The Minnesota Common Grant Application Form, revised in December 2000, is a standardized document created to streamline the grant application process for nonprofits in Minnesota by reducing redundancy and simplifying the procedure. Developed with input from grantmakers within the state, the form allows nonprofits to apply for funding more efficiently while ensuring they can tailor the application to meet varied grantmaker guidelines and priorities. Ready to simplify your grant seeking process? Click the button below to start filling out your Minnesota Grant Application Form today.
The Minnesota Common Grant Application form, revised in December 2000, marks a significant step forward in the endeavor to streamline the grant-seeking process for non-profits across the state. Developed in collaboration with Minnesota grantmakers, the form is designed to simplify the application procedure, allowing organizations to focus more on their impactful projects and less on bureaucratic hurdles. The inclusion of reproducible cover sheet and budget forms visualizes an effort to reduce unnecessary duplication, thus enhancing efficiency. However, it’s crucial for applicants to note that each grantmaker may have unique guidelines, priorities, and deadlines which necessitate thorough research and alignment of their project or program with the funder's interests before submission. The form provides strategic advice for successful grant-seeking, including the importance of initial contact, alignment of proposals with the funder’s mission, and the submission of tailored, clear, and concise applications. Furthermore, resources like the MCF’s website and the Guide to Minnesota Grantmakers are mentioned as instrumental in navigating the grantmaking landscape. The detailed structure of the form also outlines the necessary elements of a robust proposal, from organizational information and purpose of the grant to a segment on evaluation, portraying a comprehensive blueprint for nonprofits to communicate their objectives and anticipated impact effectively.
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
Filling out the Minnesota Common Grant Application form is a vital step in seeking financial support for your nonprofit organization's projects or operations. This form has been designed to streamline the grant application process by providing a standardized template that various funders can accept. It's essential to read through each funder's specific guidelines and priorities to ensure your project aligns with their mission and interests. The following steps will guide you through completing the application, helping you to present a compelling case to potential funders.
By carefully preparing your application according to these steps, you will have completed the Minnesota Common Grant Application Form thoroughly and accurately. This process is designed to help you effectively communicate the value and impact of your project or program, increasing the likelihood of receiving the support you need. Remember to customize each application to meet the specific interests and guidelines of the potential funder, and to include all requested attachments and information to ensure a complete and persuasive application package.
What is the purpose of the Minnesota Common Grant Application form?
The Minnesota Common Grant Application form was created to streamline the grant-seeking process for nonprofits. It aims to make applying for grants more straightforward and efficient by reducing the need for multiple, distinct application forms for different grantmakers. This form allows nonprofits to use a single application when applying to various funders that accept it, assuming those funders’ guidelines and interests align with the project or program for which funding is being sought.
Can parts of the form be reproduced for use in grant applications?
Yes, any part of the form, including the COVER SHEET and BUDGET forms, can be reproduced for your use. This flexibility is designed to eliminate unnecessary duplication of effort when applying for grants from multiple sources that accept the Minnesota Common Grant Application form.
How important is it to match the project or program with the grantmaker’s interests?
It is absolutely crucial to ensure that your project or program matches the grantmaker's published interests before submitting this application. This alignment significantly increases the likelihood of your application being successful. Grantmakers have specific goals and objectives, and they seek to fund projects that align well with these priorities.
Are there any suggestions for successful grant seeking?
Yes, there are several strategies for successful grant seeking:
Where can more information and resources regarding grant seeking be found?
For more resources, you can call, write, or visit the websites of each grantmaker for a copy of their funding guidelines. Useful websites include the Minnesota Council on Foundations (MCF) at www.mcf.org, which offers links to different Minnesota grantmaker sites and provides a guide to Minnesota grantmakers. Additionally, visiting a Foundation Center Collection Library in various locations throughout Minnesota provides access to directories listing foundations’ interests and processes.
What is included in the proposal narrative of the application?
The proposal narrative should contain:
What are the requirements for attachments to the application?
Generally, attachments should include:
Is there an organization budget format provided in the application?
Yes, the application includes an optional organization budget format that serves as a guide for budgeting. If your organization already prepares a budget that contains the required information, you may submit it in its original form. Attaching a budget narrative to explain the numbers is also encouraged.
How should additional information required by individual funders be handled?
Each grantmaker may have unique requirements or request additional information. It’s important to directly contact the funder or review their guidelines carefully to understand what specific information is needed beyond the Minnesota Common Grant Application form. Ensure that any additional information requested by a funder is included with your application submission according to their specifications.
What is the next step after filling out the Minnesota Common Grant Application form?
