copyright 2006 Theisen Consulting LLC Grant Writing & Grant Seeking: Advanced Level Healthcare Georgia Foundation Terri Theisen February 2006

copyright 2006 Theisen Consulting LLC Prospect Qualification  Matching to the Guidelines  What criteria can we use to ensure we are seeking dollars from the “right” funders?  General operating  Project funding  Capacity Building funding

copyright 2006 Theisen Consulting LLC Summary/Abstract  Overview  First page of the proposal – 2-3 paragraphs  Prepare AFTER the narrative  May be critical to your success – can determine if the entire package moves to the next step of consideration  Describe the influence of your project on the community & its consequences

copyright 2006 Theisen Consulting LLC Organizational Introduction  Description of past and present operations  Brief biography of board & key staff  Goals, philosophy, track record with grants, success stories  Make this relevant to what is outlined in the funder’s guidelines  Establish credibility: you do what you promise

copyright 2006 Theisen Consulting LLC Problem Statement/Needs Assessment  A well-supported statement of what you are working to solve  A formal and informal assessment of the issue  Documentation: Your purpose Your purpose Beneficiaries Beneficiaries Social and economic costs that you will impact Social and economic costs that you will impact Nature of the problem (hard data) Nature of the problem (hard data) What is currently being done about this problem What is currently being done about this problem What will happen after funding is exhausted What will happen after funding is exhausted HOW will the problem be solved? HOW will the problem be solved?

copyright 2006 Theisen Consulting LLC Objectives of the Project  Specific activities that you will undertake to achieve the GOAL or OUTCOME desired  What methods will be used to reach the objectives?  Tie back to the problem statement at every juncture in building your case  Use verifiable data and figures  Be realistic! (If you are funded, these objectives will be used to evaluate)

copyright 2006 Theisen Consulting LLC Program Methods and Design  How will you solve this problem?  Who is the target audience?  What activities will occur?  Develop a flow chart: how do the parts interrelate, what personnel will be needed (what will they DO?), and what facilities, transportation, and support will be required?

copyright 2006 Theisen Consulting LLC Evaluation  Always two-fold: PRODUCT and PROCESS  Product evaluation addresses results that can be attributed to the project  Process addresses HOW the project was conducted, consistency with your stated plan, and effectiveness of your activities

copyright 2006 Theisen Consulting LLC Future Funding?  Describe a sustainability plan for your project, beyond the funding you are now seeking  Have a long term vision for your project

copyright 2006 Theisen Consulting LLC The Budget  Very important  Must be tied back to the narrative – be sure the budget and the narrative “match” exactly  Justify all expenses as related to the project and its impact

copyright 2006 Theisen Consulting LLC Budget prep….  Consistency check: Salaries for project – same as salaries in the organization currently? Salaries for project – same as salaries in the organization currently? If new staff are required, include the attendant need for space/equipment If new staff are required, include the attendant need for space/equipment Equipment needed for project? Be sure the funder has noted this as permissible Equipment needed for project? Be sure the funder has noted this as permissible Indirect and direct costs Indirect and direct costs Matching costs may be required Matching costs may be required

copyright 2006 Theisen Consulting LLC Direct and Indirect Expenses  Direct: expenses you would not incur if you did not do the project – travel, printing, space, equipment, supplies, insurance, meetings, etc.  Indirect: expenses you will incur whether or not you do this project (may be a percentage of your direct expenses)

copyright 2006 Theisen Consulting LLC The Review Process Initial Screenings Written or Oral Review Budget Review Administrative Review Decision! Notification Negotiation – fiscal, legal, services Writing a Proposal

copyright 2006 Theisen Consulting LLC Making Contact Guidelines for Contact with Funders Do your homework Cultivate a relationship Follow through with acknowledgements and reports Securing Funding

copyright 2006 Theisen Consulting LLC A word about reports…  On time  What if not specified by funder?  Contents of a report… What did you do with the money (exactly?) What did you do with the money (exactly?) What conclusions did this funding lead you to? What conclusions did this funding lead you to? How can this be applied to other issues or problems? How can this be applied to other issues or problems? What surprises/challengers did you encounter? What surprises/challengers did you encounter? What would you do differently next time? What would you do differently next time?

copyright 2006 Theisen Consulting LLC What grantmakers say that we should know.  “Do your homework”  “Treat us like a partner in your work”  “Look – really look – at our guidelines”  “The cover letter should make me want to read the full proposal”  “Give us time to review and stay within our process – it takes time to make grant decisions”  “Tell us about major changes in your organization – we don’t like surprises”  “There’s a fine line between informing and lobbying”  “Call us after you send the proposal – once – and find out if we’ve received it and if we have any questions for you”  “We are investors in your organization. We expect to see reports that help us assess how an organization is doing.”

copyright 2006 Theisen Consulting LLC You receive funds because you meet needs, not because you have needs Maintaining a Relationship

copyright 2006 Theisen Consulting LLC  Questions?