It’s getting harder and harder for non profit organisations (NFPs) in Australia to get the funding they need to do their valuable work. As increasing cost of living pressures and philanthropy fatigue reduce donations from the general public, NFPs increasingly rely on government grants to keep things running.
As the numbers of applicants rise and the requirements get more strict, the process can feel overwhelming. The key to success lies in understanding the landscape and how to present your organisation in the best possible light.
Here’s what you need to know.
Where on earth do you start looking for grants?
The first step in navigating the grant process is knowing where to look. There are several avenues for finding grants available to NFPs in Australia, but it’s essential to start with a clear understanding of your organisation’s needs and goals– as well as any particular niches you might fit into.
Research the grant landscape: Grants can be found at various levels: federal, state, and local. Each level offers different opportunities, so it’s important to know which grants are most relevant to your organisation. Some of the best places to start are government websites, databases like GrantConnect, and platforms that specialise in grants for non-profits.
When you’re searching for grants, finding ones that serve a very specific niche can reduce the competition. This could be grants for specific industries, that serve specific communities, or that are located in specific geographical locations.
Build a foundation: Before applying, make sure your organisation has a solid understanding of its mission, goals, and key outcomes. Funders want to know that your organisation is well-organised and focused on achieving measurable impact.
Get advice: Don’t be afraid to tap into your network or seek professional help. There are consultants and grant writers who specialise in helping NFPs secure funding, and they can guide you through the process.
How to present yourself for profit and grant success
Once you’ve found some grants you want to apply for, it’s time to figure out how to represent yourself. Just like with school assignments that have to match a marking rubric, the key here is to shape your answers to the priorities of the grantor.
Here’s how to do that effectively:
Craft a compelling narrative: Funders want to understand the heart of your organisation. Clearly articulate your mission, the impact you’ve made, and why you need the grant. Combine real life data and impactful storytelling to communicate the tangible outcomes of your work.
Align with the funder’s goals: Different grants prioritise different causes, so make sure your application speaks directly to what the funder is looking for. If a grant is focused on community health, for example, be sure to demonstrate how your organisation’s work directly contributes to that objective.
Be clear and transparent with your budget: Funders appreciate a clear financial plan. Break down how you’ll use the grant, ensuring that your budget is aligned with your project’s needs. Transparency here builds trust.
What are grants really looking for?
Grants are competitive, so understanding what funders are looking for will give you a better chance of success. While each grant has its own criteria, there are some common things that most funders look for:
Innovation and impact: Funders want to support projects that will make a significant difference. Demonstrating the potential for real impact is crucial. Show them how your project addresses a problem in an innovative way and how it will benefit the community.
Sustainability: How will your project continue to make an impact after the grant is spent? Funders want to know that their investment will have lasting effects, so include plans for ongoing funding, partnerships, or self-sustainability.
Financial accountability: Can your organisation manage the funds effectively? Funders need to feel confident that you’ll use the grant responsibly and report back on how the funds are spent. Having a robust financial management system in place is essential.
Alignment with strategic priorities: Many funders have specific goals or target areas they want to address, such as education, health, or the environment. Make sure your organisation’s work aligns with these priorities.
You won a grant… Now what?
Getting the grant is just the beginning. To ensure the funds make the greatest impact, you need to think strategically about how you use them, especially when it comes to marketing.
Use the funds to increase visibility: Many grants allow funds to be used for marketing purposes. Consider using the money to boost your NFP’s online presence, increase awareness of your cause, or launch a campaign that aligns with the objectives of the grant.
Create targeted campaigns: Ensure that your marketing efforts are aligned with the grant’s specific goals. If the grant is for a youth program, for example, create campaigns that target young people, their families, and the communities they belong to.
Measure and report success: Use marketing data to track the effectiveness of your campaigns. Successful marketing efforts can help you build momentum and showcase your results to current and future funders, making it easier to secure grants in the future.
And most importantly of all, get the most bang for your buck.
Whatever you decide to do with your grant money, always keep in mind ways to make the most of it. For example, if you invest in brand or marketing materials, make sure you choose an agency partner who creates collateral designed to be repurposed again and again– or even ask them to provide you with advice, instructions or training on how to get the best ROI on their work for you given a finite budget!
What can you do with your grant money?
It’s important to know that not all grants are the same. Some grants can be used for general operational costs, while others are tied to specific projects or activities. Understanding the specific conditions of each grant is critical to ensure you’re using the funds appropriately.
General-purpose grants: These grants can be used to support a variety of activities within your organisation, such as operational costs, staff salaries, or general programming.
Project-specific grants: These grants are tied to particular projects or programs, such as a specific outreach initiative or a new community health program. Make sure you clearly outline how you’ll allocate the funds for these specific purposes.
It’s essential to understand the restrictions and conditions that come with each grant to ensure compliance and maximise its potential.
Final thoughts
Securing grants for your NFP can be a challenging process, but with the right approach, it’s entirely possible. Start by understanding the grant landscape, present your organisation’s mission and goals effectively, and align with the priorities of funders. Once you’ve secured the grant, think strategically about how to use it, particularly in your marketing efforts. By doing so, you’ll maximise the impact of the grant and build a strong foundation for future success.