Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Grant Application Checklist

If your YAC has started its grant application process: good job!  If your YAC hasn’t started its grant application process, review these tips below.  Over the next few weeks, we will supply you with tips and tricks for smooth grant cycles.  Hopefully you will gain insight into the often perplexing details of grant writing and reviewing. 

Step 1: Know exactly what your group is willing (and not willing) to fund.  Be clear and concise in the grant application about the qualifications you are looking for.  For instance: The applicant must be a registered philanthropy (or a 501(c)3 organization) and serve youth in the community of (your community). 

Step 2: Be aware of how much money your group can give to the applicants.  You don’t want to promise funds you don’t have, so make sure your group is fully aware of the expendable in the YAC endowment. 

Step 3: Decide how many applicants your YAC will/can fund for the year.  Your group is not limited to only funding one organization.  However, if your YAC chooses to fund multiple organizations, remember the endowment spendable only amounts to so much. 

Step 4: Contact the media (local radio stations, news stations, magazines and news papers) and let them know that the YAC grant cycle is open.  Your group will be able to reach more organizations this way.

Step 5: Set a deadline for grant applications.  When does your group need applications?  Sooner is often better than later.  Set a deadline and stick to it! 

Next week:  Tips for a Smooth Grant Cycle

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