What about using photos?

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Q: What happens if 2 or more grant applications come through for the same program?

A: That is an enviable situation to be in! Assuming that the total amount awarded is more than the program’s total budget, you should re-assess your situation. Can you do more of the same program with a larger budget? Save the funds for the next fiscal year? Or would you prefer to use the extra funds for another program or for general operating support? Once you know your ideal plan, explain your situation to the funder(s) and try to negotiate a good alternate use of the grant. The main thing is to always maintain transparency by letting your funders know if you have any plans to use their funds in ways other than described in your proposal. Chances are, the funders will be pleased to hear of your so-called predicament.

Q: Would you recommend including a picture or two in a grant proposal”? Our organization works on adaptation to environmental concerns. We could send photos of wildfires burning homes and forests. What do you think? Continue reading →

Prepared for Consulting? Your Materials Should Be, Too.

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Prepared for Consulting? Your Materials Should Be, Too!

By Dalya F. Massachi

I was pleased to see the recent articles on Opportunity Knocks about working as a nonprofit consultant (a hat I have worn since 1999). In this tough economy, as many organizations streamline their budgets, they may decide not to hire full-fledged staff people. This is especially true if they only need special expertise for a specific project or on a periodic basis, rather than continuously or daily.

Click here to read the full article.