Once you have completed the Minnesota Common Grant Application form and gathered all required attachments and additional information as per the grantmaker’s guidelines, review your application to ensure completeness and accuracy. Then, submit the application package according to the grantmaker's submission guidelines, which may include the preferred format (electronic or hard copy) and the number of copies required. Always remember to adhere to the submission deadlines set by each grantmaker.
When filling out the Minnesota Grant Application form, applicants often make mistakes that can impact their chances of securing funding. It is crucial to avoid these common errors:
To increase the likelihood of success in the grant application process, it's important to carefully review all instructions and requirements before submission. Attention to detail and adherence to the grantmaker's guidelines are key elements of a successful application.
When preparing and submitting the Minnesota Common Grant Application, several additional forms and documents are commonly required to strengthen your application and provide grantmakers with a comprehensive understanding of your nonprofit organization and its goals. These materials play a crucial role in the grant review process, offering insights into the financial health, governance, and operational effectiveness of your organization.
Together, these documents complement the Minnesota Common Grant Application form, allowing your nonprofit to present a thorough and persuasive case for funding. It's essential to adhere to each grantmaker’s specific requirements regarding these supplementary materials, as they can vary. Careful preparation and presentation of these documents can significantly impact the success of your grant application.
The Minnesota Grant Application form shares similarities with several other documents commonly used in the nonprofit and grantmaking sectors. Each of these documents also serves to streamline various application or reporting processes, enhance clarity of communication, and ensure alignment between organizational missions and projects.
Firstly, the Minnesota Grant Application form mirrors the characteristics of a Project Proposal. Similar to how the form requires detailed information about the purpose, goals, and details of the intended project, a Project Proposal lays out the narrative, objectives, and expected outcomes of a project. Both documents are designed to persuade and provide a clear roadmap of how objectives will be achieved, including timelines, budgeting, and the impact expected from the project.
Secondly, this form is akin to the IRS 501(c)(3) Application for nonprofits seeking tax-exempt status. While serving different purposes, both applications require deep organizational detail — including mission, activities, and financials — to assess eligibility and alignment with specific criteria. They both ensure that organizations are structured and operated in accordance with certain standards and objectives.
Thirdly, the Common Grant Report shares similarities with the Minnesota Grant Application form. Just as the application form outlines the prospective goals and financial needs of a project, the Common Grant Report is used post-grant to detail what was actually accomplished, the lessons learned, and how funds were utilized. Each of these forms plays a pivotal role in the lifecycle of a grant, from initial application to final reporting.
The Corporate Sponsorship Proposal also bears resemblance to the Minnesota Grant Application form in its purpose to secure funding, though the contexts may differ. Both documents necessitate a clear articulation of objectives, benefits to the funder, and a compelling argument for support, tailored to the interests and guidelines of the potential funder or sponsor.
Furthermore, the Letter of Inquiry (LOI) often serves as a preliminary step to the grant application process, much like an abbreviated version of the Minnesota Grant Application form. An LOI introduces the organization and its funding needs to a potential funder in a concise format, aiming to gauge interest before submitting a full application. Both strive for efficiency by ensuring alignment between the project’s aims and the funder’s objectives early on.
Moreover, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) shares the Minnesota Grant Application's aim of clarifying roles, expectations, and objectives between parties. While an MOU is typically used to agree on partnership terms rather than apply for funding, both documents lay the groundwork for accountability and aligned goals through detailed, mutually agreed-upon terms.
Last but not least, the Strategic Plan document, often developed by organizations to guide their long-term direction and decision-making, parallels the Minnesota Grant Application in its detailing of objectives, strategies, and evaluation metrics. While the Strategic Plan operates at a broader organizational level, both documents necessitate a forward-looking, strategic approach to achieving specified goals, as well as a clear delineation of the necessary resources and steps involved.
When filling out the Minnesota Grant Application form, there are essential steps to follow and common pitfalls to avoid ensuring a successful application process. By adhering to these guidelines, applicants can streamline their efforts and potentially increase their chances of securing funding.
Things You Should Do:
Things You Shouldn't Do:
Misunderstandings can easily arise around the Minnesota Common Grant Application form. Here are eight common misconceptions and the truths behind them:
Understanding these points helps clarify the process, making grantseeking more efficient and targeted. Always remember to double-check with each grantmaker to align your application with their expectations and requirements.
When it comes to applying for grants in Minnesota, utilizing the Minnesota Common Grant Application form can streamline the process, making it more efficient for both non-profits seeking funding and the grantmakers alike. Below are key takeaways for those preparing to use this form:
Using the Minnesota Common Grant Application form properly involves strategic preparation and exacting attention to detail. By following these guidelines, organizations can enhance their chances of securing the funding they need to support their valuable work within the community.
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