Some things to consider when refinancing your home would be type of loan, (fixed, ARM, etc.) rate, term, costs associated with loan, any cash equity you'd like to take out, and time and documentation necessary for refinancing your home. This is a wildly competitive market, and please do yourself a favor and shop around. The same loan one lender will offer you can vary greatly from another just down street as far as total costs go. Don't be afraid to say no: they're not doing you a favor by "giving" you this loan. They're reaping many thousands of your dollars in interest, so make sure you get what you want, not what they want to sell you. Remember, you're refinancing your home, not their summer vacation!

All in all, when refinancing your home, take your time. Shop around, compare, and you are customer, and what was that they say about customer always being right? You are, as long as you do your homework when refinancing your home.

ŸPrepare a clear concise attractive development proposal of between 8 to 12 pages. While many large nonprofit organization tailor make a proposal for each program or project they’re marketing to get specific grantor, this can be a very time consuming process if your organization is small or mid-sized, without staff and support that many large agencies have. Thus it’s better to prepare a standard proposal covering your capital, program, and operating needs. Then target it with a well-prepared submission cover letter.

ŸEven in those cases where a grantor does have specific proposal requirements. You’ll find still that most of what you’ve already prepared can be incorporate into your custom proposal quite easily. Allowing you to prepare custom proposals in those situations where it’s needed. This is especially true when seeking federal funding, where your proposal must be targeted to requirements of federal grantor.

ŸKeep in mind fact that easiest kinds of grant to obtain are grants for capital needs items. And grants for unique, exciting, and innovative programs and projects. Whereas hardest items to get grant for are operating cost items. So you should use grantors primarily for capital and program funding objectives. And secure private gifts from individuals to raise most of your operating cost funds.

ŸSet aside a block of time each week, even if it’s only three or four hours. During which time you or a designated staff member will devote to three key areas of effective grant solicitation. Namely, researching funding sources, preparing, and submitting proposals. Doing this will keep you up to date on who’s doing what, improve proposal preparation skills, and keep those grants coming in regularly.

Yes, you can get grant funds you need to effectively operate your nonprofit organization. And help all those people who need help that you provide them. But you must go about getting grants you need in an organized systematic fashion. And refuse to take “no” for an answer, because cost of doing otherwise is much too great for so very many.

Berwyn J. Kemp is a development consultant who helps nonprofit organizations obtain funding. For a free subscription to his offline newsletter Nonprofit Funding Solutions call (419)243-8373 or email bkemp100@yahoo.com. © 2005 Berwyn J. Kemp