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