23 May
Local food's triple bottom line: "It benefits the economy with jobs, it benefits our health and it benefits our land.” http://t.co/nW4TSWG3
Improving Your Likelihood of Success
Here are tips to help you submit the strongest possible application.
1. Before you call us, read all of the sections on this website
Most of what you need to know about us is on this website.
2. If you have any questions, call us
Because we don't have a Letter of Intent (LOI) process, we encourage you to call us if you have any questions before submitting a full proposal. This will help us discover whether or not your proposal is a good fit with our funding interests. In the Lowcountry of South Carolina the contact person is John Sands (843-651-3793). In the Chicago region, it’s Arthur Pearson (312-977-2709). If you have questions about the application process, online forms, or grant requirements, contact our Grants Manager Susan Clark (312-977-2705).
3. We take evaluation seriously
We understand that evaluation is not easy. However, organizations that make the biggest difference are those that effectively measure their results. We are happy to discuss the challenges and opportunities of evaluation in your situation. In some cases, we are willing to support evaluation costs.
4. You have a strategy for sustainability
How is your project or organization going to be sustainable in the long term? Tell us.
5. Beware of pitfalls
Some of the most common reasons we decline grant applications are:
- Organizations don’t have the capacity or resources to successfully carry out the projects they propose. Recurring financial deficits, inadequate fundraising, or unrealistic plans are red flags.
- Organizations are unstable. For example, frequent changes in board and staff leadership, mission, or goals.
- Project or organizational goals are vague or overly broad.
- Outcomes are weak, vague, or not oriented to results.
- Leadership structures do not adhere to best practices. For example, a paid executive director who also serves as an officer of the board creates an inherent conflict of interest.