|
Having solid financial footing will always make stepping into a new leadership role easier. So, HSC asked Renette Oklewicz, Senior Program Director of Freddie Mac, and Karen Fitzgerald, Senior Program Officer for the Meyer Foundation to tell us what regional funders really look for in prospective grantees today. Did they ever!
 | | Renette Oklewicz |
On January 11th, a capacity crowd got a primer in grant writing best practices that could save hundreds of hours in effort and raise thousands of dollars in support. Too voluminous to share entirely, we've compiled these Top Ten Grantwriting Essentials just for you:
CONSIDER BECOMING AN 'OUTCOME-BASED' NONPROFIT
"(At Freddie Mac Foundation) We consider ourselves investors, which means we're always looking for the best return on our investment," said Renette. "Whether you fit our grant guidelines or not, we encourage nonprofits to consider using our approach (developed by the Rensselaerville Institute). We want to lift the professionalism of nonprofits in this community--that means demonstrating effectiveness."
IF YOU'RE A NEW GRANTEE, BE REALISTIC AND START SMALL
"When you're a new nonprofit, you've got to impress" Said Renette. "Start smaller ($10-$15k) and grow your applications over time. And, remember not to look at every funder as a 'money only' entity. It's a partnership." Both Freddie Mac and Meyer Foundations offer Volunteer Programs (e.g., Board service), capacity building services and other non-grant support.
APPLY ONLY IF YOU MEET THE GUIDELINES
"We've gone to great lengths to create websites and other resources that tell you who we are and what
 | | Karen Fitzgerald |
we're all about" said Karen "And, if you're still unsure whether or not to apply, you always have the option with Meyer to talk with a program officer to see if the fit's right."
FOLLOW THE APPLICATION PROCESS
While most local foundations require or accept the Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers (WRAG) application, not all do. Freddie Mac, for instance, uses a unique "outcomes-based" format designed to strengthen organizations while identifying their potential best partners. Learn the process of each funder and follow it to the letter.
ESTABLISH A RELATIONSHIP
According to Renette, "Foundations need you (nonprofits) as much as you need them." Successful grant writing means turning mutual reliance into a genuine relationship. A great first step is for your Executive Director to establish--and, maintain--contact with the foundation. Share your nonprofit's mission, vision, and accomplishments directly. It shows funders that you're committed to their focus areas and your own growth.
ALWAYS CALL TO ASK WHY YOU WERE DECLINED
Declines happen. Good thing, too, because they're probably one of the best ways to improve your grant writing skills. Said Karen, "Whenever possible, we take calls from applicants and give feedback about what they've submitted. In general, be as clear and specific as possible when explaining your work. Don't assume any knowledge on the part of the (grant) reader. And, in your budget, stretch but be realistic. For instance, if your income this year was $20,000, don't project income of $80,000 next year."
BUILD A STRONG, EFFECTIVE ORGANIZATION
"One of the things we're most passionate about," said Karen "is building strong nonprofits. Yes, we love to see effective programs, but we're not going to support a strong program as a part of a weak organization." Freddie Mac Foundation, Meyer Foundation and HSC all offer capacity-building models to help every size and type of human service organization become more effective and sustainable.
BUILD A BETTER BOARD
Foundations understand nonprofits have to start somewhere (typically with someone's 'mom' or 'pop' volunteering to help get the venture up-and-running). But, at a certain point, program officers need to see professional leadership in place. According to Karen, "You need a real Board with racial, ethnic and skills diversity. And, one that gives. We look really look at whether or not the Board gives--great or small--to support your organization."
BE A 'LEARNING ORGANIZATION'
Every foundation in the Washington region seems to be looking for one thing: RESULTS. They each want to see how their dollars can translate into real change in the communities they serve. What nonprofits learn in the trenches and apply well over time, matters. "To be honest, we don't spend a lot time on staff bios and resumes," said Karen."We don't care whether or not you have a PhD from Harvard. We just want to know how well you engage with the population you serve and can you meet their need."
SHOWCASE YOUR SUCCESS AND FUTURE IMPACT
"We ask you to report on your success and your failures in meeting your goals." Said Renette. "What did you learn? What would you do differently?" Karen agreed, adding," We're looking at your long-term impact on people in great need. We need to know what makes you different?"
While 85% of all nonprofit donations historically come from individuals, foundations can be exceptional partners in serving your community. Funder knowledge, applied experience and demonstrated effectiveness are overarching goals that can get you the grant support you desire.
The Freddie Mac Foundation will receive online applications on March 1 and Aug 15. The Meyer Foundation's next application will be received June 7 (Letter of Intent must previously have been submitted). In addition, Freddie Mac is offering a free Outcomes Workshop (with the opportunity for a free 30-minute private consultation with Rensselaerville Institute), on February 16. Sign up today!
| 
By definition, succession can be tough to achieve in any organization. To do it well, within a nonprofit, can be a monumental undertaking. Yet, HSC is doing it.
ner (I'm more of a walker). But, I feel Jerry is handing me a baton. My responsibility is to pick up that baton and, with the team of exceptional Board and staff that is here, to run on a little farther."
Mac Ramsey, Arc of Prince George's County 
mmittee Chair
