Introduction to Finding Grants Anna Tatro, MLS   Grants Collection Specialist Grants Collection Social Science and History Department Enoch Pratt Free Library/State Library Resource Center 400 Cathedral Street Baltimore, MD  21201 410-396-5320 grc@prattlibrary.org Twitter:  @Grants_Pratt

Agenda Getting started with Grantseeking Searching the Foundation Directory Online Components of Proposal Resources Questions!

Is grantwriting worth my time? What are my chances of getting a grant? How do I know what grantmakers are looking for? Do I have to know the right people to get a grant? How much should I ask for?

Why write a grant? Networking – meet peers and community Clarify your own vision Plan your next project/framework Gives you a deadline Practice asking for help

Find your Match Reflect the priorities of the Grantmaker Match your project with the Grantmakers Interests Select Grantmakers who share your worldview Does your organization’s Mission and Value meet that of the Grantmaker? M

Getting Started Identify potential Grantmakers Contact key people who can help you plan your proposal before you start writing Write a well-reasoned, concise proposal

Researching Prospects List of Potentials List of No’s Using the Foundation Directory Online

What is the FDO The most exhaustive and up-to-date knowledge and insight on the social sector to fuel any fundraising mission. Expanded, in-depth profiles of each grantmaker plus inside looks at the grants they've actually made keep your organization operating at peak effectiveness. 140,000+ expanded grantmaker profiles 500,000+ recipient profiles 500,000+ key decision makers and leaders Searchable 990s and 990-PFs This information is pulled from the 990

Where can I access the FDO

Foundation Profile https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/sample/professional What is being funded Where do they fund What amount of money do they give Who they have funded Funding interests What is their purpose What other foundation are similar Application and RFP requirements What they do not fund Who’s Who in the organization News & Social Media Basic communication information This information is pulled from the foundations 990

How do I search the FDO SEARCH THE FDO

Next Steps

Make Contact with Potentials Write or Call the Program Officer After doing research on the Foundation Have an elevator speech prepared Ask about a past reviewer Ask how they review proposals Contact a past Grantee Fact gather on who they talked to, how they got funded, any tips they may have Call a past reviewer Did you follow a specific scoreing system or rubric What were some major red flags to avoid What’s not happening that the foundation would like to fund Program Officier – after doing your research on that foundation and having your elevator speech prepared

Make Contact with Potentials Make sure Program Officer's are receiving your newsletters & Social Media NETWORK!! Invite them to events and/or a site visit Get to know them so when their RFP’s come out, you have connections

Start Gathering Statement of problem project will address Population served Qualifications of key personnel Timetable for implementation and evaluation of project Contact person Brief history of organization and description of its mission Detailed description of project and amount of funding requested Listing of additional sources and amount of support How project's results will be evaluated or measured How project will be sustained once grantmaker support is completed Copy of current year's organizational budget and/or project budget Results expected from proposed grant IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter Mission Statement Board of Directors list

Attachments Budget summary/cost summary Budget detail/budget narrative/cost justification: Write a detailed narrative on each proposed expense Up-to-date financial statement: recent financial statement 501(c)(3) letter of nonprofit determination from the IRS Board of directors with affiliations Letters of commitment: A letter of commitment comes from a partner organization and states that the partner is committed to providing leveraging assets to your grant-funded program when funded. Annual report: Include an annual report (brochure, booklet, or newsletter) Other documentation: Submit one-page summaries or complete résumés of key program personnel, as the funding source prefers. Also, if your organization has memorandums of agreement or memorandums of understanding signed by partner or collaborating agencies, attach these documents last

Components of a Proposal Introduction Statement Statement of Problem/Need Organization Background/Credibility Project Objectives: Goals and Desired Outcome Program Methods and Program Design: A Plan of Action Evaluation: How do you know when you are Successful Current/Future Funding: Long-Term Project Planning The Proposal Budget: Planning the Budget

Steps to Consider Set clear goals Find the right match Share your passion Follow directions Create a realistic project budget Get feedback If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again

Humanize the Experience You can do it!

Start with Yourself What do you want to know? What type of support do you have? What type of support are you looking for? Who do you know? How will deadlines help with your career? Is there a funding match for you?

My Favorite Resources Grantspace Maryland Governor’s Grant Office Community Foundation Center Grantstation Insider A Guide to Proposal Planning and Writing Jeremy T. Miner and Lynn E. Miner

Feedback and Questions! Conclusion Feedback and Questions! atatro@prattlibrary.org