Every grant maker wants to know who you, first and foremost.  First impressions matter, and the organizational information section of your grant application is where you make this impression.

First and foremost, FOLLOW DIRECTIONS!  The grant maker will tell you in the NOFO how long they want the organizational information section to be.  Give them what they ask for.  It’s a good idea to have a boilerplate organizational information section ready, but always be prepared to make changes tailored to the grant and to the grant maker.

Tell the story of your organization that shows your origins and how you grew over time.  What population do you serve?  If it is a municipality or other governmental agency, what are the demographics of your geographical region?  What are your industries, and how does your locality have regional, statewide, national, or even worldwide connectivity?  What are your values, and how does your organization uphold these values through actions, programs, and projects?  What has your organization already accomplished?  What other individuals, entities, and organizations of note has your organization partnered with?  Have you won any awards or garnered recognition?

Grant makers know that they will be scrutinized by who they chose to fund.  Show them that your organization a strategic choice for them to support.