All,
Since the pandemic has had most of us quarantined at home, I have been spending my time trying to learn more about grant applications. I am currently stuck on how to formulate a winning need statement. Would anyone be willing to provide, in public or private, their winning need statement? Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

I suppose that you have searched the internet for "how to write grant applications" and for "grant writing books."

Your need, or the public's need?

The winning need statement is tailored to the requirements or mission of the grantmaker.

How does your project match what the grantmaker wants to fund?

Does the grant request fulfill a goal in your organzation's strategic plan? Or its collections policy?

Do some research to find what the grantmaker has funded in the past.

Look at the grants other organizations like yours have received. What was the project? What was the requirement by the funder?

The online Foundation Center is now known as Candid. This is a good place to start.

From my experience grant applications are an "art." It takes a while to receive your first award. Once you have the knack of how things work, subsequent successful grants are generally easier.

Good luck.

Wesley

I would also suggest that your organization sign up for an account on Guidestar. By default, Guidestar will post public information about your organization - specifically your Form 990. However, it will allow you to add information such as mission statement, goals and achievements, current officers, and contact information. Be sure your info is up to date and that you are current in your 990 filings!

Once you have done that, use the search function at Guidestar and try to find local foundations. Many smaller ones don't have a website, but if you review their 990's you will see who they gave money to. Most of their 990's will also state how they accept grant requests. Some will also list a contact person - it doesn't hurt to call and see if your request is of interest to them. I once got a major grant because I called and mentioned I was aware of a similar grant they gave to someone else - that led to several follow up calls and finally just a one page grant request (along with our financials) that turned out to be our second largest grant ever). Try to start with a foundation that gives modest gifts - $500, $1000, etc. It is a great feeling when you get your first grant of this sort, plus some grant givers want to know who else gave you money.

Be prepared to not get a grant. When I was really working it, I was probably sending out 30 requests a year and winning maybe 20% of them. However once you do a few you will build up a routine to do them that will shorten the time it takes you to do it.

Good luck!

My post is not picking on anybody or any organization.... I am just sharing something that I have seen too often as we have helped organizations with grant applications.

Too often, the "need statement" turns into the "how cool would it be" statement. Just examples that I am making up....

"If and when this steam locomotive runs again, it will bring so much joy to so many people"

"It has always been our dream to do this project and if you donate, we can get it done."

"Our ability to provide spectators with a better experience for the 2030 Olympics is based on us getting this money."

Wesley above nailed it. The "need" is very specific to the "need" that the donor has in meeting objectives and missions and ALIGNING those missions and objectives with YOURS.

A more powerful example of a good (better) needs statement is this:

"This project meets the objectives of both the foundation and our organization by providing critical short term jobs, preserving local history and providing hands on educational experiences to our children and adults through our combined preservation efforts. The donation of funds to this project fills a gap left by other local funding options."

My examples above were hopes and wishes....the last example is as much about the donor as it is about the receiver and the "need". Be very, very critical of the wording in your need statements! And.....don't write books! Meaning....short and sweet. Like a mini skirt....long enough to cover the subject, short enough to keep it interesting. Too many grants become crying books. Don't do that.

Great to ask for help....keep asking! I am happy to proof read grant applications....!

JohnE.