1 Grant Writing Basics Peer-to-Peer Workshop For Friends in Region 2 Bosque del Apache NWR September 5-7, 2014 Marty Cornell, Grant Administrator, Friends of Brazoria National Wildlife Refuges

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell 2 Disclaimer I am a practitioner of grant writing, not an expert. This is a reflection of our experience over 18 years. Content reflects input from lenders and web sources on grant writing. Your constructive criticism will be appreciated. Apologies for acronyms; please ask.

Our Learning Curve Accumulative Value of Grants to FOBWR Completed: $1,309,361 Year of Completion Active: $456,450

Use of FOBWR Funds, Capital Facilities$ 670,000 (Trails, Boardwalks, Pavilions) Pre-Land Acquisition$ 610,000 Environmental Education$ 201,901 Science & Surveys$ 91,864 Land Restoration$ 87,936 Total$1,661, % 36.7% 12.2% 5.5% 5.3% (In-kind value not included) Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell

5 FOBWR Funds by % Total Spent, 1996 – 2014 (53 Grants) <$5,001, 21 grants (8 NFWF) $5,001 to $10,000, 12 grants (1 NFWF) $10,001 to $50,000, 15 grants (1 NFWF) $50,001 to $100,000, 2 grants >$100,000, 3 grants Matching cash In-kind value 45.5% 5.4% 4.3% 23.5% 7.9% 4.3% 9.1%

6 Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell 6 FOBWR Funds by $ Spent, 1996 – 2014 (53 Grants) <$5,001, 21 grants (8 NFWF) $5,001 to $10,000, 12 grants (1 NFWF) $10,001 to $50,000, 15 grants (1 NFWF) $50,001 to $100,000, 2 grants >$100,000, 3 grants Matching cash In-kind value $800,000 $94,575 $75,604 $412,777 $139,525 $76,276 $160,838

7 Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell Grant Sources Abound Small to Large NAWCA, CCS Recreational Trail Grants >$200,000 <$1,000 Coastal Mgt.

8 Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell 8 Types of Grants Funded upfront  Sometimes partial upfront

9 Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell 9 Types of Grants Funded upfront  Sometimes partial upfront Reimbursement  often requires match

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell 10 Types of Grants Funded upfront  Sometimes partial upfront Reimbursement  often requires match Challenge Cost Share  requires 50% match

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell 11 Challenge Cost Share Recruit partners in the preservation and improvement of natural, cultural, and recreational resources. Requires a minimum of 50% contribution of cash, goods, or services from non-Federal sources. For USFWS currently on hold pending funding.

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell 12

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell 13

 Acres for America $3 million, 3 to 6 grants  Attwatter’s Prairie Chicken  ConocoPhillips Spirit of Conservation Program $1million, size $50K to $500k mottled duck, 1:1 match cash or in-kind; 50% match non-federal  Developing the Next Generation of Conservationists $100K for FWS, $20k per grant, more with match. 50% match National wildlife friends conservation program  National Wildlife Refuge Friends; matching not required. $1.5k to $5K  Sea Turtles Typically $50k to $300K, 50% match (?Kemp Ridley in Gulf of Mexico?) For further information on the program or completing the application, please contact Michelle Pico (at or  Shell Marine Habitat Program; $50k to $200k; 50% match. Please direct any questions to Suzanne Sessine, Assistant Director, Eastern Partnership Office, or or Lindsay Vacek, Program Coordinator, Eastern Partnership Office,  Short Grass Prairie 14 Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell 14 Conservation Programs That Are or May Be Applicable to Region 2 ”…minimum 1:1 match of cash or contributed goods and services.” “…projects that meet or exceed a 1:1 match ratio tend to be more competitive.”

