Fundraising & Grants
Grantwriting for Technology Workshop Opens UWNYC's 2003 Fall Tech Event Season
October, 2003
Megan Farrington
But your organization is planning a brilliant technology initiative. Not only will it save money, but it will allow your organization to expand its service offerings. So how do you get it funded? How do you convince grantmakers that your technology project will not be a black hole?
Osten tackled this issue with a group of 50 staff who write grants for local nonprofits in the first installment of United Way of New York City's Technology Workshop series on September 12, 2003.
United Way of New York City's Technology Workshop series is made possible through generous underwriting support from IBM. Forum planning and presentation was a partnership between United Way of New York City, Fund for the City of New York and the Summit Collaborative.
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How is technology grantwriting different?
What are common mistakes in technology proposal writing?
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His underlying message: The way funders do business is not going to change, so you, the grantwriter, have to adapt the way proposals are pitched. If funders assume that there will be little or nothing to show for putting money into technology, it is up to you to educate them to the contrary.
In a lively discussion, Osten discussed several strategies that are key to securing technology funding:
Know your subject
Before you ask a foundation to support your initiative, you need to know exactly what you're asking for and what results you expect it to yield. Funders are aware that nonprofits don't usually know a great deal about technology, so reassure them that you have done your homework. You don't need to be able to describe the database or web site you plan to create in minute detail, but you do need to be able to explain that the database will allow you to keep better track of donors, or that the web site will allow you to reach a larger portion of the community. Clarify WHY you need the support and then explain how you'll track success.Know your funder
Meet with the funder. Examine projects that Foundation has funded in the past. The more familiar you are with the Foundation's funding patterns, the more accurately you can target your proposal.Make the connection between technology and mission
Present your case in terms of your organization's mission, not in terms of the technology. For example, if you want to create a web site that will draw in more clients by increasing awareness of the services you provide, your proposal should not be for a web site - instead, it should be for an initiative to raise community awareness. Technology is the means, not the end. Try to frame any project in terms that discuss the value of the hardware, software, Web or networking tools.Create a case statement
A well thought out statement that articulates your vision, how technology can help you achieve that vision, and why this particular funder should fund you will serve as a crucial foundation for your proposal. It will help you figure out exactly what to ask for and exactly what outcomes you seek. The process of writing a case statement will also push you to think in terms of what you are offering the funder - i.e., how your project matches the funder's needs. (For a worksheet that will guide you through the process of building a case statement, see Tech Soup - Funding Planner.)Focus on sustainability
Devote attention to the total cost of ownership for your project (for information on TCO, see Tech Soup - Total Cost of Ownership. ) The foundation will be reassured that you have thought out the costs of your project so thoroughly, and your organization can take comfort in knowing that it will not be surprised by unforeseen costs that will derail the project and turn it into the dreaded "black hole."Also demonstrate a diversity of revenue streams. If funders know that you have other potential sources of funding for the project (including any money from the organization's budget that will be going into it), they will be much more likely to contribute.
Plan a means of evaluation
It doesn't have to be extremely complicated, but having some evaluation method in place shows the funder that you are concerned about outcomes and demonstrating return on investment. Even a simply organized quarterly meeting devoted to analyzing with key people the success of the project can be helpful. The key is stating clearly at the start of the project, WHAT you hope to achieve.Phase your project
Funders are often receptive to projects that are broken down into smaller parts and logically phased. Find ways to split your project into parts so that you can benchmark success as you go and assure yourselves and the funder that you are able to make course corrections as you go.These are the bare essentials from a session filled with noteworthy asides from the presenter and useful suggestions from audience members. Nonetheless, these 7 ideas should get you started on the path to making sure your next tech project doesn't become a funding black hole - and to convincing funders that the smart money is on you. As Osten reminded the participants in the session, "Your proposal can jump to the top of the pile if you simply take the time to address the basics - What you want to do - Why its important - How you'll track success!"
Upcoming Events
"Enewsletters, Alerts and other Email Content Tools"
Thursday, October 16th from 8:30am-11:30am at the United Way of New York City
For more information on United Way of New York City's Technology Workshop series, or to register for upcoming workshops, go to http://www.unitedwaynyc.org/technews/events.html.