Grant Writing Workshop and Information Session Dr. Lelia L. DeAndrade Senior Director of Grantmaking Services

Understand how to find grants Know the elements of a good application Know what funders are looking for Workshop Goals

Introductions Assembling a Grant Application –Research funding –Identify matches –Gather documents –Write Narrative and project budget –Team review Available grants Questions and Concerns Agenda

Perspective

Types of Giving by Source in the US Tip: Think Beyond Grants Individuals 81% Foundations 13% Corporations 6%

1.Research 2.Choose carefully 3.Gather organizational documents 4.Write narrative and project budget 5.Team review Recommended Steps

What do you do? Who are you? Consider all aspects of your project topic, population, approach, geography Brainstorm key words Step 1. Research Yourself

Focus on Foundations Then research foundations Types of Foundations  Community Foundations  Private Foundations  Family Foundations  Corporate Foundations  Public sector grants

Dig for Information Start with Directories and Databases Maine Philanthropy Center’s Directory of Maine Grantmakers Then look at specific websites when available

10 Grants are not charity! Grants are investments in the best programs. Consider the Funder’s Perspective

Look at your fit: Step 2. Choose Carefully Only apply if the fit is clear and obvious Consider: Program interests Geography Deadlines Application Methods Past Grants Cost of applying vs. benefit of the grant

Mission and history Other current programs Size of staff and volunteers List of board members Accomplishments Step 3. Gather Organizational Documents

Funders are looking for: Signs of organizational capacity or ability Why are these required ?

Include standard organizational information: Your mission Operating budget List of board members Key staff and skills Organizational history EIN # or IRS Eligibility letter Short descriptions of programs Step 3. Gather Organizational Documents

You provide: W HAT : Project name and goal W HERE : Community served W HO : Description of group served H OW : # of meetings, activities, materials, staff W HEN : Start and end dates H OW 2 : What you will do to measure success Step 4. Write a Project Narrative

Choose your voice

Use numbers and % Use a simple style Outline and organize Avoid Jargon Define abbreviations Proof read Tip: Watch your language Funder looks for: Signs of a well designed project not great literature!

Use numbers and % Don’t write: “Last year, we served many children.” Write: “Last year, we served 1,500 boys and girls between the ages of 12 and 18. This equals more than 10% of all children in Portland Schools.” Don’t write: We will meet with the children Write: We will have 6 meetings for 1 hour each. The meetings will be held each week beginning on Sept. 10 until Dec. 12. The meetings will be run by 2 trained volunteers. Tip: Provide Details

The Narrative Create time table that details your planned activities and the order in which they will be completed. Even if it isn’t required for the application, it will help you organize your work. Tip: Develop a Work Plan

The Narrative Sample Work Plan

Project Costs Staff time Materials Location (rent) Transportation Develop a Project Budget Income for Project Grants received or pending Fees collected Volunteer time Transportation Donations In-Kind contributions

Sample Project Budget ItemAmount requested In-Kind Donations Other funding Sources: Include Earned Income Total Budget AmountSourceSecured? Program Coordinator 50 $20 $600 $400Ticket sales and donations Yes$1,000 Refreshments for meetings 10 $25 $150$100 $250 Stipends for mentors 10 mentors, 20 $10 per meeting $1,000 Berger FoundationNo$2,000 Transportation$60 Total Expenses$1,750$160 $1,400$3,310 Anticipated Earned Income ItemAmount SalesTickets$200 Fees for service OtherDonations$200 Total Anticipated Income$400

Don’t write an application by yourself. Have someone else read it. Make sure your project description & budget agree! Check your math! Be realistic! Don’t ask for too much or too little to do your project. Only send in what is required. Always follow directions. Parting Advice

Remember Foundations receive more applications than they are able to fund. If you are declined, consider following up to find out how to be more competitive for the next round.

Questions?

Thank you!