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell 15  Acres for America $3 million, 3 to 6 grants  Attwatter’s Prairie Chicken  ConocoPhillips Spirit of Conservation Program $1million, size $50K to $500k mottled duck, 1:1 match cash or in-kind; 50% match non-federal  Developing the Next Generation of Conservationists $100K for FWS, $20k per grant, more with match. 50% match National wildlife friends conservation program  National Wildlife Refuge Friends; matching not required. $1.5k to $5K  Sea Turtles Typically $50k to $300K, 50% match (?Kemp Ridley in Gulf of Mexico?) For further information on the program or completing the application, please contact Michelle Pico (at or  Shell Marine Habitat Program; $50k to $200k; 50% match. Please direct any questions to Suzanne Sessine, Assistant Director, Eastern Partnership Office, or or Lindsay Vacek, Program Coordinator, Eastern Partnership Office,  Short Grass Prairie Conservation Programs That Are or May Be Applicable to Region 2 ”…minimum 1:1 match of cash or contributed goods and services.” “…projects that meet or exceed a 1:1 match ratio tend to be more competitive.”

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell16

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell17 Web Search  Funding Environmental Education $750,000 in 2013 $2 million to $3 million per year

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell 18 Web Search  Funding Trails AHS National Trails Fund Offers Trail Grants to Hiking Organizations Advocacy Advance Grants for organizations and innovative campaigns to increase biking and walking Greater Outdoors Project provides grants for environmental projects American Canoe Association and L.L. Bean offer water trail Stewardship Grants Funding Trails Training with State Resources 25 community projects given grants to promote Active Living Tread Lightly! Stewardship Grant Program Kodak American Greenways Awards PowerBar's D.I.R.T. grants program funds outdoor recreation projects nationwide Conservation Alliance Grants Recreational Trails Program

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell 19 Grant Process 501(c)(3) Status The ticket to play!

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell20 Grant Process 501(c)(3) Status Refuge Concept Approval Proposal must mesh with refuge goals, e.g. their Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell21 Grant Process 501(c)(3) Status Refuge Concept Approval Assign Accountable Administrator This is a key to success. Avoids ambiguous responsibility. Usually a Friends board member. Use best Friend for each project.

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell22 Grant Process 501(c)(3) Status Refuge Concept Approval Assign Accountable Administrator Refuge Assigns Staff Partner Refuge ownership and accountability is essential.

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell (c)(3) Status Refuge Concept Approval Objective Clearly Defined Assign Accountable Administrator Refuge Assigns Staff Partner Grant Process Quantify elements of the project: What? Where? Why? Impact? How? When? Detail is important.

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell 24 Grant Process 501(c)(3) Status Refuge Concept Approval Objective Clearly Defined Assign Accountable Administrator Refuge Assigns Staff Partner Define Resources Needed Funds? Volunteers? Refuge Staff? Equipment? Permits?

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell 25 Grant Process 501(c)(3) Status Refuge Concept Approval Objective Clearly Defined Assign Accountable Administrator Refuge Assigns Staff Partner Develop Project Timeline Define Resources Needed Consider need for competitive bids, permits, environmental impact statements, USFWS approvals, etc. Weather

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell 26 Grant Process 501(c)(3) Status Refuge Concept Approval Objective Clearly Defined Assign Accountable Administrator Refuge Assigns Staff Partner Develop Project Timeline Define Resources Needed Develop Funding Plan Grant $, matching $ requirements, in- kind contributions.

27 Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell Grant Process 501(c)(3) Status Refuge Concept Approval Objective Clearly Defined Assign Accountable Administrator Refuge Assigns Staff Partner Develop Project Timeline Define Resources Needed Develop Funding Plan Research Potential Funders Funder philosophy? Funding level? Past engagement?

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell 28 Research Potential Funders Do your homework: research the granting organization on line, understand their philosophy (local is often better), perhaps speak to their grant administrator. Identify a project officer who will address your questions. Inquire about how proposals are reviewed and how decisions are made. Confirm your need matches granter’s requirements. Actual NFWF grant application: “CONSERVE AND RESTORING THE ENDANGERED MUSKDEER IN VIETNAM”

29 Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell Grant Process 501(c)(3) Status Refuge Concept Approval Objective Clearly Defined Assign Accountable Administrator Refuge Assigns Staff Partner Develop Project Timeline Define Resources Needed Develop Funding Plan Research Potential Funders Target Grant Source & Submit Application Suggestion: Don’t go back to the same well every year.

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell30 File Early Early filing  forethought, organized, serious, commitment, disciplined. Last minute filing  superficial, unorganized, etc.

