Here are some key points I would cover in response to these questions: - Remain polite and constructive in all feedback - Explain the competitive process and high volume of worthy applications - Note any specific weaknesses identified in the review process, such as poor fit with priorities, lack of clarity or details - Suggest areas for improvement in future proposals, such as stronger needs statement, more specific goals/outcomes - Encourage reapplying in the future with a strengthened proposal - Offer to discuss the feedback further if it would be helpful - Thank the applicant for their interest and effort in applying The goal is to provide insight to strengthen future proposals, while maintaining a positive working relationship for potential future opportunities. H

1. Secrets of Successful Proposals:
Tips From Funders
Virginia Rural Health Association
Conference
Foundation Roundtable
December 9, 2011

2. Grantwriting is a Courtship!

3. Create a Good Impression
• Create opportunities for the funder to get to
know you and for you to get to know funder.
• LISTEN carefully to what motivates funder.
• Ask about the process.
• Be conscious and deliberate about all contacts
(in person and in writing).
• Do homework!!!

4. Create a Good Impression
• Make sure your proposal meets the funder’s criteria.
• Adhere to prescribed process and guidelines.
• Address all questions in grant guidelines.
• Include all requested attachments.

5. The Proposal is a Reflection on the Applicant
• Need statement should use compelling local data.
• Clear and understandable program description.
• Identify specific intended results.
• Specific plans for sustaining.
• Identify partners and their roles.
• Clear demonstration of management capacity.
• Reasonable budget and rationale.

6. Prepare for Any Follow-up Calls
• Assemble and brief key players on:
 Funder’s rules and guidelines
 The proposal and their roles
 Questions that might be asked
• During call, designate a notetaker to record
questions.
• Follow-up with any requested information
promptly.

7. If You Do Not Get Funded, How Will You Respond?
a. Feel disappointed/angry, and move on?
b. Feel disappointed, and call and angrily complain
to funder?
c. Feel disappointed/angry, and call and thank
funder for considering request?
d. Feel disappointed/angry, and call and thank
funder and ask how to improve proposal for next
time?
e. None of the above?

8. Be
Prepared

9. Panel Questions
1. What are your general
guidelines for a proposal?

10. Virginia Health Care Foundation Guidelines
 www.vhcf.org – website has full instructions
 Funding priorities:
 Developing or expanding patient capacity
 Establishing a broader scope of services
 Creating local systems of care
 Strengthening infrastructure
 Focus on Sustainability
 2012 calendar: concept papers due
 January 25, 2012
 July 18, 2012

11. VHCF: How to Apply
 Step One: Determine if your organization and the
project you’re proposing meet general eligibility
requirements, and review the VHCF Grant Guidelines.
 Step Two: If your organization and project meet the
general eligibility requirements for a VHCF grant, you will
need to submit a Concept Paper.
 Step Three: If VHCF invites your organization to
develop your concept further, you will need to submit a
Formal Proposal. (please do not submit a proposal if
your organization has not been requested to do so.)
 Questions? Contact a VHCF program officer at
804-828-5804.

12. 2. Describe what makes a good
proposal?
What makes the best impression?

13. 3. What are some common mistakes or
omissions that should be avoided?

14. 4. How does an applicant make an initial
approach to your foundation?
 What guidance would you give, in
general, to an applicant
approaching a foundation for the
first time?

15. 5. What do you tell the applicant whose
proposal you have rejected?
What do you tell the applicant who
asks WHY the proposal was
rejected?