It is a fact. There are eligibility requirements you must check before applying for grants. At GrantWriterTeam we can put you in touch with professional grant writers to help you get funding for any project. Hiring a dedicated grant writer takes the pressure of crafting a narrative and dotting every I and crossing every T off of you and your staff. After all, as a member of a nonprofit or even a small business, you have other issues that need your immediate attention. Why stress over grant writing? In addition to professional writers, GrantWriterTeam also offers essential tips to help you navigate the grant application process with ease and improve your chances of success. The first crucial step is ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria before applying for grants.
1. Geographic Area
Always begin with your location. Many grants are limited to specific regions, whether it’s a country, state, county, or city. Always verify the geographical restrictions to ensure your organization qualifies. After all, if the funding does apply to your location, there is no point in submitting a pristine application if the area is not covered.
2. Organization Status
Grant opportunities exist for individuals and for-profit businesses, but many are exclusive to nonprofits or organizations with 501c3 tax-exempt status. Make sure that your tax status is secure before trying for a grant that requires a 501c3. Ensure that your small business or nonprofit has the proper registration. You must have all the necessary documentation proving this before you can move forward.
3. Letter of Intent (LOI)
Some grants require an LOI before you can submit a full application. An LOI is a synopsis of your application. It introduces the grant funder to your organization and gives them an initial insight into what programs you intend to spend the grant money on. It also gives the reader a look into your organization’s history and background. GrantWatch often indicates if an LOI is mandatory, optional, or not required. Submitting an LOI when required is essential to avoid immediate disqualification.
4. Funding Exclusions
Along with what activities they will fund, grant funders will often list the activities they will not fund. For example, a grant for organizations helping with food insecurity may permit their money for staffing expenses, transportation, and food storage and production. However, they might not allow their funding to go toward conferences, building and construction projects, or an organization’s existing debt. When reading a grant’s eligibility, be sure to keep an eye out for the exclusions.
5. Dates and Deadlines
Pay attention to deadlines and due dates. Funding sources will often require certain documents by certain dates. If the grant requires an LOI or the attendance of a mandatory conference, these will often have other dates different from the deadline for the actual proposal. If there is a time specified in the deadline, make sure you know what time zone it is. Also, give yourself a few days before the deadline so you and your staff can review the proposal carefully.
The Take Away
The big take away here is to always check for requirements before applying for grants. In addition to these requirements, expect to find other eligibility criteria unique to the specific grant. This may include mandatory webinars, tax returns, financial documents, projected budgets, or affiliation with a pre-existing organization. Be prepared for your grant proposal by ensuring you have read the eligibility criteria carefully. Don’t apply for any grant where you don’t meet the eligibility requirements.
About GrantWriterTeam
Are you a nonprofit or small business in need of some help? If you are searching for grants but are feeling overwhelmed, hiring a grant writer may be the perfect choice for you! Grant writers thoughtfully grant opportunities and consider the pros and cons of applying and the chance of success. Consider your writer an extension of your organization. Your grant-seeking success is our priority at GrantWriterTeam.
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