Starting A Non-Profit: Grants

"About 90 percent of applicants are rejected just for not following the required guidelines," this startling was revelation made by Elana Edelstein, Assistant Director of Communications, Marketing and Foundation at Glendale College. While applying for grants most of the non-profit organizations fail to follow the prescribed guidelines, resulting in the rejection of their applications.

The method of grant writing is similar to making a comprehensive business plan.

Follow a blue print: before writing grant proposals, you should have a thorough understanding of the program and its core requirements. An ideal grant proposal should clearly project the organizational set up and objectives to qualify the standards of availing grants. Just like a weak and discreditable business plan would be rejected outright by the Venture Capitalists, an off- target grant proposal also would fall flat in its face for not being credible.

Participate in a grant writing forum: There are many short-term grant-writing seminars on offer such as like Grantmanship Training, which would improve your skills and strategies in preparing a precise and perfect grant proposal in no time.

Flash a robust financial outlay: A sound and sensible financial plan with accurate projection can enhance your chances of getting the grant proposal approved. You should have a well laid out plan on how you are planning to spend the grant.

Stress on research: Extensive research forms the bedrock of any business plan, you should have a firm grip on the Mission, Vision, and Objectives of the organization. Take time to carry out a comprehensive analysis. You can take out your proposal from the rest of the group and try to make out the upsides of your organization with respect to the others. Take a close look at your competitors' business plans, stuffy their tax returns, and their sources of the grants-the most important piece of strategic information you might ever need. Play smart; the easiest and the most sure shot way to get the grant would be to approach the same donors who offered grants to your competitors.

Tag along the guidelines: Make sure to follow the guidelines strictly as any complacency in this area might spell doom on all your future plans. Strictly follow the guidelines as application grants very often require you to comply with some of the most stringent guidelines in the industry. You stand a better chance of bagging the grant just by following the guidelines.

Make the most of Internet: make sure to employ the Internet to your maximum benefit, now that all the facts and figures are right at your finger tips.