Solving the Grant Writing PuzzlePresenter: Dr. Patrick Curley

Director, The Science House at CMAST

Agenda

•What is a grant?• Who gives grants and why?• What is a fundable idea, project and proposal?• Keys to success• Searching for funding• Evaluating funding opportunities• Parts of a proposal• Sources for finding grant opportunities

• Grants are awarded for ideas and projects, not stuff!

• A grant is used to supplement, not supplant

• A grant is for something new/ innovative

• Grants are project-specific

• Should be based on needs, not wants

An award of funds, services or materials given from one organization to another.

What is a grant?

It is like a contract between a grantor and a grantee.Once the grant is offered, and the grantee accepts it, the

grantee must follow through on the promises made in the proposal.

Integrity and reputation of the school, program, and department must be maintained as activities are carried out utilizing grant funds.

A Grant is an AgreementA grant is an award or gift, with strings attached.

• Public funding comes from federal and state monies – our tax dollars.

• Private funding comes from foundations and individuals – private and corporate wealth.

Where Does That Money Come From

There are two sources of grants:

Grants are project-based, so you need to turn your idea into a distinct project, with a beginning and an end.

Your project should make a measurable difference within the grant period.

It should have some benefit beyond the grant period;

It should have a long-term impact and be sustainable!

What is a Fundable ProjectA fundable project is a practical solution that can be implemented within the grant period.

• (1) finding out what grants are available or• (2) you can start with a project idea in mind. • It wise to do some of both. You have to know what

kind of funding you’re looking for, so you have to have a need or idea first. But you probably want to know what grants are available before you get too deeply involved in project development.

• Remember: you have to make the match between your project and the grantors goals, so you will almost always have to shape your project in some way to conform to the funding opportunity.

• Hint: Meet with your team and start a list of NEEDS, imagine what you can do if you had the resources.

There are two ways to look for funding. You can start by:

Searching for Funding

The RFP will tell you:

The purpose of programThe eligibility requirementsThe deadlineThe amount and duration of awardThe allowable activities, expendituresThe narrative requirementsThe selection criteria

If you find an interesting grant, check out the Request for Proposals (RFP)!

Are we eligible? What is the grantors focus areas?Does our project meet their program criteria?Does it meet their funding guidelines?Does our mission complement theirs?Have they given grants for similar projects to organizations like ours?

Ask yourself these key questions:

Develop your Grant Team

TeachersAdministratorsParentsCommunity PartnersGrant AdministratorsFunding Agency

Does the grant fit your needs.Enough Money/too much money.Is the project manageable and sustainable.Do you have the resources and time to submit the grant.

•Putting the pieces together. Collect DataGet PermissionsIdentify PartnersDelegate dutiesEstablish a timeline

Review, revise and edit your proposal.•The selection criteria will tell you how proposals will be judged and how many points each proposal section is worth.

Putting the pieces together

Choosing the right funding opportunity

Planning in advance Demographic Data Research Problem Research funded grants Develop a budget

Following directions Follow RFP Guidelines Use Grant Checklists

Developing the right partnerships Community Partners Institutes of Higher Education Non-Profits

Allowing enough time to develop, write and submit your application

Three Keys to Winning Grants

Sources for finding grants

Questions/ Assistance

Dr. Patrick Curleypwcurley@ncsu.eduwww.thesciencehouse.org910-340-3383