7/29/2019 WBCFGrant Roposal WritingRevised May08
1/36
1
Grant Proposal Writing 101
Presented by Barbara Dunn
for
The Wythe-Bland Community Foundation
May 22, 2008
7/29/2019 WBCFGrant Roposal WritingRevised May08
2/36
2
Purpose & Objectives
This presentation will provide an overview of grantproposal writing to obtain funds for your nonprofit.
At the conclusion of this session, participants will:
Understand the relationship between programplanning & proposal-writing
Describe the key components of proposal-writing
Understand specific guidelines for WBCF
Apply this information to their own nonprofit work
7/29/2019 WBCFGrant Roposal WritingRevised May08
3/36
3
The Secret of Success
Do your homeworkdo your
homeworkdo your homework
Understand the community need
Determine possible solutions Find other partners
Plan your programs carefully
Research prospective funders
Develop relationships with funders Produce a well-written proposal
7/29/2019 WBCFGrant Roposal WritingRevised May08
4/36
4
Remember the basics of writing!
Double space, with 1 inch margins & standardfont (Times Roman or Ariel)
Provide titles & subheadings
Avoid long sentences or paragraphs
For easier reading, make sure theres enoughwhite space on the page
Use page numbers! 10 Page Maximum!!!!
Credit sources of data or other information(retrieved from: http://www.xxxx.org)
Address the cover letter & envelope to theappropriate person
http://www.xxxx.org/http://www.xxxx.org/7/29/2019 WBCFGrant Roposal WritingRevised May08
5/36
5
Program Planning Model (5-6 step)(based on Va. Dept. of Education, Planning for Results Manual, 2002)
AssessNeeds
DefineGoals &
Objectives
Select &Implement
Programs
EvaluateResults &
ReportFindings
Improve& SustainProgram
7/29/2019 WBCFGrant Roposal WritingRevised May08
6/36
6
Program Planning Process
1. Identify community or organizational needs
2. Develop goals to meet those needs Achieving goals generates an impact on clients/the
organization
3. Establish objectives to work toward goals Meeting objectives produces outcomes for clients/the
organization
4. Design structured activities that address establishedobjectives Implementing activities creates organizational processes
5. Evaluate the results & report your findings Evaluating the results provides information needed to
document success & improve performance
7/29/2019 WBCFGrant Roposal WritingRevised May08
7/36
7
Making the Connections:Planning Framework
This framework helps make the connectionsamong:
Needs Goals Objectives ActivitiesActivities are designed to achieve
established objectives, which support goalsthat address identified needs.
In other words, there is an underlying theoryof action or theory of changeandlogicthatis implicit (if not explicit) in the organization ofactivities.
7/29/2019 WBCFGrant Roposal WritingRevised May08
8/36
8
Making the Connections:Planning Framework
These underlying assumptions are the theory (ofaction or change) behind the program activities &strategies.
When this underlying theory or conceptual
framework is supported by research documenting itssuccess and effectiveness (it works!), it maybecome a best practicemodelor evidence-based
practice.
Resource for Theories of Behavior:
National Cancer Institute (Sept. 2005). Theory ata Glance: A Guide for Health Promotion Practice.Washington, DC: NIH, DHHS.(http://www.nci.nih.gov/theory.pdf)
http://www.nci.nih.gov/theory.pdfhttp://www.nci.nih.gov/theory.pdf7/29/2019 WBCFGrant Roposal WritingRevised May08
9/36
9
Making the Connections:Planning Framework
Another way to say this:
The elements of program planning can beorganized by describing the underlyingassumptions on which the program is basedan if-then message of what is intended.
For example:
Iffree immunizations are provided atconvenient times & places, then parents aremore likely to get their children fullyimmunized by age two.
