What do I mean by saying, “Write the grant proposal to the funder?” This is a tough concept for non-profit orgs sometimes, especially ones that use boilerplate narratives and cut and paste them into grant applications.
I mean that while the mission remains the same, the narratives differ based on the priorities of the funder.
For example, I would write a narrative for a grant that funds economic stimulus projects very differently than for a grant that funds social service projects, even though the grants are for the same program.
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If I am representing an organization that provides workplace attire for women who are seeking to enter or re-enter the workforce, an economic stimulus grant narrative would focus on impact to the local unempoyment rates when the organization clothes and prepares X women for the workforce. It would focus on the economic impact of X women and their spending power once they are earning regular income. I would discuss the number of women who will be able to transition from public assistance once they are gainfully employed.
If I am representing that same client and the funder focuses on social service projects for women and children, I am going to tailor the narrative to demonstrate the impact of single mothers who are more prepared to earn a living wage. I will talk about the benefits to their children and their family unit as a whole. I will talk about how 28% of single mothers live at or below poverty and how the organization is working to bridge the wage gap.
The program is the same in both instances, but the focus of the narrative closely matches the funder.
Until next time,
Write Epic Grants
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