Nov
18

Filling Out Grant Applications

Filling out Grant Applications

One of the best ways for nonprofit organizations to acquire the capital funding necessary to operate their programs is to solicit for nonprofit grants. Nonprofit grants usually are given to organizations from the local, state or federal government agencies or private organizations, and depend on the proper methiod of filling out  grant applications. Many nonprofit organizations are great at fundraising and soliciting for donations but for whatever reason they have not ventured into sourcing funding from nonprofit grants. When soliciting for a nonprofit grant from either a government agency or private organization, you will need to create a grant proposal, Filling out Grant Applications. The grant proposal will introduce your organization to the positional funding source, give them a clear understanding of your organization’s purpose and give a decryption of your organization’s planned programs and specific objectives. It will also provide a clear description of your organization’s purposed budget, your specific qualifications, and a conclusion wrapping up all of the information. Below you will see an outline of a nonprofit grant proposal.

 

Cover Letter (one page)

  • Provide a clear, concise overview of the organization, purpose and reason for and amount of the funding request while fillint out the grant applications.

A Full Proposal includes the following proposal sections: Executive Summary, Introduction (Organizational Background), Problem Statement (Need Statement), Objectives, Methodology,
Evaluation, Sustainability, Budget and an Appendix.
Executive Summary (1-2 Pages)

  • This summary is the most important component of your nonprofit grant proposal. Summarize all of the key information, when filling out grant applications, and convince the grantmaker to consider your proposal for funding.

Problem Statement (3-4 Pages)
(Needs Assessment)

  • Statistically document the specific situation, opportunity, problem, issue, and/or need, existing in the community your proposal addresses.

Program Goals and Objectives (1 – 2 pages)

  • Describe the outcome of the grant in measurable terms; including the proposed project outcome and accomplishments when filling out grant applications.

Methodology (4 + Pages)

  • Describe the process to be used to achieve the outcome and accomplishments.

Evaluation (1 – 2 Pages)

  • Explain how you will measure the effectiveness of your activities when filling out grant applications.

Sustainability (1-2 Pages)

  • Determine the long term financing of the program, after the initial funding period has concluded.

Budget

  • When filling out grant applications, clearly describe costs to be met by the funder and all other funding sources; outline both administrative and program costs.

Appendix

  • IRS501(c)(3) letter of tax exemption determination
  • Your organization’s most recent annual report
  • A list of your Board of Directors and Trustees, their board titles, their contact information, qualifications, and affiliations
  • Your organization’s most recent financial audit (if unavailable, please submit the last two years of financial statements or your most recent Form 990)
  • A list of foundation, corporate, and major individual support (including givers name, address, amount donated, and date donated) with the amount that was given for the last fiscal year.
  • A list of foundation, corporate, and major individual donations (including givers name, address, amount donated, and date donated) for the current fiscal year.
  • A Personnel Chart which shows the employee, their staff position, their work duties, their qualifications, their hours per week, and their yearly salary.
  • Program or organization brochure
  • Letters of support and/or recommendation from influential members of the community.
  • Project Timeline

 

For specific projects, include separate budgets for the general operating and the special project. Show income and expenses in columnar form (according to general accounting/bookkeeping principles).

Hopefully this article will allow your organization to add a new funding source to the fundraising, donations, and soliciting that you are currently undertaking.  When filling out grant applications be sure that your grant proposal clearly introduces your organization to the positional funding source, gives them a clear understanding of your organization’s purpose, and provides a description of your organization’s planned programs and specific objectives. It should also provide a clear description of your organization’s proposed budget, your specific qualifications, and a conclusion wraps up all of the information.

 

There is an easier way, Grant funding operations coordination by CharityNetUSA.   There are costs associated with this, but probably much less than the cost of the time involved with you and your staff generating and preparing, filling out grant applications and the complicated package required by the grant provider.  And that is only one grant proposal, what if you could work with an organization that has prepared hundreds if not thousands of non-profit grant proposals for similar organizations?  The savings in associated costs of filling out grant applications due to the experience of such an organization as CherityNetUSA.com and time it may save your organization could be substantial.  The additional contacts for similar grant filings could make it well worthwhile to discuss your particular non-profit grant needs with a representative at CharityNetUSA.com and could be the difference between securing the funding and spinning your wheels.

