The purpose for the development of this listing has been to provide funding information in a condensed, user friendly format to be used as a tool for those interested in acquiring additional funding. The Border Health Office would like to thank all of those who have contributed to this effort currently and in the past. If there are any suggestions on how to improve this listing while keeping it condensed, please contact us.

This listing will be continually updated on the web site as well as annual updates occuring on hard copy. For additional copies of this listing or to provide comment, please contact Dawn Sanchez at the NM Border Health Office, P.O. Box 30001, Dept. 3BHO, Las Cruces, NM 88003, (505) 646-7966 or 1-800-784-0394 or via e-mail at dawsanch@nmsu.edu.

**NOTE: The information provided in this table is current as of 5/98. Please do not rely on this information alone when pursuing funding. The Foundation phone numbers and/or addresses are included so you may request additional information.

• Before starting the application process, be clear about what you want to accomplish. Draw up a long-range plan that projects goals at least five years ahead.
• Research potential funders thoroughly--a cursory look through a foundation directory isn't good enough. Then apply what you've learned. Don't ignore a funder's guidelines in the hopes of "fitting" your proposal into their niche.
• Only preview successful applications from grantseeker's whose projects are similar to yours. You'll not only get some good ideas, but an understanding of the competition, too.
• Once you verify available funding, divide your efforts into three further phases: writing the proposal, marketing, and management.
• Writing your proposal should take only about 40% of your time. Try to get program officials to review a 3-5 page summary of your plan first, to make sure you're on the right track.
• Basic rules of proposal-writing: don't ask for more than you need; take your time writing the proposal; never lie; never use the same application twice; be upfront about asking for money; and don't waste time getting to the point.
• Don't overlook marketing. It should take at least 10% of your time. Make sure your organization will appeal to a potential funder, try to look professional, and involve key community figures whenever possible.
• Management is vital. You must be able to demonstrate that you have the management skills and experience that can deliver success.
• Know the funder. It's been estimated that you chances of success improve by as much as 300% when you make contact with the funder before and during the proposal-writing process. Don't ask for hidden agendas, but do find out about general trends or new ideas the funder is currently interested in.
• Always work to a timetable. Make sure you have enough time to complete your application so it meets the funder's deadlines. If you don't have time to do it properly, don't compete for the grant at all.
• Give thought to the idea of cooperation. Many funders, particularly federal agencies, like application where more than one organization is involved. If you submit a cooperative proposal, remember to make sure that there is both a formal and informal relationship between grantees.
• When dealing with any funder, but especially federal agencies, remember to read the instructions before applying. It sounds simple, but federal competitions live by two rules: 1) The agency is always right, and 2) When in doubt, refer to rule #1.
• Don't just tell the funder about the existence of the problem you intend to solve. Prove it with statistics, case studies, testimony, and any other measurable data.
• Know your budget. It's probably the first thing the funder will look at in your proposal. It needs to be realistic and give credibility to your entire proposal. Present the budget separately from the rest of the application, make sure the figures are correct, and that the budget accurately reflects your needs. Keep a record of how you arrived at your costs.
• A few other writing hints: 1) Avoid filling your proposal with jargon. 2) Begin each section with a strong, clear sentence. 3) Don't go overboard, but do try to make your proposal interesting to read. 4) Check with the funder to see if there's a preferred format, typestyle, etc.
• If your proposal doesn't win support, keep calm. Never berate funding officials or grant reviewers. Try to get more information, and ask whether it would be worth submitting another application in the future. Go back over your proposal with care, and see if you can find places where it might have been stronger.
• The key to a strong proposal is proving the likelihood that it will acheive its goals. Result areas should always be clearly determined, and measurement indicators should be outlined. It may not be easy to do, but the value of having clear performance standards cannot be underestimated.
• Remember that often the key to a strong proposal is simplicity. Don't waste words. Funders are looking for a proposal that will succeed, so keep things clear, factual, supportable, and professional. When dealing with foundation or corporate funders, don't underestimate the power of the original contact letter. Make it as strong as possible, and keep it to the point.
• Don't give in to pressure. A rushed proposal rarely wins. Keep a file with standard information enclosed and updated, like staff resumes and community statistical data, so you can concentrate on the specific grant information needed when the time to apply arrives.

Local (New Mexico) Funding Sources

To M. Gene Aldridge, M.A. and Susan C. Aldridge, of World Marketing, Inc., for their significant contributions in the development and publication of the Grants Opportunities / Private Foundations Guide (Version I) and in establishing the direction for future development of this community resource.

New Mexico Border Health Office District III, Public Health Division 1170 N. Solano, Ste. L Las Cruces, NM 88001 Phone: (505) 528-5156 Fax: (505) 528-6045 Toll free: 1-800-784-0394 bho@nmsu.edu

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New Mexico's motto is Crescit Eundo     (It Grows As It Goes) Last Modified: Thursday, February 24, 2000