Ask questions before submitting the proposal. Not all foundations have the capacity to answer phones or e-mail, but many — including Deluxe, Toro and others — encourage advance communication to save everyone's time.

Keep grant proposals simple. Said one grantmaker, "There's nothing worse than a three-inch grant proposal; get your message across as much as possible in the cover letter. Keep it to the point."

Get the numbers right. In the cover letter and on the front page of the Minnesota Common Grant application, make sure the budget numbers are correct and complete.

Make good use of your website. "Everything is so electronic now; many times my questions have been answered to their [the nonprofits'] advantage when I look at their websites," commented one grantmaker.

Demonstrate the need. Be clear about what you will do with the money.

Follow the guidelines!