Grant Writing is a Way to Share Your Story, Are You Ready to Share It?

Over the last 7 years I have worked with and for a variety of organizations that apply for, support with, or utilize grant funding. I did not necessarily seek out to work within this space but have learned so much across the way. I have seen time after time organizations struggle to manage applying for, implementing, and even finding the right grants for who they are, who they serve, and the values that they have/bring to the world. Not every grant is the right grant for you. It reminds of when little kids have those block organizing toys where they learn their shapes and sorting by putting the square block in the square hole. Sometimes grants can be like that too, sometimes they are a perfect fit and sometimes you are trying to put a square block in a round hole.

I want you to close your eyes (after you read the next few sentences HA) and imagine. What would that perfect opportunity look like for you and your organization? What would the funders priorities be? What would you be able to grow, expand, or start? Why would that be important? Visualize what you want… how does that feel?

Now many of you have probably heard me say that grants are a chance to tell your story and find an ideal partner with the funder that you are seeking to grow this relationship with. It is so true! These funders may or may not know who you are and what you do but what should they read within your application to sell them on why they need to work with you?

Here are a few tips that I have found to be helpful from my own work and work with clients on grant searching and writing.

• Follow the prompts and answer all the questions. YES y’all I am starting with that. I know some of you reading this have been guilty of this and I may or may not have done this before too 😉 make sure to fill out everything that is one of the easiest sets of points you can get in the evaluation is just making sure to have a complete application.

• Only apply for the grant if you align with the organization’s mission, vision, and values and you meet all the requirements of the application. You should never lie on an application, EVER! When you are looking for organizations to fund your work regardless of the level of funding you are looking at (local, state, federal, county, or private dollars) you need to feel confident that should you enter into this partnership with them when they fund your work that there is alignment. Create your “database” of different organizations that you would want to work with and check in on their website at least once a quarter to see when their next applications will be released. Look at what they have funded too, it may spark some ideas of how you can align what you do with what they have funded before.

• Use the application as a narrative to share who you are, what you do, who you serve, and how you are uniquely qualified to do this work in a way that only you can. This is your way to share with that funder the impact that your organization makes and why that is so pivotal. Having success data, impact stories, and research to back what you do only helps your case.

• How are you bringing in partnerships into your application? We are better together. Many funders want to fund (and some even require) organizations that are not operating in silo but building up their community. I LOVE talking partnerships if you don’t know where to start.

• Give yourself enough time to write, review, and rewrite your application so you are putting forth your best efforts. Another set of eyes can also be super helpful when you are putting together an application to make sure you are including all the right pieces, that your writing flows, and it can be understood by someone outside of your head.

I could probably write an entire book about the experiences that I have had, worked with clients on, or even horror stories regarding grant writing, but this is just the beginning. I wanted to share some high level wins that could get you going in the right direction. Which of these points is most helpful to you? (no judgement at all, again I have made plenty of mistakes in this process).

What are some good opportunities to plug in or learn more if any of this peaked your interest?

1) I will be “Sipping Tea with Sabrina” next Wednesday the 12th at 11 EST discussing partnerships for growth. During this session we will discuss potential strategic collaborations and how partnerships can expand your reach and impact. Whether you're looking to grow your nonprofit or maximize your current partnerships, this session will provide you with actionable insights to amplify your mission. Don't miss this chance to revolutionize your approach to partnerships. Register here!

2) Snag one of our digital products on grants (both a course and workbook to walk you through some of these steps)

3) What are some of your questions regarding grants? I am compiling an FAQs to be able to start sharing and would love your feedback!

4) Need help with your grant strategy, snag intro strategy call here!

Where in the world is Faith going to be in the upcoming weeks?

1) If you are local to Columbus, the 12th from 7:30-9 AM I will be on a panel discussing supporting womens and girls issues on a panel for Columbus Young Professionals. Find out more here.

2) If you are local to Dallas Fort Worth (or want to travel there). I am proud to announce that I am co-leading and will be the opening key note at the “Tapping into Your Higher Purpose” conference in Arlington, TX May 29th. This will be an exciting opportunity for education, inspiration, and connection. This is an event for leaders who are wanting to elevate how they show up in the world. YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS!! Below is the flyer. Here is the link for snagging a ticket (have both general admissions and VIP) and here is information on becoming a vendor.