The ARC Electronic Toolkit An Introduction to the Content and Effective Use

Why was the Toolkit created? To reinforce learning received while at the ARC Training Institutes To supplement information received during the ARC Training Institutes

Whom is it for? Community-based, faith-based, and nonprofit organizations participating in the ARC Training Institutes

What does it contain? A comprehensive set of tools for enhancing your journey through the Federal grants process Web-based resources, PDF files, recommended print resources, and more Eight resource domains arranged by topic area Links to glossaries

Eight Resource Domains Building and Maintaining Partnerships Establishing a 501(c)(3) Organization Evaluating Current Capacity to Secure Federal Funds Finding Training and Technical Assistance Identifying Funds Identifying and Securing Grant Writers and Other Consultants Learning from Promising Programs and Practices Writing Winning Grants

How do I use it? Each resource domain includes an introductory statement designed to preview the content and stimulate interest. Sample Introductory Statement Building and Maintaining Partnerships Because no single organization can house all the knowledge, services, and resources that might be necessary to effectively impact a community, funding agencies often look for evidence of collaborative partnerships that help maximize often limited fiscal and nonfiscal resources. Thus, partnerships and networks are crucial elements in building capacity and leveraging resources in community- and faith-based initiatives. Partnerships can enhance existing strengths and fill in gaps that limit an initiative’s potential and impact. Through networks and partnerships, organizations can share information, equipment, resources, and people. These alliances can forge critical “friendships” that propel the goals of the partnering organizations.

How do I use it? A detailed description is provided to help users determine whether the resource will meet their needs. Sample Detailed Description How-To ’ s in Partnership The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) – OJJDP has made available an extensive toolkit on the issue of establishing community partnerships and collaborations. It includes discussions and illustrations related to defining and establishing partnerships and collaborations. In addition, it provides discussions on numerous other topics, including selection of potential partners or collaborators, preparations for meetings, monitoring progress, and anticipating potential problems. Click on the link below to download this resource.

How do I use it? Many of the resources are Web-based. Why? Extends the “shelf life” of the electronic toolkit since Web sites continually expand and update information. The Web is increasingly becoming the “tool of choice” in information dissemination, particularly when we attempt to share information with a wide range of audiences. In the event of Web address changes/expiration, we provide at least one or two resources as a PDF or other static-type of file for each domain topic area.

How do I use it? Tips and helpful hints for using and organizing the resources Print out files and resources “Bookmark” (or add to “Favorites”) Web sites that are particularly useful and relevant Visit Web sites regularly Use your calendar to schedule follow-up visits to Web sites that note announcements of grant competitions, conferences, trainings, etc. Explore other areas of a recommended Web resource not emphasized Explore links to other sites hyperlinked at a toolkit Web site

The ARC Electronic Toolkit Sneak Peek - Selected Resource Domains

Resource Domain: Identifying Funds

Resource Domain: Learning from Promising Programs and Practices

Resource Domain: Writing Winning Grants

Web-based Glossary Get Web-based help for understanding field- related terms

Toolkit Access and Maintenance The toolkit is available on the ARC Web site — The toolkit is updated periodically. Subscribe to the ARC mailing list by visiting the our Web site The toolkit is available on the ARC Web site — The toolkit is updated periodically. Subscribe to the ARC mailing list by visiting the our Web site