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The Minnesota Common Grant Application Form, revised in December 2000, marks a significant streamlining of the grantseeking process for nonprofits. Crafted with input from Minnesota grantmakers, its aim is to make applying for grants more straightforward and to cut down on the redundancy that plagues the preparation of multiple grant applications. Nonprofits are encouraged to tailor the form to their needs, including reproduction of the cover sheet and budget forms, to ease their application efforts. Despite this standardized form, it is crucial for applicants to remember that every grantmaker maintains unique guidelines, priorities, deadlines, and timetables, necessitating a thorough review and understanding of these elements before submission. Moreover, the form comes with a blueprint for successful grantseeking, emphasizing the importance of research, initial contact with grantmakers, and a succinct proposal that links directly to the funder's mission and interests. It underscores the importance of adhering to specific requests regarding proposal narratives, budgets, and accompanying materials, exclusive of any unrequested documents. Resources for further assistance include contacting grantmakers directly for guidelines, utilizing directories like the MCF’s Guide to Minnesota Grantmakers, and visiting Foundation Center Collection Libraries across various cities. This comprehensive approach, outlined in the form, highlights the pathway to potentially successful grant applications while fostering an environment of clarity and mutual understanding between nonprofits and funders.

Minnesota Grant Application Example

Minnesota Common Grant Application Form

Revised December 2000

Dear Nonprofit Colleague,

We are pleased to introduce an updated version of the Minnesota Common Grant Application form. Minnesota grantmakers developed this form to make the grantseeking process simpler and more efficient for nonprofits. For ease of use and to eliminate unnecessary duplication of work, you may reproduce any part of the form you find helpful including the COVER SHEET and BUDGET forms.

Keep in mind that every grantmaker has different guidelines and priorities, as well as different deadlines and timetables. Before submitting this application to a potential funder, it is very important that you check to see whether your project or program matches their published interests. Any funder that has agreed to accept this form may request additional information as needed.

STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESSFUL GRANTSEEKING

1.Do your research to determine whether the foundations’ and corporations’ goals and objectives for grantmaking are consistent with your type of grant request.

2.After you do the research, find out the preferred method of contact for the grantmaker, and contact the grantmaker to secure their specific grantmaking guidelines. Many grantmakers generally like to have initial contact with you before receiving a written proposal.

3.Include a cover letter with each proposal that introduces your organization and your proposal, and makes a strategic link between your proposal and the funder's mission and grantmaking interests.

4.Type and single-space all proposals.

5.Answer all the questions in the order listed.

6.Submit the number of copies each grantmaker requests according to their guidelines.

7.Do not include any materials other than those specifically requested at this time.

RESOURCES

•Call, write or check the Website of each grantmaker to obtain a copy of their funding guidelines (for a list of Minnesota grantmaker sites, visit MCF’s Web site at www.mcf.org; select “Links of Interest”).

•Use MCF’s Guide to Minnesota Grantmakers and other directories listing foundations’ interests and processes.

•Visit a Foundation Center Collection Library in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Fargo, Duluth, Rochester or Marshall-SW State.

For a list of grantmakers that accept the Minnesota Common Grant Application Form, or to

download the Form, visit MCF’s Web site at:

www.mcf.org/mcf/grant/applicat.htm

Minnesota Common Grant Application Form

Grant Application Cover Sheet

You may reproduce this form on your computer

Date of application:

 

 

Application submitted to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Organization Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name of organization

 

 

Legal name, if different

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Address

City, State, Zip

Employer Identification Number (EIN)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Phone

Fax

Web site

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name of top paid staff

Title

Phone

E-mail

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name of contact person regarding this application

Title

Phone

E-mail

 

 

 

Is your organization an IRS 501(c)(3) not-for-profit?

 

 

 

 

Yes

 

No

 

 

If no, is your organization a public agency/unit of government?

 

 

 

 

Yes

 

No

 

If no, check with funder for details on using fiscal agents, and list name and address of fiscal agent:

Fiscal agent’s EIN number

Proposal Information

Please give a 2-3 sentence summary of request:

Population served:

Geographic area served:

Funds are being requested for (check one) Note: Please be sure funder provides the type of support you are requesting.

