How to make you dreams come true. Making a Difference, Making Money

You are probably already an experienced grant writer! News Flash!

Asking for what you want or need. Letter of request Providing justification Providing background information

Grant Writing Tips Save all proposals submitted in a file. Be persistent. Create a plan Research Taylor your proposal to fit the funders needs Sustainability Be concise

The Three “P’s” of Grant Writing Permission – Will the administration support the proposal— ASK! – If you don’t have the support of key players all the work you have done to develop a proposal will be wasted.

Project Have a project in mind, be able to explain it to administration, teachers, parent, students. Many people start backwards they hear about a grant then try to design a project to suit the grant. Grants are easier to write if you have an idea first.

Plan Before writing a proposal brainstorm ideas/activities/events/resources and people who can help you carry out the project. Sticky notes work for us because we can move them around on our timeline, from one proposal to another or from one year to the next. Document need with demographics, test results, surveys, graduation rates and anecdotal evidence.

Proposal Your final proposal should give a clear picture of your current situation to the reader. Don’t assume they know what rural is. – Rural is different to someone in Manhattan, New York than it is to someone in Manhattan, Montana. Look for funding sources whose philosophy and focus are consistent with your projects goals and objectives.

Use a Grant Match Rubric Rubric attached Questions you need to ask yourself – Do goals of proposal match goals of funding source? – Do the demographics match? – Do you live within the geographical area? – Are you able to complete the proposal within the timeframe? – Are you able to complete the project within the time frame? – Is the project sustainable? – Are the evaluation methods compatible?

Mission Statement Potential outcome of the project. Get a clear picture in your mind of what your project will look like when it is finished. – What will people say about it? – What will change? – Who will benefit? – What difference will it make?

Timeline What will happen? When will it happen? Who will make it happen? How will they make it happen? Where will it happen? Why will it happen? Be as specific as possible!

Planned Assessment Every good proposal has a planned assessment as part of the plan Know the starting point. – 57% of teens today do not wear their seatbelts while driving or riding with friends in the car Following our intervention 60% of teens stated they wear their seatbelts every time they ride or drive in a motor vehicle (source: YRBS Student Survey)

Budget The budget provides a snapshot of exactly how funds will be spent. Don’t know where to start – List all the supplies/materials needed – Everything down to the last paperclip. What will grant funds provide? What other materials will be used? Who else may be willing to provide portions of the materials needed? – In-kind donations

Required Materials/Supplies/Personnel List all the materials/supplies/personnel needed to carry out the project Check grant guidelines for what grant funds may be used to purchase. Many funders will not cover salaries, the purchase of big ticket items, t-shirts or travel. Know what is allowed and what is not before submitting a proposal

Typical Components of Full Grant Proposals Cover letter Summary Table of contents Introduction Needs or problem statement Objectives/goals Program plan/ Action steps Evaluation Sustainability plan Budget/ budget justification Conclusion Attachments and assurances Letters of support

Read! An essential step in preparing top-notch proposals is to read and follow the instructions. How well you follow the proposal instructions indicates how well you follow directions and how likely you will follow through with your project if you are funded.

Let’s break down the components of a proposal Cover letter Typically one page A clear, concise overview of the organization, purpose and reason for and amount of the funding request.

Cover Sheet Typically ½ typing on a full sheet of paper Also called an executive summary, this case statement and proposal summary can be the most important component of your proposal.

Introduction Typically 1 page Describe your organization’s qualifications as an applicant for funding.

Include in the Introduction Organization identify and purpose Constituents and service area Brief summary of organization history Mission and goals. Brief description of the organizations current programs, activities, service statistics and strengths/accomplishments Evidence and support of accomplishments

Narrative Needs or Problem Statement – Description of target population – Definition of community problem to be addressed and service area need. Program Goals and Objectives – What will be accomplished? – When will the results be attained?

Program Goals and Objective Program goals and objectives should include Minimum of one goal for each problem or need in the problem statement Description of the benefiting population Performance the action which occurs within a specific time frame at an expected proficiency. Process- the method by which action will occur Product The tangible results from the action’s performance and process.

Program Plan/Action Steps Restatement of problems and objectives Clear description and explanation of program/project scope and activities Sequence of activities Timeline of activities

Evaluation and Sustainability Plan Plan for evaluating accomplishment of objectives Plan for modifying process and methodology. Provide method- criteria, data, instruments and analysis

Budget List costs to be incurred a the time of implementation No miscellaneous categories Include all items requested for funding List all items to be paid for by other sources Detail benefits separately from salaries List separately all donated items, services and indirect costs Justify performance of the tasks described in the narrative

Conclusion Brief, concise summary of your proposal that states your case, problem, solution and sources/uses of project/program funds.

Attachments Tax exempt status Certificate of incorporation/bylaws Officers and Board of Directors Financial statement Current operating budget Demographic information Resumes of key personnel Letters of support

Additional Information Check with your college or university to see if they offer a grant writing class or workshop Volunteer to read grants for funding organizations or non profit organization. Many grant writing courses are offered on line from teachsharp