Grants at Tyler Junior College

Presenters Fred M. Peters, Director, Public Affairs & Grant Development Daniel Pippin, Grants & Sponsored Research Specialist

Common grant misconceptions Grants are free money If a proposal is rejected, it must have been a bad idea It is the grant writer’s job alone to write the proposal

The different types of grants Federal, state, local Detailed RFP Restrictions on eligibility Very detailed Specific deliverables and reporting requirements Objective criteria Specific time frame for expending funds Accountability Foundation and Corporate Detail of guidelines varies widely More flexible application requirements Restrictions based on location, mission, type of support Often awarded based upon personal relationships

Where to find grant sources Online searches Government agencies ( etc.) State agency websites and list-serves Foundation search databases Build Relationships Let grant writing individuals know of your project Promote your project with key decision makers Begin planning and share vision Stay in contact with agency representatives

Keys to success Be innovative and creative in finding new solutions to old problem Be realistic about what can be delivered Be persistent and accept that you will be rejected often Contact grant officer to ensure of the match and create a personal relationship Read Q&A documents thoroughly and participate in conference calls, if offered Anticipate questions and opposing arguments Stay in contact with agency representatives

Parts of a grant proposal Introduction – cover page, inquiry letter Summary – executive summary, abstract Needs Assessment – problem grant will solve Methodology – plan for addressing the problem Evaluation – how you’ll know if it is successful Sustainability – future support once grant is over Budget – specifically what it will cost and how that is calculated (keeping in mind limitations of the application request)

Things to consider before writing a grant Is the target of the grant a good fit for the institution? Are you eligible? Is a match required? How many projects will be funded? Is the grant competitive? How much is available and how much can be devoted to administration of the grant? Does the funder fit the College’s mission? When will the award take place and during what time span? Has the funder funded similar projects in the past?

Grant writing process Planning should begin long before an announcement of available funding Objectively evaluate funding options If partnerships are required, get firm commitments Determine who will be responsible for managing grant Get leadership and financial approvals before writing Follow guidelines

Appropriate writing style Be clear and concise and avoid use of acronyms, jargon or industry terms that may be unfamiliar to the reviewer Use headings and topics based on review of criteria Never write in first person Include the 5 W’s: who, what, when, where, why Do not use biased language or provide unsubstantiated opinion Use current and reputable data Consider use of “ing” words and other current buzz terms STEM, critical thinking terms (problem solving, communication, collaboration, creativity and innovation) Write so that your application/proposal is consistent with the mission of the funder

What grants commonly pay for (and don’t) Determined by the funder In higher education, mostly research, curriculum development, training, equipment and scholarships Foundations are more likely to fund capital projects

After the award is granted Negotiate grant contract with the funding agency Make sure financial management procedures are in place with business office (advance approval) Follow the plan laid out in the proposal and contract Monitor the grant performance and financial allocation and disbursement

The grant process at TJC External Funding Request Form (to be approved by executive cabinet prior to grant proposal/application) Identifies: program director grant writer amount requested funding source timeline matching stipulations budget TJC budget implications (including salaries, benefits, release time, indirect costs not funded by grant, etc.)

External Funding Request Form OR then select “Faculty and Staff Page” link, then “Administrative Forms”

What’s “hot” amongst funders? Funds from corporations and foundations for K-12 education reform STEM grants from federal and state agencies (research, scholarship, recruitment to include women and under-represented populations) Grants to fund projects that target under-served populations Foundation and government grants to support post-graduate nursing study

What’s “hot” amongst funders?

We want to hear from you! What are you working on presently that could possibly be assisted by grant funding? What are you considering personally or in your area that could possibly be assisted by grant funding? What grant resources would you like to have access to? How and how often would you like to know what grant writers at TJC are working on?

Grants at Tyler Junior College