SHOW ME THE MONEY! 2016 National Catholic Development Conference October, 2016 Materials Developed & Presented by: Gail Vertz

OBJECTIVES OF THIS SESSION Identify and learn the latest funding trends Fundamental elements of successful grant applications Gain valuable information on how to write winning grants Contents, characteristics and factors to consider when writing a successful proposal Tips and strategies Reporting Requirements

Differences in Government & Foundation Funding Government: Public Tax $$$ Political Advisory Group Guidelines Public Involvement Priorities on Spending Rating System- Documented Public Information Evaluators-Teams Foundations: Private Corp. Giving Board of Directors- Advisory Group Guidelines-Mission Statement Corporate Direction Priorities on Spending Rating System-Private Information Evaluators-Individuals

Possible Funding Sources Catholic Funding Guide Foundation Center Grants.gov Federal Government websites Websites Local Governments & Banks Chamber of Commerce

Catholic Funding Guide

Identify Grant Application Guidelines Eligible Applicant? Deadline Estimated average award size Number of Awards Legislator connections Total funds needed Review Criteria Freedom to make line-item changes

Are you “Grant Ready”? 501 (c) (3) letter List of Board of Directors Most recent audited financial audit Most recent financial statements Map of target area Future funding statement Updated demographics Resumes or job descriptions Sample project and organization budget History of organization Minutes of board meetings Evaluation/outcomes and performance measures

Rules of “THE” Game # 1: Know yourself-Practice the power of mission-driven grantsmanship. # 2: Build true partnerships-Collaborate for success. # 3: Plan, Plan, Plan-Create your master proposal from the inside out # 4: Know your funder-Build relationships and research your funding opportunities # 5: Develop a winning proposal-Put it all together.

Federal Grant Applications Overcome the intimidation factor Grants.gov registration Federal Register Include ALL required forms Sign ALL required forms Grants.gov registration

Parts of a Federal Application Cover Form, 424 Budget Info, 424 A/B Budget Narrative Abstract Assurances Certifications Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Attachments

Parts of a Foundation Application Cover letter Current Budget Audited Financial Statements IRS Determination Letter Detailed Budget for Request Proposal- General Info Amount Requested Total Amount of Project Organization purpose and capacity

Parts of a Foundation Application-Continued Purpose and fit with foundation’s priorities Target Audience Expected Outcomes Describe fit/role to carry out activities proposed Describe plan to support activities in the future

Cover Letter Name of Proposal Number of Proposal Statements of Collaboration Request for funds and amount Contact Person

Title Page Name of Project Name of Agency Address Telephone Number Fax Number Address

Table of Contents Complete proposal first Compile all information and attachments Number pages Insert page numbers in Table

Introduction or Abstract Provides clear, concise statement No more than 1 page Include major goals and outcomes Establishes perception of future successes

Statement of Need for the Program Incorporates multiple reasons for project Be very specific Avoid sensationalism Use short sentences and paragraphs Avoid professional jargon Avoid acronyms

Goals and Objectives Goal is WHAT you will do Objective is HOW you will do it Clearly relates to statement of need Establishes MEASURABLE goals and objectives Implies (not explains) your plan of action

Methods-Implementation Process Presents activities that results in a solution to a problem Focuses specifically on the problem Shows CLEAR plan to achieve stated goals and objectives Identifies sources that will contribute to the

Evaluation Procedure WHO will perform evaluation WHAT will be tracked HOW it will be reported to funder WHEN results will be available Incorporates multiple measures to assess effectiveness Relates to statement of need States how evaluation is a tool

Sustainability or Continued Funding Longevity of program Need to continue program? How/if you will continue program when this Grant ends Collaboration efforts Public or private sources Fee for services Examples of other programs

Organizational Description Length of time in Business Staffing information Past experiences with similar programs Collaborations with other agencies History Successes Resources available

Budget Salaries Supplies Contractual Travel Evaluation Equipment Other Indirect Costs Narrative- Description Relate to Budget Show calculations

Appendices Support Letters Needs Assessment IRS Determination Letter Most Recent Audit Assurances Board of Directors Listing Organizational Chart Annual Report List of Key Staff

Tips and Strategies Write the proposal in response to your organization’s highest current priorities Use the grant activities to enhance your organization’s capacity to be self- supporting Relate all costs of the proposed project Require all partners in the project who receive funds to make an investment

Tips and Strategies- continued This is the opportunity to include indirect and administrative costs Find out the method of payment Find out special conditions Request samples of previously funded grants

Tips and Strategies- continued Comply EXACTLY with the guidelines Include requested attachments ONLY State compliance with all required assurances List the appropriate contact person

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS- FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY Insure grant funds are used correctly Clear audit trail-separate banking account Accounting practices to enable tracking the money Money in and money out

DEVELOP STANDARDS Staffing-financial and programmatic Equipment required? Fiscal accountability Evaluation Track all expenses and income separately

Factors to Consider… Assign a contact person Contact the program officer Gather information Devote adequate time to writing Develop a timeline Collaborate with other agencies

Factors to Consider- continued After the grant is written: Proofread and then proofread again! Contact the program officer again! Submit the grant on time!

Factors to Consider- continued If the Grant is funded: Read the NGA carefully Sign and return the NGA Potentially schedule a press conference Send publicity information to the funder

Factors to Consider- continued Working the Grant: Track all related expenses separately Monitor progress Communicate with the Program Officer regularly Submit all reports on time Enjoy the benefits Celebrate!

Directing Funds Effectively Consider ALL costs Consider ALL programs Consider Indirect costs Consider Administrative costs Consider Staffing needs

Contact Information Gail Vertz, Grant Writer Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph 20 W. 9 th Street Kansas City, MO (816)