1 What Grantors Look For? TAMHO - Tennessee Prevention Congress Presenter: Dr. Bernard Turner, GPC Assistant Professor, Social Entrepreneurship Belmont University Consultant & Trainer Center for Nonprofit Management September 23, 2008

2 Bio – Dr. Bernard Turner, GPC Nearly 20 years of grant writing experience. Over $30M in grants awarded. One of 170 persons to be designated the Grant Professional Certified (GPC) in Federal grant reviewer and site visit consultant. Grant Consultant for Nashville-based foundation. Senior Program Officer for national philanthropic organization based in DC. Previous work experience with a hospice organization, outpatient clinic, school of nursing, medical college, United Way, minority and women-owned business development, and a health insurance company. In current position since June 2008

3 Session Objectives By the end of this session, you will be able: To learn factors that influence a grantor’s decision. To learn reasons why proposals fail. To learn skills needed to submit more effective grants. To learn having fund through experiential exercises.

4 Factors That Influence A Grantor’s Decision Is your program innovative or simply an extension of other projects? Are goals well defined? Are outcomes measurable? Does organization have a track record? Is the budget feasible and match the scope of work? Is there in-house support being provided? Does the organization make a case for support? What does the audit look like?

5 Reasons Why Proposals Fail Guidelines were not followed. Need was not documented. Does not match funding interests. Received past the deadline. Incomplete information. Unprofessional presentation. Not cost effective/feasible. Weak organizational structure.

6 Skills Needed to Submit More Effective Grants Know Your Funding Priorities –What do you need funding for? –How much funding do you need? –What are the current sources of funding? –If no funding, what are keywords you can use to identify funding interests? –How will funds impact your organizations’s ability to provide services?

7 Skills Needed to Submit More Effective Grants 10/60 Rule of Fundraising 1.Name of organization. 2.Years in existence. 3.Mission Statement. 4.Number of clients served last year. 5.Type of services provided. 6. Geographic area served. 7. Funding sources. 8. Current needs from client’s perspective. 9. Number of staff. 10. Number of board and other volunteers.

8 Skills Needed to Submit More Effective Grants Fundamentals to Remember Develop a concept paper. Research precedes all writing. Proposals “sell” programs not the organization. Some grantmakers offer application guidelines, follow them. Be brief. Use simple language. Proofread not Spell Check!

9 Belmont University Programs BA or BS in Social Entrepreneurship Masters in Nonprofit Leadership

10 Belmont’s BA/BS in Social Entrepreneurship Belmont University’s Social Entrepreneurship Program prepares students to engage and transform the world through the formation or expansion of ventures that create social change. Our Social Entrepreneurs will be grounded in faith and values, shaped through experiential education and practical experience, and informed through the knowledge and skills drawn from diverse academic areas of study. Belmont University’s Social Entrepreneurship Program prepares students to engage and transform the world through the formation or expansion of ventures that create social change. Our Social Entrepreneurs will be grounded in faith and values, shaped through experiential education and practical experience, and informed through the knowledge and skills drawn from diverse academic areas of study. Find out more! What is a Social Entrepreneur? Key Learning Goals The Curriculum Thematic Tracks What is a Social Entrepreneur?Key Learning GoalsThe CurriculumThematic TracksWhat is a Social Entrepreneur?Key Learning GoalsThe CurriculumThematic Tracks

11 Belmont’s Master of Education in Nonprofit Leadership The Master of Education in Nonprofit Leadership educates professionals who are committed to building strong nonprofits and stronger communities. Designed for individuals seeking to start a second career or those who want professional development in a current nonprofit position, students completing the program will develop communication skills, leadership potential and best business practices in the nonprofit sector. The major outcome will be an enhanced ability to lead and grow successful nonprofit organizations. Program Features Program Features 30-credit hour program designed for completion part-time in 24 months Courses offered in eight-week sessions; classes meet for three weekends during each eight-week session Small class sizes to network and develop peer relationships Small class sizes to network and develop peer relationships

12 Contact Information Dr. Bernard Turner Assistant Professor, Social Entrepreneurship Director, Center for Social Entrepreneurship Belmont University Bernard Turner Consulting