We are pleased to introduce the WNC Common Grant Approach,

a process to make grantseeking simpler and more effective for nonprofits. 

This new process is being phased in over time - as various area grantmakers adopt it and build it into their funding calendars.  Western North Carolina grantmakers developed this format to make the grantseeking process simpler and more efficient for nonprofits.  We researched processes across the country and selected a proven approach that is being successfully utilized in numerous communities. 

For ease of use and to eliminate unnecessary duplication of work, we have developed three core, consistent elements to be used by the participating funders:

1) COVER SHEET  - Click here for a sample of the standardized Common Cover Sheet that will be used by participating grantmakers to collect consistent administrative information about your organization.  NOTE: PAGE TWO OF COVER SHEET IS DISTINCT TO SPECIFIC FUNDING SOURCE.

2) MENU OF QUESTIONS*  - Click here for the complete set of possible questions that may be included by participating grantmakers.  

3) BUDGET FORM - Click for the new budget format and budget narrative documents that will be used by participating grantmakers. 

In addition, a sample board list is available with a desired format for how you submit this information.

* Note the “Menu of Questions” includes all possible questions that could be included by a participating grantmaker.  Individual grantmakers will select which questions to include and may put the questions in differing order.  

CLICK HERE FOR A SLIDE-SHOW ORIENTATION TO THE COMMON GRANT PROCESS

PARTICIPATING GRANTMAKERS

The first grantmaker to launch the Common Grant Approach is United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, which is currently using the format for its 2010 funding application cycle.  For more information, contact Lance Edwards, Community Fund Director, ledwards@unitedwayabc.org or Ron Katz, Focus Area Manager, rkatz@unitedwayabc.org, or by calling 828-255-0696.  More information is available on their web site.

In addition, The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Women for Women Grants Program is using the Common Grant Approach.  For more information, go to their web site

STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESSFUL GRANTSEEKING

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. 

• Do your research to determine whether the funder’s goals and objectives for grantmaking are consistent with your type of grant request.
• 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..
• Type and single-space all proposals, and comply with word/space limitations, as well as other specific instructions.