 

As with any award, Grants are never 100% assured by any applicant, but with the help of a long established company which deals primarily in the area of Non-profit Business complexities to help in filling out grant applications, your odds of securing a grant is naturally greatly increased.  In today’s market any edge is important, and CharityNetUSA.com can be just the edge you need!

These are the keys to filling out  grant applications, if you have questions we are here for you:

 

If you would like more information on filling out Grant Applications and the full range of services offered to the nonprofit community please contact CharityNetUSA by visiting www.CharityNetUSA.com or call 1.877.857.9002

 

Nov
10

CharityNetUSA Announces: Veterans Outreach Organization Grants for 2011

CharityNetUSA, a division of BizCentralUSA, Is honoring the Veterans organizations of America with OPERATION: VETERANS OUTREACH ORGANIZATION GRANTS by awarding generous grants to 10 recognized small veterans’ organizations aimed at improving and expanding veterans outreach programs within their organizations.  CEO Efrain Rodriguez, himself a proud Veteran, said “Our US Veterans have given much to this nation, and if these grants can help set up worthwhile outreach programs that will benefit our heroes throughout this great country, it is our honor, here at CharityNetUSA to do our part.”

Veterans Organizations Grants

Contact CharityNetUSA to apply for Veterans Outreach Organization Assistance Grants

CharityNetUSA has provided a full range of business services for the nonprofit community over many years.   Through ChurchNetUSA they are the nation’s leader in the preparation, filling and annual requirements for 501c3 Tax Exempt Status Corporations which is how outreach programs operate most effectively.  Once an organization is designated 501c3, they can apply for additional grants from thousands of grant funders in the public and private sectors.  The preparation of those grant applications is also a specialty of CharityNetUSA.

The Goal of these grants is to help Veterans Outreach organizations create more awareness for their services, enable them to more efficiently run their operations and enable them to more fully concentrate on their mission.  This will be made possible by the CharityNetUSA Veterans Organizations Grants this holiday season.  “Sometimes, we all need to give a little back to the community of man, I am happy to do my part” said CEO Efrain Rodriguez.

Veterans organizations interested in being considered for the generous grants from CharityNetUSA can contact representatives at: 1.877.857.9002 or email info@CharityNetUSA.com

To learn more about CharityNetUSA and the full range of services we provide small to mid size non – profits, visit www.CharityNetUSA.com or call 1.877.857.9002

Dec
22

New Year, New Career?

In today’s economic environment many people are being put in the tough position of losing their jobs. Today it is more difficult to find another job due to increased competition from other unemployed individuals.  There are others who are maybe looking to transition from their current job to something else, but are uncertain in the current economic environment.  Then there are those who have worked in the non profit sector through various ways and have seen firsthand the effects of the economy on non profits as they have had to scale back their offerings, and some have even been shuttered closed.

Despite a struggling economy with high unemployment rates, tight salaries and a crumbling corporate world, a recession is actually a great time to start a small business.  History has shown that recessions can be birthing grounds for some of hardest working, most successful and creative entrepreneurs today.  A recession can teach an entrepreneur a lot about running an effective business that has the potential to do great things in a sprouting economy. Practices such as learning to operate on a budget, investing more time in client satisfaction and take time to trial and error your business model.  The truth is if a business can survive even the toughest of times, that business is most likely to be a forerunner in the best of times.

A recent report suggests that approximately 70% of home-based businesses will last over a three-year period, compared to 29% of other business ventures. With estimates of the total number of home-based business ranging from 34 to 36 million, it’s clear that home-based businesses offer a less expensive alternative to traditional businesses.

So, what does this all mean?

It means that one of the best options is to become your own boss.  Independent consulting can be a very rewarding experience, both personally and financially.  This is especially true in the non profit sector.

