Many fledgling non-profits have a few things in common.  I share this with you because if your organization is in this situation this may be something for you to consider.  Many new groups have small boards of directors and their first idea for funding is to get a grant.  Well, there are a couple of problems with this.  First, boards of directors are considered a built-in system of check and balances when it comes to grant management.  I usually suggest 7-10 members with one having an accounting background.  Grantors like this because it reflects 1) a group believes in your mission rather than a couple of buddies, 2) several people will look after the granting money to insure it is appropriately spent.  Think about it…if you were investing a $1,000 of your own money, would you rather it be with an organized institution or in the hands of a couple of kids with a lemonade stand…regardless of how good the lemonade was?  Not everyone would agree with me.  I recently had a client tell me the accountant had said they only needed three because they were small.  Well, that’s correct if you want to stay small, but before you go after big money I would suggest growth.