Funding Opportunities
In a recent survey conducted among Arizona nonprofit leaders, a consistent concern emerged as the foremost challenge facing their organizations: access to new and diverse revenue sources. At AZ Impact for Good, we understand the critical importance of addressing this pressing need to ensure the sustainability and growth of nonprofits statewide.
Our commitment to supporting the nonprofit sector goes beyond recognition; we offer practical solutions through a range of tools and training programs tailored to help organizations overcome these challenges and thrive.
Grant Seeking Tips
Simplicity Counts
A strong proposal is a simple proposal. Don’t waste words. Funders are looking for a project that will succeed — and they have hundreds of proposals to wade through. So keep things clear, concise, concrete and compelling.
The 12-12-12 Rule
Imagine that a reviewer is about to sit down to work on reading proposals. She’s already put in a 12-hour workday. It’s now 12 midnight. And your proposal is the 12th one in the stack before her. Question: What does your proposal need to be, have, do, say and look like in order not only to keep this reader awake, but to engage her interest, enthusiasm and excitement — in other words, to help her fall in love with your proposal?
Managing Proposal Deadlines
Responsible for developing a team or partnership proposal against a tight deadline? Set an internal deadline at least a week before the actual submission date — then let all the team members know that this is the drop-dead date for having the proposal assembled and ready to go.
Go for It — With Gusto
According to Grant Making Basics: A Field Guide for Funders, an exemplary proposal “bristles with enthusiasm, urgency, passion. It suggests a group of people who can barely contain their eagerness to begin working. As a reader, you find yourself inspired and excited by their plans.” So let your passion speak out!
Federal Grants for Public Agencies
If you work with a county or municipal agency and you’re interested in Federal funding opportunities be sure to check out the Public Administrators Grants Network website. Among the services: A daily posting of Federal notices pertinent to county and municipal grant seekers — sometimes even before they’re posted at the Federal websites!
About Philanthropic Mission
Never make the mistake of thinking that a grantmaker’s philanthropic mission is to give away money. Mission is always about creating change in the world — providing opportunities for at-risk youth, protecting the environment, etc. Making grants to agencies with the know-how to create that change is simply the strategy the grantmaker uses to fulfill its philanthropic mission.
Do Your Homework
Research potential funders thoroughly. A quick look through a foundation guide isn’t good enough. Call or write for guidelines, samples, and other publications. Check the funder’s website. And check out recent tax filings at GuideStar or GrantSmart. Then apply what you’ve learned. Don’t ignore or distort a funder’s guidelines in hopes of forcing your proposal into their niche.
Look for Person-to-Person Connections
Corporations in particular are interested in supporting agencies with which they have a personal connection. Who do you know who knows somebody who . . .? Look to your board members, your volunteers, your staff and other constituents for linkages between your organization and the funder you’d like to approach.
Keep Key Documents Handy
Plan ahead to save stress! Create a file with standard attachments — such as organization charts, job descriptions, board member lists, and so on — and keep it updated. Now when a deadline looms you can simply pull out the documents you need to submit with that proposal, rather than scrambling to locate a key document at the last minute.
The Five-Finger Rule
Imagine that your hand represents all the time you spend putting together a winning proposal. The four fingers — fully 80% — is time you should spend on various planning activities. Only 20% is actual writing — but that 20% is the thumb, the part that makes all the rest work!
Make Your Case
How to Ask for Feedback
Valuing Volunteers
When putting together a project or program budget, be sure you include the fair-market value of all the time your volunteers will contribute. “Fair-market value” means exactly what it says: What you’d have to pay someone to perform the same work your volunteers are providing for free.
Want State Dollars?
To qualify for grants and contracts from most State of Arizona offices, you must register as a vendor with the State Procurement Office. Call (602) 542-5511, or click here for application and a list of current contract offerings.
Funder Tax Filings
Did you know that private grantmakers are required to make their annual federal tax filings public? Two free websites where you can check out recent 990-PFs for thousands of foundations: GrantSmart and GuideStar.
At AZ Impact for Good, we're dedicated to empowering nonprofits to overcome their fundraising obstacles and achieve their mission-driven goals.
Join us in our mission to strengthen the nonprofit sector and create lasting positive impact in Arizona communities. Together, we can unlock new opportunities for growth and sustainability.