Grant Writing for Homeless Programs January 29, 2009
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Transcript of Grant Writing for Homeless Programs January 29, 2009
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Grant Writing for Homeless Programs
January 29, 2009
Jonda Clemings, MSEd, LSW
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Build a Solid Foundation
• Don’t ask for monies that do not fit your organization’s mission and competency.
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Your Solid Foundation
• Organizational development process
• Strategic planning process
• Internal planning process
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Your Solid Foundation
• Articulate who you are• Understand target area• Articulate
organization’s work• Complete program
design
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
From Dream to Reality
• Imagine and inspire• Found and frame• Ground and grow• Produce and sustain• Evaluate and renew
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Mission Statement
• Driving force• Organizational purpose• “Why do we exist”• Distinctiveness of agency• Program development
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Vision &Values
• Inspiration & framework for strategic planning• “Compass” of your organization• Traits & qualities• Define “actions” and “goals”• Measure your progress• Core priorities• Character
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Funding Needs
• What do I need funding for?
• What kind of funding do I need?
• How much do I need?
• When do I need the funds?
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Organizational Development
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Strategic Plan
• Actions to enable success
• Goals & objectives
• Timelines• Staffing plans• Know “if we got
there”
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Marketing & Community Assessment
• Demand for service• Data about
constituents• Collaborative partners
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Marketing & Community Assessment
• Research, conditions, & trends• Issues/variables that impede success• Obtain funding• Utilize assets and strengths
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Leadership & Governance
• Executive Director• Financial Officer• Board of Directors/Trustees• Management Team
• Policies and Procedures• Job Descriptions
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Program Development
• Mission driven• Derived from strategic plan• Designed with documented need• Designed with measurable
objective• Aimed at expansion or replication
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Business Plan
• Comes after strategic plan• Shorter term issues• Financial targets• Designed to appeal to
funders• Day-to-day management
tool
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Performance Evaluation
• Quality assurance• Outputs• Outcomes
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Fund Development Plan
• Limit crisis fundraising• Diversity funding stream• Long & short term funding
priorities• Identify potential resources• Know what you are asking money
for and how much
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
6 Steps to Fundraising
1. Growth2. Involvement3. Visibility (Branding)4. Efficiency (resourcefulness,
ethnical, and timely)5. Stability6. Conduct effective research
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
What Funders are Looking
For• Investment in organization - hand
up not hand out• Organizational capacity• Program strengths and predicted
impact• Diversity in funding stream• Compatible mission
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
What Funders are Looking For
• High-quality programs • Track record of effective program
delivery• Capable leadership• Strong organizational & financial
infrastructure
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Looking for the Right Funder
• Who funds in my area of interest?• Who funds in my area of need?• Who funds in my geographic area?• Who will provide the support I
need?• What are the limitations?
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Is the Funder Right For Me?
• Has the funder supported organizations like mine?
• How much does the funder typically give?
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Research your Funders
• Foundation Center database– Search grantmakers– Search companies– Search grants– Search 990’s
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Research your Funders
• Match funder’s interest to project
• Develop a targeted list of funders
• Do not limit funding to one source
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Research your Funders
• Grantmaker websites• Grantmaker documents
– Annual reports– Newsletters– RFP’s
• 990-PF and 990
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Nonprofit Reports
• 990– Return of Organization Exempt from
Income Tax– Redesigned for tax year 2008– Transparency for organizations– Promotes tax compliance– Minimizes filing burden
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Nonprofit Reports
• 990-PF– Return of Private Foundation or
Section 4847 (a) (1) Nonexempt Charitable Trust Treated as a Private Foundation
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Assistance
• Got questions - ask the funder• Often the funder will:
– Review a draft proposal– Answer questions about application– Discuss how project will be evaluated– Describe types of projects also
applying
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Follow Funder
Guidelines
• Research each funder• Use their application form• Use “common grant” application when
necessary• Use other required forms• Pay attention to any exclusions
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Tapping the Philanthropic Well
• Tell your story in all places• Create a web site• Register with search engines• Email newsletters• Network• Press releases• Brochures
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Why Donors Do Not Give
• Not asked• Not impressed• Incompatible missions• Unfavorable perception• Application, request, and/or
proposal is flawed
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Factors for Consideration
• Capacity of organization• Need/Extent of the problem• Soundness of the approach• Leverage of other resources• Achieving results• Program evaluation
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Is the Idea Worth Funding?