 

 

General operating support

 

 

Start-up costs

 

 

 

Capital

 

 

 

 

Project/program support

 

 

Technical assistance

 

 

Other (list)

 

 

 

 

Project dates (if applicable):

 

 

Fiscal year end:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Budget

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dollar amount requested:

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total annual organization budget:

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total project budget (for support other than general operating):

$

0

 

 

 

 

Authorization

Name and title of top paid staff or board chair:

Signature

12/2000

Minnesota Common Grant Application Form

PROPOSAL NARRATIVE

Please use the following outline as a guide to your proposal narrative. Most grantmakers prefer up to five pages, excluding attachments, but be sure to ask each individual funder if they have page limitations or any additional requirements. Also, include a cover letter with your application that introduces your organization and proposal and makes the link between your proposal and the mission of the grantmaker to whom you are applying. For assistance with terms, refer to MCF’s Web site (www.mcf.org; select “Grantseeking in Minnesota”).

I.ORGANIZATION INFORMATION

A.Brief summary of organization history, including the date your organization was established.

B.Brief summary of organization mission and goals.

C.Brief description of organization’s current programs or activities, including any service statistics and strengths or accomplishments. Please highlight new or different activities, if any, for your organization.

D.Your organization’s relationship with other organizations working with similar missions. What is your organization’s role relative to these organizations?

E.Number of board members, full-time paid staff, part-time paid staff and volunteers.

F.Additional organization information required by each individual funder.

II. PURPOSE OF GRANT

General operating proposals: Complete Section A below and move to Part III - Evaluation.

All other proposal types: Complete Section B below and move to Part III - Evaluation.

A.General Operating Proposals

1.The opportunity, challenges, issues or need currently facing your organization.

2.Overall goal(s) of the organization for the funding period.

3.Objectives or ways in which you will meet the goal(s).

4.Activities and who will carry out these activities.

5.Time frame in which this will take place.

6.Long-term funding strategies.

7.Additional information regarding general operating proposals required by each individual funder.

B. All Other Proposal Types

1.Situation

a.The opportunity, challenges, issues or need and the community that your proposal addresses.

b.How that focus was determined and who was involved in that decision-making process.

2.Activities

a.Overall goal(s) regarding the situation described above.

b.Objectives or ways in which you will meet the goal(s).

c.Specific activities for which you seek funding.

d.Who will carry out those activities.

e.Time frame in which this will take place.

f.How the proposed activities will benefit the community in which they will occur, being as clear as you can about the impact you expect to have.

g.Long-term funding strategies (if applicable) for sustaining this effort.

12/2000

Minnesota Common Grant Application Form

III.EVALUATION

A.Please describe your criteria for success. What do you want to happen as a result of your activities? You may find it helpful to describe both immediate and long-term effects.

B.How will you measure these changes?

C.Who will be involved in evaluating this work (staff, board, constituents, community, consultants)?

D.What will you do with your evaluation results?

ATTACHMENTS

Generally the following attachments are required:

1.Finances (for assistance with terms, check MCF’s Web site at www.mcf.org.)

•Most recent financial statement from most recently completed year, audited if available, showing actual expenses. This information should include a balance sheet, a statement of activities (or statement of income and expenses) and functional expenses. Some funders require your most recent Form 990 tax return.

•Organization budget for current year, including income and expenses.

•Project Budget, including income and expenses (if not a general operating proposal).

•Additional funders. List names of corporations and foundations from which you are requesting funds, with dollar amounts, indicating which sources are committed or pending.

2.List of board members and their affiliations.

3.Brief description of key staff, including qualifications relevant to the specific request.

4.A copy of your current IRS determination letter (or your fiscal agent’s) indicating tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status.

5.If applying to a corporate funder only: if an employee of this corporation is involved with your organization, list names and involvement.

Be sure to check each funder’s guidelines, and use discretion when sending additional attachments.

