Expertise from Industry Experts for Future Writers, Researchers, and Nonprofit Professionals

Abstract

This thesis examines several different aspects of grant writing with the objective of enabling a novice from any field to successfully complete a grant application. First, it reviews the necessary industry definitions, outlines how to get started, and describes the best practices in approaching a grant application. Knowledge of funders and how to compel them to dedicate resources to the nonprofit was found to be of the utmost importance. Next, it examines the nonprofit industry and the role that grant writing plays in their sustainability using existing grant writing resources, personal experience, and interviews with nonprofit professionals. Nonprofit communities were found to be tight knit and supportive. For an organization to find its footing in the nonprofit realm, it must collaborate with other organizations who understand the work. The findings indicate that grant writing is ideal for nonprofits in the midst of transition, but is not a proper, long-term funding source. Resources for additional information are listed at the conclusion of the paper. Lastly, attached to this paper is a resource geared toward sharing the lessons of this thesis with future individuals seeking to secure resources for innovative nonprofit programming. The resource is provided in a simple and designed version. The document advises grant writers where to find grants, how to draft them, and what steps are necessary after being awarded funding.