A number of years ago I came across a grant application that specifically asked for links to press. Fortunately, my client had dozens of press links so I combed through them and selected the best ones to include.
Before this application, it never occurred to me to include press clippings or links to press in my proposals.
Now, I include them every chance I get.
In my experience, grant funders are much more receptive when they have evidence that your community is actively supporting you and your mission.
What kinds of press do I include and how?
Newspaper Press
One of my clients has lots of friends in local media and scores a featured story at least once a quarter. I include links to the articles. Sometimes, there is a paywall, so I save the article as a pdf and attach it as a document within the proposal.
If the newspaper article is about the program I am talking about in the grant, I will reference it and direct the reader to the link or pdf.
Video
I always urge my clients to develop at least one professional video per year about the organization, its mission, and a few testimonial interviews. I include the video link in every proposal I write. Video content is so easy to consume and hearing testimonials directly from the people we serve is powerful.
Awards & Accolades
If your Founder or Executive Director has received any awards, include links. I typically include a link to awards in the section where grants ask about the capabilities and credentials of staff or leadership. Being honored within the non-profit space sends signals of confidence to grant funders.
News Broadcasts
If your local news station covered your holiday event, ribbon cutting, or special occasion, grab the link to the broadcast and share it within your grant proposals. Video is the most popular form of media and will help you share the impact of your organization.
If the grant proposal doesn’t specifically ask for press, create a press document with clickable links and include that in the proposal.
Encourage your non-profit to create a section of their website dedicated to press. Then, link to the section to share ALL of the press.
If your non-profit doesn’t have any press, urge them to start issuing press releases. Press is a strong way to demonstrate the confidence of the community to grant funders.
Until next time,
Write Epic Grants