Additional Tips

If an organizations grant proposal utilizes references, it is important to use the American Psychological Association (APA) style of notation. Grant writers should submit a complete list of references. In addition, all references should be cited in your narrative.

There may be a time limit on when a grant will come to an end. Reasons may vary, but generally grants may be terminated via the review process, by the host organization, or by the funding organization.

Grants come to a close due to a variety of reasons:

• During the review process the organization fails to receive sufficient points
• The host organization may choose to end the project
• The project need may cease to exist
• Grant conditions are not being met

Organizations should become familiar with close out procedures and hopefully learn from the process, should a grant be terminated. Contingency plans should be in place if termination occurs. Furthermore, it is a good idea to always continually plan to cultivate and/or solicit new funders to diversify funding sources. If the grant is terminated, the funded organization should make every effort to preserve as much goodwill as possible within the organization and service to the community.

The grant proposal should be submitted as early as possible. Follow all instructions and every rule that is addressed. For larger foundations or corporations, the organization may want to consider personally delivering the grant proposal. If mailing is the best or only option, send the package certified with a return receipt requested to ensure that the proposal was delivered.

It is important for grant writers to maintain communication and follow up with potential funders. Organizations submitting proposals should schedule a consultation with the funder prior to or along with submission. Also, it is important to inform key constituents within the organization of submissions. There may be some connection or link within the community that may serve as support for the submitted proposal. Organizations should maintain contact with funders throughout the grants process, not just at award time. Contact includes special notes on articles or books in the area, requesting their services as speaker, and/or networking at events where the funders attend.

There may be a time when a potential funder will reject your grant proposal. Listed below are the top 10 reasons funders say "NO":

1. Funder did not see the significance and/or interest in the project/idea
2. Proposal is poorly written or difficult to understand
3. The proposed budget does not fit within the range of funding
4. Project objectives too ambitious
5. Organizations did not follow the project guidelines
6. Proposal is outside the funder's mission
7. Evaluation/outcomes of the project are unclear or inadequate
8. Competition, funders are unable to grant all requests
9. Funder does not know you or the organization
10. Insufficient evidence for project sustainability and/or become self-sufficient

For most organizations, rejection is inevitable at one time or another. Whether the funds are granted or not, an expression of thanks needs to immediately follow. There have been many instances where a "no" can turn into a "yes".