KateBNE

 

Author: Kate Sunners

 

There are a few common weaknesses when it comes to grant applications – is your organisation addressing them?

Feedback from our discussions with funders and observations through our grants training sessions tells us there are a number of mistakes made over and over again in grant applications:

1. Ensure you are using the same name for your project throughout the application and any attachments. Consistency assists with clarity!doover

2.There is still confusion about the difference between outputs (also sometimes called activities) and outcomes. If you are answering a question about the outputs of your project – stick to the deliverables (ie. Building a new kitchen, installing a disability friendly playground, running a camp for x number of sick children), not the effects they have on the beneficiaries: these are outcomes. It’s vital to your organisation’s grants success that your project staff and grant writer know the difference.

3. Projected outputs and outcomes for your project need to be specific and measurable. If your project goal is to increase community cohesion – how will you measure the increase in community cohesion? Can you use specifics like “An increase in community cohesion measured by a 2% decrease in local break and enters, 200% increase in participation in the following community activities” etc?

4. Many risk and mitigation strategies tend to focus on the risk of not getting funding. This is not a well thought out risk and mitigation plan. Everyone faces competition in funding, it’s a given. In fact it’s better not to list it as a risk at all and focus on the specifics of your project. Are there financial risks? Contingencies? Any OH&S risks? Is the project to a large extent reliant on any one staff member? What if they leave? An answer with a focus on the specific risks to your organisation from your project, rather than general risks applicable to the sector shows your organisation is a well-informed, engaged and responsible entity.

5. Don’t ask for more than the maximum grant amount. If the funder states a maximum they grant to each organisation, you must show respect for that decision – applying for more will put you in poor standing with the funder and render you immediately ineligible.

6. Read the guidelines, check your eligibility, follow the guidelines. It’s easy to get caught up in the writing, but you need to periodically re-check the guidelines and double check again before you submit.

7. Unless the funder asks a specific question about the organisation as a whole, most questions relate to the project you seek to undertake with them as funding partner. Your answers and attachments then, need to focus specifically on the project at hand. Specifics are key to grant writing! Don’t include additional information on your whole of organisation operations unless you are asked for it.

8. Don’t apply before you’ve checked your history with the funder. Have they funded you before? If so, have all funder reports been delivered on time? If not – you need to get in touch with your funder to apologise, discuss and rebuild the relationship.

9. If you do have a change of staff in the grants team, double check which pending applications list that staff member’s name as primary contact. Don’t let something as basic as a lost email stand between you and grants success!

Strategic Grants Director Jo was honoured at the FIA 2017 Conference Awards Dinner to receive the Arthur Venn Fundraiser of the Year Award. 

Jo-BNE

 Author: Jo Garner

Sharing the recognition

“It’s all about relationships, Jo Jo” These are the words of one of my dearest friends, Mary Martyn, who I met in the 90’s at a Fundraising Institute Australia (FIA) Conference. Mary was a dedicated and passionate fundraiser who I had the joy of working with directly from 2002 over which time we became firm friends. To me, Mary epitomised what fundraising is all about. Relationships, excellent communications, and of course, hard work. She was always updating grant-makers and major donors with the exciting outcomes that their gifts and grants were enabling, which often lead to repeat and higher level donations.

Sadly, Mary lost her long but oh so brave battle with cancer in November last year, which is why I was moved to dedicate my recent Arthur Venn Fundraiser of the Year award to her.

I was not only surprised to receive this award, but also honoured and extremely humbled.

“The Arthur Venn Fundraiser of the Year Award recognises a fundraiser who has made an outstanding contribution to fundraising in Australia. The fundraiser should have shown consistent excellence and best practice through their actions, leadership and intellect.”
FIADInner

It remembers one of the founders of FIA and teachers of fundraising in Australia, Arthur Venn. Arthur was a mentor to many fundraisers and a teacher who sought to build pride in those who took up fundraising as a profession.

For me, the work that I lead with my team in both our roles with Strategic Grants and all the voluntary roles that we each participate in, within our local communities, is simply, a way of life. People often ask, how do I fit it all in? To be able to help others who are in need via the work we do both directly and indirectly is gratifying and a privilege. Yes, it’s hard work, but it’s also fun! I am very fortunate to be surrounded by people who have the same philosophy. And even more proud that my children are also passionate about helping those in need via their own fundraising and community support endeavours.

Interestingly, most of our current team had not worked specifically in NFPs prior to their role with Strategic Grants. What then did I look for when recruiting? Excellent communicators who could relate to a diverse range of people and causes, with a passion for helping organisations achieve their missions. All just like Mary. 

And what do I put my achievements down to? In the words of someone who inspired me from my early childhood, Helen Keller, “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”

The power of positivity cannot be underestimated in creating success, whatever success means for you.

 

A huge congratulations to all the other winners and nominees, including some of our nonprofit partners, on the impactful work you do so well!