GRANT WRITING IGRANT WRITING I01APRIL 20, 2011

Public Allies New Mexico

Aly SanchezAll rights reserved, copyright 2011, The Grant Plant

Introductions

Presenter:Aly Sanchez, MBADirector of Projects, The Grant Plant

www.thegrantplantnm.com g p

aly@thegrantplantnm.com

Course Topics

Grant Writing as a Fundraising MethodThe Grants ProcessGrants Context Conducting Funding ResearchConducting Funding ResearchComponents of a ProposalCreating Competitive ProposalsCreating Competitive ProposalsQuestions

Grant Writing as Fundraising

Grant Writing as Fundraising

A piece of the puzzleMore restrictive than other sourcesRisks of grant relianceBenefits of grants development to organization/project developmentSources of grants

Giving in the U.S.

Grants 13% of 2009 NPO incomeGrants 13% of 2009 NPO income2009 total giving 3.6%Gi i f d i 8%Giving to foundations 8%Private fdt. grants 8.9%Corporate giving 5.5%

SectorsSectors

TGP trendsSources: Giving USA, TGP records

The Grants Process

The Grants Process

Writing the grant is just part of the processWriting the grant is just part of the process…

1 ID Suitable Purposes1. ID Suitable Purposes

2. Identify Eligible Funders

3. Research and Gather Resources

4. Apply for Grants/Contracts

5 Manage Grants/Relationships5. Manage Grants/Relationships

Grants Context

Grants Context: General NPO Staff

Key Understanding and Elements for SuccessThink of grantors as investors, grants as partnershipsg , g p pUnderstand and share grant expectationsProvide writer with information in a timely mannerProvide writer with information in a timely mannerEnable meaningful, robust performance evaluationBe honest about set backs not just successesBe honest about set-backs, not just successesInvite, thank, share stories

Grants Context: Occasional Grant Writer

Key Understanding and Elements for SuccessWith laser focus - read and follow instructionsIdentify and communicate needed elements, input, and buy-in EARLYStart your writing with the RFPLeave extra time, test online systems, understand deadlineEnsure delivery responsibilities are understood

Grants Context: Professional Grant Writer

K U d t di d El t f SKey Understanding and Elements for SuccessCareer requirements and expectationsBe disciplined, organized, & on time – communicateDon’t chase lukewarm matches – search moreSeek opportunities to be on review committeesPrioritize current and past grantorsUse grant prep to improve the organizationGather typical attachments before you need themyp y

Grants Context: NPO Leadership

Key Understanding and Elements for Successy gEvaluate how best to manage grant seeking (in-house dedicated/PT, outsourcing)/ , g)Work with writer to narrow focus for grants in relation to other fundraisinggDon’t wag the dog by the tailGrants usually not suitable for quick funding needsGrants usually not suitable for quick funding needsKnow grant professionals ethics when hiringAssess organization and program readinessAssess organization and program readinessCultivate relationships

Finding & Choosing Funders

Funder Research: A Systematic Approach

U i d lib t ill h l Using a deliberate process will help you: Match to your prioritiesIdentify aligned grant makersUnderstand your fundersPrioritize and pace effortsAvoid getting blindsided or missing out

Grant success lives and dies with prospecting p p g

Funder Research: 6-Step Approach6-Step Approach

1. ID Issues and Funding Type

2 Search for Eligible Funders2. Search for Eligible Funders

3. Research and Re-Screen

4. Develop Funder Profile

5. Contact Funders

6 Form your Game Plan6. Form your Game Plan

Funder Research Sources

NM Grantmakers Directory: http://nmgrantmakers.orgy p // g gFoundation Center Foundation Finder: http://fdncenter.orgFoundation Directory Online$: http://fconline.fdncenter.orgGrants.gov: http://grants.govARRA: http://www.recovery.govGrant Select: http://www.cabq.gov/library/online.html) Grant Station$: www.grantstation.comN $Noza$: www.nozasearch.comThe Grant Plant: www.thegrantplantNM.com/Calendar.htm

Why search multiple sources?Why search multiple sources?

Writing Grants

Typical Proposal Elements

Needs Statement

Background

Needs Statement

Project Design

Goals and Objectives

Organization & Partner Info

E l iEvaluation

Additional Proposal Elements

C l ttCover letterAbstract/summaryApplications and face pagesLogic models, timelines, other project detailsBudget and financial documentsPersonnel documentsGovernance and classification documentsLetters of support, agreementspp , g

General Principles

Read, follow, reread instructions & scoring matricesgBe honest, straightforward, and to-the-pointFollow the 4 C’sFollow the 4 C sDemonstrate ROI, importance of investmentUnderstand problems vs symptoms correlation vs Understand problems vs. symptoms, correlation vs. causationThink like a reviewerThink like a reviewerCheck your work, and allow plenty of reviewId tif d l b k d h dl lIdentify deal-breakers and hurdles early

Element Tips

E l i h h h h h h d h Explain the who, what, when, where, why, and how much at the outsetE l i d i h li hExplain needs with current, quality researchNeeds statements are not about your organizationUnderstand goals, objectives, outputs, outcomesMake airtight connection between what you’ll do and what you’re trying to achieveNail the budget and start it earlyQuality evaluation

Research

Demographic Sites

Data Functions Key Sources

DescribesCompares

g pFederal AgenciesState Agenciesp

TrendsPredicts

gFoundation WebsitesArticle/Journal

Explains/

CollectionsNews Outlets

Research Data Sources

US Census – www.census.govFreeDemographics - www.freedemographics.comUSDA Economic Research Service - www.ers.usda.govSocioeconomic Mapping and Resource Topography (SMART): smart.gismapping.info/smart/ Department of Health & Human Services - www.hhs.gov/reference/www.aecf.org/KnowledgeCenter.aspx,g/ g p ,HHS Reference Collection - http://datacenter.kidscount.org/New Mexico Economic Development Department –www.edd.state.nm.usAECF Knowledge Center: http://www.aecf.org/KnowledgeCenter.aspxAECF Kids Count Data Center: http://datacenter.kidscount.org/AECF Kids Count Data Center: http://datacenter.kidscount.org/NM Economic Development Department – www.edd.state.nm.usNM Department of Health: www.health.state.nm.us

Proposal Writing Resources

// / / /http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/tutorials/shortcourse/index.html

//http://www.grantproposal.comhttp://www.proposalwriter.com/grantsamples.htmlhttp://thegrantplantnm.wordpress.com/Books: e.g. Grant Writing for Dummies, Logic Model Guidebook, ROI for NonprofitsLocal Agencies: Center for Non-Profit Excellence

Questions

The Grant Plant is dedicated to providing superior and affordable resource development services to assist nonprofit organizations in enhancing the quality of life for New Mexico residents.We offer a range of services, including data and prospect research, grant writing, editing, and reporting.E l tt i li G t l d E-newsletter sign –up online. Grant calendar: http://www.thegrantplantnm.com/Calendar.htm

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