PROPOSAL CHECKLIST

qCover letter.

qCover sheet.

qProposal narrative.

qOrganization budget.

qProject budget (if not general operating grant).

qFinancial statements, preferably audited, showing actual expenses including:

q Balance sheet.

q Statement of activities (income and expenses).

q Statement of functional expenses.

qList of additional funders.

qList of board members and their affiliations.

qBrief description of key staff.

qIRS determination letter.

qConfirmation letter of fiscal agent (if required).

qAdditional information required by each individual funder.

12/2000

Minnesota Common Grant Application Form

ORGANIZATION BUDGET

This format is optional and can serve as a guide to budgeting. If you already prepare an organization budget that contains this information, please feel free to submit it in its original form. Feel free to attach a budget narrative explaining your numbers if necessary.

 

INCOME

 

 

 

 

Source

Amount

 

 

 

Support

 

 

 

 

Government grants

 

$

 

 

 

Foundations

 

$

 

 

 

Corporations

 

$

 

 

 

United Way or other federated campaigns

 

$

 

 

 

Individual contributions

 

$

 

 

 

Fundraising events and products

 

$

 

 

 

Membership income

 

$

 

 

 

In-kind support

 

$

 

 

 

Investment income

$

 

 

 

Revenue

 

 

 

 

Government contracts

 

$

 

 

 

Earned income

 

$

 

 

 

Other (specify)

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

Total Income

$

0

 

 

EXPENSES

 

 

 

Item

Amount

 

 

Salaries and wages

 

 

$

 

 

Insurance, benefits and other related taxes

 

 

$

 

 

Consultants and professional fees

 

 

$

 

 

Travel

 

 

$

 

 

Equipment

 

 

$

 

 

Supplies

 

 

$

 

 

Printing and copying

 

 

$

 

 

Telephone and fax

 

 

$

 

 

Postage and delivery

 

 

$

 

 

Rent and utilities

 

 

$

 

 

In-kind expenses

 

 

$

 

 

Depreciation

 

 

$

 

 

Other (specify)

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

Total Expense

 

$

0

 

Difference (Income less Expense)

 

$

0

 

12/2000

Minnesota Common Grant Application Form

PROJECT BUDGET

This format is optional and can serve as a guide to budgeting. If you already prepare project budgets that contain this information, please feel free to submit them in their original forms. Feel free to attach a budget narrative explaining your numbers if necessary.

 

INCOME

 

 

 

 

 

Source

Amount

 

 

 

 

Support

 

 

 

 

 

Government grants

 

$

 

 

 

 

Foundations

 

$

 

 

 

 

Corporations

 

$

 

 

 

 

United Way or other federated campaigns

 

$

 

 

 

 

Individual contributions

 

$

 

 

 

 

Fundraising events and products

 

$

 

 

 

 

Membership income

 

$

 

 

 

 

In-kind support

 

$

 

 

 

 

Investment income

$

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

Government contracts

 

$

 

 

 

 

Earned income

 

$

 

 

 

 

Other (specify)

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

Total Income

$

0

 

 

 

EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

Item

Amount

 

%FT/PT

 

Salaries and wages (breakdown by individual

 

 

 

 

 

position and indicate full- or part-time.)

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

SUBTOTAL

 

$

 

 

 

 

Insurance, benefits and other related taxes

 

$

 

 

 

 

Consultants and professional fees

 

$

 

 

 

 

Travel

 

$

 

 

 

 

Equipment

 

$

 

 

 

 

Supplies

 

$

 

 

 

 

Printing and copying

 

$

 

 

 

 

Telephone and fax

 

$

 

 

 

 

Postage and delivery

 

$

 

 

 

 

Rent and utilities

 

$

 

 

 

 

In-kind expenses

 

$

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

$

 

 

 

 

Other (specify)

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

Total Expense

$

0

 

 

 

Difference (Income less Expense)

$

0

 

 

