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Research each foundation before you approach it. Learn: why and how it was created; its areas of interest; types and amounts of past grants; and its application procedures.

• Do not be afraid to ask for funding. A foundation’s purpose is to provide philanthropic support. Normally, foundations want and expect creative, worthwhile projects to fund.
• Do not ignore a foundation’s application procedures. Foundations have good reasons for establishing their application procedures and ignoring these procedures can mean that your proposal will be refused any consideration.
• Always be honest about the proposed program. Be honest and specific about the amount requested, its purpose, and what you aim to achieve.
• Do not ask for more funds than you need. Requesting more than you need for a specific project is hard to justify.
• Never request an amount that is clearly beyond the normal range of grants made by that foundation or that is beyond the capacity of the coalition or network to manage.
• Be prepared to justify the request. This includes its purpose, and cost as well as the organization’s ability to carry out the project. Do not assume that the foundation knows about the coalition or its project. Do not rely on the coalition’s past history and reputation to sell the request. Most grants are awarded based on a project’s merits.
• Do not promise what you cannot achieve. Embellishment, exaggeration, or claims to ‘save the world’ usually provoke skepticism. Be reasonable and establish specific criteria by which success may be measured.
• Use personal contacts with program officers and board members of foundation. Individuals within the coalition may have a long history of working with a variety of local, state, and national foundations. Use those contacts.
• Be friendly, but business-like, in communication. Except with personal friends, avoid being too casual.
• Do not be discouraged by a refusal. Do not burn any bridges. Next time the foundation may be able to help.
• Follow up with the foundation regardless of the request’s outcome. Express thanks for the funds granted or for the time spent considering the request. Courtesy always helps.

Finally, remember that foundations want a direct, honest, and mutually-respectful relationship. Keep this in mind at all times. Respect enhances the success of the project and the foundation’s grant program as well.

October 2005

This publication is made possible through a Cooperative Agreement (No. U88/CCU322137-02) with the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). This publication may be copied, reproduced, distributed, or adapted without permission of the author or of Advocates for Youth, provided that the document is not copied, distributed, or adapted for commercial gain and provided that the author and Advocates for Youth are credited as the source on all copies, reproductions, distributions, and adaptations of the material.