Strategies for a well thought out and researched proposal GRANT-WRITING 101

 What is the NEED?  What are the expected OUTCOMES?  What is the METHOD OF DELIVERY?  Who is the POPULATION being served?  Who are the COLLABORATORS?  What are the expectations of the P.I.?  Who will be the FISCAL AGENT?  What is the MEASURE of success? THE QUESTIONS

The NEED The purpose of the project; the problem to be solved. The OUTCOMES The objectives of the project; the expected end result. The METHOD OF DELIVERY The solution to the problem; the plan of action. Includes the people involved and a timeline of events. THE PROJECT

The POPULATION The people who benefit from the project; to whom it serves. The PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (P.I.) The person writing the grant. Further level of involvement with project can vary. The COLLABORATORS The outside groups and organizations involved with the project. THE PROJECT

The FISCAL AGENT The organization receiving and disbursing the grant money. Who has the 501 (c) (3) status? The MEASURE The plan for assessing and evaluating the degree to which objectives were met and methods followed. THE PROJECT

Tax ID information Required for all federal and foundation grants. DUNS Number Required for all federal grants. The participating people The Project Director and any other personnel attached to this project and written into the grant. THE INSTITUTION

The organization’s grant policy  Does the project align with the mission and values of the organization?  Who can be a P.I. for the organization?  What time & effort is allowable? Supporting Documents  Letters of Support  Resumes  List of Board/Committee Members  Previously awarded grants THE INSTITUTION

Their program areas May be limited to specific areas such as environmental issues, K-12 education, certain populations, etc. Their service area May be limited to specific geographical locations, areas of operations, etc. Their role & mission May not align with the role & mission of your organization. Their funding history Sheds light on what they prefer to fund. THE FUNDING AGENCY

Eligibility May be limited to specific geographical areas, or certain demographics (e.g. women, tribal governments, K – 12, etc.) Funding Parameters May have restrictions on what they fund (e.g. operating support, equipment purchases, stipends, training, etc.) Technical Aspects REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS

Requirements and Expectations  May require the project to continue beyond the grant period.  May require mention in all advertising. Reporting Requirements Final reports are required for all federal and most foundation grants. Deadlines  Application deadline  Progress report deadline  Final report deadline REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS

Clearly details how project funds will be spent. A line-item budget shows where each dollar is allocated. A budget narrative gives ample justification for each allotment. THE BUDGET

Problem/Needs Statement Lists needs and problems to be resolved with data to support claims. Project Goals/Objectives Goals are dreams; objectives are precise, measurable outcomes with specific dates. Methods Describes the activities employed to achieve results, including persons responsible and dates when methods will be completed. GRANT PROPOSAL OUTLINE

Evaluation Presents a plan for assessing the degree to which objectives were met and methods followed. Sustainability Describes how the organization will sustain the project after the grant period ends. Budget Gives a detailed, line-item, expense and income summary of the project. GRANT PROPOSAL OUTLINE