Grant Writing in 5 Steps! Do your homework Get to know funders Keep it simple Be true Follow up

Do Your Homework Identify the problem Make the case using research – local, provincial, national, international Check to see if similar problems have been addressed elsewhere Use sources Survey says that 67% of women in our community want to walk more. Research says that women are more likely to walk if there is a social aspect to it. We have no walking leaders or groups in our community. Forming walking groups for women is identified as a priority in our PA Strategy.

Do Your Homework Identify the proposed solution Make the case using research Check to see if similar solutions have been attempted elsewhere Use sources Walking groups with trained leaders have been shown to work in other communities. Initiatives are more successful if women have access to childcare. Our solution is to partner with Heart and Stroke Foundation to identify and train walking group leaders to lead other women in weekly walks. We will provide childcare for those who need it.

Do Your Homework Identify costs and other potential funding sources List only costs that are related to the proposed project If the grant pays only a percentage of total, identify where you plan to get the rest Identify the value of in-kind contributions – be creative here! Training leaders Promotion Healthy snacks Childcare costs Other?

Do Your Homework Set aside time for writing/researching Create a regular and frequent time that is dedicated to researching and writing grants Stick to the schedule even if you have to force yourself Use practice time to get work done that can be used for most or all grants – info about organization, strategic priorities, etc. Every Tuesday at 10 am, I devote 30 minutes to grant research/writing

Do Your Homework Read all materials before filling out applications Make sure you have read all grant information, including requirements, eligibility, percentage of funding If you aren’t clear about the grant information, ask the funder for clarification Talk to others who have applied for the grant in the past

Get to Know Funders Whenever you apply for a grant, contact the person who controls the funds. Introduce yourself Introduce your organization and its goals Find out information about the funding organization Look at examples of previously funded projects Find out what they look for and how they can assist Keep regular and polite contact throughout the process If rejected, find out why so that you can improve (don’t take it personally)

Get to Know Funders When I asked our staff for grant writing tips, this was the number 1 tip that I heard: They won’t give funding without developing a good relationship with organizations!

Keep it Simple Give only information that is requested Keep writing clear and concise Do not use jargon or language that funders might not understand Do not use abbreviations without first identifying them Do not include information that doesn’t make the case for receiving funding to address the specific problem Be passionate but not too personal Do not request funds for anything not related to the project Talk to people – get information from others and always have people check your work before submitting Good projects are rejected because they aren’t well written

Be True If you get funding for a women’s walking group, use the funding for a women’s walking group and the costs associated with that. There may be variation from your original budget to your final. Be sure to discuss any changes with the funder. Never use grant money for a project other than what it is intended for. Be honest in your ask. Be honest in your action. If you aren’t true, you will damage the standing and reputation of your entire organization and will have great difficulty getting future funding. Remember, to funders, the relationship is the most important element!

Follow Up Follow up with the funder after submitting to ensure they received your application If you don’t hear back by the deadline given by the funder, politely follow up again. If rejected, follow up to find out why. Get as much information as you can but remain polite. This information can make the difference the next time around. If approved for funding, keep in touch with the funder. Invite them to public events surrounding the project. Inform them of successes. Do all required reporting in a timely fashion and remember to keep it simple and be true. Keep all receipts organized in case they are requested.