INTRODUCTION
There are two
types of fundraising and grantwriting in which non-profit organizations
are most commonly involved. The
first is responding to a request for proposals (RFP).
These are usually offered for project specific, predetermined
funding purposes established by the funding agency.
In almost all cases, the application guidelines, timeline,
requirements, and award criteria are established by the funding
organization or agency and must be strictly adhered to.
Although this is beginning to change, it is this type of grant
seeking that public organizations, and state and local governments are
most frequently involved.
The second type
of grant seeking involves a proactive strategy of seeking out
operational and project funds from one or more of the many philanthropic
foundations and organizations in existence to assist non-profit groups
in meeting their common goals.
While
much of the information in this booklet will be useful to both types of
funding seeking efforts, most of the discussion is geared toward
assisting those organizations who are considering a proactive and
strategic approach to acquiring the funds they need - primarily from the
vast resources of the private philanthropic community.
As federal, state and other public resources continue to decline,
it seems clear that this will become an increasingly important
consideration for many non-profit
organizations in Pennsylvania.
This
brief guide provides you with an introduction to the grant process, a
look at the philanthropic community, (both nation-wide and in
Pennsylvania), an outline of an effective research strategy, and a guide
to effective proposal writing. References,
a glossary of terms, further reading suggestions, Internet resources,
and a list of Foundation Center publications and services are also
provided.
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