Understanding how foundations, banks or government agencies evaluate grant proposals is a critical element in the crafting of your application. Although all funders will have slightly different evaluation criteria, there are some core components of the grant review process that most share. As the President of a non-profit grant-making organization I can provide some insight:

Sustainability – Do you have a plan to sustain the program after the funding period is over? Most funders will not make an open ended commitment and want to see you demonstrate that after 1-2 years of taking their money you have a plan to keep the program through other means. Perhaps through some income generation related to the program, sponsorships, fee for service, other funders, etc.

Financials – Is your organization and the program viable? Is your budget, your assumptions and projected revenue realistic?

Track record – Has your organization had success in this program area in the past? Noone wants to give $ unless there is a strong likelihood of success.

Impact/ Need – Will your program have a significant (positive) impact on the community? Are you addressing an unmet need? Do you have supporting documentation and data to back this up (Statement of Need)?

Program – Are your program’s goals and objectives in alignment with the stated need?

Management team – Does your staff have the experience required to make the program a success?

Congruence with funding criteria and funder goals – Be sure to read through each funders criteria, mission and funding objectives carefully. Don’t waste your time applying to funders whose mission does not match your organization’s skill-set. Be sure to modify every cover letter, letter of inquiry and grant proposal to match specific funder.

Innovation – Some funders want to fund a sure thing. Others want to be on the cutting edge. Assess the funder’s risk tolerance. Like your organization, some funders, especially newer ones, want to make a name for themselves. They do this by supporting up and coming and transformational organizations and leaders.

Base of support – Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Seek funding for your program from multiple sources. You will not get every grant you apply for so don’t get too discouraged. And you may only get 50% of your request from some sources, so good idea to strive for a broad base of support.