7/29/2019 WBCFGrant Roposal WritingRevised May08
10/36
10
First, the homework
Identify & document the need orproblemprogram staff & managers(community capacity & resource inventory)
Identify prospective funders related tothe need identified (prospect research)development staff & managers (corporations,foundations, public sources)
Determine your approach based on
conversations with funders
developmentstaff or managers (always make contact,unless prohibited)
7/29/2019 WBCFGrant Roposal WritingRevised May08
11/36
11
Typical Grant Proposal Outline
Organizational Overview & Capacity
1. Problem Statement (needs assessment)
2. Goals & Objectives3. Project Description (select interventions &
develop implementation plan)
4. Project Budget
5. Evaluation Plan
6. Sustainability Plan
7/29/2019 WBCFGrant Roposal WritingRevised May08
12/36
12
Proposal: OrganizationalOverview & Capacity
Very short history & mission statement
Brief description of programs, clientpopulation & geographic service area
Document your expertise related to thisarea of need/concern
Establish your credibility & match withWBCF or other funders interests
Program manager--biosketch
7/29/2019 WBCFGrant Roposal WritingRevised May08
13/36
13
Step 1. Needs Assessmentor Problem Statement
Defining the Problem:
What is the problem?
How significant is it?
Who has the problem? Why do those with the problem have it? (causes &
determinants)
What are we going to do about it? (interventions:methods & strategies)
How will we know if what we do has the intendedeffect? (client/program outcomes)
(Bartholomew & others, 2006; Green & Kreuter, 2005)
7/29/2019 WBCFGrant Roposal WritingRevised May08
14/36
14
Step 1. NA Data Sources
Available Information
Periodic surveys (federal/state agencies)
Archival social indicators databases
(re: proxy indicators)
Program evaluation literature
New Information
Key informants (experts, leaders, groupinvolved)
Conduct surveys, focus groups, interviews
7/29/2019 WBCFGrant Roposal WritingRevised May08
15/36
15
Step 1. Types of Assessment & Indicators
Defining Terms
Rates: Allow data comparisons across different size groups
Example: # teen pregnancies in VA & Richmond
In 2005, rates per 1,000 females ages 10-19 years were:26.5 in VA & 71.8 in Richmond
(Divide #pregnancies by #teens 10-19 years & multiple by
1,000: 934/13,000=.0718 x 1,000=71.8)
Ratios: Compare two numbers; can use fraction or %
Example: Nonmarital birth ratiocompares # live births per
1,000 unmarried women to total # live births In 2005, US=37:100 or 37/100 (37%)
VA=32:100 (32%)
Richmond=61:100 (61%; 1,845 births)
Emporia=79:100 (79%; 33 births)
7/29/2019 WBCFGrant Roposal WritingRevised May08
16/36
16
Case Study: Youth Violence Prevention
Problem Scope & Significance
Interpersonal violence is one of the mostimportant issues facing our nations youth &
is a major public health problem.
Homicides & suicides are the 2nd & 3rdleading causes of death for 10-24 year olds.
For African-American males, homicide is theleading cause of death for 10-24 year olds.
7/29/2019 WBCFGrant Roposal WritingRevised May08
17/36
17
Case Study: Youth Violence Prevention
Problem Scope & Significance
Three important indicators of violent behaviorarrest records, victimization data, and hospitalemergency room recordshave shown significantdownward trends nationally (since peak in 1993).
A fourth key indicator of violenceconfidentialreports by youths themselvesreveals that theproportion of young people who acknowledge havingcommitted serious, potentially lethal acts of physicalviolence has remained level.
For every youth arrested in any given year, as manyas 10 are engaged in some form of violent behavior.
(Youth Violence: A Report of the Surgeon General, 2001)
7/29/2019 WBCFGrant Roposal WritingRevised May08
18/36
18
Step 1. Needs Assessmentor Problem Statement: Proposal
Brief statement summarizing the proposalspurpose
What is the need or problem?
Who is the target population & in whatgeographic area?
Who else is addressing this problem? Will you
work with those organizations?
Why should yourorganization try to meet thisneed/solve this problem?
