Here's my project for this course. I'm currently a freelance content writer interested in proposal writing. I think grant writing could be a fantastic way to use my writing to help people change the world.

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Peter’s Grant Readiness Checklist

If You Don’t Have A Specific Organization Yet

 

Leadership

 

Questions:

“What’re the names of the board of directors and staff involved in the grant writing process? Please include their email address, if possible.”

 

Action:

• Introduce myself to the board of directors.
• Find names and contact info of individuals directly involved in the grant writing process.
• Attend events and get to know volunteers, if geographically possible/relevant.
• Create spreadsheet with personnel and contact info.

 

Personnel

 

Questions:

“What about [organization’s name]’s mission inspires you to give back?”

 

“What do you hope this grant funding will do for [organization’s name]?”

 

“Is there enough staff to bring this project to life?”

 

“Who will lead this project once funding is secured?”

Action: 

• Locate staff relevant to the grant writing process and the project itself and introduce myself.

 

Purpose 

 

Questions:

“How is [organization’s name]’s mission brought to life?”

 

“How would this funding help further [organization's name]’s mission?”

 

Action:

• Research organization’s mission and values.
• Ask for clarification or input from the board and staff.
• Confirm I have a firm understanding.
• Write up a brief overview and have it on file to avoid having to rewrite.

 

Structure

 

Questions:

“Can you send me a copy of your tax status documentation?”

 

Action: 

• Know the tax status of the organization.

• Request documents.
• Store them in a digital filing system so I can access them with ease. 

 

Finances

 

Questions:

“Do you have a budget for this project?”

 

“What does the budget look like?”

 

Action:

• Liaise with the finance director/accounting staff.
• Talk about past grant proposal experiences.
• Ask for feedback.

 

Income

 

Questions: 

“What are your other sources of funding (outside of this grant)?”

 

Action:

• Find out how much income is generated between donations, grant funds, services, and fundraisers.

 

Currently Serving Clients?

 

Questions:

“Is your organization currently serving clients?”

 

“How many clients?”

 

“How many more clients do you anticipate over the course of this project?”

 

Action:

• Input these numbers into the spreadsheet.
• Be prepared to tell the story of how [organization’s name] serves these people and how the funding will take it to the next level.

Long Term Goals

 

My immediate goal is to start building a portfolio. A more medium-term goal is landing my first client as a freelance grant writer.

 

My long term goal is to assist organizations I care about to help save the world through securing grant funds.

 

I would love to work with these kinds of organizations: conservation, libraries, and mental health. I volunteer with a local crisis hotline, so this one is near to my heart.