The non profit sector has been hit very hard by the current recession.  Many are looking for new ways to reach out to people, and find new ways to grow their organizations.  Who are they going to turn to?  It could be you.

There are some advantages and disadvantages to starting your own business, such as:

Advantages of Starting a Business:

One of the first benefits that people associate with starting a business is being your own boss. Working for yourself can provide freedom, independence and, a profound sense of satisfaction as you watch your small business grow and succeed.

Disadvantages of Starting a Business:

Larger businesses generally have safety nets that are not as readily available to the self-employed. If your computer breaks down or if you have networking problems, you must handle the issue yourself rather than call the company computer technician or IT personnel.

There is also another option. That is to become an affiliate of another established company.  The way this works is you are your own boss.  You set your own appointments, you work with your clients, and you do the work that you love.  However, you also have the support of a team of people that will do the production side of the work, as well as prepare a lot of the necessary tools for you to be successful.

There are many affiliate programs out there. Make sure you take the time to research different opportunities, to make sure that you find the one that is the best fit for you and your particular skills.

This is a great compromise for starting your own business.  It’s just a matter of making the decision to begin this journey towards being your own boss.

Oct
12

Are You Ready to Start Your Nonprofit? Let's Get Started!

You are ready to start a non profit organization, but you are not sure where to begin. The process can be very overwhelming and confusing if you are not properly prepared and do not have quality support. Fortunately there are many places you can go for help and it is typically in your best interest to take advantage of these non profit resources as they can make the process much smoother and less stressful.
The first step in starting a non profit organization is deciding exactly what it is that you want to do. There are many types of organizations that fall under the IRS’s criteria for a non profit, it is very important that you decide exactly what area or areas you would like your organization to focus on. In many cases it is better to start small and work towards a larger goal. Taking on too much at one time can spread your non profit resources thin, making your organization unproductive and ultimately leading to failure.
After you have come to a conclusion as to what type of organization you would like to start as well as what need or problem within the community you will be addressing, you are ready to draft a mission statement. Your mission statement is, at its heart, a snapshot of what your organization is and what it is trying to accomplish stated in one or two sentences. Your mission statement should grab the attention of people and make it clear what your organization does. A mission statement is very important because you will use it on a majority of the material you distribute for your organization.
The next critical step in starting your non profit would be to assemble a board of directors. The IRS requires that all organizations have a minimum of three people on the board. You must also be conscious to make sure that if there are any outside relationships (e.g. family or business) that they make up less than half of the board positions. It is also important to have a diverse group of people serving on your organization’s board that will be able to contribute insight from multiple perspectives. A strong and credible board of directors will, typically, translate into a strong and credible organization, which is very important to the future success of your organization.
Once you have successfully navigated these hurdles, you are ready to begin filing and drafting paperwork. The first thing that needs to be done is becoming incorporated in your state. This is what gets you recognized as a legal organization. When you are incorporating your organization, make sure to include the two clauses (purpose and dissolution) which the IRS requires to be in your organizational documents. After incorporation you can obtain an employer identification number (EIN or Federal ID), as well as begin drafting bylaws, creating a budget and putting in place record-keeping and accounting systems. While having these systems in place is not required by the IRS, it does give your organization the tools necessary to build a strong base and create a stronger organization moving forward.
After the state has approved your incorporation paperwork and you have created all the necessary supporting documents you are ready to file the 1023 application, which is what the IRS uses for organizations applying for 501c3 status. Once you have completed this application and submitted it to the IRS the hardest part begins – waiting. The IRS can take anywhere from three to six months to approve your application, but once they have you are an official 501c3 tax exempt organization. After 501c3 approval you should look into getting registered as a charity and filing your state tax exemption paperwork. Both of these are done on the state level, so check with your state to see exactly what you need in your specific state.

Sep
28

Diversifying your Non Profit Funding Sources

It is important for non profit organizations, both those just starting out and those which are well established, to have a diversified stream of income. By diversifying where your revenue is coming from your non profit organization will be less dependent on each revenue source. The more diverse your organization is the better it will be able to withstand changes in funding.

