Many non-profit groups, community organizations, or grassroots movements have little experience in fund raising. The prospect of raising funds, asking for money, or writing a proposal can seem daunting or even overwhelming. Many people think they need experience in order to be successful. While experience certainly helps, it's not a prerequisite and lack of it won't prevent you from winning grants if you learn some of the basics of funding raising and grantwriting.
Following are some common statements people make when considering the prospect of fund raising. See if any of them sound familiar to you.
“I don’t have the time.”
“I know nothing about fund raising.”
“I don’t have any experience.”
“I don’t want to be turned down.”
“Nobody would fund us.”
“We’re not set up to handle grant money or donations.”
Overcoming doubt and anxiety is one of the most important things to do when first thinking about fund raising. By gaining knowledge of some of the basics, you can increase your confidence. Anxiety about seeking grants is understandable, but you shouldn't let it prevent you from trying to get funding that is being given away all the time to organizations or groups similar to yours--others involved in a range of environmental, green, and Urban and Community Forestry issues and activities.
By working through this overview and following the links to other organizations and resources, you can develop or hone your own abilities to produce successful grant applications. However, before focusing on your own personal skills, it's important to consider certain organizational issues.
On to: One Basic Organizational Consideration >>
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