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Approaching the funder

FIRST: You must think through the structure and process of your project, identifying your goals or objectives and how you intend to achieve them. You need a clear idea of the budget you will use and how you will measure your success. How will you evaluate to determine if your outcomes met your goals. You need to clearly articulate what you plan to do and how much it will cost well before you approach a funder. And have the approval of your supervisors.
 
Do You NEED Funder Pre Approval to Apply?
 
Most government grants do not.  Most foundations do. You need to research the most acceptable approach to the funder. Some, foundations with full time staff, like to discuss potential grant projects well before any application is made either through a phone call or email. Others do not want phone contact. Take the most considerate approach in any initial contact with funders. 
 
Many foundations and many corporations use a 2-step process with a Letter of Interest (LOI) first, and a full application only with approval. Most LOI’s are short two page letters giving a very brief overview of who you are, what you want to apply for and how much you are requesting. This LOI must be short and powerful, presenting a strong case of the need, stimulating the interest of the funder to learn more about the issue, and it must fall within the funder’s areas of interest for funding. The LOI can “make or break” your opportunity to go on to write a full proposal. 
 
You need to carefully research the funder before you write the application to make sure you understand their priorities and limitations. And, you need to have a good idea of what is appropriate to ask for and how much to request. Selection of the right funder for the program is as important as drafting and crafting the applications. And, we can help you with this. 
 
We have posted guidelines for drafting a LOI. But, check with the funder’s application directions.  Some have a specific format they use and ask specific questions that you will need to answer.  Many are now going paperless and have an online application format.

The Tacoma Public Schools is committed to building and maintaining strong relationships with parents, students and the community. The district strives to provide accurate and timely information to the community.

Contact Information
Phone: 253.571.1456
Fax: 253.571.1138

Deanna Briese, Grants Management Coordinator
dbriese@tacoma.k12.wa.us
253.571.1522

Debbie Valadez, Grants Assistant
dvalade@tacoma.k12.wa.us
253.571.1546
Superintendent Arthur O. Jarvis, Ed.D., ajarvis@tacoma.k12.wa.us
Superintendent-Elect (Interim) Carla Santorno, csantor@tacoma.k12.wa.us
Central Administration Building, P.O. Box 1357, Tacoma, WA 98401-1357, 253.571.1000
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