Non profit grants for example are a great way for organizations to generate the revenue which they need to operate. However, if an organization is relying too heavily on grants and their non profit funding gets pulled or reduced, the organization may struggle trying to make up for that loss of funding in other ways. It is better to be prepared by having additional fundraising initiatives, and soliciting donations in addition to applying for grants.

When soliciting for a non profit grant from either a government agency or private organization, you will need to create a non profit grant proposal. The grant proposal will introduce your organization to the positional funding source, give them a clear understanding of your organization’s purpose and give a decryption of your organization’s planned programs and specific objectives. It will also provide a clear description of your organization’s purposed budget, your specific qualifications, and a conclusion wrapping up all of the information

The need for multiple sources of non profit funding has become even more important with the recent decline in the American economy. As bank accounts continue to shrink; individuals, organizations and foundations are becoming more selective over which organizations they are making contributions to. This is creating more competition between organizations for the resources available. The organizations which are best equipped to deal with this competition are those which are the most diverse in their revenue sources and the least reliant on one single source.

Organizations should look at fundraising as another non profit funding source.  Fundraising is a way of marketing and getting your name out into the community in addition to means of generating revenue for your organization. Fundraising events, while they may not always create a large amount of income for an organization cannot always be measured by the amount of money they generate at that event. This is due to the possibility of future donations and contributions based on the relationship which may have been established at one of these events.

Some of the best organizational fundraising events are based around the organization’s mission.  By organizing a fundraiser that relates to the mission of your organization you will also be bringing awareness to your cause. You will be able to discuss and point out the need for your organization and what exactly it is you are trying to do and how you are trying to help. Fundraisers can also be productive in terms other than purely the amount of funding generated. Other ways fundraisers can be successful would be by creating interest and support from individuals who will continue to be active in our organization after the fundraiser has concluded. This could be through continued volunteering or supporting our organization at future fundraisers, or simply thru positive word of mouth from these individuals.

Hiring a professional fundraiser or grant writer can be a smart move for event the youngest of non profit organizations.  Not only does a professional have experience working a variety of different events and writing a number of proposals, a professional knows how to make connections and seek out the best options for the organization.

Even non profit organizations which have been successful over a period of time using one revenue source should consider working to find new untapped sources of income when strategizing their non profit funding efforts. This will strengthen any organization and all organizations will welcome more income; as more income allows the organization more freedom in working towards accomplishing their mission and fulfilling their goal.

Sep
22

Free Upcoming Webcast: What's your Status?

After reading our most recent blog post, “An Overview of the Different Sections of 501c“, you may be interested in learning more about obtaining the coveted 501c3 tax exempt status for your non profit.  So, you are in luck because our next installment of the CharityNet USA Non Profit Webinar Series will review everything your non profit needs to know about obtaining 501c3 tax exempt status.  The details of the event are below, but don’t hesitate to leave us a few suggestions or questions you would like answered during the event in the comments section at the end of the post!

You are personally invited to spend some time with CharityNet USA and find out why obtaining 501c3 status is essential to the growth of your non profit organization’s projects and programs! Register Today!

Topics of Interest:

  • Qualifications for 501c3 Status
  • Steps to Obtaining Tax Exemption
  • Staying in Compliance
  • Benefits of 501c3 Status

Title: Obtaining 501c3 Status From The IRS
Date: Thursday, September 30th, 2010
Time: 3:00PM-4:00PM EST

Register Today! We hope to see you there!

We invite you to spend a valuable hour with CharityNet USA and find out why obtaining 501c3 status is essential to the growth of your organization’s projects and programs!

Topics of Interest:

  • Qualifications for 501c3 Status
  • Steps to Obtaining Tax Exemption
  • Staying in Compliance
  • Benefits of 501c3 Status

Learn how to gain the numerous advantages your non profit organization deserves!

