The Minnesota Common Grant Application Form is a standardized tool designed to streamline the grant application process for nonprofits in Minnesota. Created by Minnesota grantmakers, this form simplifies the submission of grant requests, helping organizations effectively communicate their needs to potential funders. Before filling out the form, ensure your project aligns with the specific interests and guidelines of the grantmaker you are approaching.
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The Minnesota Grant Application form serves as a foundational document for nonprofits seeking funding. Along with this form, several other documents are often required to support the application process. Each of these documents plays a critical role in providing funders with a comprehensive understanding of the organization and its funding needs.
Submitting these documents alongside the Minnesota Grant Application form can significantly enhance the chances of securing funding. Each document provides essential insights into the organization’s capacity and the impact of the proposed project, making it crucial to prepare them thoughtfully and thoroughly.
What is the Minnesota Common Grant Application form?
The Minnesota Common Grant Application form is a standardized document designed to simplify the grantseeking process for nonprofits in Minnesota. Developed by grantmakers, it helps organizations present their funding requests in a clear and organized manner. This form can be reproduced as needed, including its cover sheet and budget forms, to assist in your application process.
How should I prepare my application using this form?
To prepare your application, start by researching the grantmaker's goals and interests to ensure your project aligns with their priorities. Contact them to confirm their specific guidelines. When filling out the application, type and single-space your responses, and answer all questions in the order they are listed. Include a cover letter that connects your proposal to the funder's mission. Make sure to submit the number of copies they request and avoid including any extra materials unless specified.
What types of support can I request on this application?
You can request various types of support, such as general operating support, start-up costs, capital project/program support, or technical assistance. Be clear about the type of support you are seeking and ensure that the funder is able to provide it.
What attachments are typically required with the application?
Common attachments include your most recent financial statements, organization and project budgets, a list of board members, a brief description of key staff, and a copy of your IRS determination letter. Some funders may also require additional documentation, so it's essential to review each funder's guidelines carefully.
How can I evaluate the success of my proposal?
In your proposal, describe your criteria for success and what you hope to achieve. Outline both immediate and long-term effects of your activities. Explain how you will measure these changes and who will be involved in the evaluation process. Consider sharing how you will use the evaluation results to improve your organization or future projects.
Where can I find more resources for grantseeking in Minnesota?
You can find additional resources by visiting the Minnesota Council on Foundations (MCF) website. They provide a list of Minnesota grantmakers, funding guidelines, and other helpful tools for nonprofits. Also, consider visiting a Foundation Center Collection Library in cities like Minneapolis or St. Paul for further assistance.
Filling out the Minnesota Grant Application form can be a daunting task, and many applicants make common mistakes that can hinder their chances of success. One frequent error is failing to research the grantmaker's goals and objectives. Each foundation has specific interests, and it's crucial to ensure that your project aligns with them. Without this alignment, your application may be rejected outright.
Another common mistake is neglecting to contact the grantmaker before submitting the application. Many grantmakers prefer to have an initial conversation to clarify their guidelines and expectations. Skipping this step can lead to misunderstandings about what is required, which may ultimately weaken your proposal.
Many applicants also forget to include a cover letter. This letter serves as an introduction to your organization and your proposal. It is an opportunity to connect your project to the funder's mission. Without it, your application may lack the personal touch that could make a difference.
Formatting issues can also be a stumbling block. Some people fail to type and single-space their proposals as required. This may seem minor, but following the specified format shows attention to detail and professionalism. Grantmakers appreciate clear, well-organized submissions.
Another mistake is not answering the questions in the order they are presented. Each question is designed to gather specific information, and straying from the prescribed order can confuse the reviewers. They may overlook important details if they have to search for them.
Submitting the wrong number of copies is another error that can be easily avoided. Each grantmaker specifies how many copies they need. Ignoring these guidelines can lead to delays or even disqualification of your application.
