Mercer County

            Since the passage of the 1993 Government Performance and Results Act funding has moved past the old service delivery model and has moved more to an investment mindset.  You can no longer get funded based solely on need as everyone has needs but instead it is the capacity of your organization that will determine how funders look at you.

             A grant is an opportunity to demonstrate to potential funders that your organization is a low risk organization with high capacity for implementing well-conceived projects delivering high-quality outcomes.  You will notice there is no mention of the money involved.  It is more about providing options and solutions to problems.  Ideally a grant builds capacity in the organization and community.  At the same time it offers the funder a return on their investment.  Its not about the money, it’s about having a compelling vision.

             Collaboration has become a significant part of grant seeking.  Grant Funding Alert has called this the top new trend in funding.  Collaborating with other grant funded programs will not only help you make the most of the funding you have but could lead to more.  An increasing number of foundations and funding programs are insisting on collaborative efforts as a requirement for receiving funding. 

           Collaborating takes time and effort.  It involves several steps.  Beginning with competing, then networking.  This leads to coordinating and cooperating until finally we arrive at active collaboration.

If you desire further information on this or any other topic contact your local University of Missouri Extension office.  University of Missouri Extension does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, national origin, religion, disability or status as a Vietnam era veteran in employment or programs   

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		University of Missouri  Extension Mercer County Jincksk@missouri.edu This page was last updated 09/14/2009