Need Grant Writing Help? - Helpful Suggestions for Before and Afterwards - Part 11 of 11

So your proposal is done!  Yay!

So let's talk about various things to know as you are submitting and what to expect as you submit.

Know what type of foundation you are applying to.  See the Arts Journey Solutions' Blog of 8/20/13 to remember the various types of foundations there are: http://artsjourneysolutions.blogspot.com/2013/08/fundrasing-part-4-of-6-foundations.html.

So follow up, this is not a click submit get a response sort of process.  Many foundations will say in their guidelines that a certain number of weeks to months are required before notification.  And they may request you do NOT call during that period of time.  If they don't specify this, then call to confirm they received the proposal and ask what the next steps are.

If the foundation requests a site visit, this is a good sign but not a sure win.  Continue putting your best foot forward.  To prepare for a site visit:

• confirm the participation of all key persons involved with the proposed program
• send a full copy of the proposal to everyone the foundation will meet at the site visit
• if the foundation has provided questions in advance, share them with everything
• meet with all of your people in advance to make sure they understand the proposal and are on the same page with your organization's goals
• don't spend excessive money on catering a site visit (hello and welcome we are spending tons of money to feed you and try to be impressive does not send a good message - just water or coffee is good)

If the proposal is funded, write a thank you letter, send a press release, give the foundation lots of positive word of month thanks.  If the proposal is not funded, write a thank you for your consideration note and ask for any feedback from their panel that could help your program improve chances for future funding from others.  Any remember, you may ask this same foundation for funding in the future so stay gracious, positive, and professional.  

So there you go.  You've learned how to write a detailed step by step strong grant proposal.  There are always additional things to learn, so feel free to ask tons of questions!