1)

Do your homework.

2)

Put away your shotgun –targeted ideas targeted to the right source.

3)

Clearly define your objectives.

4)

Follow the rules.

5)

Don’t be bashful.

6)

Don’t forget your old friends.

7)

Show how much your board (or organization) has given.

8)

Give your board (or staff or volunteers) something to do.

9)

Use your board and volunteer committees (vendors, and friends in the business community) as resources.

10)

Get down to business.

11)

Don’t overlook subsidiary companies and divisions of major corporate grantmakers.

12)

Keep an eye on the calendar.

13)

Check all details, twice.

14)

Anticipate the intrusion of Murphy’s Law.

15)

Prepare for interviews with foundation executives, or questions from grant officers.

16)

Have a tickler system, an organization system for all your notes, data, drafts, assignments, etc. (Binders work well). Save everything!

17)

After the sobbing has subsided, ask for the reviewer’s comments, or talk to the foundation representative , evaluate the weaknesses and explore some more, the REWRITE.

18)

Stick with it.

19)

Perseverance pays off, submit again next year, after yor’ve evalusted, strengthened your program and proposal.

20)

Return to the basics. Keep It Simple Silly!

21)

When you get the grant, organize and do what you said you would do.