Grant applications usually ask for the history of an organization. Please don’t write a paragraph (or a page) about all of the good, bad, and ugly happenings of your agency for the past 30 years. Instead, keep the history brief and to the point. “The XYZ Organization was created in 1985 and since that time, the agency has provided 730,000 meals to families in need.” If the grant application also asks for recent accomplishments, remember that “recent” means during the past two

1) Reaffirm your agency’s Non Discrimination statement. Can’t find it anywhere? Use this one… Name of Organization does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, nation origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. 2) Develop your COOP Plan (Continuity of Operations). This plan shows funders that your organization is prepared to

Most grant applications want to know what other organizations offer services similar to your program. Please recognize the fact that there are other agencies out there (yes, even in your area) providing programs much like yours. Google some key words about your services (ex: homelessness, hunger, mentoring). You’ll be amazed at the programs you will find! I’m sure that your program is more efficient and effective than “the other guys” out there but it is important to acknowle

Don't take rejection personally. You may have written an excellent grant application but your agency's mailing address might be in a zip code where a corporate foundation doesn't have a market share (retail store, restaurant, bank). Or, perhaps that funder has already allocated its funding for your region for the current fiscal year. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off....and move on.