12/2000

↓ Minnesota Grant Application File

Form Characteristics

tr>
Fact Name Description
Form Introduction Date The Minnesota Common Grant Application Form was revised in December 2000.
Purpose Developed by Minnesota grantmakers to simplify and make the grantseeking process more efficient for nonprofits.
Reproducibility Nonprofits may reproduce any part of the form they find helpful, including the COVER SHEET and BUDGET forms, for ease of use.
Individual Grantmaker Requirements Every grantmaker has different guidelines, priorities, deadlines, and timetables; applicants need to ensure their project matches the potential funder's interests.
Additional Information Requests Grantmakers that accept this form may request additional information as needed.
Strategies for Successful Grantseeking Includes researching to match foundations' and corporations' grantmaking goals with the grant request, and contacting grantmakers for their specific guidelines.
Resource Availability Resources for finding funding guidelines include MCF’s website, the Guide to Minnesota Grantmakers, directories, and Foundation Center Collection Libraries.
Proposal Narrative Guidelines The form suggests an outline for the proposal narrative, emphasizing the importance of linking the proposal to the grantmaker's mission and interests.
Attachments and Proposal Checklist Applicants need to include financial statements, organization and project budgets, lists of board members, key staff descriptions, and IRS determination letters, among other documents.

Steps to Writing Minnesota Grant Application

Successfully filling out the Minnesota Common Grant Application form is a pivotal step in securing funding for your nonprofit organization. This task, though detailed, can be streamlined with careful preparation and attention to the funder's guidelines. The grant application is an opportunity to showcase your organization's mission, goals, and financial needs while aligning them with the interests of potential funders. When completing the application, it's crucial to provide clear, concise answers and attach all required documentation. The following steps are designed to guide you through the process of filling out the form effectively.

  1. Start with the Grant Application Cover Sheet by entering the date of application, the name of the grants program you are applying to, and comprehensive organization information including your legal name (if different), address, contact numbers, website, and your IRS 501(c)(3) status or information about your fiscal agent if you're not a 501(c)(3).
  2. Provide a brief summary of your request, describing the purpose of the funds, the population served, the geographic area covered, and the type of support you are requesting (e.g., general operating support, project/program support).
  3. Detail the requested budget amounts, including the dollar amount requested from the funder, your organization's total annual budget, and the total project budget if applicable.
  4. Under the Authorization section, include the name and title of your organization's top paid staff or board chair and their signature to confirm the application’s accuracy and their endorsement.
  5. Move on to the Proposal Narrative. Keep your responses concise, ensuring you stay within any page limits set by the funder. This section should include:
    • A brief history of your organization and its mission/goals.
    • A summary of current programs or activities and any notable accomplishments.
    • Information on your organization's relationship with similar entities.
    • Details on the purpose of the grant, articulating the need, goals, and specific activities that will be funded.
    • An outline of your strategy for evaluating the success and impact of the funded activities.
  6. Attach all required documents, which typically include financial statements, an organization budget for the current year, project budget (if applicable), a list of additional funders, board members, key staff descriptions, and your IRS determination letter. Include a cover letter that introduces your organization and links your request to the funder’s mission.
  7. Finally, before submitting, review the Proposal Checklist to ensure all parts of the application, including attachments, are complete and in order. Verify you have the correct number of copies as required by the funder’s guidelines.

After your application is submitted, it’s important to wait patiently for a response. During this time, continue to engage in your organization's important work and consider preparing for future grant opportunities. Remember, clear communication and thorough preparation are your best strategies for success in the grant application process.

Listed Questions and Answers

  1. What is the Minnesota Common Grant Application Form?

    The Minnesota Common Grant Application Form is a standardized form developed by Minnesota grantmakers. It aims to simplify the grantseeking process for nonprofits by reducing redundancy and making the application process more efficient. Nonprofits can reproduce any part of the form, including the COVER SHEET and BUDGET forms, to facilitate their grant applications.

  2. Can the form be used for applying to all grantmakers in Minnesota?

    No, not all grantmakers in Minnesota accept the Minnesota Common Grant Application Form. It’s crucial for applicants to verify whether a potential funder accepts this form before submission. Additionally, funders might have unique guidelines, priorities, deadlines, and may request additional information.

