Grants and Libraries: Leveraging Resources to Strengthen Service Minnesota Library Association Annual Conference October 11, 2013 St. Cloud, Minnesota “Leading for educational excellence and equity. Every day for every one.”

“Grants are funds by one party (Grant Makers), often a Government Department, Corporation, Foundation or Trust to a …. nonprofit entity, educational institution …” Competitive award process Proposals judged on merit Financial and programmatic reporting required Grants education.state.mn.us 2

Unrestricted, can be spent in ways the organization sees fit, and are given to support the cost of running the organization:  Administrative salaries  Office supplies and equipment  Technology, etc. Not appropriate for a unit of government but in line with IRS Section 501 (c) 3 organizations, like a Friends Group or Library Foundation. General Operating Grants education.state.mn.us 3

Capital projects may entail a Capital Campaign with multiple funders over a longer period of time Purchase of property New construction Remodeling or expansion Purchase of equipment (major) Capital Grants education.state.mn.us 4

Purpose driven with fixed focus and defined outcomes. Restricted use One-time or multi-year with defined time frame Try out new ideas Serve emerging needs Build capacity to move forward in new directions Program or Project Grants education.state.mn.us 5

Alignment with funder interest. Program plan with identifiable goals, actions and outcomes. Right size – it may take more than one funder to accomplish project. Most funders will publish average or maximum grants available. Track record of success – if you are new at grant projects, start small. Timing – there are ‘hot topics’ in fundraising. Know your organization’s strategies and goals. Keys to Success education.state.mn.us 6

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Restrictions education.state.mn.us 8

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Alignment Broad categories of giving, ie. “Education,” may translate into narrower or broader focus on reviewing grants awarded. Use 990 to dive deeper education.state.mn.us 10

Most organizations encourage an initial phone call to determine possible fit for proposed program. Have an elevator speech ready. Corporate giving programs may look for employee involvement in an organization (volunteer or board membership) Site visits are an opportunity for a funder to see your organization in action. Some funders will provide feedback on unsuccessful requests, others will not. Relationships Matter education.state.mn.us 11

Identify Need Conceptualize Project Mobilize Partners Prospect Research Build Relationships Refine Project Write Proposals Grant Process education.state.mn.us 12

Assumptions and Strategies Planned Work Resources/Inputs Activities Leads to Intended Results Outputs Outcomes Impact Kellogg Foundation Logic Model education.state.mn.us 13

Intersection of needs, opportunities, resources and shared goals. Many ways to have a successful partnership. Funders like to see cross-institutional collaboration. Partnerships education.state.mn.us 14

Partnering to Support Healthy Communities education.state.mn.us 15

Partnering to Improve Literacy Skills education.state.mn.us 16

Community Embedded Library Services education.state.mn.us 17

There is not one ‘right’ way to evaluate a program. Understand how funder uses outcomes and make sure that your proposal responds. Focus on the impact of what your project on the people you serve. Partnerships can improve capacity for evaluation. Evaluation Planning education.state.mn.us 18

Avoid last minute surprises Review proposal and reporting format in advance Unique attachments Character or word limits Compose off-line Proposal Writing education.state.mn.us 19

Minnesota Common Grant Format education.state.mn.us 20

Prospect research Pick the right grant(s) to apply for. Build a relationship with the program/grant manager. Understand the organization’s guidelines. Understand the grant program/project’s guidelines. Make sure you can meet the reporting requirements (financial and programmatic). Your Next Steps education.state.mn.us 21

Minnesota Council on Foundations Prospect Research education.state.mn.us 22

GuideStar Free web resource (requires registration) to review 990s. education.state.mn.us 23

National Center on Charitable Statistics education.state.mn.us 24

Foundation Center education.state.mn.us 25

Philanthropy News Digest education.state.mn.us 26

Institute of Museum and Library Service Grants for libraries from the federal government Office of Grants Management Grants available from the State of Minnesota, including the Department of Education State and Federal Government education.state.mn.us 27

ALA Awards, Grants and Scholarships Includes professional development and exhibit- related awards ALA Grant Listing Short list of grants The Programming Librarian Includes many ALA awards Library Grants Compiles grant announcements from a variety of resources. Grant Resources education.state.mn.us 28

Kellogg Foundation: Logic Model Development Guide Foundation Center: Proposal Writing Short Course Program Development and Evaluation Shaping Outcomes Resources for Proposal and Grant Writing education.state.mn.us 29

Jennifer R. Nelson Thank You education.state.mn.us 30