Foundations Make Grants, Not Wishes: Plan Your Work and Work Your Plan

Have you ever scratched your head or grabbed the back of your neck wondering about the requested amount for a foundation or corporate grant application? Guess what? You are not alone on this island of fund seekers, especially those who are new to the grant writing world. First, you should know that foundations and corporations do not fund grant requests for the entire organizational or programmatic budget of a nonprofit organization. The golden rule is to make your grant request ten to fifteen percent (10-15%) of your budget.

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For example, if you applied for a $75,000 general operating grant, then your organizational budget should be at least $750,000. It is a mistake to request the entire budget because foundations or corporations do not prefer to be the only source of funding for a nonprofit organization. Keep the golden rule in mind when you are seeking and applying for grants to fulfill your nonprofit organization’s mission. If you have questions not covered by the FAQs section of a foundation or corporation, contact the grantmaker and ask for help. As the fund seeker, it is your responsibility to ensure your organizational or programmatic budget is fully funded.

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During their grant review process, foundations and corporations prioritize nonprofit organizations that demonstrate they have secured or are seeking funding from a diverse fundraising revenue mix. This mix can include individuals, foundations, corporations, and government entities. The goal is to show your commitment to making the effort to meet your budget. To create and build momentum, you should plan your work and work your plan. For example, Dr. Kim Sellars-Bates, President of KSTB Enterprises, always encourages fund seekers to pursue, write, and submit a minimum of two grant applications monthly to increase their likelihood of securing funding and meeting their budget.

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As you seek grant funding this year, please remember the golden rule: make your grant request 10-15% of your organizational or programmatic budget. To increase your chances of securing grant funding, create and follow a plan to submit at least two grant proposals per month. Are you ready to secure grants for the important work you do to make this world a better place? KSTB Enterprises is here to support your grant writing journey. If you would like to speak with our team of mission-driven and passionate grant writers, please free feel to contact us at [email protected].