How to Apply for a Grant!

Note: If you apply for a grant using Excel Youth Zone's information, you must let Nate know right away! This will allow us to archive the information and keep track of potential funding sources!

First off, what's a grant?
Essentially, grants are free money. Grants do not need to be paid back or matched by any other costs. Rather, they are federal or private funds that are accessible by the public. Unlike loans, most grants can only be applied to a specific cause, issue, or project. Therefore, a grant must go towards its intended purpose.

How do I get a grant?
It's pretty simple. Grants will usually require a basic application and a tax ID. The bigger grants may ask for documentation on budgeting, public press, or anything else related to your project.

What are my chances on getting a grant?
It's hard to tell really. Some grants like re-awarding past winners and recipients. Some grant agencies pick applications based on a pre-determined vision or ideal project. Therefore, there is no universal formula that will get you every grant out there. You will need to tailor your application to the specific cause or issue at hand.

Do I need to be a non-profit to get the funds?
Yes. To help you out, Excel Youth Zone is allowing all CATALYST Ambassadors to use our Tax ID and 501c3 to acquire funding. If you're awarded a grant, our agency will receive the funds first. We will then write you a check for all of the funds received.

What should I do in my application?
Here's a quick run down of the do's and don'ts of grant applications.

Do's

• Write about your project's vision and mission.
  Detail how your project will impact a specific community or issue.
  
  
• Talk abut any existing partnerships.
  Recently, grants have been going to projects that have community partners or some sort of community influence. If your project will be a collaboration, it's beneficial to mention that.
  
  
• Be truthful about your project/campaign.
  Write about what you will do and not what you should do. Every project has a cap on its capacity, so make sure you're well within your means.
  
  
• Have a budget prepared.
  Since this is money we're talking about, the granter may want to know how their money will help you.
  
  
• Gather supporters.
  Some grants may ask what support you have---whether it be community organizations, teachers, or even public officials.
  
  
• Be aware of your organization's history and past projects.
  If your organization has completed projects concerned with the grant's focus, this may act as leverage.
  
  
• Proofread!
  Don't ever submit the first draft of your application. You're competing against other agencies, so make sure your submitted draft is nice and cleaned up.

Don'ts

• Don't focus entirely on the amount of cash.
  Grant applications are more interested in your project and the impact it'll make on the community. Only bring in the money if the grant asks for an explanation.
  
  
• Don't make promises you can't keep!
  If you promise something in the grant, that's as good as a contract! Make sure whatever you promise in the grant can actually be done by your organization!
  
  
• Don't bad mouth or talk trash about other projects.
  Although you're competing against other organizations, it's never wise to put down other projects.
  
  
• Don't write too much into their expectations.
  Since grants focus on a specific issue, there are some basic expectations of every application. However, don't write your application for sake of pleasing them. You should be designing a project that you're passionate about.
  
  
• Don't make up documentation!
  If a grant asks for a budget, stay true to what you can do. Don't make up a budget, proposal, or press release that you think looks good. Take the time to make an accurate document.

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Tax ID for Excel Youth Zone: 75-3121699
Grants will ask for a tax ID. Feel free to use XYZ's ID.

501c3 Letter: Click Here
A 501c3 letter is a federal document noting the tax-exempt status of an organization. This letter is proof that Excel Youth Zone is a non-profit.

If you need a agency sponsor: Excel Youth Zone
If you use Excel Youth Zone's tax ID, you will need to list Excel Youth Zone as your sponsoring agency.

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If you have any other additional questions, email Nate ASAP (ncedilla@excelyouthzone.org). Also, post general questions and discussion topics in this forum. Your fellow Ambassadors may be able to help.