  3. Are there tips for successfully using the form?

    Yes. Success strategies include conducting research to align your proposal with the funder’s objectives, making initial contact as preferred by the grantmaker, attaching a cover letter that links your request to the funder’s mission, and following specific instructions regarding proposal format, questions order, and required attachments.

  4. Is there a specific way to format my proposals?

    Proposals should be typed and single-spaced. It’s important to answer all questions in the order they appear on the form and to submit the number of copies requested by the grantmaker according to their guidelines.

  5. What additional resources are available to help with the application process?

    Applicants can call or visit the websites of individual grantmakers for funding guidelines, use the MCF’s Guide to Minnesota Grantmakers, and other directories. Visiting a Foundation Center Collection Library and the MCF’s website are also recommended for additional help and resources.

  6. What should the Proposal Narrative include?

    The Proposal Narrative should offer detailed information about the organization, including its history, mission, current activities, relationships with similar organizations, and detailed information on the grant's purpose. It should also outline the criteria for success, evaluation methods, and include financial information and relevant attachments as dictated by the funder’s guidelines.

  7. What specific financial documents are typically required?

    Required financial documents often include the most recent financial statement or audit, a current year organization budget, a project budget if not applying for general operating support, and a list of other funding sources. Submission of the most recent Form 990 tax return may also be requested by the funder.

  8. Who should sign the application?

    The application should be signed by the top paid staff or board chair of the applying organization.

  9. Where can I find the list of grantmakers that accept the Minnesota Common Grant Application Form?

    A list of grantmakers that accept the Minnesota Common Grant Application Form can be found on the MCF’s website. Applicants are encouraged to visit www.mcf.org/mcf/grant/applicat.htm for the most current list and for downloading the form.

Common mistakes

  1. Not checking funder-specific guidelines before submission can lead to a mismatch between the project and the funder's interests, risking the application's rejection.

  2. Applicants often overlook the importance of initial contact with the grantmaker, which can be crucial for understanding specific preferences or requirements that aren't mentioned in the general guidelines.

  3. The failure to include a cover letter with each proposal diminishes the opportunity to make a strong, personalized introduction of the organization and its mission.

  4. Not adhering to the requested format, such as typing and single-spacing all proposals, can lead to a negative impression or even disqualification of the application.

  5. Omitting answers to questions or answering them out of the listed order disrupts the evaluative flow and can cause important points to be missed by the reviewer.

  6. Submitting an incorrect number of copies, not aligned with the grantmaker's specifications, can inconvenience reviewers and reflect poorly on the applicant's attention to detail.

  7. Including unnecessary materials that weren't explicitly requested can burden the review process and potentially annoy grantmakers.

  8. Applicants sometimes fail to adequately describe their criteria for success and the methodology for measuring impact, which are critical for evaluating the project's potential effectiveness.

  9. Not submitting the requested financial documents, such as audited financial statements, current year's organization budget, and project budget, can lead to an incomplete application assessment.

Documents used along the form

When applying for grants in Minnesota, using the Minnesota Common Grant Application form is a crucial step for nonprofits in streamlining their funding requests. However, to effectively communicate the breadth of an organization's needs, capabilities, and the impact of potential funding, several other documents often accompany this application. These documents provide a comprehensive view of the organization to the grantmakers, helping them make informed decisions about where their allocations could be most impactful.

  • Financial Statements: These documents are imperative as they offer a snapshot of the organization's fiscal health. They typically include the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. Audited financial statements are preferred, as they attest to the accuracy of the information provided by an independent third party.
  • IRS Determination Letter: This is an official document from the Internal Revenue Service that confirms the organization’s tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. Grant makers require this letter to ensure that the organization is recognized as a nonprofit entity.
  • List of Board Members and Affiliations: This list provides information about the governance structure of the organization. It includes the names of board members along with their affiliations (jobs, roles in other organizations), highlighting the diversity and expertise present within the organization's leadership.
  • Organizational Budget: Similar to financial statements but focused solely on the budget for the current fiscal year. This document outlines projected income and expenses, giving grantmakers insight into how funds are allocated and managed within the organization. It is essential for general operating support requests and may be accompanied by a budget narrative that further explains the numbers.

