A brief introduction to writing great grant applications and finding funding sources that fit your not-for-profit's project goals. This presentation was delivered at the Kin Canada National Convention on August 17, 2012 and draws on resources shared by the Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk Funders Network partners.

1. Finding Funding:
Tips & Tools for Writing
Great Grants
KINvention, Peterborough, Ontario
August 17, 2012
Presented by Nicole Drake, MA (City of Brantford)

2. Where do we begin?
• Why do you want to write a great grant
application?
• Types of funding and how to find them
• What does a “great” grant application look like?
• Great applications are a learned skill – practice,
look for feedback & keep trying
• Applications may vary, but a few key things
should always remain the same

3. A “grant” is an award of money achieved through a grant-
writing process that allows you to do very specific things that
meet very specific guidelines. (N. Kovacs, Kovacs Group Inc.)
Types of Funders
• Corporate foundations (financial, industry, business)
• Foundations (family, private, community, special purpose)
• Government (municipal, provincial, federal)

4. • Do you really need a grant, or is there some other way to
achieve your goal?
• Where do you look for funding?
• You think you have a prospect… what now?

5. The Basics of Prospect Research
• Visit the funder’s website, call, email, or write
• Contact them to ask clarifying questions
• Be prepared with a concise overview of your organization
and proposed project
• Look at their stated funding priorities
• Look at the projects they have funded in the past. Would
yours fall into a similar category?
• What is the amount of their average grant? What is the
range? Are you in the right ballpark?
• Then follow up as needed. Make a contact and build a
relationship.

6. • Do you meet the criteria?
• Is your project a good fit for the funding program?
• Can you provide all the necessary information?

7. Group Activity #1
Funder XYZ’s purpose is to promote
environmental initiatives in local communities
that protect the environment and Canadian
wildlife, to support environmental education
initiatives for young people, and to encourage
partnerships between likeminded community
organizations.
Is this a good fit?

8. Group Activity #2
Funder ABC is interested in promoting
volunteerism among seniors and other
generations; engaging seniors in the community;
supporting social services and accessibility
initiatives for seniors; and providing project or
capital funding for new seniors programs.
Is this a good fit?

9. 1. Check your fit
2. Know your neighbours
3. Talk to us
4. Check deadlines
5. Demonstrate your need and show the impact

10. 6. Answer the Questions
7. Do the math! Make sure your financial information adds up
8. Check, double check, and check again!
9. Make a copy and keep your records
10. Do what you say you will

11. When You’re Funded… or not
• Follow up, get feedback and keep trying
• Nurture a positive relationship
• Look for other opportunities
• Do what you said you would do
• Keep up the good work!

12. A few resources...
Government websites
Company websites
Big Online: www.bigdatabase.ca
Foundation Search: www.foundationsearch.ca
Imagine Canada: www.imaginecanada.ca
Canada Revenue Agency: www.cra-arc.gc.ca/charities
Charity Village: www.charityvillage.com
Association of Fundraising Professionals: www.afpnet.org
Blue Avocado Nonprofit Blog: www.blueavocado.org
Local Not-for-profit resource centres
Local colleagues and volunteer networks

13. Questions?
***
Nicole Drake, Arts & Culture Coordinator
Economic Development & Tourism, City of Brantford
nicoledrake@brantford.ca
519-751-9900 ext. 219