Many of the organizations that initially apply to BTF indicate that they are not able to proceed with a grant application. Why? Organizations point to lack of funds to hire a grant writer or lack of staff/volunteers with time or experience to complete the application.

Ruth Tarbox is a grant writer who submitted an application for a BTF grant for the Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, Inc. located in Lawrence, MA.  A BTF grant was awarded to fund the purchase of replacement equipment and uniforms for the local league–Roberto Clemente Little League–consisting of 18 teams.   Tarbox’s advice:

“Many communities have pro-bono organizations that provide specific, time or project bound assistance to nonprofits.   Lawrence, MA has one such organization called Jericho Road whose mission is to address economic inequities by matching the needs of nonprofit organizations in Lawrence, MA to the talents and resources of surrounding suburban communities.  One thing for potential applicants to be mindful of is the fact that it’s not just the grant writing process, it’s the bookkeeping and follow-up reporting requirements that must also be fulfilled.  If an organization does not have the capacity to write a grant there should be questions surrounding its capacity to fulfill the programmatic requirements.”

If you have any advice regarding how an organization might find pro-bono assistance, basic steps or helpful hints to complete an application, we want to know! Email us at btf@mlb.com.