Grant Application Process Strategies

Since there are far fewer grantmakers than there are organizations searching for money, requesting funds from granting agencies is a highly competitive process.

From researching funding agencies and contacting them, to preparing for a site visit and acknowledging contributions, these strategies should shed some light on the application process for agencies and jurisdictions new to the fundraising game. 

Do Your Homework
The first step for individuals or organizations seeking outside support for technology projects is to identify a list of viable funders. In other words, do your homework.

Start with the Internet. Using Google, or any other search engine, do a keyword search by the terms "grant," "funding," "technology project," and other terms related to your project. You'll quickly identify what grantmaking institutions are out there, where they are located, and what their priorities are for that particular funding cycle. The goal is to compile a comprehensive list of public and private agencies that have technology projects as their main funding criteria.

Another way to identify likely funders is to find nonprofit organizations in your region that maintain a database of potential funding sources. These agencies can usually be accessed online and offer their services either for free, or for a nominal fee.

Oftentimes these centers have extensive collections of the annual reports of both public and private funding agencies, and they make this information available to prospective grantees upon request. By contacting the center directly or going there in person, you can generally make contact with someone who is knowledgeable about funding agencies and is willing to offer some helpful advice during your search.

To determine when and how much a corporation gives annually go directly to that organization's Web site. For instance, conduct a keyword search to identify what IT companies exist, and which are the largest. Then establish if corporate giving is considered a top priority. Like the public funders, corporate dollars are usually directed toward specific programs and interests, and it's important to establish what these priorities are before initiating a formal request.

Then, when and if you decide to make contact, let them know you've done your homework. The more you know about a corporate donor before you make a request, the better.

 
Tapping the Feds
The federal government provides ongoing major funding for specific projects. The guidelines, however, are fairly strict.

One of the best ways to determine if federal dollars are available for your IT project is to access the Federal Register online or in hard copy at the local library. The Federal Register consists of a daily update of all grants offered by the federal government, and it defines what types of projects, as well as dollar amounts, that are available on a competitive basis.

Also, try contacting city hall or reading the public notices section of your local newspaper to help identify types of local and regional projects being funded. Announcements generally are listed under the heading of Requests for Proposal and provide contact information for further details.

Make Contact
Securing grants for technology projects requires significant time and persistence. Therefore, once a list of potential grantmaking organizations has been completed, it's important to call, write or e-mail the funder for application instructions. Ask whom to maintain contact with throughout the funding cycle so you know where to direct questions about the application process.

Generally a funder is eager to share its grant guidelines with a prospective applicant. Guidelines typically state in writing what types of projects the organization funds, which projects have been approved recently and priorities that have been set for the current funding cycle.

A word of caution: Funding priorities change, so establishing contact with the granting