NOT a stupid question, as I just learned WAY more about proposals than I EVER wanted to know this year as we're also raising funds for a playground!
A proposal is the information that particular company/foundaion wants in order to judge your worth as a recipient of their funds. They want to see who is asking for the money and how it will be spent and what the end outcomes will be. ALL want a cover letter, summary of need, the nature of the project, financial information like your IRS returns and tax audits AND your proposed budget for the project and things like your governence and sometimes a brief history of your group and your letter of determination. Some like McDonald's go as far as wanting demographic breakdowns (it doesn't determine if you get the money or not, but they need it for their marketing info I think), and most appreciate knowing how they will be acknowledged for their donation. Most corporations that have a foundation or accept proposals will tell you exactly what they want to know.
We're finding out that lately many corporations don't like to fund "building projects," as they only depreciate in value, whereas something like a program for drama or literacy can go on to grow and flourish. Believe me, it's NOT been the best summer for me, as I'm the one writing to all the corps! We got INCREDIBLY lucky and have a mom who is familiar with grant writing,and helped a LOT with our proposal. From the research I've been doing I found that corporations/foundations like you to:
-be thorough in preparation and research BEFORE contacting the funder. Make sure you fit into their areas of giving.
-be clear, concise and to the point--meat, not fat. They shouldn't have to figure out what you're up to, what you're asking for and how the money will be spent.
-FOLLOW THEIR GUIDLELINES.
We haven't hit the right corporations/foundations yet, and it's been discouraging, but I refuse to give up! I figure the someone with money willing to help us is out there we just haven't found them yet.
Also they want my non-profit status. Is that the same thing as the tax number?
No. What they probably want to know is if the IRS has determined that you are a tax-exempt organization, or a 501(c)3 organization. If you are, they can deduct the value of the contribution. If you are tax-exempt, you should have a copy of what's called a determination letter from the IRS. You can attach that to your proposal. Every organization has a tax ID number, but no one can tell just by looking at that number whether you are tax exempt or not.
If you have never filed for tax exemption, you can still tell them you are a nonprofit organization, but you'll have to disclose that you haven't received tax exempt status so as not to mislead them.
Your Welcome! Yes, it is the same thing. They have to have it in order to donate to you. They use your Non Profit Tax ID # to write off what they give you. Plus that # proves to them that you are non profit and that you are who you say you are.
See I knew I would forget something. I wrote the letter but didn't put how to contact me in it. Also they want my non-profit status. Is that the same thing as the tax number?
I really appreciate the help.
Yes, that is a proposal. You tell them who you are and what you are doing and what you would like to request as a donation. Give them all your contact information and usually you give them your non-profit tax ID #. They need that so that they can write off what they donate to you.
I do not happen to have a sample one available at this moment, but I am sure someone around here does and could email you one.
ok, so if I write a letter and tell them what I am requesting who we are, what event we are doing, free advertising, and that we are going to purchase new playground equipment. that would be a proposal? and if not how would I write it? Thanks for helping.
