Looking Beyond the Numbers

Faith-based organizations and churches may not always have the deliverables desired by most funding sources such as foundations. Even some grassroots organizations may have difficulty with this.  Let me add a warning at this point.  Chasing the money can lead to serious problems that may not be worth the strain a grant opportunity can place on a small agency or church.  What we may not have in the tangible results may actually be offset by the intangibles that exist in our daily work, serving the people of our community.  I learned early on in writing grants that a compelling story should be shared, an ancedotal narrative of the change that occurs as a result of the services that you provide. Yes, I agree that you should track your numbers with outputs and outcomes, even SMART goals where applicable, but that may not convey the story of a child learning to love literature by presenting a culturally-relevant reading curriculum.  Think of how you make a difference and share that with those with your potential contributors and donors.  Make an argument for the little things that occur that lead to you making a big difference.  Survey your clients.  Conduct focus groups.  Host forums and discussion groups.  Do all that you can to reach those who you claim as your target audience.  Craft your proposals so that they point to the results that go beyond the numbers.  You’re already making a difference by what you provide.  Now make a difference by how you present it to others.