As a rule, I am very strict about vetting a grant client. I provide a detailed list of “Grant Ready” documents they must have ready. Not having them is a deal breaker.
Except for when I know the Executive Director, love the mission, and really want to help them get back on track.
I know. I fell for it.
I worked with this client for four months before I had enough.
Their budget was super flimsy- not enough detail, and part didn’t even add up. They never responded to my requests for updated financial documents, which resulted in missing grant deadlines. They couldn’t remember their SAMS login and had no idea how to retrieve it. My last straw was that they paid my invoices 2-3 months late.
Grant Writing Tip of the Day
Presenting a program budget that lacks detail can raise doubts in a funder’s mind. Justify your expenses with numbers and narratives.
I met with my friend, the Executive Director, and told her I cannot continue writing grants for the org unless they partner with a fiscal sponsor.
She asked “WHY?”
Although the non-profit was decades old and had its own 501(c)(3) status, its infrastructure was a mess. She was the first real staff member they ever had. The org was always 100% volunteers.
There was no oversight. The organization consisted of a group of well-meaning community members, most of whom had zero experience with non-profit organization structure.
A fiscal sponsor could provide SO many services for them to improve their offerings and impact.
As it relates to grant writing, I needed to work with a fiscal sponsor who could handle my requests for financials, compile the data I would need for grant reporting, and support my document requests. I also need them to pay me (and other vendors and consultants) on time.
The organization is in the process of interviewing and hiring a fiscal sponsor and then I plan to come back as their grant writer.
I am looking forward to watching them learn and grow and creating efficient grant management processes with them.
Until next time,
Write Epic Grants
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