Applying for grants without a 501(c)(3)
What happens if your charity is waiting on its 501(c)(3) status? You've sent the paperwork into the IRS, but you're still waiting on...
Grant writing tips
Getting creative with grant proposals
As writers, we may be inclined to experiment with form sometimes, breaking out of the usual rote, technical format. But is it ok...
How to write the sustainability section of a grant
One of the most neglected aspects of any grant proposal — federal, state, or foundation — is the sustainability section. Funders often ask how...
Should your nonprofit hire a contract grant writer?
Nonprofits large and small often find it beneficial to hire a contract grant writer, someone outside the organization. It can save money and...
Including volunteer hours in a nonprofit budget
Many nonprofit organizations rely on volunteers in some capacity. Food banks use them to pack meals, Habitat for Humanity uses them to build...
When foundations contribute only to preselected organizations
One of the most frustrating things we've encountered as grant writers is discovering that a foundation only gives grants to preselected organizations. They...
Direct versus indirect costs in a nonprofit budget
The budget is often one of the most difficult parts of a grant application. One common point of confusion surrounds direct versus indirect...
How to find foundation grants for U.S. nonprofits
The first step in grant writing is finding the right grant opportunity. But where to look? Nonprofits often wonder where to find foundation...
How to make your grant proposal stand out
We received a great question from a Twitter follower the other day: What is the most important thing to mention in a grant...
The basics of goals and objectives
Some grant applications will ask specifically for a project goal and a list of objectives, and rarely will the foundation take the time...