Effective Grant-Seeking Handbook
2 November 2016 at 4:49 pm
Donor peak body Philanthropy Australia has produced a new guide around effective giving in Australia – updating the latest in philanthropic practice.
Philanthropy Australia said much of the philanthropy that happens involves gifts of money granted to not-for-profit entities by philanthropic organisations and individuals, collectively referred to as “funders” or “grantmakers” in the Effective Grant-Seeking Handbook.
Philanthropy Australia’s philanthropic services manager Chris Wootton told Pro Bono Australia News the publication was designed as a basic guide to these funders, how they operate, and how to research them and apply to them for funding.
“The handbook is a timely update especially around the newest tools that are available in terms of fundraising or philanthropic options,” Wootton said.
“Options such as impact investing as something that people can mix in with their giving, and community foundations that didn’t get a really high priority as being an option previously. It also includes options around crowdfunding and donor circles for example that haven’t been in previous guides.
“The main objective is to assist people people who are asking about giving and what are their options. That is what we are trying to answer and talk very generally about each one and… what are some of the advantages and disadvantages of each.
“We have had also lots of inquires from people who want to be philanthropic saying ‘what can I do?’ We have built on those questions and answers in the guide. We are also providing information to help them get to the next step.”
This guide will provide advice on:
• the different types of funders and what are they looking for when they review submissions
• how to research for funders
• what kind of information you need to provide to funders
• what to include in your application for funding – and what to leave out
• what to do when you are successful or unsuccessful.
The guide said while much of the advice is common sense, grant-seeking requires
forward planning, research and a strategic approach which requires an investment of sufficient time and resources.
