Write down the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word Grant. DCSNS Grant Training We’ll get back to this later.

Department of Human Services Division of COMMUNITY SERVICE & NONPROFIT SUPPORT

DCSNS Grant Training

Frequently Asked Questions We’ve come across a few Common Questions “How do I find grant money?” “How hard is it to get my first grant?” “Is it easier to get public or private grants?” “What do grantmakers look for in a proposal?” The Fundamental Question “Is it all really worth it?”

IdentificationResearch Planning & Cultivation WritingSolicitationStewardshipRenewal Identification

Internal Analysis What is your Mission? What is your capacity? Identify what we need funded Are you chasing dollars vs. Are you seeking funding? How does this grant fit within your current framework? External Analysis Ask stakeholders – Staff – Board – Populations you serve Identify gaps or duplications in services – Read the local newspaper – Check with peers/professional groups

Identify Potential Funders Funding Opportunities So where do we start? Before writing a proposal, you need to know where to look for grant opportunities. Foundationcenter.org Grants.gov GrantSpace.org Grantprofessionals.org USAspending.gov ARCF.org Census.gov ARadvocates.org Zipskinny.com Halfinten.org Training Consulting Facilitation Recognition Publications Partnerships So where do we start? Focus on research. This also means getting data, statistical evidence, to support your proposal.

The Grant Process IdentificationResearch Planning & Cultivation WritingSolicitationStewardshipRenewal Click to edit Master title style Research

So where do we start? Focus on research. This also means getting data, statistical evidence, to support your proposal. Census.gov ARadvocates.org Zipskinny.com Halfinten.org Data (evidence-based need) Funding opportunities Researching foundation Reviewing grant guidelines

The Grant Process IdentificationResearch Planning & Cultivation WritingSolicitationStewardshipRenewal Click to edit Master title style Planning & Cultivation Planning & Cultivation

Planning & Cultivation Identify Grant Team Project lead Writers Editors *keep in mind board members and stakeholders Create Timeline S pecific M easurable A ttainable R elevant T ime-bound Cultivation Build relationship with funder Ask clarifying questions

The Grant Process IdentificationResearch Planning & Cultivation WritingSolicitationStewardshipRenewal Click to edit Master title style Writing

Grant Proposal Components Cover Letter Abstract/Summary Introduction to the Organization Problem Statement Goals & Objectives Evaluation Budget Future Funding/Sustainability Letters of Support/Attachments

Common Proposal Weaknesses Project isn’t “innovative” or “transformative” enough; questionable importance Project isn’t logical; planning is lacking Lack of preliminary data; need isn’t documented Staff unqualified; lacks expertise or experience Overly ambitious; project timeline unrealistic Didn’t follow guidelines

What Works Opposite of the last slide Proof before submitting Clear and easy to read

The Grant Process IdentificationResearch Planning & Cultivation WritingSolicitationStewardshipRenewal Click to edit Master title style Solicitation

Solicitation = Submitting your proposal Stewardship is what happens after their decision Solicitation

The Grant Process IdentificationResearch Planning & Cultivation WritingSolicitationStewardshipRenewal Click to edit Master title style Stewardship

What to do with a rejection Do Thank the funder anyway Ask for feedback Conduct a post-mortem with collaborators Be honest about what needs fixing Look for other sources Re-apply to same source or another Don’t Do anything desperate Blame the funder Take it personally Stop sending out proposals

What to do once you are funded Thank the funder Do what you said you would do Be flexible with budget if asked Meet all reporting requirements on time Acknowledge the funder in print (press release) Keep in touch with them Get approval for changes in program View the grant as the BEGINNING of an important working relationship

The Grant Process IdentificationResearch Planning & Cultivation WritingSolicitationStewardshipRenewal Click to edit Master title style Renewal

» Think of grants in terms of process and impact » Follow the guidelines » Proof read IMORTANT TAKEAWAYS

Michael Brouri Northwest Drew Buffington Northeast The Consulting Team Our team of consultants cover 5 Distinct Regions DeKitra Ross-Larry Central Jackie Stubblefield Southwest Carrie Ramos Southeast Michael Brouri Northwest Drew Buffington Northeast Jackie Stubblefield Southwest Carrie Ramos Southeast

DeKitra Ross-Larry| Jackie Stubblefield| Questions? CONTACT INFORMATION