Non-profit consultant and grant writing expert, Derek Link, has a few thoughts to share on realism when you are seeking grant funding:
Grants are not a gift of money, and grants are not given blindly. Don’t think that because you have a good idea and a nonprofit, someone will simply like the idea and give you money for it. That is an unrealistic view of grants that I run into frequently, and which leads to disappointment.
Grants are:
- Investments, not gifts
- Established for targeted causes, not scattered about like birdseed.
- Given to credible organizations and people with credentials, not for pipe dreams.
- Carefully monitored fiscally, not an open checkbook.
- Measured for impact, grant makers care what happens.
- Limited, not a bottomless well.
- Time sensitive, even federal grant funds have a definite season for applying.
The bottom line is that in order to get a grant, there must be a credible organization run by credible people. It is not enough to be a nice person with a neat idea. Working to establish a detailed plan and budget, establish a responsible organization, and building a competent staff with credentials all contribute to being in a strong position to receive grants.
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