I have found creating a committee and assigning different grants is very helpful. It's also great to reach out to other like organizations to share thoughts on certain grants, were they successful, do they have any tips locally that are helpful and share share share. We are all in the same arena, our love of animals and saving lives. We have a local state organization called Spay Tennessee, and they have been very helpful with referring grants and tips. Don't give up, as there are many grants out there that will fit your needs.
1. Be sure your request matches the application/foundation/program guidance - e.g., if they only fund s/n for pit bulls, that's all you talk about (no cats, no rescue dogs). This is super important! Most animal welfare grants are spay/neuter for low-income residents of your community. Talking about other things makes them think you won't stay focused on spending the money the way they want/expect. For non-animal welfare foundations, you may need to explain pet overpopulation, but do so mostly with local factual info (data/stats) from your area. More and more, the Foundations are looking for specific projects, focusing on targeted areas (trailer park, township, etc) or large dogs or free-roaming cats and not just general s/n support.
2. The only thing you should ever say about rescue is that all rescue animals are spayed/neutered prior to adoption. If you cannot truthfully state that, you will not be eligible for most funding. The foundations know that voucher programs and deposits do not work.
3. Fill out the application completely. No blanks. If something doesn't apply, put in "not applicable". Or a "0" if you don't have any budget data for that line item. Do not send more than they ask for. Follow instructions for # of copies, attachments, and whether or not to use staples or paperclips (!). The narrative should be clear and concise.
Sending it in early (before deadline) often means a chance to send in corrections as needed!
4. Do the math homework and know your numbers! If you are asking for $10K but only do a few surgeries/week, can you spend it in grant timeline? Are you asking for more than your actual costs? Does the subsidy + co-pay = your price list (from vets/clinics or an avg) and stay within funding limits? In general, you should not ask for more than 25-30% of annual budget from any single funder and Foundations may have a lower threshold in their guidelines or FAQ. Always tell them if and how you would spend lesser amounts if your application is not fully funded. E.g., We would be able to use less funding to spay/neuter fewer animals. Go ahead and tell them the total cost of your project and what other funding sources you are pursuing. The budget for the grant can often be as simple as an average subsidy of $40/pet x 100 pets = $4000 request.
5. The worst thing you can say is "if we don't get this money, we will have to shut down". The grantors simply expect you to be more solvent than that. Do not sound desperate.
6. Always do a follow-up or final report to the grantors after the money is spent (or on/before the date they ask for one) and tell them exactly how it was spent (# of animals, avg cost). Some have their own formats and info to include. Pay attention and send them what they want when they want it. More and more, they want pictures, it helps them raise donor dollars. If they don't ask for one, send a summary anyway (unless they say not to). Send pix of happy animals who stay in their home because they got fixed! (and do your own press release on the same story!)
NO double-dipping!
7. Collaborations/partnerships are great! Be sure to mention those and feel free to draft the letter of support you need from your partners, as needed, especially for those unfamiliar with specifics of your efforts (county officials, etc).
I hope this helps and best of luck on your grant journey.
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Teresa Underwood
Monroe County Friends of Animals
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-28-2023 08:35 PM
From: Asli (Ashley) Akkaya
Subject: Getting started with grant writing
I am in the same situation with you. I am also looking into new grant opportunities and increase our success in grant writing l. I will be following this thread! Thanks for posting.
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Asli (Ashley) Akkaya
Rescue Volunteer
Good Karma Pet Rescue Inc
Original Message:
Sent: 05-28-2023 07:34 AM
From: Kathleen Morabito
Subject: Getting started with grant writing
Hi all!
i volunteered to look into Grant writing for the rescue I volunteer with and feel I am out of my depth. Is there someone who could help me navigate this process and perhaps give tips and tricks that help?
#FundraisingandDevelopment
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Kathleen Morabito
Volunteer
Furbabiesrescue.org
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