Advice nad Information on Grant Seeking and Proposal Writing
Differences Between Public and Private Sources of Funding
ADVANTAGES
Public Private
  • Purpose set by legislation
  • Focus on functions usually impacting significant groups in society.
  • Have the most money and more likely to award large grants/contracts.
  • More likely to pay all project cost and/or cover indirect costs.
  • Easier to find information about and to stay current on project needs/interests.
  • Application processes and deadlines are public information and very firm.
  • Use prescribed formats for proposals – many use "common" application forms.
  • Possibilities of renewal known up front.
  • Plentiful staff resources – most projects have specific contact person.
  • More likely to have resources for technical assistance.
  • Funds available to wider array of organizations (forprofit and nonprofit).
  • Accountable to elected officials if administrative staff don’t follow the rules.
  • More likely to focus on emerging issues, new needs, populations not yet recognized as "special interests."
  • Often willing to pool resources with other funders.
  • Wide range in size of available grants -- some can make very large awards, others are strictly for small local projects.
  • More willing source of start-up or experimental funds.
  • Full length, complex proposals not always necessary.
  • Can be much more flexible in responding to unique needs and circumstances.
  • Able to avoid bureaucratic requirements for administering grants.
  • Can often provide alternative forms of assistance, i.e., software/hardware donations, materials, expertise, etc.
  • Fewer applicants in most cases.
  • Can generally be much more informal and willing to help with the proposal process.


  • DISADVANTAGES
    Public Private
  • Are much more bureaucratic.
  • Lengthy proposal requirements and complex application, administration and compliance procedures.
  • Often require institutional cost-sharing and matching.
  • Reviewers tend to favor established applicants.
  • Sometimes difficult to sell new ideas and high-risk approaches.
  • Cost to applicants much higher – expensive application and compliance procedures.
  • Changing political trends affect security of some programs – availability of funds can change rapidly.
  • Average grant size usually much smaller.
  • Priorities can change very rapidly, continuation support can be difficult to predict.
  • Applicants have limited influence on the decision making process.
  • Information on policies and procedures must generally be researched, can be time consuming.
  • Less likely to cover all project costs and most do not cover indirect costs.
  • Limited staff – fewer opportunities for personal contact and/or site visits.
  • May not be clear about reasons for rejection – hard to improve for 2nd attempt.
  • Adapted from "Getting Funded: A Complete Guide to Proposal Writing" by Mary Hall





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