I don't think the IRS is like a grant review board. The IRS is looking over your application to see if you comply with the law - it is kind of cut-and-dried in most cases. If there is something they question, you will have an apportunity to correct it.
I don't have the same grant writting experience you do (none in fact ;-| ) but I perceive they generally have a lot of applications and just a lttle money so they are looking for excuses to narrow the field. It is easier to search for the key phrase, than understand a longer explanation that says the same thing.
Thanks Phil! We already used your awesome powerpoint to get the point across about going non-profit.
I've written many a state grant for work and there's always a buzz phrase that's the catch all to put you in/out of the running. This will help get my words flowing
As an example, our application included the following to respond to the "detailed narrative description of all activities of the organization – past present and planned" When we applied they asked for (a) a detailed description of the activity including its purpose and how each activity furthers your exempt purpose; (b) when the activity was or will be initiated; (c) where and by whom the activity will be conducted. I assume the current form is similar.
Our response started with:
Each year (b) the MacArthur School PTO provides the following services to the students of the MacArthur Elementary School in order to enhance their educational experience and to facilitate open communication and cooperation between the families and staff of the school. Unless otherwise noted below, all activities of the MacArthur School PTO occur on the school grounds and are substantially organized and staffed by the volunteer labor of the organization (c).
The MacArthur School PTO also spends approximately 60% of our time organizing fundraisers to support these programs. The fundraising program is described in Part II Question 3.
The annual services provided by the MacArthur School PTO include (a):
And then we went on to list each activity (Programs, Field Day, Field Trips, Admin) and include a couple of sentences of description. The whole thing took 2 pages.
Okay, I'm ready to start writing up the narratives on our activities. Anyone out there have some insight on what the IRS flags as a yes/no when it comes to writing the information out.
I'm already bummed because I'm going to need to go back to the Board asking for more money to file. We've had an "informal group" for a number of years and I spent 2 1/2 trying to convince them to look into how we are formed. Now that I have the officers understanding and we're moving forward, the price goes up. Story of my life it seems: "One day late, One dollar short!"
I wish the cutoff dates were pertenient to the formation of the corp. not the postmark on the initial app. We became official on 5/24/06.
