Grants 101 Before and After the Grant

Learning Objectives:  Key basics of writing a simple grant, including what helps a grant stand out.  How the grant process works at RCC, the key players and their roles.  Information about funding opportunities at the RCC Foundation, and local foundations.

What’s a Grant, Anyway? Written request for funds to support a project you care about to a funder who might care, too. Grants can pay for:  Equipment  New Curriculum  New or Renovated Building  Conference  New Program  What Does Your Department Need?

Writing Tips: What Makes a Grant Stand Out:  PREPARATION– Do your homework. Follow the guidelines, priorities, geographical limitations, funding range, and deadlines.  TARGET YOUR APPLICATION. No such thing as a generic proposal. Adapt to each funder.  FOLLOW DIRECTIONS. Follow the guidelines, restrictions and requirements, or risk automatic elimination.

Have a Plan: 5 W’s + How + Evaluate + Sustain.  CONVEY PROJECT’S IMPORTANCE. Importance and purpose are not synonymous. Why is your project compelling? What needs does it meet? How are students &/or the community benefited?  GET A SECOND OR THIRD OPINION. An outside reader can tell you if your proposal is clear and convincing.

 SELL YOUR PROJECT. Do not exaggerate, but do highlight the benefits of your project. Support letters can help, if allowed. Tip: Provide supporters a draft letter.  BE CONCISE. Be thorough but succinct. Answer ALL questions. For online applications prepare your application off-line. EDIT, EDIT, EDIT.  ONE VOICE. With multiple contributors, have one person (Mary) do the final edit.

 WHAT IS SUCCESS? Evaluate using qualitative and quantitative measures. Granting organizations require accountability.  MULTIPLE FUNDING SOURCES. Show various sources of support.  PROJECT BUDGET. Provide projected income and expenses. Don’t pad expenses—ask for what you need and show how it will be used.

Pre-Award Services – Grants Office  Stipend  Research for Funders  Help Develop & Edit Proposals  Package & Submit Grants  Coordinate Site Visits Post-Award Services – Grants Office  Funder Negotiations & Troubleshooting  Submit Signed Contracts  Assist With Reporting

Pre- & Post-Award Services – Grants Accounting, Procurement & Contracting  Pre- & Post-Award Services – Grants Accounting, Procurement & Contracting  Budget planning  Contracting & procurement implications  Post-Award – Helps you navigate RCC processes  Set up budgets in RAPS  RCC & funder compliance  Reporting

RCC Foundation Project Grant Program – Jodi Simon, Assistant Director  Highlights of the Project Grant Program.  Key Things to Remember.

TIPS FROM RCC GRANT CHAMPIONS  Colletta Young, Federal TRIO SSS grant  Genna Southworth, State CCWD grant  Jodie Fulton, Foundation grant

LOCAL & REGIONAL FOUNDATIONS West Family Foundation * Carpenter Foundation * Robt & Frances Chaney Family Foundation * Anna May Family Foundation * Four Way Community Foundation * Gordon Elwood Foundation * Ford Family Foundation * Cow Creek Foundation * Leightman Maxey Foundation * RCC Foundation CONTACT PERSON: Mary O’Kief, RCC Grants Coord.