121: How to Prepare Both Sides of the Equation for Grant Writing Wins: Interview with LaVerne Toombs

<p><strong>Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.teresahuff.com/vip"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">www.teresahuff.com/vip</span></a></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Today I’m talking with longtime nonprofit expert Laverne Toombs about the art of grant writing. Before even writing a first draft of a grant, we need to do a few things to start off on the right foot. We dive into how doing this background work can really set us up for success.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Lay the Groundwork for the Grantmaker </strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you’re interested in writing a grant, you don’t have to have it all figured out. No one starts something as an expert. Bring your willing heart and begin learning. None of us are perfect, and we all have room to grow.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The first step to writing a grant is laying out the prep work. This includes establishing a relationship and being familiar with the funder, understanding that foundation's criteria, and making sure your mission aligns with theirs.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When reaching out to a grantmaker, we have to get to know the heart behind their foundation's mission, get to know the people involved, and learn the ins and outs of what’s important to them. We must also make sure that we are not shifting our mission to match theirs simply because they’re a possible donor; people can see right through that. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Preparing the Nonprofit to Apply for a Grant </strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When it comes to preparing a grant, we need to also make sure the organization/nonprofit we’re helping is ready for grants. Some of the questions to ask are:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Do you have an organizational budget?</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">How many grants do you have the capacity