From Fumbling to Funding: An Introduction to Grant Writing Presented by Beth Trecasa and Jessica Leary Allen October 21, 2005

Introductions About this class and about you!

3 Introductions – Who we are Beth Trecasa, Grants and Fellowships Specialist, College of Arts and Sciences Jessica Leary Allen, Assistant Director of Foundation Development, Central Development

4 Introductions – Who you are Name Department or major Two sentences about why you are here One sentence about what you want to learn today

Refining Your Ideas to Writing The one-pager tool for success

6 Our first question for you…  Do you have a one-pager?

7 Questions to ask yourself What need does your project fill or what problem are you addressing? What population will this project serve? Is there another group /individual that can you partner with? How will you measure the success of your project?

8 Questions to ask (cont’d.) What is the importance of the project? What is the expected impact? What will change? Increase, Decrease, Reduce What action is necessary for achieving outcome, what are your proposing? To provide, to establish, to create How much will it cost?

About Grant-Based Fundraising What are grant-making organizations?

10 Foundation – The Definition “A foundation is an entity that is established as a nonprofit corporation or a charitable trust, with a principal purpose of making grants to unrelated organizations or institutions or to individuals for scientific, educational, cultural, religious, or other charitable purposes.” - The Foundation Center website,

11 Types of foundations There are three standard types of foundations: Private Public Corporate

12 Private foundations Typically, most funds come from one source, whether an individual, a family, or a corporation. Example: Kelvin and Eleanor Smith Foundation

13 Public foundations Typically receives assets from multiple sources, which may include private foundations, individuals, government agencies, and fees for service. Example: The Cleveland Foundation

14 Corporate Foundations Sponsored by specific corporations, corporate foundations are private foundations whose assets are derived primarily from the contributions of the parent company. Example: Proctor & Gamble Fund, Nordson Corporation Foundation

15 Federal Funds 26 federal grant-making agencies Over 900 individual grant programs $350 billion in grants each year

16 Federal Program Announcement National Institute of Health Support for Conferences and Scientific Meetings

17 Take-home lessons There is a lot of federal money available Plan ahead Do it right the first time

18 Fellowships Three weeks to five years Salary or stipend (partial or full) Travel Housing Collaborative or Independent research

19 Why a fellowship? To establish/continue your research career To continue with a project you commenced in PhD studies To pursue new areas of interest

Finding Grant Money Where is it and how do I find opportunities?

21 Three main sources for finding money Paid sources Free sources Web sources

22 Source #1 - Paid sources Include online directories, books, and other special search services. May have monthly or weekly membership fees. May offer additional services with membership fee such as technical help, search help, or grant writing help. You can likely do just as well by utilizing free services and reviewing books at the library.

23 Source #1 - Paid sources (examples) The Foundation Directory, Big Online USA, Books and publications

24 Source #2 - Free sources Often can be found at libraries Sometimes can be located through the web Your best bet – asking around!

25 Source #2 - Free sources (examples) The Foundation Center Library Offers free classes (see Home to library containing countless books and electronic resources Staff librarian to help you with your search And best of all… it’s free

26 Source #3 - Web sources “Getting information off the internet is like taking a drink from a fire hydrant.” - Mitch Kapor

27 Source #3 - Web sources Grant makers’ websites

28 Web searches No website? Not a problem. Try this activity: Google: “grantmaking” You will get 1.5 million hits! Now try this version: Google: “grant making” 114,000,000 hits

29 Boolean searches Boolean Searching “Asian Studies” and conference and grant “Asian Studies” or “Japanese Studies” and conference and grant “Asian Studies” and conference and grant not Chinese

30 The 990 The most-telling resource of them all… The 990 form

Key Terms to Know How do I talk the talk?

32 LOI/Statement of Interest Letter of Intent/Letter of Interest/Statement of Interest Many foundations require that one is submitted prior to accepting a full proposal Typically, it should include Introduction Description of organization Statement of need Methodology Other funding sources Final summary

33 RFP Request for Proposal An invitation from a funder to submit applications on a specified topic with specified purposes RFP lists can be found via the Foundation Center’s listserv, on foundation websites, etc.

34 Proposal Should provide proof that there is a need for your project and that you have the means to meet the need Foundations will typically specify the length and content A typical proposal includes The organization’s qualifications Statement of need; assessment Goals and objectives Methodology Evaluation Future and supplemental funding Budget Appendices (letters of recommendation, etc.)

35 Stewardship responsibility for taking good care of resources entrusted to one taking responsibility for the survival and well-being of something that is valued the science, art and skill of responsible and accountable management of resources ALWAYS be a good steward of your funds and of your relationship with your funder!

Help on campus Are there resources here at Case to help me in this process?

37 How can Case help me? Central support Management center support

38 What can staff do? Identify potential funding sources Providing sample letters of inquiry, proposals and budgets Avoid duplication of multiple proposals Avoid proposal interruption

39 What can staff do? Determine how much to request, how to incorporate various costs into the budget Coach on funder cultivation, stewardship Leverage existing relationships Answer your questions!

40 The process at Case Misconceptions Case is the applicant

41 Commonly requested information Authorized staff Registration numbers Case Characteristics Rates

42 Guidelines Case Authorship Guidelines Case Intellectual Property Case Policy on the Custody of Research Data Case Sponsored Programs Guidelines And more…

43 Forms, forms, forms

44 The process at the College

Writing a Grant How do I do it?

46 Check for guidelines Before you do anything, check to see if the grantmaker has pre-determined guidelines for the proposal. You are looking for the BIG THREE: timelines, deadlines, and guidelines. Always play by the grantmaker’s rules! Writing a Grant - JLA

47 Determining your purpose What will your project accomplish? What will your project do to improve your community? What are some components of my work that will appeal to this funder? Where will my project lead in the future?

48 Organizing your thoughts Write a clear statement of need. Write clear and concise goals and objectives. Include your methodology and your plan for evaluating your success. Consider where else you might receive funding. Spend time thinking about your budget. Consider who might provide a good reference or support for the project and ask that person/organization to create a letter of support (do this in advance!).

49 Researching your topic Learn as much as you can about your topic/project/area of study. Be prepared to back up your statement of need with cold, hard facts. Think about ways your project can work with other existing projects in your community. Foundations LOVE to see successful partnerships that leverage their funds.

50 Writing your grant The number one rule: Give yourself plenty of time to write. Set a writing schedule and stick to it. Be sure to gather feedback on drafts as you go. We suggest using someone to proof for grammar and someone to proof for content.

Questions and Comments