Upload
jaxson-jay-postlewaite
View
221
Download
7
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Grant Writing Basics
This course will provide:
The nuts and bolts of proposal writing
Time to research and begin a proposal
Other Ways to fund projects – Letters, face to face solicitation, fundraisers (raffles, events, sales)
What you will learn:
Where to look for prospective fundersHow to determine a good matchThe components of the proposalHow to develop your ideasThat grant writing is time consuming and requires strong commitment
That grant writing is not rocket science…
Who are you?
Grants are given to non-profit organizations (legal implications)
If you do not represent a non-profit organization – find a fiduciary agent to sponsor your project
Funding sources
Federal and State Agencies (DOE, NJDOE, NEA, NJSCA)
Private Foundations (Dodge, Hyde & Watson) Business/Corporate Foundations (Tandy, Exxon) Professional Organizations (NJEA, NJSBA) Local Organizations (Sussex County Arts Council,
Kiwanis) Local Businesses Individuals
Research your options
InternetAnnual publication collections at
librariesJournals and other publicationsAsk your friends and neighbors about
their employers (matching grants)The Foundation Center Library in NYC
Must haves to win a grant
Good ideaA real needRight funderSolid proposalA dependable team to carry out the
project
Funders will look for projectsthat:
Are more than just a wish listAre sound and viableProduce concrete outcomesFit their goals
Making the match
DeadlinesTypes of support providedGrant amountsFunding prioritiesApplication procedure
Making the match (cont.)
Documents required in applicationIneligible projectsGeography
Components of a proposal
Executive SummaryNeeds StatementGoals/ObjectivesBudgetEvaluation
These items will
Vary for every funderNames of sections will varySections asked for will differ
Remember the Golden Rule...
He who has the gold makes the rules.
Give them what they ask for!
Project Development
Why do we need this money (What is the issue?)
What are we trying to do (What is the solution?)
Why do we need to do it (How will our clients benefit?)
Needs Statement
What you wantWho you will serveHow much you need Why you want it - The most important and
often the most difficult question to answer
Keep asking WHY...
We need books. WHY? Our students need to read more. WHY?We want to help students achieve higher
academic success. WHY?Research has proven that more reading
leads to higher academic success. Last year only 32% of our children achieved mastery on the NJ End-of-Grade test.
The Needs Statement
Identifies the focus of your proposal Highlights the population you will serve
and the conditions your will address Is supported by statistical evidence and
statements from authorities Identifies target population's
characteristics and
The Needs Statement (cont.)
Describes the target population's conditions and/or deficiencies they are experiencing
Describes the capacity of the target population to address the issues
Explains why the need exists
The Needs Statement helps the grantmaker
identify their interest in your proposal build a case for grant maker support
Remember...
Money is not the solution - Money will not address the need. (Every organization could use more money.)
The program or activity you propose is the solution.
Goals
Are major steps to accomplish the mission of the project
Are conceptual and more abstract
Example - Our after-school program will help children read better.
Objectives
Are the major steps to accomplish a goalMust be realistic Must be measurableMust be time-specificMust be clear
Examples of an Objective
To increase access to reading materials. NOT SO GOOD
To increase access to reading materials by purchasing 100 new books for students. BETTER
To increase access to reading materials by purchasing 100 new books in June 2000 for 5 groups serving 150 students in grades 3 and 5. BEST
Budget
One pageRealisticCategoriesMatch narrative
Budgeting Pitfalls
Not accounting for all staff costs (salary+benefits+bonus)
Not providing specific figures (cost per item)Don’t write in items that do not specifically relate
to program goals and objectives (new computers)
Accounting for in-kind contributions (electricity, facilities)
Evaluation
How will you know you have been successful?Who will evaluate?How and when will data be gathered?What tools will be used?What reports will be produced?
This is where you will find out how strong your goals and objectives really are.
Executive Summary
The first section the funder sees. The last section you prepare. Provides an overview of the information detailed in the proposal.
Identify yourself and your needs, including funding requested
Be conciseBe briefStress qualificationsBe interesting
Executive Summary layout
P1 - Identify yourself, purpose for writing, project goal. Indicate the amount you are seeking in the first 1-2 sentences.
P2 - Summarize your needs - only significant points
P3 - How you are addressing your needs.Final P - Thank reader for attention. Reiterate
the amount you are requesting and total project budget. Person to contact.
Think you’re finished?
Other documents that could be requestedAppendixLetters of supportCover letterSystem-wide statistical data or financial information
Information about organizational structure and board
Press clippings
Tips on writing
Good Grant Writing is just good writingAvoid jargonBe compelling, but don’t overstate your
caseKeep it simpleRevise and edit
Despite your best efforts
Don’t take rejection personally.Call and ask if changes can be made to
get the proposal funded.Write a thank you letter.NEVER GIVE UP!
You got it!
Write your thank you letters!Distribute copies of the updated proposalOrder equipment, supplies, materials, etc.Establish schedules for meetings, staff
development, etc.Set up a project filing system.
You got it! (cont.)
Inform cooperators that the project was funded and remind them of their commitment.
Establish a master calendar.Honor the commitment.Submit requested reports on time Invite funders to any appropriate events
associated with the contributionSend a final thank you
Research potential funders
www.foundationcenter.orgwww.njdoe.comwww.schoolgrants.org
http://learnerassociates.net/proposal/links.htm