July 25, 2013
Nonprofits need grants to keep their heads above water and roll out projects that show their dedication to their cause. However, applying for grants is often difficult and one simple mistake could be the difference between getting the money the nonprofit needs or missing out on the funds. Here are some tips grant proposal writers can use to get the help they desire to address the needs of their organization:
Cut out the small talk
The nonprofit industry has all sorts of language that can fill up grant proposals and add unnecessary fluff. A better strategy is to be forthright and honest about why the organization needs the money and the exact plans board members will to enact if they receive the funding. The more direct grant writers are in their proposal, the more favorably funders will look at their entity.
Include goals and objectives
Nonprofits decision-makers often forecast what their organization will look like if they are able to receive a grant. It's important to be as descriptive as possible with what the organization plans to achieve with the money and what obstacles can be tackled down the road. This will answer some of the questions funders ask when going over proposals from several entities.
Be different
It's easy to tell a grant writer to tell the story of the organization and discuss some of the strategies that could be executed down the line, but this is how many nonprofits ask for help. Instead, it's important to try to stand out from the crowd and get the funder to fall in love with the organization's proposal. Explaining who will benefit and the locations that changes will be made are a couple of things grant writers should use.
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We first started using First Nonprofit’s Unemployment Savings Program when we were a small startup nonprofit. We didn’t have an HR department and needed expertise in the event that an unemployment claim was made. We knew we were eligible to be a reimbursing employer, but weren’t sure how to navigate that process. They made it easy to set things up, plan for, and then manage claims when they came at a very reasonable cost. The amount of time and stress they’ve saved us dealing with all this has been worth way more than the cost. We’ve now grown to a large nonprofit and do have an HR department but have no plans to stop using their services. I highly recommend them to every nonprofit I come into contact with!
Throughout our membership in the Unemployment Savings Program, First Nonprofit understood our demands, community dynamics, and the importance of seamless services; that allowed us to serve our constituents better.
Because INCS advocates for the operating conditions that allow charter public schools to provide high quality public education, partnering with First Nonprofit was an easy decision. First Nonprofit’s unemployment programs provide our member schools two operating elements crucial to their ability to provide high quality public education: savings and budget certainty. Capable, committed teachers are the key to student success. By participating in the unemployment insurance savings plan, charter public schools gain peace of mind and are able to invest more money in their teachers.
It has been our sincere pleasure to maintain a strong, vibrant business partnership with First Nonprofit. We greatly admire their strong industry knowledge, technical expertise, constant professionalism, knowledgeable and dedicated staff. They are always extremely responsive, personable and provide us with the necessary guidance and recommendations on a numerous variety of employment scenarios.
NYCON members who use First Nonprofit’s programs enjoy enduring savings and improved efficiency. Our association knows that success, because from the beginning, we achieved the same great benefits. Great savings, seamless technology, and responsive service. NYCON highly recommends First Nonprofit’s remarkable unemployment solutions.
Visually Impaired Preschool Services has been a client of First Non-Profit since it was first offered as a benefit of VisionServe Alliance. We completed a thorough evaluation of cash savings to our agency before taking advantage of this wonderful benefit and it has been a very wise decision. Our experience with the processes from accounting to claims have been professional, expeditious and easy.
Luckily for us, our interactions regarding any issues with staffing has been very minimal! I can say that all other interactions with regards to billing, 941 reporting, etc. have been extremely pleasant, accommodating and easy to work with. Kim Ghanayem is always prompt, professional and friendly. Thank you so much!
First Nonprofit has been easy to work with and makes the administrative process easier and smoother. We enjoy working with you.