7/29/2019 WBCFGrant Roposal WritingRevised May08
19/36
19
Step 2. Define Goals& Objectives: Proposal
Tasks State long-term goal of the project (doesnt
have to be measurable or necessarily attainable)
State short-term & intermediate objectives(12-24 months: knowledge, attitudes, behavior)
Select important & changeable personal &
environmental determinants (eg, risk &protective factors)
7/29/2019 WBCFGrant Roposal WritingRevised May08
20/36
20
Step 2. Define Goals & Objectives
ABCDE Method: Who, what, to what degree & when:
Audiencethe population/target audience for whom thedesired outcome is intended
Behaviorwhat is to happen; a clear statement of thebehavior change/result expected (outcome objective)
Conditionby when; the conditions under whichmeasurements will be made--may be a timeframe or uponimplementation of a specific intervention
Degreeby how much; the level of results expected (ie,
target or benchmark), which often involves measuringchange in comparison to a baseline
Evidenceas measured by; defines the method of measuringthe change expected (specific instrument or criterion)(indicator; measure)
7/29/2019 WBCFGrant Roposal WritingRevised May08
21/36
21
Step 2. Define Goals & Objectives
Objectives should be SMART: Specific, Measurable,Achievable, Realistic, & Time Sensitive
Example #1: In 12 months, there will be a 50%
reduction in unintended pregnancies among 17-18year old girls who live in Richmond City (&participate in the project). Realistic? Achievable?
Example #2: In 12 months, 75% of teen programparticipants will demonstrate increased knowledge
about healthy sexual behavior, contraceptivepractices & prevention of sexually transmitteddiseases.
7/29/2019 WBCFGrant Roposal WritingRevised May08
22/36
22
Chain of Outcomes(Innovation Network)
Short-Term
Residents improve
basic job skills &
identify jobs & career
paths of interest
Intermediate
Participants use post-training services
(job placement, child
care, transportation)
Long-Term
Increased number of
community residents
obtain & retain jobs
that support families
KNOWLEDGE/
ATTITUDES-------------------
BEHAVIOR
------------------
CONDITION
------------------
Closer in TimeEasier to Measure
More Attributable toProject
More Distant in TimeHarder to Measure
Less Attributable toProject
7/29/2019 WBCFGrant Roposal WritingRevised May08
23/36
23
Step 3. Project Description: Proposal(Interventions & Implementation)
Select Interventions/Programs:
What will you do?(project components: activities &outputs; interventions)
Why do you think it will work?(theory of change:research-based methods & strategies, best practiceexperience)
Develop Implementation Plan: How will you implement the project? (timetable,
personnel, etc.)
How will you monitor implementation? (processevaluation)
7/29/2019 WBCFGrant Roposal WritingRevised May08
24/36
24
Step 3. Project Description:Select Interventions
Tasks:
Choose an evidence-based program ortheoretical methods
Select or design practical strategies forapplying the methods
Organize program components
Ensure that the final strategies match thechange objectives
(Bartholomew & others, 2006)
7/29/2019 WBCFGrant Roposal WritingRevised May08
25/36
25
Step 3. Project Description:Select Interventions
Evidence-based interventions
Those programs that have been evaluatedthrough scientific research & found effective in
producing the results intended
Also known as science-based, research-based,and best practices
Programs are typically classified according to
strength/consistency of the evidence aspromisingproven or effective or model.
7/29/2019 WBCFGrant Roposal WritingRevised May08
26/36
26
Case Study: Youth ViolenceModels & Frameworks
Theoretical Model: A particular set ofconcepts (constructs) that are the basis of aspecific theory of behavior (eg, social cognitive;health belief; theory of planned behavior)
Conceptual Framework: Away to organize& think about concepts related to a particular issueor problem.
