Grantwriting: Grant Stewardship

Marissa Lewis is experienced in non-profit management as both grantmaker and grantseeker, including fundraising, strategy, grant/grantee management, and board development in staff, consultant, and volunteer/Board capacities. She is a strong administrator with a talent for building and strengthening organizational culture, along with the necessary systems and frameworks. Her 20-year career has been anchored in ensuring individuals, communities, and organizations have access to all the tools they need to succeed. Marissa is a graduate of Binghamton University in New York and did graduate work at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

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As a consultant to mission-based organizations for nearly two decades, Molly Penn has deep experience working across many aspects of the nonprofit sector - including community development, education, human service, social justice and the arts - to help organizations become stronger and have a greater impact. She began her professional life in development roles at a large NYC arts nonprofit as well as held senior development staff positions at various smaller organizations. She has an MBA in Management from Fordham University, a Masters from Columbia University and a BA from Bard College. She is certified in Appreciative Inquiry change management, Lean process analysis, Hogan personality inventory, and trained as a professional coach. Molly serves on the board of the Alliance for Nonprofit Management and on the selection committee for Nonprofit New York’s Nonprofit Excellence Awards.  

Grantwriting Workbook

Grantwriting Curriculum

You Just Got Your Decision!

ACCEPTANCE?

1. Write a thank you within 48 hours of receiving the check!
2. Note the amount – that way your letter is a receipt
3. Tell them specifically what you will do with the grant
4. Be sure you refer to the project for which you requested their support
5. Include an offer to visit you or tour your newsroom
6. Provide name + contact info (in case they want to visit)
7. Include a handwritten, personalized note!

REJECTION?

1. Don’t take it personally – they get many more requests than they can fund!
2. Be sure to follow up promptly and thank them for their consideration
3. Politely ask for feedback on the proposal
4. Soft ask them for references to other funders
5. Invite them to see your newsroom
6. If they give you a visit, ask for advice! (When you want advice, ask for money. When you want money, ask for advice!)
7. Keep the relationship going
8. Keep the door open

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Grant Reports

Now you are grantwriters!