Do you have a knack for writing grants but are not sure where to start? Do you have a passion for animal rescue but never know how to get started? You’ve come to the right place! Here you everything you need to know about writing a grant. Whether you’re a writer, researcher, or a seasoned volunteer, you’ll find useful information and resources for getting started.
Be thorough and specific.
Be sure to answer every question in your grant proposal and be thorough and specific in describing your program and the animals you’ll help. You’ll be better able to differentiate your organization and program from other organizations and proposals if you follow this guide.
Find all the grants available.
There are many grant programs available, but you’ll need to find them. Start by visiting the websites of the organizations you want to apply for. They’re sure to have several grant programs for you to consider. You can also find grants on your own by searching online and in your local community. The Humane Society offers a list of grants you might want to explore, As does the Association of Animal Welfare Advancement.
Write a strong cover letter.
Each time you apply for a grant, write a new cover letter that describes what you want and why it will benefit the organization that is giving out the grant. The best way to write a strong letter is by researching the organization and addressing each point they make in their call for proposals or on their website. This will show that you have done your homework and are serious about getting funding from them.
Have proof of your past work or involvement with animal rescue groups in your community and any other relevant experience like volunteer work or education related to animals and animal rescue programs. These things will help demonstrate that you have the knowledge and background to successfully carry out the grant proposal.
Include a personal statement detailing how you plan to use any grant money you receive. This will help show why you deserve funding and your plans for using it.
If you don’t know how to start, It’s always a good idea to look at examples of grant letters others have written and or submitted. You might even want to reach out to the organizations that are listed as previous grant recipients and ask them for advice.
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Apply for grants that fit your animal rescue organization.
Grants for animal shelters or animal rescue programs are designed for organizations that help animals, not just to feed them. If you have a shelter that takes in animals and helps find them new homes, you may be eligible for grants to build an adoption center. If you have a program that trains foster parents to care for the animals in your care, you may be able to get a grant to help with advertising or supplies.
Include any other information requested on the application by the granting organization. This usually includes some budget form so that they can see how much money you are planning on using and what it will go towards.
Avoid the “one size fits all” approach.
You’ll be sending proposals to multiple organizations, and there’s a temptation to use one template. Each organization you’re writing to is unique, and they’re looking for different things. Tailor your proposal to each specific organization. Personalize your responses to the grant requirements. Look at how the specific organization uses language and tweak it in your proposal to fit their standard.
The first impression is the last.
Be sure to present yourself professionally. In your cover letter, stick to three paragraphs.
The first paragraph should introduce yourself and include a little bit about your life and why you are qualified for this particular grant.
The second paragraph should explain what you will do with the grant money, how much you need, and why it would be helpful for your organization.
The final paragraph should indicate that you have completed all of the necessary forms, have read the guidelines, and are ready to submit the proposal. You can also include any questions about anything about this particular grant or organization.
Be sure to proofread your application before mailing it in, as mistakes can be detrimental during the review process.
You may wish to make a list of questions to ask when meeting with representatives from organizations interested in funding projects from your organization; however, most grants require that you come up with an idea of how you will use the grant money.
Think outside the box.
You might think that animal rescue is a topic that is already well-known and has been explored by others, but that’s not always the case! You’ve many creative ways to help animals, such as conducting educational programs or providing assistance animals to individuals in need.
Follow up.
Once you submit your grant proposal and receive a response, don’t take it as a sign that your grant is approved! You’ll want to follow up with the organization you’re applying to make sure that you receive the funding you applied for and ask what your application’s status is.
Keep learning and evolving.
As you continue to learn more about grant writing and the animal rescue field, and as you write more grant proposals, you’ll become a more confident grant writer. Keep improving your grant proposal writing skills and keep applying for grants to help animals in need.
Remember that there are many different types of animal rescue organizations out there, so the first step to finding a grant program is to figure out which kind of organization you’d like to apply for. Just because you wouldn’t be eligible for one type of grant doesn’t mean that you can’t find another grant that will help your organization!