Grantwriting 101 Los Angeles Regional Foodbank

Welcome and Introduction Melisa Quinn G r a n t W r i t e r  15 years experience in nonprofit development  Government, foundation and corporate grants  Pre and post-award administration  Grant Reviewer for Federal and State government  Facilitator for grant training workshops

What is a Grant Proposal?

A grant proposal is a coherent plan.

The Grant Proposal A proposal presents the organization’s credibility as a service provider, financial manager, producer of results for clients— essentially that your organization is efficient and effective in the use of their funds to achieving their priorities

The Grant Proposal A proposal should reflect the thoughtful planning of an applicant seeking funds from a grantmaking agency— so that your organization can increase or improve your services.

Grantwriting is a technical form of persuasive writing  convey passion for a cause  with clearly articulated goals, objectives, methods, outcomes  make an argument in writing – backed by statistics and other data

The Proposal Writing Process Reading grant guidelines and instructions Researching demographic and other data Developing your programs and services Planning your writing schedule Writing and editing Getting feedback

The Proposal Writing Process Time consuming Requires great attention to detail A complete adherence to deadlines Requires great organization and planning Takes more people than you might think Is a very rewarding endeavor

Grant Types Government, Foundation & Corporate Grants

Types of Grant Support Operating grants Project/program support Capital Equipment Endowment Seed

Standard Proposal Sections Executive Summary Organizational History Statement of Need Program Description  Goals  Measurable Objectives  Inputs and Outputs  Activities  Performance-Based Outcomes Staff Roles, Responsibilities and Experience Evaluation Plan Attachments *Tax Determination Letter (501c3)*990 Form *Board of Directors List*Annual Operating Budget *Audited Financial Statement*Program Budget *Annual Report

Distinguishing between… Goals Objectives Activities Outcomes

Program Goals A goal refers to some big end point you want to reach. Goals are: Broad, general statements of results Are “global” “pie-in-the-sky” approaches to the problem Although are broad, must be stated realistically

Measurable Objectives Objectives relate to the goal(s) Generally use terms like “increase” “decrease” “reduce” to show a change Include measurable or quantified statements in numbers or percentages Include realistic timeframes for completion

Activities Activities relate to how the program will operate, i.e. the activities of the program; the methods and/or procedures of operation.

Outcomes the ultimate impact you hope to achieve A n outcome refers to changes in behavior, knowledge, skills and attitudes of people, or conditions in the environment.

Tips… Make sure your project is a solid fit with the funding agency’s giving priorities Plan your time well--expect the unexpected! Make sure you fully understand the distinctions between goals, objectives, outcomes Avoid unsupported assumptions Get feedback Learn more about grantwriting…

The Proposal Writing Process An Organizational Planning Instrument Improved record-keeping systems Enhanced credibility for your organization Clarity of goals, objectives and activities Increased knowledge in your program area Better program evaluations Better financial management

Questions & Answers