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If you are seeking a grant to purchase emergency preparedness supplies, be prepared to articulate an identified need for the population you serve and the outcomes you expect should your grant request be successful. Organizations that provide grants (grantors) are inundated with requests for funding, so you must be able to make a case that their dollars are being used wisely and responsibly.
First, you must research grantors whose funding guidelines include being prepared for an emergency, whether it is an earthquake, hurricane, wildfire, or general emergency preparedness. The Internet is a wealth of information on grantors. Be specific and narrow your search to make sure that your needs are a good fit for the grantor; “grant funds for emergency supplies for low-income rural population” is much better than “grant funds”. Also, service organizations (e.g., Kiwanis, Lions, Rotary, etc.) in your area may be looking for a project. Call and ask if you can make a presentation at their next meeting. These service organizations usually want to support projects within their geographical area, and their guidelines as to what projects they will fund may be broader than other grantors. Large, national retailers and local businesses may also be willing to support needs in their community. Many times, large retailers give the managers of local stores the latitude to fund community causes.
Next, are the grantors willing to fund the population you serve or are trying to reach (i.e., special needs, low-income)? If your project involves serving low-income senior citizens, it may not be a good fit for a grantor that only funds children’s projects. On the other hand, a better target may be a grantor whose mission is helping seniors remain independent in their homes. If you are unsure if the grantor’s mission meets your specific project needs, it is okay to call a grantor’s representative and speak to him/her prior to grant submittal. Usually, grantors are willing to answer questions to determine if your need fits their funding guidelines. This is not the time to try and make your case as to why they should fund your project; be respectful of their willingness to speak with you and help determine if they can assist you. Your time is better spent with a grantor that may actually fund your grant request.
Finally, make sure that you have identified a project need before you search for funding, rather than becoming aware of a source of funds and then attempting to create a use for the funds. Grantors can tell the difference between finding funds to fit a project and finding a project to fit the funds, and they won’t fund the latter. Again, be respectful of the grantors that want to fund your project and use their money wisely.
Once you have identified a grantor who may be willing to support your project, consider the following when making the request:
• Funding Cycle – When will the grantor accept requests? Some have a specific deadline for accepting grant requests. Others will accept requests at any time.
• Funding – Does this request include all of the funding to support your project or will you depend upon additional funding sources. Such arrangements may need to be defined. Project sustainability may also need to be addressed if applicable.
• Process – What is the process for submitting a request? Does the grantor require a letter of intent before requesting a full proposal? Do they have a specific form to complete? Does it have to be submitted on-line?
• Guidelines – Be sure that your submission is exactly as the grantor requested. Many times, a grantor will not even consider a grant request, regardless of the cause, that does not explicitly follow their guidelines. This may include a response that does not present information in the defined order, too many pages, the improper font size, etc.
• Questions – Your submission should clearly and succinctly provide the information the grantor has requested in the same order as their guidelines. If they ask a question, answer it succinctly and accurately. It is always a good idea to have an independent review of your grant request to ensure strict compliance to grant guidelines.
• Outcomes/Goals – What difference are you going to make? Don’t skip this step or treat it lightly just because it is hard to quantify. If you can’t make the case as to what difference their funding is going to make for your project or the people you serve, they will assume that you don’t need the funds and will find a more appropriate project.
• Reporting – Make sure that you note the grantors reporting requirements and diligently report your fund usage and outcomes/goals as requested.
Carol Serre has almost 10 year of experience developing and funding grants for community organizations. She currently volunteers for local Search & Rescue and CERT Units. Additionally, she is a qualified instructor for Neighborhood Emergency Training courses sponsored by the Office of Homeland Security and Community Emergency Response Team training. Her knowledge of survival and emergency preparedness skills make her uniquely qualified to assist in the development and evaluation of grants. For more emergency preparedness information see their website at:www.getreadygear.com.
