grant writing

Grant writing: 

Grant writing How to ask for the money you need Presented by Nancy J. Harte Grants Administrator Missoula Office of Planning andamp; Grants

Beginning . . . : 

Beginning . . .

Slide3: 

What is the purpose of your project? What will you do or buy with the grant funds? What do you hope to accomplish with the grant funds? Set goals and objectives. Example: Goal: To improve emergency response time. Objective 1: Purchase new 911 equipment. Objective 2: Install equipment in four remote locations. 1. Define your project.

1. Define your project.: 

1. Define your project. Who will benefit? Draft expected project outcomes in measurable terms. When will your project be accomplished? Draft a timeline.

2. Identify funding sources. : 

2. Identify funding sources. Foundations, computerized databases, publications, and public libraries are some of the resources available to assist your funding search. Do not limit your funding search to one source. Look locally.

2. Identify funding sources. : 

2. Identify funding sources. Look for a match between your project and grants—compare the purpose and goals of your project and the funder. Pinpoint specific funding priorities and preferences. Make direct contact with funders to support projects like yours. Request proposal guidelines. Also request a list of projects previously funded. Perhaps an annual report is available.

2. Identify funding sources. : 

2. Identify funding sources. Inquire about the maximum amount available. Also, find out the average size and funding range of awards. Determine if funding levels of the grants you select are appropriate for your project. Note whether there is a funding floor or ceiling. Find out whether the funder has other grant sources for which your project is eligible.

3. Contact the funders. : 

3. Contact the funders. Think of the funder as a resource. Identify a project officer who will address your questions. Some funders offer technical assistance, others do not. Ask for technical assistance, including a review of proposal drafts.

3. Contact the funders. : 

3. Contact the funders. Inquire about how proposals are reviewed and how decisions are made. Inquire about budgetary requirements and preferences. Are matching funds required? Is in-kind acceptable as a portion of applicant’s share? What may be counted as in-kind, and how might it be applied?

3. Contact the funders. : 

3. Contact the funders. Learn about payment processes, including cash flow. Remember, the contacts you make may prove invaluable, even if not for now.

4. Acquire proposal guidelines. : 

4. Acquire proposal guidelines. Guidelines usually tell you about: submission deadlines eligibility proposal format: award levels forms, margins, spacing, evaluation process and restrictions on the number criteria of pages, etc. review timetable

4. Acquire proposal guidelines. : 

4. Acquire proposal guidelines. Guidelines usually tell you about: budgets funding goals and priorities award levels evaluation process and criteria whom to contact other submission requirements

4. Acquire proposal guidelines.: 

4. Acquire proposal guidelines. Read the guidelines carefully, then read them again. Ask the funder to clarify your questions.

5. Know the submission deadline. : 

5. Know the submission deadline. Plan to submit your proposal on or preferably before the deadline. Be realistic about whether you have time to prepare a competitive proposal that meets the deadline. Know the funder's policies on late submissions, exceptions, and mail delays. Find out how the funder will notify you about the receipt and status of your proposal.

6. Determine personnel needs. : 

6. Determine personnel needs. Gather your team Staff Other internal staff Consultants

Writing . . . : 

Writing . . .

1. Narratives : 

1. Narratives Statement of need - purpose, goals, measurable objectives, and a compelling, logical reason why the proposal should be supported. Background provides perspective and is often a welcome component.

1. Narratives : 

1. Narratives Approach - method and process of accomplishing goals and objectives, description of intended scope of work with expected outcomes, outline of activities, description of personnel functions with names of key staff and consultants, if possible. Method of evaluation - some require very technical measurements of results. Inquire about expectations.

1. Narratives : 

1. Narratives Project timeline - paints a picture of project flow that includes start and end dates, schedule of activities, and projected outcomes. Credentials - information about the applicant that certifies ability to successfully undertake the proposed effort. Typically includes institutional or individual track record and resumes.

1. Narratives: 

1. Narratives What do we want? What concern will be addressed and why? Who will benefit and how? What specific objectives can be accomplished and how? How will results be measured? How does this funding request relate to the funder’s purpose, objectives, and priorities? Who are we and how do we qualify to meet this need?

2. Budget : 

2. Budget Budgets are cost projections. They are also a window into how projects will be implemented and managed. Well-planned budgets reflect carefully thought out projects.