Title: Obtaining 501c3 Status From The IRS
Date: Thursday, September 30th, 2010
Time: 3:00PM-4:00PM EST

Sep
14

An Overview of the Different Sections of 501 c

In order to understand the different sections of 501c you first must know what a 501 c is. The term 501 c is referring to Title 26, Section 501(c) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. This specific section allows for certain types of nonprofit organizations to be exempt from paying some federal taxes, which is why so many organizations pursue the 501 c status. Obtaining any 501 c status requires an application to be filled out and submitted to the IRS. You must also be able to provide the necessary supporting documentation needed to supplement your request. In order to become a tax exempt organization you must be incorporated within your state, just like any other corporation would be.

There are many different types of organizations that are recognized by the IRS under the code 501 c. There are 26 different types of 501 c organizations ranging from 501c1 through 501c28, with no 501c20 or 501c24. Each of these different numbers indicates a different type of organization or an organization with a specific purpose. The most common type of 501 c organizations is the 501c3. 501c3 nonprofit organizations are typically organized for Religious, Educational, Charitable or Scientific purposes. Most nonprofit organizations fall into this category. One additional benefit of having a 501c3 organization is that all donations made to the organization can be written off as a tax deduction for the donor.

Another common type of 501 c organization is the 501c4. These nonprofit organizations are generally civic leagues and other organizations organized and operated exclusively for the promotion of social welfare, or local associations of employees with membership limited to a designated company or people in a particular municipality or neighborhood, and with net earnings devoted exclusively to charitable, educational, or recreational purposes. Unlike 501c3 organizations, 501c4 organizations may lobby for legislation; they may also participate in political campaigns and elections, as long as campaigning is not the organization’s primary purpose. Contributions to 501c4 organizations are not deductible as charitable contributions. 501c4 organizations are not required to disclose their donors publicly. This aspect of the law has led to extensive use of the 501c4 provisions for organizations that are actively involved in lobbying, and has become controversial.

The tax exemption for 501c4 organizations applies to most of their operations, but contributions may be subject to gift tax, and income spent on political activities – generally the advocacy of a particular candidate in an election – is taxable.

Below is a list of the various types of 501 c organizations along with a brief description of the specific purpose of each.

  • 501(c)(1) — Corporations Organized Under Act of Congress (including Federal Credit Unions)
  • 501(c)(2) — Title Holding Corporation for Exempt Organization
  • 501(c)(3) — Religious, Educational, Charitable, Scientific, Literary, Testing for Public Safety, to Foster National or International Amateur Sports Competition, or Prevention of Cruelty to Children or Animals Organizations
  • 501(c)(4) — Civic Leagues, Social Welfare Organizations, and Local Associations of Employees
  • 501(c)(5) — Labor, Agricultural, and Horticultural Organizations
  • 501(c)(6) — Business Leagues, Chambers of Commerce, Real Estate Boards, etc.
  • 501(c)(7) — Social and Recreational Clubs
  • 501(c)(8) — Fraternal Beneficiary Societies and Associations
  • 501(c)(9) — Voluntary Employees Beneficiary Associations
  • 501(c)(10) — Domestic Fraternal Societies and Associations
  • 501(c)(11) — Teachers’ Retirement Fund Associations
  • 501(c)(12) — Benevolent Life Insurance Associations, Mutual Ditch or Irrigation Companies, Mutual or Cooperative Telephone Companies, etc.
  • 501(c)(13) — Cemetery Companies
  • 501(c)(14) — State-Chartered Credit Unions, Mutual Reserve Funds
  • 501(c)(15) — Mutual Insurance Companies or Associations
  • 501(c)(16) — Cooperative Organizations to Finance Crop Operations
  • 501(c)(17) — Supplemental Unemployment Benefit Trusts
  • 501(c)(18) — Employee Funded Pension Trust (created before June 25, 1959)
  • 501(c)(19) — Post or Organization of Past or Present Members of the Armed Forces
  • 501(c)(21) — Black lung Benefit Trusts
  • 501(c)(22) — Withdrawal Liability Payment Fund
  • 501(c)(23) — Veterans Organization (created before 1880)
  • 501(c)(25) — Title Holding Corporations or Trusts with Multiple Parents
  • 501(c)(26) — State-Sponsored Organization Providing Health Coverage for High-Risk Individuals
  • 501(c)(27) — State-Sponsored Workers’ Compensation Reinsurance Organization
  • 501(c)(28) — National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust

Many of these sections are for very specific activities and as a result are not commonly used. Some such as the 501c20 and 501c24 have been combined with other sections or done away with all together. With each different section come slightly different rules and regulations to be aware of. As always, it is a good idea to learn as much as possible about the specific rules before becoming involved with any type of 501 organizations.

