Iron County Grant Writing Workshop August 20, 2003 By: Will Andresen Iron County UW-Extension

Grants and Community Development Grant Writing is a Small Part of the Community Development Process Grants Must Support Community Goals Grants Are Not The End Result; They Are A Means to an End Communities Must Build Capacity to Maintain Projects Over Time

Building Community Capacity Capacity Building Is an Art, Not a Science Develop a Planning Process Involve the Public and Your Stakeholders Develop Leaders for the Future Involve Youth, When Appropriate Think Long Term

Capacity Building Tips Build Relationships with People Stay Positive Plan, and then Quickly Do Start with Small, Successful, Visible Projects with Lots of Community Ownership Celebrate Key Steps and Final Successes

Are You Ready? “ Red Flags” to Look Out For: Project is Not Based on a Plan Plan Had Little or No Public Involvement Little Community Leadership/Public Support Lack Basic Understanding of Grant Application and Administration Process No Discussion of Long-term Funding or Maintenance

Basic Grant Writing Process Step 1: Research Grant Opportunities –Be Aware of Local Cash Match –Start Building Support for Local Requirements Step 2: Write and Package the Grant Step 3: Administer the Grant

Step 1: Grant Research Focus Your Project Look for a Grant that Meets Your Needs as Well as Theirs Use a Variety of Search Resources Contact the Granting Agency and Ask for Program Guidelines Review Program Guidelines to Ensure that they are Appropriate to Your Project

Funding Sources State and Local Grants and Loans Local and Regional Loan Programs Private and Community Foundations Corporate Giving Local Fund Raising Local Cash Match Local In-Kind Services

Grant Research Tips Look Under Every Rock Be Creative Develop a Relationship With Grant Agencies Ask for Referrals from Grant Agencies Look for Grants/Loans that will Assist You with Local Match Requirements

Case Study: Using Grants for Your Local Match Street Construction Project - $719,200 DOT Grant 450,000 CDBG Grant 243,000 HUD Grant 20,000 In-Kind Engineering 5,000 Local Cash Match 1,200

Grant Research Tips “Look Under Every Rock” Be Creative Develop a Relationship With Grant Agencies Ask for Referrals Look for Assistance with Local Match Requirements Use the Internet

Two New Web-Sites Comprehensive, One-Stop Resource for Grant Writing State and Federal Grants and Loans –23 Agencies – 183 Grant Programs Non-Profit Fund Raising Resources –37 Non-Profit Agencies “How to” Grant Writing Guides

Web Site Addresses Public Grant and Loan Programs: – –Private Funding Sources and “How to” Guides: –

Step 2: Writing and Packaging the Grant Acquire Current Grant Application Form and Instructions Carefully Read and Follow All Instructions Be Aware of Deadlines – Develop a Timetable for Completion, Including Key Dates Follow Packaging Specifications Make it Attractive, Well-Organized and Easy to Read and Follow

Basic Grant Elements Summary of Proposal Introduction of Applicant Problem Statement Project Goals and Anticipated Outcomes Proposed Methods/Plan of Action Project Evaluation Community/Organizational Capacity Budget and Source of Local Match

Writing the Narrative Relate Project to Community Problems/Goals Relate Project to Grant Program Priorities Be Clear and Concise Use Persuasive, Positive, Action-Oriented Language Hammer Home Your Key Message(s)

Writing the Narrative (Continued) Don’t Be Afraid to Strongly State Your Case – Refer to Supporting Statistics Use Basic Report Structure Write Several Drafts – Be Critical Ask for Feedback Compare Narrative to Program Description

Enhancing Your Odds of Success Review Grant Award History Focus on Their Needs, Not Just Yours Sell Your Story – Don’t Just Fill in the Blanks “That’s Good Enough” Usually Isn’t Be Competitive, Creative, Competent Don’t Give Up

Grant Preparation Tips Put Yourself in Their Shoes – Make It Easy for them to Justify Giving You the Grant “Borrow” Key Terms from Program Description Make it Professional Looking Include a Cover Letter to the Appropriate Person

Don’t Forget to Follow-Up: Contact Grant Agency to Ensure that they Received the Grant Application (when appropriate) Ask if they have any Questions Offer to Send Additional Information Attempt to Establish Relationship without “Smothering” the Agency Contact

What to Expect After the Grant

Step 3: Grant Administration Review/Sign/Share/Follow Grant Agreement Follow All Directions Meet All Deadlines Ensure Program Requirements Are Met Ensure Fiscal Responsibility

Grant Administration (Continued) Monitor Project Budgets Retain All Financial Records Until Project Audit is Completed –Invoices, Receipts, Payment Requests, Grant Reimbursements Document Your Project Completion and Success

Designate a Single Grants Manager Make a Checklist of Grant Requirements Create a File Management System Regularly Communicate with Granting Agency Invite Grant Agencies to Project Events Take Pictures Make their Jobs Easy! Grant Administration Tips

Grant Writer’s Survival Strategies Be Patient Be Realistic Expect Setbacks Keep the Big Picture In Mind Take Your Job, Not Yourself, Seriously Enjoy the Results!