1 Grant Process Proposal Preparation Proposal Writing Project Implementation Evaluation and Assessment Reporting

2 Grant Process Phases can overlap. Program Management must be aware of all phases. Collaboration is key: no one can do it alone.

3 A Proposal Development Model Identify Your Strengths, Weaknesses, and Identity Identify A Project That Supports Your Core Mission/ Philosophy Develop The Project Assess Need for the IdeaResearch the Idea Build Support and Involvement Identify Alternate Approaches Prepare Project Description

4 A Proposal Development Model Research Potential Sponsors Prepare Project Description Select Funding Source Identify Sponsor That Match Your Mission Plan Proposal WritingLetters of InquiryMini Proposals Write Proposal Submit Proposal

5 Proposal Preparation What to Do Before You Start Writing Plan, Plan, Plan

6 Proposal Preparation Identify Strengths, Weaknesses, & Identity Stick to your core mission, who you are, and what you do. Be honest.

7 Proposal Preparation Identify and Develop A Project That Supports Your Mission KEY: Collaborate within your organization to get ideas. Can you do the project? Reality Check

8 Proposal Preparation Identify and Develop A Project That Supports Your Mission What do you want to do, how much will it cost, and how much time will it take? What difference will the project make and for whom: your organization, your field, the community, state, nation, world, etc.?

9 Proposal Preparation Identify and Develop A Project That Supports Your Mission What has already been done in the area of your project? By whom? What were the results? Can the problems you claim to be addressing actually be solved?

10 Proposal Preparation Identify and Develop A Project That Supports Your Mission How will you accomplish your goals? What is your plan? How will the results be evaluated? How will the project be maintained once it's implemented?

11 Proposal Preparation Identify and Develop A Project That Supports Your Mission Why should you (your organization), rather than someone else, do this project? Why should this project be done now?

12 Proposal Preparation Write A Short, Detailed Project Description (or Mini-Proposal) No more than 4 pages Problem/need which project addresses Previous work done Proposed solution Resources Timeline Outcomes (for you and for people you serve)

13 Proposal Preparation Write A Short, Detailed Project Description (or Mini-Proposal) Consider the project budget and sponsor(s). Consider the sponsor(s): Write to your audience. Who are you?

14 Proposal Preparation Write A Short, Detailed Project Description (or Mini-Proposal) The Concept The Program/Project Expenses

15 Proposal Preparation Research Potential Sources of Funding Your goal: Identify a sponsor that matches your mission. Sponsor: Government, Corporate, Foundations

16 Proposal Preparation Research Potential Sources of Funding Sources: Notices, Directories, Colleagues The best source of information? Be honest.

17 Proposal Preparation Obtain Sponsor Guidelines and Information Some prefer phone contact, others have detailed guidelines. Some want an letter of inquiry, others want a full proposal. Some have specific dates for submittals, others are open. CONTACT PROGRAM OFFICER. READ GUIDELINES.

18 Proposal Preparation Obtain Sponsor Guidelines and Information CONTACT PROGRAM OFFICER. READ THE GUIDELINES. Obtain copies of previously funded grants. Collaborate with other programs.

19 Proposal Preparation Obtain Sponsor Guidelines and Information CONTACT THE PROGRAM OFFICER! READ THE GUIDELINES!

20 Proposal Preparation Clarify Any Questions Before You Start Writing Understand exactly what the sponsor wants. READ THE GUIDELINES! Develop a question list for the sponsor and any collaborators.

21 Proposal Preparation Plan the Labor Before You Start Writing Use your resources effectively. Collaborate within your organization. Tools: storyboarding, writing/editing teams, timelines, management buy-in.

22 Writing the Proposal General: Follow the Guidelines! Use the project description/mini-proposal to keep on track. Write to your audience. Put yourself in the reader’s position.

23 Writing the Proposal Basic Components of Proposals Summary (Executive Summary) Problem Statement (Statement of Need) Project Description Project Budget

24 Writing the Proposal Executive Summary General Statement and Summary of the Entire Proposal Problem Solution Funding Required Organization and Expertise

25 Writing the Proposal Executive Summary First Impression of the Proposal The Most Important Section of the Document (arguably) Keep The Reader Interested-Keep On Reading! Limit to One Page (usually)

26 Writing the Proposal Problem Statement/Statement of Need Why Your Project Is Necessary Describe the problem, present the facts, and be concise. Your Opportunity To Make The Argument

27 Writing the Proposal Problem Statement/Statement of Need Describe who will benefit and how. Is the problem worse than others? Does your project address the need differently or better than other projects?

28 Writing the Proposal Problem Statement/Statement of Need Try to avoid circular reasoning. Example: “We don’t have an antimatter modulator. An antimatter modulator will solve the problem.”

29 Writing the Proposal Project Description Objectives Methods Staffing/Administration/Management Evaluation Sustainability

30 Writing the Proposal Project Description Objectives (what) Methods (how) Staffing/Admin/Management (who) Evaluation (do what agreed upon) Sustainability (can/should it continue and get more support)

31 Writing the Proposal Project Description: Objectives Measurable Outcomes of Your Project Objectives define the methods. Well-articulated objectives are critical to success. Objectives are more specific than goals.

32 Writing the Proposal Project Description: Objectives Goal vs. Objective Example: Goal: Our new warp drive will work better than current engines. Objective: Our warp drive will propel light-to-medium weight vehicles to sustained speeds of over 186,282 miles per second with a fuel economy equivalent to 12 million miles per ton.

33 Writing the Proposal Project Description: Methods Specific Activities To Achieve Objectives Should Match Objectives Description of Project Start to Finish Explain Why Your Methods Will Work Help the reader understand how the project will be implemented. Establish your credibility.

34 Writing the Proposal Project Description: Staffing Discussion of Who Will Do the Work Numbers, Brief Qualifications, Specific Roles on Project Plans for Administering the Project Special Resources Available Organizational Roles (if Partnering)

35 Writing the Proposal Project Description: Evaluation Measurement of Project (results) and/or Analysis of the Process (how conducted) Usually Presented in a Formal Plan Can Be Used Internally or Shared Great Management and Learning Tool Should Be Built into the Project

36 Writing the Proposal Project Budget Must accurately reflect project expenses. Must be consistent with project description. Can be general or detailed. Usually accompanied by budget narrative for detail or unusual line items.

37 Writing the Proposal Project Budget Can include other revenue sources. Can include in-kind contribution. Can include overhead expenses. CHECK THE GUIDELINES!

38 Writing the Proposal Basic Components of Proposals Summary (Executive Summary) Problem Statement (Statement of Need) Project Description Project Budget

39 Basic Grant Tips and Help Frequently Asked Questions: Letter of inquiry vs. full proposal? Level of detail in the budget? How do sponsors process and evaluate proposals? How do I organize a complex proposal?

40 Basic Grant Tips and Help Frequently Asked Questions: What do I do after the proposal is submitted? What if the proposal is turned down and denied funding?

41 Basic Grant Tips and Help Some Additional Tips: Find a mentor. Make a commitment to learning. 80% of grant winning is planning. You won’t win if you don’t ask or apply. Find out what sponsors want, and give it.