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Grant Writing for Capital Campaigns

Grant writing can secure 25% or more of your total capital campaign goal and can help to complete a project that has stalled but is almost complete.

Author: Jeffrey J. Rodman
Date: Jan 30, 2010 - 12:19:36 PM

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Grant writing is often overlooked as a valuable component of a successful capital campaign.

Grant writing can secure 25% or more of your total capital campaign goal and can help to complete a project that has stalled but is almost complete.

But, while it is not generally the first money secured, it is funding that you should begin seeking while still early in the campaign but after some pre-launch funding has already been secured.

While each organization will implement a grant writing campaign differently, here are some general steps to follow:

First identify the group of existing supporters that can be converted to a major donor and will commit to give large gifts.  

Major gifts from major donors are defined as a significant part of a person’s net worth.  Usually major gifts are defined as a minimum of $25,000.

For very small nonprofits a major gift may be defined as at least $5,000.  Also define as 5% of net worth, 10% of annual income, or 10 times their largest annual gift.

These donors should account for about 50% of the capital campaign total.  If this is not feasible, you may not be ready to conduct the campaign.

Second, you should look at securing major contributions (grants) from NEW donors (foundations).

This grant funding can account for as much as 25% of the capital campaign total and is built on the success of your major donor efforts.

Third, you will fill in the last portion of you capital campaign with small donors and annual donors willing to give an additional gift.  This may be 25% of total.

Finally, you will go back to your Major Donors and Granting Foundations to secure "completion funding."

Grant Development Strategy:
•    Years 1 & 2: Feel the Difference (You will notice a difference in how your efforts feel and how the grant writing has influenced the organization for the better)
•    Years 3 & 4: See the Difference (This is when you will start to see significant funding pouring into the organization)
•    Years 5-7: Be Different (By now grant writing is part of the organizational structure and you are securing significant funding(https://www.npfunds.com) that can be counted on and budgeted)

Jeffrey J. Rodman is the President & CEO of Here-4-You Christian Grant Consulting & Grant Writing providing consultation for grant writing and funding development nationally and internationally to Christian ministries and Churches. Mr. Rodman has a Master Degree in Education, is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), and is a Certified Grants Specialist (CGS). He is an experienced grant writer, nonprofit executive, and public speaker. Mr. Rodman has written hundreds of proposal to both government and private sources, has secured millions as a consultant, and has an 80% success rate in securing grants.

View all articles by Jeffrey J. Rodman

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