The combination of the Minnesota Common Grant Application form with these supplementary documents enables grantmakers to gain a thorough understanding of an organization. It provides a clearer picture of its financial stewardship, governance, legal compliance, and operational plans. Together, these elements form the backbone of a compelling case for support, positioning the nonprofit to successfully attract the funding necessary to achieve its mission and serve the community effectively.

Similar forms

The Minnesota Grant Application Form shares similarities with a Business Plan in terms of structure and intention. Both documents require a clear presentation of the organization or business's mission, goals, and the strategies laid out to achieve these goals. In a Business Plan, the sections on market analysis and financial projections mirror the grant application’s sections on organizational history, purpose of grant, and finances. The emphasis on detailed planning and the need to present a convincing case to stakeholders are central themes in both documents.

A Project Proposal, much like the grant application, outlines an initiative's objectives, timelines, and budgetary requirements. Both documents necessitate a clear statement of the problem or need, the proposed solution, and the anticipated outcomes. Moreover, the requirement to detail the activities and the individuals responsible for executing them highlights the emphasis on accountability and planned impact, which is essential in both contexts.

The Request for Proposal (RFP) shares similarities with the grant application form in its requirement for detailed project information. RFPs typically solicit bids for services or initiatives and require respondents to provide comprehensive plans, including objectives, methodologies, and budget details. The grant application’s sections on proposal narrative and evaluation criteria closely mirror the depth of information requested in a typical RFP, aiming to assess the potential impact and feasibility of proposed projects.

Letter of Intent (LOI) in the grant-seeking process often serves as a preliminary overview of an organization's intentions and capacity to execute a project, similar to the cover letter and summary sections of the grant application. Both documents are used to introduce the organization and its request to potential funders, summarizing the key points of what will follow in greater detail. Although the LOI may be shorter, its role in paving the way for further engagement with funders aligns with the cover letter's purpose in the application process.

The Financial Statement submission is a critical component of both the grant application and general nonprofit financial management. These documents provide a snapshot of the organization's financial health, just as the budget sections of the grant application do. By presenting detailed income and expenses, both forms enable funders to assess the organization's fiscal responsibility and the feasibility of the proposed project’s financial plans.

The Strategic Plan of an organization presents long-term goals and strategies, reflecting sections of the grant application that discuss the organization's mission, goals, and the context of the requested grant. Both documents focus on defining clear objectives, the means to achieve them, and expected outcomes, serving as roadmaps for both internal development and external funding pursuits.

Annual Reports and the grant application share the function of demonstrating an organization’s accomplishments and impacts. Where the grant application outlines intended future outcomes and the means to achieve them, Annual Reports detail what has been accomplished, mirroring the retrospective aspect of what the application aims to achieve prospectively. Both are vital in communicating organizational effectiveness to stakeholders.

Compliance Reports to government agencies, required for maintaining nonprofit status or adhering to specific grant conditions, also bear similarity to the Minnesota Grant Application Form. These reports often detail organizational activities, financial status, and programmatic outcomes to demonstrate adherence to regulations or grant terms, echoing the application’s intent to show alignment between organizational goals and funder expectations.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Minnesota Grant Application form, it is essential to follow clear and thoughtful practices to improve the chances of a successful submission. Below are several dos and don'ts to consider:

  • Do conduct thorough research to ensure that your organization's goals align with those of potential funders.
  • Do contact the grantmaker to obtain their specific grantmaking guidelines and preferred method of initial contact.
  • Do include a cover letter with your proposal, making a strategic connection between your project and the funder's interests.
  • Do type and single-space all proposals unless otherwise specified by the grantmaker.
  • Do answer all the questions in the order they are listed on the application form to ensure clarity and consistency.
  • Don't ignore the submission requirements such as the number of copies requested by the grantmaker.
  • Don't include additional materials that were not specifically requested in the grantmaker's guidelines.
  • Don't overlook the importance of reviewing and updating your organization's budget and financial statements as required in the attachment section of the application.
  • Don't forget to check the accuracy and completeness of your application, including attachments like the IRS determination letter and financial statements, before submission.

