Smart ideas delivered every other Tuesday from Hartsook Companies, Inc.

May 30, 2006

Years ago, I attended a foundation workshop where the speakers were program officers from some of the nation's largest foundations. The words of advice offered to me then remain relative to the proposal development process even today ... Do Your Homework.

Proposal development is comprised of three distinct processes: pre-submit activities, proposal writing and follow up.

While the pre-submit activities are likely to be the most time-consuming in the process - they are often the best predictors of success. Pre-submit activities include:

• Defining your project
• Identifying the right funding sources
• Contacting the funders through a letter of inquiry or by telephone - I prefer the latter when possible
• Acquiring and understanding proposal guidelines
• Knowing the submission deadline

Proposals must be neat, complete, accurate and on time. They must include all required documentation and be written as directed in the guidelines. Essential elements of the writing process include:

• Attention to detail
• Concise, persuasive writing to include plans to measure and evaluate outcomes
• A reasonable budget

If your proposal is not funded, write a letter to the foundation thanking them for reviewing your request and, when possible, ask for feedback so you can improve future submissions.

When your proposal is funded, remember to thank the foundation immediately. Make note of any follow-up reports that may be required by the foundation and submit these in a timely fashion.

- Norma Murphy, Senior Vice President (Kansas City) norma@hartsookcompanies.com

Another smart idea...From the Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM

"When writing a grant, be sure to follow the instructions! Make sure your proposal budget is accurate. If you need more room, play with your margins or most forms are available online. Employ succinct, tight writing." - Kathy Rogers, CFRE, Grantwriter

If you are interested in Best Practices, check out these additional resources from Hartsook Companies:

• "Reality Fundraising: Proven, Practical Ideas for the Enlightened Fundraiser" by Bob Hartsook (2005, ASR Philanthropic Publishing). The book features great ideas, insights and lessons learned through hundreds of best practices from nonprofit professionals nationwide. To order the book, follow this link http://www.ASRpublishing.com

• "Best Practices Coast to Coast^SM," a compilation of best practices from every state in the union

• "Another Two Dozen Best Practices^SM,"a special edition featuring suggestions from 24 Hartsook Companies consultants

• "Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM," our original collection of 250 best practices and great ideas

For a free copy of any or all of the "Best Practices" collections, please email Erika Turner, erika@hartsookcompanies.com, or visit our web site at http://www.hartsookcompanies.com/bestpractices2.shtml. We also invite you to contribute your own best practice by emailing Tami Druzba, tami@hartsookcompanies.com

Interested in Speakers?

Hartsook consultants are available to speak to your organization on a variety of topics. To read more, visit http://www.hartsookcompanies.com/speak.shtml or email Tami Druzba at tami@hartsookcompanies.com to discuss the possibilities.

Visit the Hartsook Companies web site for:

• Educational opportunities
• Books/reference articles
• Conference/workshop speakers

Strategies for Success explores smart ideas, connecting with more than 1,500 fundraising professionals bi-weekly. We welcome your contributions or comments. If you'd like a free subscription to Strategies for Success - or its monthly companion, eHartsook on Philanthropy - contact Erika Turner, erika@hartsookcompanies.com. You also can reach her at 316.630.9992.

Our web site is located at http://www.hartsookcompanies.com.