To Apply or Not To Apply?

​Relentless deadlines, stiff competition, expectation of sustainability and inflexible budgets do not make grants attractive sources of funding. “To apply or not to apply?” ripple through organizations when facing upcoming grant deadlines. Sometimes it may not be worthwhile to invest the time to write the grant. And sometimes it is worth the effort.
 
There are multiple sources of revenue for charities which include individual donors, corporations, government, religious groups, foundations, and service clubs to name a few. Different kinds of programs speak to different kinds of funders.
 
In broad strokes…

• Individual donors support programs people can easily understand, visualize, quantify and empathize.
• Corporations support programs that provide them with a market or profile.
• Government or foundation grants support programs that address systemic issues and offer effective solutions.

 
If you determine that grants are appropriate, then you need to ask yourself if your organization is prepared to follow the general parameters of grants.


While grants are often enticing, it is important to remember that grants:

• are tied to performance outcomes;
• have little flexibility regarding spending; and
• require compliance and reporting.

 
Let’s say you are comfortable with all three parameters, then you need to ask yourself if your program is grant-ready.
 
A grant-ready program has:

• clear objectives and outcomes;
• objectives and outcomes address the need or problem;
• outcomes can and will be measured;
• activities are relevant and realistic; and
• the program aligns with the mission and vision of the organization.

 
 
If you program is grant- ready, then you need to ask yourself if you have the time, expertise, proper documents and organizational support to complete the application.
 
If yes, then you are on the road….