Finally, including materials that are not requested can be detrimental. Grantmakers often have strict guidelines about what to include. Adding extra documents can clutter your application and distract from the main points. Stick to the essentials to keep your proposal focused and clear.
The Minnesota Grant Application form shares similarities with the Federal Grant Application form, which is utilized by organizations seeking federal funding. Both documents require detailed information about the organization, including its mission, history, and financial status. Each form emphasizes the importance of aligning the project with the funder’s goals. Additionally, both applications ask for a clear proposal narrative that outlines the objectives, activities, and expected outcomes of the project. This structured approach helps ensure that applicants present their case effectively, increasing their chances of securing funding.
Another document that resembles the Minnesota Grant Application is the State Grant Application form, which is used for state-level funding opportunities. Like the Minnesota form, this document requires applicants to provide comprehensive organizational details and a clear description of the proposed project. Both forms also stress the importance of adhering to specific guidelines set by the funding agency, including deadlines and required attachments. This uniformity helps streamline the application process for organizations operating at different levels of government.
The Nonprofit Organization Grant Application is another document that parallels the Minnesota Grant Application form. This application is specifically designed for nonprofits seeking funding from private foundations. Similar to the Minnesota form, it requires a cover letter, an overview of the organization, and a detailed budget. Both forms aim to present a compelling narrative that connects the nonprofit's mission with the funder's interests. This alignment is crucial for securing the necessary financial support.
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Application also shares features with the Minnesota Grant Application form. Both documents require a thorough description of the project’s goals and the community it serves. They emphasize the need for a well-structured budget and a clear plan for evaluation. The CDBG application, like the Minnesota form, focuses on addressing community needs and demonstrating how the proposed project will make a positive impact, thereby enhancing the likelihood of funding approval.
Understanding the intricacies of various grant applications is crucial for organizations seeking funding. Whether it is the Minnesota Grant Application form or other similar documents, each requires detailed insights into organizational goals and project proposals. This is essential not only for clarity but for presenting compelling cases to funders. For those interested in historical legislation and its formalities, the Missouri PDF Forms provide a resource for exploring related topics in depth.
Similarly, the Arts Grant Application form is akin to the Minnesota Grant Application form, particularly in its emphasis on creativity and community engagement. Both applications require a narrative that outlines the project’s artistic vision and its relevance to the community. They also ask for financial details, including budgets and funding sources. The focus on storytelling and community impact helps both forms resonate with potential funders who are passionate about supporting the arts.
The Education Grant Application form also mirrors the Minnesota Grant Application form in its structure and purpose. Both documents require a detailed description of the educational initiative, including objectives, target population, and anticipated outcomes. They emphasize the importance of aligning the project with the funder’s educational goals. By requiring similar information, both applications help ensure that educational projects are presented in a clear and compelling manner, which is essential for gaining funding support.
The Health Grant Application form is another document that resembles the Minnesota Grant Application. Both forms require organizations to provide information about their mission, the population served, and the specific health-related project being proposed. They also include sections for budget details and evaluation plans. This commonality helps health organizations articulate their needs and demonstrate the potential impact of their projects on community health outcomes.
The Environmental Grant Application form shares similarities with the Minnesota Grant Application form, particularly in its focus on sustainability and community engagement. Both documents require applicants to outline their project goals, the environmental issues being addressed, and the anticipated benefits to the community. They also emphasize the importance of providing a detailed budget and a clear evaluation plan. This structure ensures that environmental projects are presented effectively to funders who prioritize sustainability initiatives.
The Technology Grant Application form is akin to the Minnesota Grant Application form in its requirement for detailed project descriptions and budgets. Both forms seek to understand how technology initiatives will benefit the community or organization. They also require applicants to articulate their goals and the expected outcomes of the project. This alignment helps ensure that technology-focused projects are clearly communicated, making it easier for funders to assess their potential impact.
