This document provides an overview of important information grant writers need from corporate social responsibility (CSR) teams when drafting concept notes and proposals. It discusses the importance of identifying shared goals, maintaining good communication, understanding a company's social commitments, probing for additional project details, reading non-verbal cues, starting discussions with top executives, and accurately documenting meeting minutes. The goal is to effectively convey a project's benefits and increase the chances of securing CSR funding.

1. An overview of
crucial Information
that grant writers typically require
from CSR teams to draft successful
concept notes and proposals.
Sunil V Iyer
Grant Writer

2. A successful partnership depends on a
shared goal
It is worth investing time in identifying
where the common self-interest lies
before proceeding for a corporate
meeting or sending a concept note.

3. Communication is key
Both sides of a partnership can create
good communication through
transparency and by acting as a critical
partner. The idea is to find a cultural
exchange at the beginning of a
partnership to tease out how each
other works and how the corporate and
NGO might best work together.

4. NGOs can help corporate businesses
understand their social commitment
and impact
The idea of a discussion with a CSR
head is to influence him about the
positive social outcome of the project
and how it will help project his firm’s
brand image.

5. Probe for additional information
The CSR head or the CSR committee
may have a favourite project in mind,
which they may not disclose without
additional probing. This will help in
projecting your programme in a
manner by which you have a better
chance of realising a CSR deal with a
corporate.

6. Read between the lines
Learn to read between the lines, body
language can convey a lot more than
verbal communication. So study the
person and you will certainly be able to
tell whether he/she is at all interested
in your proposed project. Also try to
find out what their budgets are.

7. Start from the Top
Remember a CSR manager seldom has
the powers to grant a project to an
NGO. The decision makers are always
the top bosses, namely the CSR
committee so try to seek an
appointment with them directly. It
might take a lot of effort, but it is
always worth it.

8. The minutes of the meeting
Remember to draft the minutes of the
meeting accurately, without any
preconceptions and unnecessary
additions. The efficacy of the proposals
and concept notes that are drafted by
the proposal writing team, are based
on the accuracy of your inputs.

9. Thank You!