Information the Grant Writer Needs
Questions to Ask the Program Manager
A lot of research goes into the grant writing process. It is a very time consuming but important step that is relevant to the work to be done in aquiring a grant.The objective is to know how to present the nonprofit organizations information so the program manager will approve the grant application.
How to Engage the Program Manager
What does the program manager think when a grant application comes in that is incomplete, worded incorrectly or is not a good fit for the foundation initiatives? Well, whatever is thought one thing is for sure they will not approve the grant application.
A better route to take to get grant funds is to call the program manager before mailing the grant application.Ask the program manager if they have time to talk for 15 minutes. If not, ask for a better time.
If they have time now, introduce the organization that will be requesting the grant. Don’t worry, the program manager will ask some standard questions right off the bat.
This is a time consuming task but a very important step that is relevant to the work to be done to aquire a grant.
Program Managers Probe for Eligibility
First, the program manager will want to know if the grant application has been sent. Then, the program manager will probe for geographical location, and ask questions including: Do you have an up-to-date 501c3 designation letter? Have you read the application guidelines? Have you researched the foundation’s initiatives?
Make sure to have good answers here, as that is why the questions are being asked. Don’t assume whatever is on the web is correct. Initiatives change and so do deadlines, guidelines, and geographical coverage. In other words if the program manager says something contrary to the website ask if that item has changed from the website. This happens a lot. Most website maintenance can lag a little before the information is changed. Make a careful note as to what has changed.
Be calm and business like. The program manager needs to insure the nonprofit is a good fit for the funder, that is their job. Staying focused and organized is what leads to having the grant awarded to the organization.
Follow the Grant Application Guidelines to the Letter
Grant funding is all about following the foundation’s guideline instructions for applications, letters of inquiry, letters of request or final grant proposals. The application guidelines will layout the detail of exactly what information is needed and how they want it presented. No matter what, follow the application guidelines to the letter unless the program manager says otherwise.
After answering the questions some time will be afforded to ask questions. Ask about the grant application, eligibility for the nonprofit organization, process questions, deadlines and anything else needed for the proposal. It’s very important to ask about contact information for the person that will be directing the process.
Above all prepare for this phone call by listing questions that need to be answered based on the application guidelines, foundation initiatives, and grant application. The program manager will assume that these documents have been read prior to the phone call. Take copious notes for the file because chances are this will not be the only contact with this program manager.
Next Step After the Grant Application
After determining that the nonprofit organization is a good fit for the foundation ask about the next step in the process. This is a probing question to ascertain if the nonprofit is in fact a good fit according to the profile given to the program manager on this call. If the program manager indicates there is a next step the foundation is interested and the program manager wants to see more in writing.
Why Call the Program Manager
When the grant application from the nonprofit organization is mailed the program manager is already familiar with the facts. If they are the same the nonprofit is through the first but hardest hurdle. Professional grant writers take this time to research the grant. Then they position the nonprofit by means of the program manager in order to save time and money for both the nonprofit organization and the foundation.
Want to know more about the grant writing process? Go to Nine Secrets Every Grant Writer Knows.
Ask About the Grant Application to Get Funds
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