Finding Grant Funders | CMS (2024)

FAQs

How to answer questions for grants? ›

Explain which activities your organization has chosen and why, as well as when it plans to meet its goals and objectives. Don't forget to bring up behind-the-scenes aspects of the work, like staff training or client selection. If you aren't asked to include a project timeline elsewhere, include it here.

Many grant applications will inquire about the goals you have for your program. This could include projected outcomes, event objectives, or general things you want to accomplish if you were to receive funding. When describing your goals, make sure they're attainable and realistic.

Once you've submitted your grant proposal, it can feel like a bit of a waiting game. But remember, don't put all your eggs in the one basket. Unfortunately, less than 20% of grant proposals are funded. Some sources estimate that applying for three to five grants will increase your chance of winning to 89%.

Funders need to see concrete ways their money will be put to use more than they need you to “make a case” for your community. Instead, show specific ways you will allocate the money in programs, services, and other offerings and demonstrate clearly how your efforts will create more desirable outcomes.

If, for instance, the source that you target has given $5,000 to $10,000 to projects similar to yours, then you can possibly apply for an amount ranging between these numbers. But if your prospective foundation's grant history ranges from $1,000 to $5,000, then there is no point of asking for a $10,000 grant money.

Be brief, concise, and clear.

If any required information or data is omitted, explain why. Make sure the information provided in each table, chart, attachment, etc., is consistent with the proposal narrative and information in other tables.

Program Development Support

The most popular type of grant is for Program support. Program grants provide funding for specific projects or programs. Generally, these are restricted grants, where recipients must only use funds for the exact purpose outlined in the grant proposal.

Why do grants get denied? ›

The most common reasons for proposal rejection boil down to a surprisingly small set of simple and familiar failures: Deadline for submission was not met. Proposal topic was not appropriate to the funding agency to which it was submitted. Guidelines for proposal content, format, and/or length were not followed exactly.

From 2014 to 2018, the NIH budget increased every year, and yet, the Research Project Grant (RPG) success rate remained relatively constant at ~20%.

Explore a variety of funding sources, including government agencies, private foundations, corporate grants, and other philanthropic organizations. Utilize online databases, grant directories, and funding websites to identify potential opportunities.

It makes sense to say thank you in a heartfelt way. A well-written note (email, or, preferably, hand-written) or personal phone call to the grantor will show them how grateful you are. Be sure to also let them know your plan to put their funds to good work.

A statement of need for a grant describes the specific public or community needs an organization or project will address. An effective needs statement conveys urgency, demonstrates how critical needs are currently unmet or underserved, and reveals the real-world impact of unmet needs.