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

August 8, 2006

When cooking from a new recipe you wouldn't begin the process without reading the entire recipe to assure you have all the necessary ingredients. Think of grant development in much the same way, and thoroughly read the guidelines to make sure you have all the required "ingredients."

1. Is your agency eligible for the funding as stated in the Request for Proposal (RFP)?
2. Are your project goals shared by the funder?
3. Is your agency prepared to fulfill the funder's guidelines?
4. Can your agency meet the matching budget requirements outlined in the RFP?

According to grant makers, the majority of proposals they receive do not fit within their guidelines. Don't spend valuable time and resources developing a proposal if the funder doesn't consider projects similar to yours.

You now have all the ingredients to make a mouth-watering request. Pay close attention to the criteria to be used by the reviewer and be sure to follow the guidelines as you assemble the components.

1. Write the proposal assuming the reviewer knows nothing about your agency or program. Why? Because it's likely they don't.
2. Develop a realistic program.
3. Be clear and concise - don't add ingredients that don't belong nor add value.
4. Number the pages of your document.
5. Organize your proposal by sections as outlined in the RFP - underline section headings or use bold print.
6. Type and proofread your proposal carefully.

If you have time before serving up your new dish, let someone not connected or involved with your project "sample" your proposal and offer his or her "review." Finally, follow delivery instructions and, by all means, meet the submittal deadline. After all, a tasty dish is best served warm. And the end result - a proposal that has the reviewer ready to fund your request.

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

"Plan. Remember, it's 'ready, aim, fire!' not 'ready, fire, aim.'" - Arlene Snyder, CFRE, Western Pennsylvania Allegheny Hospital Foundation (Pittsburgh, Pa.)

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

• "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

The Hartsook School of Consulting

Bob Hartsook, an icon and expert in the fundraising profession, has been dedicated to the education and advancement of fundraising for decades. He has offered seminars in more than 30 cities across the country, been a guest speaker for countless conferences, symposiums and classrooms, and authored six books and mountains of articles.

In 2007, Bob will take training to a new level - The Hartsook School of Consulting, a fundraising executive boot camp.

Keep watching various industry publications for more information. Or, if you want to be one of the first to hear more, send an email to hsc@hartsookcompanies.com with your contact information.


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.