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Tips and Tools
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DO
YOUR HOMEWORK! Consult the Regional
Foundation Center at the Free
Library of Philadelphia (215-686-5423) for
information about the funders you plan to
contact |
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Communicate
with funders. Contact each funder to obtain
a copy of funding guidelines, deadlines and/or
annual report. Be aware of each funder’s
preferred method of initial contact and number
of copies of the application you should submit.
If in doubt, ask for clarification. |
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Be strategic.
Make sure that your goals, objectives and amount
requested match the criteria of the funder you
are approaching. Tailor your application to meet
each funder’s specifications. |
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Follow
the directions. Write clearly and follow
the format of the application closely. |
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Do not skip questions unless
they in no way apply to your request. Avoid repetition.
Less is more! |
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Use the Directory
of PA Foundations (610-544-6927
to order) |
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Use the Pennsylvania
Non-Profit Handbook (717-238-3787
to order). |
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Use the basic Grantwriting
Glossary of Terms below to help complete
your application. A more complete glossary of
grantwriting terms is also available in this section
of our web site. |
BASIC GRANTWRITING GLOSSARY
OF TERMS
TYPES OF GRANTS:
Challenge grant: Funder
sets fundraising goal for grantseeker to reach; reward
if met.
Capital grant: Funding
for endowment purposes, construction or equipment.
General Operating Support:
Funding for the general purpose or work of an organization,
including personnel, administration, and other expenses
for an existing program.
Matching grant: Funder
agrees to match amount that grantseeker raises in
fundraising.
Project/Program grant:
Funding for specific initiative or new endeavor, not
general purpose.
Technology grant: Funder
donates technological equipment (computers, phone
system, etc).
TERMS USED IN APPLYING:
Budget: The financial
plan for your grant, itemized to show breakdown of both
income and expenses.
Consultant: A professional
who is not on-staff but who lends periodic expertise.
Contract: A legal document
that specifies work/services provided as part of grant.
Dissemination: Distribution
of results or information to others.
Evaluation: Qualitative
and quantitative assessment of project. Did you meet
your goals?
Goals: The broad outcomes
expected from project. Unlike objectives, not directly
measurable.
Objectives: Specific,
measurable aims for project, with matching outcomes
to measure them.
Outcomes: Expected results
of project that can be used to measure its success.
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