Grant Training WorkshopPart I

Grant Training WorkshopPart I

Welcome

Trainer: Howard Brown, PhD

Youth Learning Institute

Clemson University

Training GuidelinesTraining Guidelines

Ask QuestionsRespect DifferencesHave Fun!

Training ObjectivesTraining Objectives

To acquire a better understanding of the grant-writing process

To learn the basic elements of a grant application

To be encouraged to begin writing grants

Myth: Grants are something for nothing – free money

Reality: Grants are rational deals between colleagues.

Popular Grant MythsPopular Grant Myths

Myth: Writing grant proposals is an ordeal

Reality: Proposal writing is predictable and simple

Popular Grant MythsPopular Grant Myths

Myth: All you need is one well-written grant proposal

Reality: Winning grants depends on pinpointing matches and tailoring proposals

Popular Grant MythsPopular Grant Myths

Myth: Grants are awarded to those applicants with the greatest needs

Reality: Most grants go to applicants whose proposals seem most likely to deliver services and meet the agency’s goals.

Popular Grant MythsPopular Grant Myths

Myth: Successful grant writing requires connections, and I don’t have any

Reality: What’s required is the ability to write a quality proposal that is convincing

Popular Grant MythsPopular Grant Myths

If I had a grant…..If I had a grant…..

Think about what your organization would do if it received a grant for $100,000.

Preparation StepsPreparation Steps

Needs Assessment – wish list Research sources of funding Contact foundations and corporations Determine eligibility Begin gathering documents Look for partners

Organizational DocumentsOrganizational Documents

501(c) 3 or legal document Written description of the organization,

history, brochures, activities, target audience

Budget – financial reports for 2 years Audit report List of Board Members

The Grant Proposal – Key ElementsThe Grant Proposal – Key Elements

Cover Letter Executive Summary Narrative Capacity Evaluation Budget Appendices

Cover LetterCover Letter

The cover letter may be the most important document in the grant application.

Executive SummaryExecutive Summary

This is the last thing you write Take excerpts from your narrative Keep it to one page

NarrativeNarrative

Needs Assessment

a. Specific problem, opportunity, need and the community involved

b. Define the community – demographic data, target audience

NarrativeNarrative

Program Goals and Objectives

a. List overall goals

b. List specific objectives or ways to meet the goals

c. Target at most three goals

d. List the desired outcomes

NarrativeNarrative

Methodology – describe the process

a. Briefly restate the goals

b. Clear description and explanation of program scope and activities

c. Sequence of activities, staffing

d. Timeline of activities

CapacityCapacity

Organization identity and purpose, constituents and service area

History, mission and goals Description of current programs,

statistics, strengths Long-range goals Evidence of accomplishments Evidence of fiscal responsibility

BudgetBudget

Prepare a budget that is consistent with your narrative

Check the funder’s guidelines on budget restrictions

Do not make the budget top-heavy with personnel

List all donated services (in-kind) including volunteers

BudgetBudget

Provide a Budget Rationale that links expenses to proposed activities

See sample budget in handouts

AppendicesAppendices

First, check to see what is permitted Verification of tax exempt status List of officers and board of directors Financial statements for last fiscal year Current general operating budget List of other current funding sources Resumes/bios of key personnel Support letters from partners

Essential TipsEssential Tips

Take the first step Start small Ask for help Look for needs close to home –start in the

community Find partners and build relationships Be careful what you ask for, you may get it

Assignment for Part IIAssignment for Part II

Make a list of funding needs/projects Prioritize your list Write a brief project description Write a letter of inquiry Be prepared to share with the group

and receive input

Writing a Letter of InquiryWriting a Letter of Inquiry

Introduce your organization Get to the point of the need request Give the total cost of the project Thank funder for their time Attach supporting documents,

brochures