• What need exists?• What do you hope to achieve?• What is the potential impact?• How will you evaluate the project?• Why should the donor support you?• What is the total project cost?• What are you asking of the donor?
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
A Funder’s View
• Experience• Things funders like• Things funders don’t like
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Funder’s View on Budgets
• Is the budget consistent with proposed activities?
• Is there sufficient budget detail and explanation?
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Budget Purpose
• Use of resources• Anticipation of funding needs• Indicator of long-range
organizational health• Basic income & expenses• Expression of the operation plan
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Budget Tips
• Use funder’s forms• List in-kind expenses and matching
revenue• Be flexible about budget - funder
may choose to negotiate costs
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Budget Tips
Be Project Specific!!!
If you are applying for support to hire a vocational specialist, your budget figures should reflect the expenses (salary, program costs, etc.) related to the position.
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Budget Tips
Understand The Categories
If a budget is provided for you, make sure you understand the budget categories. They may be different than what you use.
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Budget Tips
Present Realistic Figures
Reviewers will know if a figure is too high or too low.
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Budget Tips
Check the Math
On your budget, make sure your figures add up.
Expenses should equal income.
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
7 Tips for Successful Applications
1. Read, understand & FOLLOW directions2. Don’t rush; submit correct information3. Proofread - grammar & aesthetics matter4. Be concise, direct, and complete5. Back up your claims6. Check your math7. Submit on time
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Where is the Other Money???
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Funding Types
• Grants• Contracts• Donations/Gifts
– In-kind, cash, assets– Earmarked or not– Solicited or unsolicited
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Funders
• Government Agencies– Federal
• HUD• SAMHSA• Veterans
– State• ODOD• ODMH
– Local• CDBG
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Funders
• Private organizations– Foundations– Corporations; corporate giving– Federated funders– Member associations/clubs– Public charities
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Foundation Types
• Independent• Company-sponsored• Community• Operating
• 5% payout requirement• 990-PF - disclose total giving
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Corporation or Corporate Giving
• Company-sponsored foundation– Separate legal entity– Small endowments; company contribution– Must file Form 990-PF
• Corporate giving– Not separate from corporation– Pre-tax income up to 10% to charities– Do not adhere to foundation laws or
regulations
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Public Charity
• Community foundations• Population or issue-oriented funds• Company-sponsored• Discloses through Form 990
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Private Foundations
• Nongovernmental, nonprofit organization
• Endowment or own funds• Managed by trustees or directors• Established to aide a certain
mission(s) with its grants
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Sources of Ideas
• Strategic plan with funding priorities
• LAI Analysis– Linkage– Ability– Interest
• Collaboration partners
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Identifying Foundations
• Newsletters & periodicals• Regional associations of
grantmakers• Foundation web pages• Word of mouth• Directors
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Identifying Foundations
• Website & Databases–www.grantadvisor.com–www.grants.gov–http://foundationcenter.org –http://www.grantsandfunding.com/grantsandfunding/reports/writingproposals.html
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Online Resources
• Foundation Center– http://foundationcenter.org/
• The Grantsmanship Center– http://www.tgci.com
• The Fundraising School– www.philanthropy.iupui.edu/thefundr
aisingschool/
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Start to Finish
• Letter of Intent/Preproposal• Proposal• Follow up and Thank You• Interim Report to Funders• Final Report
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Tips
• Start with an outline• K.I.S.S. (Keep it simple stupid)• Tell a story• Use action words• Use active and future tenses• Allow plenty of time
Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Jonda Clemings, MSEd, LSWRural Housing Program
CoordinatorCOHHIO
175 S. Third St. - Suite 250Columbus, Ohio 43215
614-280-1984 (P)614-395-5907 (C)