Sep
09

Free Nonprofit Webcast: Is your Nonprofit in Compliance with the IRS?

Find out how to Avoid Heavy Fines and Loss of 501c3 Tax Exemption in CharityNet USA’s Free Nonprofit Webcast!

You have waited months and finally  have received your letter of determination from the IRS awarding your nonprofit with 501c3 Tax Exempt status.  While this is a great milestone for your organization, it is important to remember receiving and maintaining your 501c3 status is not a simple “wham-bam-thank you-ma’am” deal.

In order to keep your tax exempt status, the IRS and State Governments require that specific federal returns and notices be filed annually.  Failing to file or filing incorrectly, could result in heavy fines that your organization cannot afford and possible loss of the status you have worked so intensely to achieve – your 50c13 tax exempt status!

We invite you to join us for a free webinar that will review the critical deadlines and many obstacles organizations face when attempting to stay in compliance with the IRS. This free one hour event will prove to be invaluable to your organization and its future success.

Topics of Discussion:

  • Federal Compliance
  • State Compliance
  • Penalties and Revocation
  • Common Compliance Issues

Join us for this live nonprofit webcast event! Register Today at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/939385082

Have specific items you would like for us to touch on? Enter them in the comments section below!

Aug
30

Sneak Peek at the CharityNet "Pay it Forward" Nonprofit Contest!

Share how your Organization Inspires others for a Chance to Win $5,000 in Nonprofit Services!

We have been working really hard lately putting together an awesome contest for nonprofit organizations nationwide! Now with just a few days left before the official launch we would like to give you a sneak peek of what is coming.  The CharityNet USA “Pay it Forward” Nonprofit Contest officially begins this Wednesday, 9/1/2010.  Nonprofit organizations across the nation can then enter to win up to $5,000 in nonprofit services from CharityNet USA by simply submitting a short video entry and persuading the public to vote for them!  Check out more details below by watching the CharityNet “Pay it Forward” Contest Video, or visit the nonprofit contest landing page at http://www.charitynetusa.com/payitforward.php.

“Pay it Forward” is the idea that a simple act of kindness can change the world and we believe that Nonprofit organizations all across the nation have done just that!

We commend these acts of generosity; and therefore, we want to pay it forward to you with the CharityNet USA “Pay it Forward” Nonprofit Contest.

This is your organization’s chance to win up to $5,000 in nonprofit services!  It is your time to shine and your chance to win the valuable services you need to grow your nonprofit and continue paying it forward!

Aug
20

5 Fun & Easy Fundraising Ideas

Join us for a free nonprofit webinar where we will discuss Ideas to Start Building a Solid Fundraising Base!

The average revenue major fundraising events produce is between $10,000 – $20,000 or more per event.  Are your organization’s fundraising events generating near this amount?

If not, they are probably lacking creativity, poorly planned and not positioned to reach your target audiences.  Succumbing to these mistakes can leave your pockets empty and your events prone to failure.

We invite you to spend some valuable time with CharityNet USA, and take a look at a few creative fundraising ideas that can help you find the funds to invest in the essential fundamentals you need and build community awareness of your organization.

Topics of Interest:
•The basic fundamental of fundraising
•5 creative and innovative fundraising event
•Developing the fundraising plans
•Measuring your event’s success

Join us for a FREE nonprofit webinar August 26th, 2010 from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Learn how to ensure your nonprofit organization’s growth through fun and effective fundraising!

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