31 Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell Grant Process 501(c)(3) Status Refuge Concept Approval Objective Clearly Defined Assign Accountable Administrator Refuge Assigns Staff Partner Develop Project Timeline Define Resources Needed Develop Funding Plan Research Potential Funders Target Grant Source & Submit Application Celebrate Grant Award!

32 Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell Grant Process 501(c)(3) Status Refuge Concept Approval Objective Clearly Defined Assign Accountable Administrator Refuge Assigns Staff Partner Develop Project Timeline Define Resources Needed Develop Funding Plan Research Potential Funders Target Grant Source & Submit Application Celebrate Grant Award! Report on Time (Interim & Final) Building Reputation

33 Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell Grant Process 501(c)(3) Status Refuge Concept Approval Objective Clearly Defined Assign Accountable Administrator Refuge Assigns Staff Partner Develop Project Timeline Define Resources Needed Develop Funding Plan Research Potential Funders Target Grant Source & Submit Application Celebrate Grant Award! Report on Time (Interim & Final) Follow up Report Results vs. Plan Cementing Reputation

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell 34 Grant Process 501(c)(3) Status Refuge Concept Approval Objective Clearly Defined Assign Accountable Administrator Refuge Assigns Staff Partner Develop Project Timeline Define Resources Needed Develop Funding Plan Research Potential Funders Celebrate Grant Award! Report on Time (Interim & Final) Follow up Report Results vs. Plan Target Grant Source & Submit Application

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell 35

36 Recreational Trails Program $$$ to States in 2013 AZ $1.9 million, NM $1.4 million, OK $1.76 Million, TX $3.9 Million 30% motorized30% non-motorized 40% discretionary Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell

37 Portion of the motor fuel excise tax from non- highway recreational fuel use: State Recreational Trails Programs

Maintenance and restoration of existing trails. Development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and trail linkages. Purchase and lease of trail construction and maintenance equipment. Construction of new trails (with restrictions for new trails on Federal lands). Acquisition of easements or property for trails. Assessment of trail conditions for accessibility and maintenance. Development and dissemination of publications and operation of educational programs to promote safety and environmental protection related to trails (including supporting non-law enforcement trail safety and trail use monitoring patrol programs, and providing trail-related training) (limited to 5 percent of a State's funds). State administrative costs related to this program (limited to 7 percent of a State's funds). Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell38 Eligible Projects in Recreational Trails Program

Trail improvements on the Go John Canyon Trail Photo credit, Kathleen Fitzpatrick, CVL Hike Club Arizona State Parks Arizona (Managing Agency: Arizona State Parks)Arizona State Parks ARIZONA ARIZONA Robert Baldwin, State Trails Coordinator Arizona State Parks Resources Management Section 1300 W Washington St Phoenix AZ ; Fax Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell39

Arizona (Managing Agency: Arizona State Parks)Arizona State Parks Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell 40

New Mexico (Managing Agency: NMDOT- Statewide Planning BureauNMDOT- Statewide Planning Bureau Rocky Mountain Youth Corps working on Salmon Run Trail, Heron Lake State Park Photo credit: New Mexico State Parks Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell 41 NEW MEXICO NEW MEXICO Aaron J. Detter, Recreational Trails Program Coordinator New Mexico Department of Transportation Statewide Planning Bureau

Oklahoma (Managing Agency: ) Bois D’arc Trail in Hugo Lake State Park Photo credit: Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell 42 OKLAHOMA OKLAHOMA Susan Henry, Grants Coordinator Conservation and Planning Division Tourism & Recreation Department 120 North Robinson Suite 600 Oklahoma City OK ; Fax

Texas (Managing Agency: ) Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell 43 TEXAS TEXAS Trey Cooksey, State Parks Trails Coordinator Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept 4200 Smith School Road Austin TX ; Fax Dow Woods Unit, San Bernard NWR Photo credit: Marty Cornell

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell44 Recreational Trail Advisory Committee Volunteer Advisory Committee awards grants. State employees insure compliance with Federal Recreational Trail requirements and manage their state program.

