Golden Rules of GrantS

Courtesy of Lisa Joyce, South Portland Public Library/Co-Chair Age Friendly South Portland Outreach Librarian

• Small and quick returns are very effective.

• Relationships are key for success.

• Local resources can be the gift that keeps on giving.

• Service organization, such as the Rotary, support local projects. Private citizens, who value your work, can be continuing sources. 

• Leverage one small grant to earn others.

• Appreciation is critical – say thanks and say it often.

• Publicize your projects and tell who made them happen.

• If an event is part of the project, invite the funders and honor them there.

• Agility – be ready if you hear of a time-limited project. The Dementia Inclusion grant that UNE offered last spring is an excellent example of A-F committees that were ready to implement projects that met the funding criteria.

• Details matter – check and double check your application – and then ask someone else to take a look. A poorly executed application tarnishes your reputation, and the world is small. Funders remember.

• Be truthful. If a funder discovers aspects application that are embellished or false, your reputation may be permanently damaged in their eyes.

For more information: Lifelong Maine Funding Strategies