It is likely that the person(s) reviewing your grant application is not a subject matter expert. The reviewer may work for the funder, but in another department. Reviewers often have a stack of proposals to read. Some are paid a nominal amount to do so in their free time (after working all day). So it is critical that your proposal is: well-conceived, well-organized and well-written! If a reviewer doesn’t “get it” during its first read, forget it! Your agency will not receive funding.
Author Archives: mbrown
Don’t understand the RFP instructions?
Many RFPs are rather poorly written and require multiple reads to digest all of the important information. Sometimes, no matter how many times you read it, a part of the instructions may still not make sense. Chances are, if you’re confused, so is somebody else. Check the procurement’s FAQs online. If you don’t see an answer to your question, submit one. Keep checking those FAQs as this is the only way funders can legally distribute new information to all potential applicants once the RFP has been issued.
Do I really need a data collection protocol?
Yes! A data collection protocol describes the procedures for collecting and recording data. It management and administrative details (e.g. who does what and when). It outlines systematic procedures to ensure that high-quality data is collected by all data collectors. A typical data collection protocol addresses these issues:
- Purpose of the survey / field observation
- How the sample (e.g. subjects, observation sites) will be selected
- Data collection schedule
- What to bring (e.g. clipboards, incentives, pens, consent forms)
- Potential challenges and solutions
- Impartiality, privacy and safety
- When and how to submit data once its collected
Step 1 in responding to an RFP
A Request for Proposals (RFP) is issued by a funder detailing the purpose of the funding, eligible applicants, key dates and application contents. The first step in responding to an RFP is to read it carefully, not once, not twice, but three times! Keep a highlighter handy to mark important instructions. Many RFPs are rather poorly written and take numerous reads to digest all of the important information.
Focus groups vs. Key Informant Interviews – which is better?
Both focus groups and key informant interviews are used to gather opinions on a specific topic. The information learned guides future action. Each evaluation method has its advantages and disadvantages.
A focus group is a small-group discussion guided by a trained leader. It is used to discuss complex ideas in-depth. Key advantages of focus groups: The group format stimulates discussion, generates new ideas, and promotes exploration of unknowns. Key disadvantages: Focus groups require an experienced and skilled facilitator; it may be difficult to recruit and schedule appropriate participants.
A key informant interview is an in-depth interview that collects information from individual experts. Key advantages of key informant interviews: Can be conducted by staff in-person or by telephone; meetings build relationships between staff and community leaders. Disadvantages include: Requires careful selection of subjects to gather input from the most knowledgeable people; requires meeting with many people in order to produce results that can be generalized.
Before you send a proposal to a new foundation
Perhaps your online search yielded a long list of potential funders – foundations with an interest in your issue or target population. Before you send a proposal…before you even write a word, call the foundation! Be prepared to briefly describe your target audience and the program in need of funding. Confirm that the foundation would be interested in receiving a proposal from your agency.
Foundation’s interests change over time, and directories are not always up to date. Plus some interest areas are very broad (e.g. health or children), and the Foundation’s board may have created a priority list. It is best to call first before wasting valuable staff time.
A few tips about conducting surveys
- Keep the survey short
- Put questions in a logical order
- Pre-test the survey
- Send Tues – Thurs if via email
- Send reminders
- Offer an incentive
Using online directories to research funders
Online databases such as The Foundation Center’s Foundation Directory Online (FDO) can be very useful tools. You can search for grants, review grantmaker profiles, research companies and review IRS Form 990s. Can’t afford a monthly subscription? Look for a Nonprofit Resource Center, part of a network of reference libraries established by The Foundation Center. The San Diego Foundation in Liberty Station is part of the Center’s network; it offers free access to the FDO (and more!).
How to write better survey questions
USE CLEAR AND SIMPLE WORDS:
- Bad: What is the frequency of your automotive travel to your parent’s residence in the last 30 days?
- Good: In the last 30 days, how often did your visit your parent’s home by car?
- Better: How many times in the last 30 days have you driven to your parent’s home?
ASK ONE QUESTION AT A TIME:
- Bad: Are you happy with our products and customer service?
- Good: How satisfied are you with our products?
- Better: How satisfied are you with the quality of our customer service?
How to get money from local foundations
Small organizations often succeed in obtaining local funding. The key to procuring funds from local foundations is relationship building. Search for corporate or family foundations that fund organizations like yours. Contact the foundation and invite a representative to an upcoming event, or ask them to attend your fundraiser as your guest. This type of introduction may yield a request for more information or a written proposal.