2016 ANYSYB YOUTH BUREAU DIRECTOR/STAFF TRAINING Grants, Resource Development, & Other Funding Initiatives …..oh my! Frank Williams White Plains Youth Bureau Bill Caudill Steuben County Youth Bureau

Grants, Resource Development, and Other Funding Initiatives A proposal is just that – a proposal… and probably one of dozens, hundreds or thousands a funder will see! Not getting funded doesn’t mean it is a “bad” proposal – it could mean it was sent to the wrong funder, or that it needed more preparation and planning. Workshop Objectives:  To explore grants & other funding opportunities, and the goals and characteristics of each;  To better prepare organizations to write a grant proposal or other request;  To explore strategies for locating grants and researching the funding sources;

Grants, Resource Development & Other Funding Initiatives Govt. GrantsLarge “Cause” or Corporate Foundations Local Family or Commun. Foundations Fund Raising Fee for Service Other Funding Sources… So which is best?

Grants, Resource Development & Other Funding Initiatives Take a “Selfie” of Your Agency (before you write) What do you do? How much? What do you want to do? Who are your customers/clients? Who are your partners? What are your resources? What are your needs? To know which is best… think like a Photograper… Take Panoramics (before you ask) What is being funded? Who is funding it? What is happening in state/federal govt.? What is happening in your community? Take “Action” Shots & Videos (before you are asked) What does your agency look like in action? How well are you doing it? How can you show it?

Develop Your Plan Parts of a Grant – EVERY Grant 1. Abstract or Summary 2. Statement of Problem or Need 3. Project Goals, Objectives, Outcomes 4. Project Plan and Methodology 5. Evaluation Plan 6. Qualifications 7. Budget and Budget Narrative 8. Attachments Once you have your plan… …then identify the right funding source.

What does it all mean? A grant, contract donation, bequest, or other “award” is a funder’s money that is attached to a funder’s priorities. How do your goals, resources, and needs match your potential funders priorities?

From the Funder’s View You serve on the Board of the Empire Regional Foundation and have $50,000 to distribute. You have been approached by the Central City Youth Center to request funding. 1. What do you want to know about the Agency? 2. What do you as the Foundation want as a “return” for your investment.

What is a Grant? A grant proposal is an appeal through a formal plan for services yet to be performed. When approved, a grant becomes a contract between you and the funder to carry out your proposed plan.

Types of Grants Carefully consider what kind of grant project is the best fit to your idea. Do you actually need a Capacity Building grant before expanding your services? Planning: funds to plan thoroughly Demonstration: trying out a new method or idea Implementation: putting a plan in place, or expanding a demonstration grant Expansion: funds to increase your service area or numbers Capacity Building: making agency improvements to serve clients better Operational: funds for your agency or program to continue services you currently provide

Family/private Foundations Strategies Usually all-volunteer Often don’t issue grant notices Smaller gifts Usually select the organizations they give to themselves Research their 990’s Deduce their interests from their giving Find a connection Send them information first, not a grant request Understanding the Types of Funders

Large or issue-oriented Foundations Strategies Well-established and staffed Established giving history Gifts range in size Usually give through competitive RFP process Review all you can: website, annual reports, publications Find your fit Check with previously funded programs (especially out-of-state) Ask for help Partner Understanding the Types of Funders

Government Agencies (Local, State, Federal) Strategies Priorities follow politics Usually responsive, not preventive Gifts are usually large Must give through competitive RFP process Often require collaboration Know local, state, and federal issues Keep informed through contacts and issue groups Know RFP schedules; check the web often Build real partnerships Understanding the Types of Funders

Corporations Strategies Usually only fund areas where they have a corporate presence Self-promotion Gifts sizes vary Often value collaboration Check your area; check with community officer for giving priorities and requirements Connect your service with theirs Promote their giving Understanding the Types of Funders

Explore the Priorities of Local & National Companies Dollar General Dunkin Doughnuts Polly-O JC Penney Wachovia (Examples only…what’s in your wallet?)

Reach Outside Your Agency Meets multiple needs of your clientele: complex problems require thorough solutions Builds upon community expertise Uses existing skills, rather than building from scratch; means faster startup Working together attracts additional, unplanned benefits It’s always best to go with your strengths

Build Your Network Are you collaborating? To what associations do you belong? Where do you do your business? Where do your board members (and key volunteers) work?

Is this opportunity the right fit? Fit in Your Mission? The right “type” of opportunity? Are you eligible? Do you have time? Do you have the capability to run it? Do you have the components in place? Does timing of decision work for you? Evaluate Every Opportunity

990’s: There’s Gold in them th’ar hills 990’s are public documents – looking at them is not spying! The on 990’s  990’s are tax documents prepared by nonprofits, including foundations  990’s have information about the funder’s contact, the Board, and the giving history (past grant awardees and grant amounts)

Researching is an ongoing process: Don’t stop when you find one potential funder. For foundations, investigating their 990 can give you valuable info. Online funding searches require caution Many government sites will notify you of any upcoming opportunities Look around you – what “link” to a funding source are you missing? If the opportunity doesn’t “fit”, you’re wasting your time. Do Your Research