Tips to Writing Grants
Once you've conducted your search for potential funding opportunities from private foundations or from the federal government and have identified sources relevant to services that you provide for funding, verify that you are eligible to apply for the grant or submit a proposal to the funding agency and that youhave the proper documents.
Applying for Federal Grants
- Getting a DUNS Number: In order to apply for Federal grants online, agencies must first apply through the Central Contractor Registration at http://www.ccr.gov. However, before you can register, you must first obtain a D-U-N-S (for Data Universal Numbering System) number, which is a unique nine character identification number primarily for tracking purposes that is used to identify your business and provided by the Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Company.
- Registering to apply online – link to http://www.grants.gov
Applying for Private Foundation Funding
- Generally, private funders require grantees to be able to document proof of non-profit status such as the Federal Internal Revenue Service letter of determination in accordance with Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, which is the non-profit status designation.
- For those Foundations with websites, review carefully the requirements and grant application guidelines. Some do not entertain unsolicited proposals – meaning they will seek the organizations they wish to fund. Some will require a Letter of Inquiry – to determine whether the funder's current interests and funds permit consideration of your request. And then others will require proposals and indicate their process and identify what to include in your program narrative.
Additional Readings:
– Grant Writing Workshop – August 2008
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