2. Budget : 

Funders use these factors to assess budgets: Can the job be accomplished with this budget? Are costs reasonable for the market - or too high or low? Is the budget consistent with proposed activities? Is there sufficient budget detail and explanation? 2. Budget

2. Budget: 

2. Budget Many funders provide mandatory budget forms that must be submitted with the proposal. Don't forget to list in-kind and matching revenue, where appropriate. Be flexible about your budget in case the funder chooses to negotiate costs.

3. Supporting materials : 

3. Supporting materials Supporting materials are often arranged in an appendix. These materials may endorse the project and the applicant, provide certifications, add information about project personnel and consultants, exhibit tables and charts, etc.

3. Supporting materials : 

3. Supporting materials Policies about the inclusion of supporting materials differ widely among funders. Whether to allow them usually depends upon how materials contribute to a proposal's evaluation. Restrictions are often based on excess volume, the element of bias, and relevance.

3. Supporting materials : 

3. Supporting materials Find out if supporting materials are desired or even allowed. Be prepared to invest the time to collect resources, produce a tape, document capability, update a resume, collect letters, include reference reports or whatever is needed.

4. Authorized Signatures : 

4. Authorized Signatures Authorized signatures are required. Proposals may be rejected for lack of an authorized signature. Be sure to allow the time to acquire a needed signature.

5. Specifications : 

5. Specifications Tailor proposal writing to specifications found in the guidelines. Include only the number of pages allowed. Observe the format. Is there a form to complete? Must the proposal be typed, double spaced, on 8-1/2 x 11 inch pages? Is a certain style or size of font required?

5. Specifications : 

5. Specifications Are cover pages allowed or desired? The beautifully bound proposal can tell the funder that you have the capacity to carry off projects in a professional way. However, for some funders, elaborate binders are not always appreciated or allowed. Be concise. Elaborations should add depth and scope, not page fillers. Be prepared to write one or more drafts.

6. Submission checklist : 

6. Submission checklist The proposal must be NEAT, COMPLETE, and ON TIME, with the requested number of copies and original authorized signatures. Address the proposal as directed in the guidelines. Be sure to include required documentation.

Follow-up. . . : 

Follow-up. . .

Follow-up: 

Follow-up Contact the funding source about the status, evaluation, and outcome of your proposal. Request feedback about a proposal's strengths and weaknesses. Reference information may also be useful if you choose to approach the same or different funder again with your idea.

Resources . . .: 

Resources . . .

Help finding grants: 

Help finding grants Government sites http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.cfda.gov/static/16710.htm http://www.firstgov.gov/Government/State_Local/Safety.shtml http://www.ntia.doc.gov/otiahome/otiahome.html http://www.ntia.doc.gov/otiahome/top/grants/briefhistory_gf.htm http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?theme=38andamp;content=3419 http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/

Help finding grants: 

Help finding grants Commercial sites http://www.imcus.cc/ http://www.grantstation.com/ Private 'non-commercial' sites: http://www.keepmedia.com/ShowItemDetails.do?itemID=134089andamp;extID=10032andamp;oliID=213 http://www.psfa.us/ Your local grants office!

Help writing grants: 

Help writing grants http://fdncenter.org/learn/shortcourse/prop1.html http://www.fundsnetservices.com http://www.state.ok.us/~arts/Pages/egrants/egrantswriting.html Your local grants office!

Help researching: 

Help researching http://www.mlct.org/ http://maco.cog.mt.us/ http://www.discoveringmontana.com/business/grantsloans.asp Your city/county website: http://co.missoula.mt.us http://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/ http://factfinder.census.gov/home/saff/main.html?_lang=en

Success . . .: 

Success . . . Keep accurate, up-to-date records. Document use of grant funds and services. Watch for problems and try to solve quickly. Consult with your funders on successes and problems. Do all required reports on time. Spend the dollars as you promised.

Missoula Office of Planning & Grants: 

Missoula Office of Planning andamp; Grants Coordinate with your local office! Missoula’s OPG administers some grants with funding for public safety issues such as: Prevention of domestic abuse School and after-school programs OPG Grants staff may be able to help you with your grant

GOOD LUCK!: 

GOOD LUCK!