Example: Risk & Protective FactorsUnifying framework used by the federal Center forSubstance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) & others topredict risk & probable behavior
7/29/2019 WBCFGrant Roposal WritingRevised May08
27/36
27
Case Study: Youth ViolenceTheoretical Model:
Social Ecology/Social Development
Domains
Community/Environment
School/Peers
Family
Individual
7/29/2019 WBCFGrant Roposal WritingRevised May08
28/36
28
Case Study: Youth Violence Prevention
Summary Points: Risk & Protective Factors
Violence & other problem behaviors share similarrisk factors
Those other problem behaviors include delinquency,
school drop out, teen pregnancy, substance abuse,and certain mental disorders (eg, anxiety &depression)
There are alsoprotective factors (also calledassets) that may buffer the effects of risks
Effective programs or interventions should bedesigned to both reduce risk factors & enhanceprotective factors
7/29/2019 WBCFGrant Roposal WritingRevised May08
29/36
29
Step 3. Project Description:Implementation Plan
Elements
What will be done?
To Whom?
By Whom?
When will they do it?
How will implementation be monitored?(results from this monitoring will be part of theproject evaluation)
7/29/2019 WBCFGrant Roposal WritingRevised May08
30/36
30
Step 3. Project Description:Implementation Plan
Implementation Issues:
Systems trump programsPatrick McCarthy, Annie E. Casey Foundation, 2002
Effective outcomes require botheffectiveintervention & effective implementation That is, a program or strategy that works & a
working program
Evaluation of both implementationprocesses& client-level outcomes isnecessary
7/29/2019 WBCFGrant Roposal WritingRevised May08
31/36
31
Step 4. Project Budget: Proposal
Clearly define all project-related income &expenses, including in-kind support
Understand WBCFs typical grant size &specific budget requirements
Indicate the amount requested from thefunder, other outstanding requests & fundsalready committed
Determine what you will do if you dontreceive this or other requested funding(contingency plans)
See sample budget forms, Handout pgs.1&2
7/29/2019 WBCFGrant Roposal WritingRevised May08
32/36
32
Step 5. Evaluation Plan: Proposal
Describe how you will use the two major types of evaluationto determine program performance: Implementation or Process Evaluation: Did you perform the
services or activities as planned? Did you reach the intendedtarget population? Did you reach the intended number ofparticipants? Did it lead to the products you expected? How didthe participants perceive these services and activities?
Outcomes Evaluation: Is your target audience experiencingthe changes in knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, or awarenessthat you sought? What are the results of your work? What is itaccomplishing among your target audience? Remember, yourclient-related project objectives are your outcomes.
Indicate the timetable for evaluation, how & by whom it willbe done & when & how results will be reported Differentiate between internal monitoring & reporting & what
may be required by the funder
See the sample evaluation plan, Handout, pgs.4&5(Innovation Network, Evaluation Plan Workbook, 2005)
7/29/2019 WBCFGrant Roposal WritingRevised May08
33/36
33
Making the Connections, Logically(Innovation Network, Logic Model Workbook, 2005)
7/29/2019 WBCFGrant Roposal WritingRevised May08
34/36
34
Making the Connections:Evaluation Framework
(Innovation Network, Evaluation Plan Workbook, 2005)
Relationships between logic model & evaluation plans
7/29/2019 WBCFGrant Roposal WritingRevised May08
35/36
35
Step 6. Sustainability Plan: Proposal
Tasks
Describe how you will use results to examineprogram processes & outcomes
And, how you will make adjustments as needed toimprove program performance
Discuss your Sustainability Plan:
Must be specific: what will you do & when?
Indicate when/to whom you will make requests
Can you share costs/resources with others? Is there the potential for earned income?
Use results to develop proposals for additionalfunding
7/29/2019 WBCFGrant Roposal WritingRevised May08
36/36
36
Thank You!
Barbara H. Dunn, PhD, RN
Consultant, Health & Human Services;Associate Professor & Acting Director,
Community Nursing Organization,
VCU School of Nursing
Email: [email protected] Phone #804-330-8906 (home office);
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]Top Related