Many non-profit organizations rely on government grants and contracts to fund their programs. Successfully compete for government funds by following these basic practices every time.
Review the Requirements of the Funding Source
The Finance Project suggests that you should review every funding source to make sure it is a good fit for your program. You should begin by reading the request for proposals (RFP), at least twice. The first time you read it, check to make sure that you understand the overall requirements and basic details such as the deadline and eligibility requirements. See what steps you must take before you apply such as a letter of intent or a bidders’ conference. The second read through should focus on the overall requirements of the funding source as well as any questions you may want to raise at the bidders' conference.
If there is a bidders’ conference make sure to attend, whether it is mandatory or not. It’s a great way to learn more about the expectations of the people who are managing the grant. This is an opportunity to get to meet the people in charge of the project and also will give you a better sense of their specific priorities.
Read the Directions and Follow Them
If the RFP asks for 12 point type, don’t use 11.5. Stay within the allotted number of pages and don’t add extra items. Trying to sneak in an extra page could cost you the contract. Make sure that you have the right number of copies with all the pages (be sure the photocopier didn’t eat one!) and that everything is signed where necessary.
Answer every question, in the order it was asked. Help the reviewers find your responses by numbering your answers and keeping them in order. Repeat the question before you give the answer. If the questions seem repetitive, answer them anyway.
Neatness counts, but you don’t need to include a fancy binder (it will probably get thrown away). However, you must send in a well designed proposal that shows you are a professional.
Prove that You Can Get the Job Done
Many government programs require collaborations. Make sure that yours is in place before you respond to the RFP and use the team to show that you know the community you are proposing to serve.
Demonstrate your need by preparing a needs statement using multiple sources of data and then prove you can meet the need by using results from similar programs you have provided to show that you can get the job done.
Show how you will evaluate success by developing outcomes that relate to the needs you identified. If you are going to be working with an evaluator, you should get that person involved in writing this section of the proposal.
Leave Enough Time to Get This Job Done
Prepare for the unexpected – computers can go down, people can leave town, your car can run out of gas. Don’t leave anything to the last minute. If the deadline is 5PM on Tuesday and you arrive at 5:01 you will be too late. Also, make sure to send in everything at the same time. Don’t send in additional documentation such as letters of support after the deadline – it is likely they will not get included in your packet.
Government grants and contracts can be a great source of funding for your program. By using the above strategies you are more likely to succeed in your applications and be able to spend more time providing services and less time raising funds.
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