The first thing I recommend people do once they find a funding agency is review the request for proposal (RFP). Read it over and over again until you have a solid understanding of what the funder wants. Know who you are writing to. The person who will ultimately score your proposal will have experience in the field. Write to them as if you were sitting across from them telling them the story of your organization.
Tea RFP it is your guideline. It tells you what to do and what documentation the funder requires. Different funders require different elements. Just remember to give the funding agency what it wants. No matter how unimportant something seems to you, make sure it’s in your proposal package. Oh yeah, and make sure it’s in the exact spot they want.
There are a few things that every funder will want from the nonprofit. They will need details of the organization and the name of a contact person. Documentation may include, but is not limited to, federal tax identification number, board of directors, financial statements, Form 990, and DUNS number, which is a unique nine-character number that identifies your organization. The federal government has adopted the use of DUNS numbers to track how federal grant money is allocated.
The funder will also request a description of the project/program, the organization’s goals, purpose and objectives, and of course the current operating budget. Most will require a line item budget and tell you what indirect cost percentage you can add.
The RFP will explain what the foundation will fund. They want to know how the money will be spent if you are awarded a grant and make sure you are a good steward of your money.
The needs statement, also known as the problem or vision statement, is a section in the RFP that explains how the program/project will address the needs of the community. The foundations are not interested in how the funding will help the organization. They want to know that their money will help people.
Explain why your organization is the best to achieve the goals of the proposal, with your funding.
Emphasize the facts and support your statistics with regional or national data. Be convincing, clear and concise. Draw the reader in with emotions. Paint a picture. Add stories from real people and how they relate to the problem or provide a solution.
Last but most importantly, know what the funder wants and give it to them.
Follow the RFP guidelines to the letter and you will have a winning proposal.