Step 5

Connecting With The Agencies That Have Submitted Grant Applications 

Once students have received completed Grant Applications from the agencies, the first of several challenging decisions come into play as students are forced to ask important questions.

Which agency proposals do we like best?
Which programs should we support?
Which appear to be the most excited about working with us?
Which proposals seems to have the best "bang for the buck"?
etc...

These are challenging questions and part of the learning process!  You have to make tough decisions.

Once you are narrowed your choices down to a manageable number of agencies, you need to go deeper and learn more about the agencies you are considering for a grant...

Learning about the People behind the Non-Profit Organizations

Site Visits: It is recommended that, if all possible, students schedule a visit to one or more agencies that have submitted proposals.  Our survey results indicate have found that the site visit is the favorite and most moving part of the Philanthropy experience for many students.  Developing personal connections helps students become more passionate about their cause, and may inspire them to volunteer at that organization.

Agency Rep Meeting:  Sometimes it is impossible for students to visit an agency.  In that case, we strongly recommend that agency reps be asked to meet with your group to discuss the grant and to teach the students about the mission of the organization and how their proposal will help them with their mission.

In either case, students should develop a list of questions they would like to ask the agency representatives during the visit.  If a site visit is made, it it also wise to take photos or video (ask permission of the agency reps first) which can be used during for a future presentation to a larger group of students.