Timing and Follow Up
Give yourself sufficient time to research and compose an A-list of foundations you most want to approach. Factor in the time it will take to write the proposal and run it past board members and other key people in your group or organization. Make sure you are aware of the time frame in which the foundation is looking to read grant proposals. Then prepare to wait.
It can take from several weeks to several months before you receive a response. Competing for grants is competitive, and it is unlikely all of your grant requests will yield funds for your organization. Don't fret when you get rejection letters; even the best grant writers in the business receive numerous rejection letters. Like finding a job or selling your novel, receiving rejections is part of the process. The good news is you may get more than one positive response. In fact, the more you receive the better. Foundations that see you are receiving grants from other foundations may look more closely at your proposal.
If you hire a professional grant writer, make sure he is knowledgeable about your organization and your mission. Spend time explaining your organization's goals. Too often, professionals come in and use all the buzz words but do not include the right substance because they are unfamiliar with the organization.
There's nothing wrong with calling a foundation if you are unclear about its guidelines or need to request information. It helps to be prepared, sound professional, and ask specific questions, but do not call often or become a pest. Also, when you call, be prepared to provide details in the event someone asks you about your organization or project. If you need to follow up with additional information to properly answer a question, do so in a timely manner.