Lastly, the Research Grant Application form parallels the Minnesota Grant Application form, especially in its emphasis on a well-defined research proposal. Both documents require a comprehensive overview of the research objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. They also stress the importance of a detailed budget and a plan for evaluating the success of the research. This similarity aids researchers in presenting their work in a manner that is appealing to potential funders, thereby increasing their chances of obtaining the necessary financial support.
Minnesota Common Grant Application Form
Revised December 2000
Dear Nonprofit Colleague,
We are pleased to introduce an updated version of the Minnesota Common Grant Application form. Minnesota grantmakers developed this form to make the grantseeking process simpler and more efficient for nonprofits. For ease of use and to eliminate unnecessary duplication of work, you may reproduce any part of the form you find helpful including the COVER SHEET and BUDGET forms.
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.
STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESSFUL GRANTSEEKING
1.Do your research to determine whether the foundations’ and corporations’ goals and objectives for grantmaking are consistent with your type of grant request.
2.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.
3.Include a cover letter with each proposal that introduces your organization and your proposal, and makes a strategic link between your proposal and the funder's mission and grantmaking interests.
4.Type and single-space all proposals.
5.Answer all the questions in the order listed.
6.Submit the number of copies each grantmaker requests according to their guidelines.
7.Do not include any materials other than those specifically requested at this time.
RESOURCES
•Call, write or check the Website of each grantmaker to obtain a copy of their funding guidelines (for a list of Minnesota grantmaker sites, visit MCF’s Web site at www.mcf.org; select “Links of Interest”).
•Use MCF’s Guide to Minnesota Grantmakers and other directories listing foundations’ interests and processes.
•Visit a Foundation Center Collection Library in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Fargo, Duluth, Rochester or Marshall-SW State.
For a list of grantmakers that accept the Minnesota Common Grant Application Form, or to
download the Form, visit MCF’s Web site at:
www.mcf.org/mcf/grant/applicat.htm
Grant Application Cover Sheet
You may reproduce this form on your computer
Date of application:
Application submitted to:
Organization Information
Name of organization
Legal name, if different
Address
City, State, Zip
Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Phone
Fax
Web site
Name of top paid staff
Title
E-mail
Name of contact person regarding this application
Is your organization an IRS 501(c)(3) not-for-profit?
Yes
No
If no, is your organization a public agency/unit of government?
If no, check with funder for details on using fiscal agents, and list name and address of fiscal agent:
Fiscal agent’s EIN number
Proposal Information
Please give a 2-3 sentence summary of request:
Population served:
Geographic area served:
Funds are being requested for (check one) Note: Please be sure funder provides the type of support you are requesting.
General operating support
Start-up costs
Capital
Project/program support
Technical assistance
Other (list)
Project dates (if applicable):
Fiscal year end:
Budget
Dollar amount requested:
$
Total annual organization budget:
Total project budget (for support other than general operating):
0
Authorization
Name and title of top paid staff or board chair:
Signature
12/2000
PROPOSAL NARRATIVE
Please use the following outline as a guide to your proposal narrative. Most grantmakers prefer up to five pages, excluding attachments, but be sure to ask each individual funder if they have page limitations or any additional requirements. Also, include a cover letter with your application that introduces your organization and proposal and makes the link between your proposal and the mission of the grantmaker to whom you are applying. For assistance with terms, refer to MCF’s Web site (www.mcf.org; select “Grantseeking in Minnesota”).
I.ORGANIZATION INFORMATION
A.Brief summary of organization history, including the date your organization was established.
B.Brief summary of organization mission and goals.
C.Brief description of organization’s current programs or activities, including any service statistics and strengths or accomplishments. Please highlight new or different activities, if any, for your organization.
D.Your organization’s relationship with other organizations working with similar missions. What is your organization’s role relative to these organizations?
E.Number of board members, full-time paid staff, part-time paid staff and volunteers.
F.Additional organization information required by each individual funder.
II. PURPOSE OF GRANT
General operating proposals: Complete Section A below and move to Part III - Evaluation.