Following these guidelines can help to create a more effective and streamlined grant application process. It is crucial to present your organization professionally and align your proposal with the grantmaker's goals and objectives. If any additional information is requested by the funder, be sure to provide it in a timely manner.

Misconceptions

Understanding the complexities and nuances of the Minnesota Common Grant Application Form can be challenging, leading to misconceptions. Let's address six common misunderstandings:

  • Every funder requires a unique application: While numerous grantmakers have their own guidelines and preferences, the Minnesota Common Grant Application Form was created to standardize the process, allowing nonprofits to use this single form for multiple funders. However, it's crucial to check with each funder for specific requirements or additional information they might need.
  • Organizational budgets are optional: A complete organizational budget is a mandatory component of the application process. Funders require a clear understanding of your financial needs and health to determine your organization's sustainability and the feasibility of your proposed project.
  • The form is solely for 501(c)(3) organizations: While the form is primarily designed for 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities or organizations using a fiscal agent that do not have this status can also use the form. Applicants should verify eligibility with each specific funder.
  • Any type of support can be requested: The form allows applicants to request various types of support including general operating, project/program, and capital funding, among others. However, before submitting an application, it's critical to ensure that the funder’s interests align with your request to increase the likelihood of success.
  • You can include as much supplementary material as you like: While it might be tempting to include additional materials to bolster your application, it's advisable to only include documents specifically requested by the fender. Excessive attachments might not be reviewed and could potentially hinder the evaluation of your application.
  • All funders accept this form: Although developed to simplify the application process across Minnesota, not all funders accept the Common Grant Application Form. Always verify whether a potential funder is willing to accept it and inquire about any supplemental materials or format modifications they may require.

Clearing up these misconceptions can streamline the grant application process for nonprofits, providing a more efficient pathway toward securing necessary funds. It's always important to carefully review each grantmaker's guidelines and modify your application accordingly to align with their priorities and requirements.

Key takeaways

When filling out and using the Minnesota Grant Application Form, there are several key points to keep in mind to ensure a successful application process. These tips are designed to help nonprofit organizations navigate through the application efficiently and effectively.

  • Customize each application: Even though this form is standardized, it's critical to tailor every application to align with the specific grantmaker's guidelines, interests, and priorities.
  • Check for a match: Before submitting the form, verify that your organization’s mission and project align with the funder’s interests. This step can prevent unnecessary effort on mismatched applications.
  • Initial contact is key: Establishing communication with potential funders before sending in a proposal can often be beneficial. Knowing the preferred method of contact and securing specific grantmaking guidelines can give your application a strong foundation.
  • Clarity and brevity: Ensure that your proposal is clearly written and well-organized. Stick to the point, answer all questions in order, and adhere to specific page limitations when mentioned by the funder.
  • Include all Necessary Documents: Make sure to include all requested attachments, such as financial statements, board member lists, and your IRS determination letter, to provide a comprehensive picture of your organization.
  • Required Attachments: Pay close attention to the attachment requirements, such as the most recent financial statement and IRS determination letter. These documents are crucial for the application's review process.
  • Submit the correct number of copies: It's important to submit the correct number of copies specified by each grantmaker. Failing to do so could result in your application not being reviewed.
  • Avoid Unrequested Materials: Do not include additional materials beyond those specifically requested by the funder. This helps in maintaining a focused review of your application.
  • Presentation: The application should be typed and single-spaced. This not only meets the submission requirements but also enhances the readability of your proposal.
  • Use Resources Wisely: Utilize the Minnesota Council on Foundations (MCF) website and other directories to research grantmakers and their guidelines. This can greatly assist in targeting your applications effectively.

By keeping these key takeaways in mind, organizations can improve their chances of successfully obtaining funding through the Minnesota Grant Application Form. Remember, the goal is to present your organization and project in the most favorable light while adhering to the specific requirements and preferences of each potential funder.

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