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell 45 Represents both motorized and non-motorized recreational trail use. Shall meet not less often than once per fiscal year. 9 volunteer members (Texas & Oklahoma), serve 4-year terms. Recreational Trail Advisory Committee

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell46 BicycleCharles Duke Disabled AccessVacant EquestrianKeith Coleman Environmental/ConservationMarion Hutchinson II Four-wheel DriveCharles “Chuck” Battles HikingDavid Franklin MotorcyclesChuck Howard At LargeJerel Cowen At LargeScott Jordan Oklahoma Trails Advisory Board

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell 47

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell 48 Up to $200,000 for non-motorized trails ($250,000 total grant). Smaller, ~$25,000 grants are often awarded.

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell 49 DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT Please provide a clear and concise description of the proposed project in the space below. Include a description of the trail length, width, surfacing, and configuration (loop, linear, network); trailhead and trailside amenities. Detail all work to be performed; any right-of-way or easements to be acquired; the relationship between project and any other work planned or existing; partnerships and/or community involvement; and educational/interpretive aspects of the project. (Limit to 1 page). Write this last!

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell50 Project Description. This will form the first impression of the relative merits of your application vs. all other submissions. For the last three years, Texas RTP received 80 to 83 Applications. ~1/3 get funded.

51 Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell 51 Project Description. Verbosity is not appreciated. Grant panels are people who must wade through piles of applications. Succinctly answer the questions. Don’t ramble. Avoid jargon. Write at a 10 th -grade level.

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell52 Project Description. The hook tailors the description of the idea to the interest of the funder. It aligns the project with the purpose and goals of the funder. This determines how compelling the reviewers will perceive your proposal. Use the Hook!

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell53 The budget should be in sufficient detail to reflect a well thought out proposal. Avoid prohibited items, e.g. salaries.

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell54 “It is surprising how many applications fail to get this math right.” Trey Cooksey, TPWD

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell 55 Commitment letters from large donors have very positive impact!

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell56 10.MAINTENANCE In the space below, briefly describe the identified commitment to continued operation and maintenance of the project. Please indicate who will be responsible for which tasks and who will finance them. Trail maintenance is a refuge responsibility, but volunteers are often recruited. Commitment letter from the NWR/Complex must be included with your application package. It should confirm consistency with the refuge land management plan.

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell57 11.PROJECT USE AND BENEFITS Provide in the space below a brief description of the benefits of the proposed project in terms of the project's quality, geographic scope, recreational needs that are to be met and expected amount of trail use or population to be served. This is your impact statement. It must contain measurable items. How will success be quantatively measured? Use and Benefits should be in sufficient detail to reflect a well thought out proposal.

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell TRAIL CORRIDOR INFORMATION Describe below the ownership of the trail corridor. If the land is currently in public hands, identify the name of the public land. If the land is not in the sponsor's ownership, include a statement of permission to construct trail project from the landowner. If land, easement, or other property interest will be acquired, describe how this will be accomplished. If acquisition in fee, include a statement of why easement was not possible. Commitment letters from the NWR satisfies this requirement.

59Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell59

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell 60 Applications should include: Site map locating the trail A U.S.G.S. topographic map (7.5 minute series) with the trail location drawn on map. Photographs of the site. Legislative district printout

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell 61 Common Defects in RTP Applications Description not clear (should pattern like a job application). Budget doesn’t match Project Description. Often lacking location maps. State biologists, historical commission, etc. need to know exact location.

62 Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell 62 Common Issues with RT Project Execution Scope changes made without consent of state administrators. This jeopardizes reimbursement. Invoiced materials not used for project. This will jeopardize reimbursement.

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell Tips in Executing Grant Projects Build a Cash Flow Reserve to handle period between invoice payment and reimbursement. Competitive bids for large items make a big difference. e.g. 0.9-mile concrete trail: $69k to $492k Develop detailed descriptive specification. Keep funder informed of progress, delays.

Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell64 References Grant Proposal Writing Tips, Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Grant Writing 101, How to Write a Grant Proposal; Grant Writing Toolkit: The Needs Statement.; content/uploads/2013/08/Needs_Statement_Toolkit.pdf

65 Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, Marty Cornell Here’s to your success in getting grants!