All other proposal types: Complete Section B below and move to Part III - Evaluation.
A.General Operating Proposals
1.The opportunity, challenges, issues or need currently facing your organization.
2.Overall goal(s) of the organization for the funding period.
3.Objectives or ways in which you will meet the goal(s).
4.Activities and who will carry out these activities.
5.Time frame in which this will take place.
6.Long-term funding strategies.
7.Additional information regarding general operating proposals required by each individual funder.
B. All Other Proposal Types
1.Situation
a.The opportunity, challenges, issues or need and the community that your proposal addresses.
b.How that focus was determined and who was involved in that decision-making process.
2.Activities
a.Overall goal(s) regarding the situation described above.
b.Objectives or ways in which you will meet the goal(s).
c.Specific activities for which you seek funding.
d.Who will carry out those activities.
e.Time frame in which this will take place.
f.How the proposed activities will benefit the community in which they will occur, being as clear as you can about the impact you expect to have.
g.Long-term funding strategies (if applicable) for sustaining this effort.
III.EVALUATION
A.Please describe your criteria for success. What do you want to happen as a result of your activities? You may find it helpful to describe both immediate and long-term effects.
B.How will you measure these changes?
C.Who will be involved in evaluating this work (staff, board, constituents, community, consultants)?
D.What will you do with your evaluation results?
ATTACHMENTS
Generally the following attachments are required:
1.Finances (for assistance with terms, check MCF’s Web site at www.mcf.org.)
•Most recent financial statement from most recently completed year, audited if available, showing actual expenses. This information should include a balance sheet, a statement of activities (or statement of income and expenses) and functional expenses. Some funders require your most recent Form 990 tax return.
•Organization budget for current year, including income and expenses.
•Project Budget, including income and expenses (if not a general operating proposal).
•Additional funders. List names of corporations and foundations from which you are requesting funds, with dollar amounts, indicating which sources are committed or pending.
2.List of board members and their affiliations.
3.Brief description of key staff, including qualifications relevant to the specific request.
4.A copy of your current IRS determination letter (or your fiscal agent’s) indicating tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status.
5.If applying to a corporate funder only: if an employee of this corporation is involved with your organization, list names and involvement.
Be sure to check each funder’s guidelines, and use discretion when sending additional attachments.
PROPOSAL CHECKLIST
qCover letter.
qCover sheet.
qProposal narrative.
qOrganization budget.
qProject budget (if not general operating grant).
qFinancial statements, preferably audited, showing actual expenses including:
q Balance sheet.
q Statement of activities (income and expenses).
q Statement of functional expenses.
qList of additional funders.
qList of board members and their affiliations.
qBrief description of key staff.
qIRS determination letter.
qConfirmation letter of fiscal agent (if required).
qAdditional information required by each individual funder.
ORGANIZATION BUDGET
This format is optional and can serve as a guide to budgeting. If you already prepare an organization budget that contains this information, please feel free to submit it in its original form. Feel free to attach a budget narrative explaining your numbers if necessary.
INCOME
Source
Amount
Support
Government grants
Foundations
Corporations
United Way or other federated campaigns
Individual contributions
Fundraising events and products
Membership income
In-kind support
Investment income
Revenue
Government contracts
Earned income
Other (specify)
Total Income
EXPENSES
Item
Salaries and wages
Insurance, benefits and other related taxes
Consultants and professional fees
Travel
Equipment
Supplies
Printing and copying
Telephone and fax
Postage and delivery
Rent and utilities
In-kind expenses
Depreciation
Total Expense
Difference (Income less Expense)
PROJECT BUDGET
This format is optional and can serve as a guide to budgeting. If you already prepare project budgets that contain this information, please feel free to submit them in their original forms. Feel free to attach a budget narrative explaining your numbers if necessary.
%FT/PT
Salaries and wages (breakdown by individual
position and indicate full- or part-time.)
SUBTOTAL
When filling out and using the Minnesota Grant Application form, consider these key takeaways: