I work in the fund-raising office a large nonprofit organization. I am trying to find out how other nonprofits organize the grant writing process - who does what? Do the fund-raising professionals do all the research, rationale, writing, et al for all grant applications, OR do the staff in the departments who will receive the grant monies do the initial work and fundraising staff organize, edit and submit? Sometimes we will develop a new project in order to get grant funds - who develops the case for the new projects?

In an ideal world, it would be a full partnership between the program and fundraising staff. Unfortunately, sometimes the program staff is so caught up in 'doing' the work, they don't want to take the necessary time to plan and answer all of the questions required from the potential funder. This can create tension between the two personality types. Often times the fundraising staff has to take a leadership role in moving the project forward. Good communication and educating the program staff on the grant process is critical. Using a team approach, each person should have something to do. For example, if you are pursuing a grant to purchase equipment, who knows better exactly what is needed than the person/department who will be using the equipment? They should secure 3 bids if that is what the funder is requesting. Program staff should be able to spell out what they are trying to accomplish, and be able to do a portion of the research to build the case. The accounting dept. should help put the budget in standard format if the grants person does not know how to do that. It is important for the staff to draw on each other's strengths and support each other's weaknesses. As I see it, the role of the the grant writing staff should be to compile information from various sources - and package it appropriately - following the funders exact guidelines - and hopefully get the money. Even if you are also responsible for reporting on the grant activity - the program staff must provide you with the numbers and other detailed information required by the funding source. Finally, the project should be developed BEFORE you seek funding for it. The need for money should not drive an organization to seek grant funding. Funders like to see that innovative programs and services are being provided to the community. Good results focused programs will always attract funders' interests. It takes about 3-6 months to develop a comprehensive (team approach) project concept, and another 3-6 months to secure the funding. The key is planning ahead.

Stephanie, Well said! I have always found that we were most successful in getting the funding requested when we had a good team of program people to describe the need and how it will be answered and fundraising people to put it in the appropriate format. Good luck Carol. Tina Wilfer Development Assistant Fox Cities Performing Arts Center Appleton, WI [Email Removed]