Writing Winning Grant Proposals… All You Need Is a Little ESP! © Amy Duggins Pender 2010

Writing Winning Grant Proposals AGENDA Welcome/Introductions What Do We Know/Want to Know? Using ESP Compare/Contrast Sokoto Proposal Field Guide for Funders Developing & Nurturing Relationships What Did We Learn?

A Grant Proposal is... a document that requests a specific amount of money to be used for a specific purpose over a specific period of time to achieve specific objectives that meet specific needs.

Use ESP: Elements of a Successful Proposal Summary Page/Abstract Introduction Statement of Problem Objectives Methodology Evaluation Budget & Budget Narrative Appendix *Catherine Barbano Possibilities - Arts Management & Consultation

Summary/Abstract 6 Sentences Describe: credibility need objectives methods budget (including amount of request) evaluation Write this last!!!!!!

Introduction…Establish Credibility Describe your organization: How long has it been around? Where is it located? What is your community like? What is your mission? How do you currently achieve your mission? How many people do you serve?

Elements of the Introduction Name Location Legal Status Date of Beginning Mission Target Population/Community Served Programs Accomplishments Personnel

Statement of Problem… Describe your need: What is needed? Who needs it? Why is the need present? How was the need identified? Who helped to identify the need?

Elements of the Need Statement Who are the people with the need? Where are they located? When is the need evident? What is the need? Why does this need occur? What evidence do you have to support your claim that this need is real? What will happen when the need is met? How is this need linked to your organization?

Goals and Objectives… (These address the previously mentioned problem.) What are the key areas you are seeking to change? What segment of the population will be involved? What is the direction of change (increase/improve or decrease/reduce)? What is the degree or amount of change you’ll be looking for? What is the deadline to reach the degree of change?

Tips for Goals & Objectives: Goals are broader, objectives should be specific and measureable. Should match the funding organization’s goals and priorities. Should tie to the need statement. Objectives do not describe methods, they describe outcomes. If you can’t measure the change, you may need to rethink the objective.

Methodology… Describe HOW you are going to meet the previously stated need: Planning Activities Timeline Roles/Responsibilities of Players (Credibility)

Organizing Your Methodology Identify: TaskBy WhomResources NeededStart/Finish Once all tasks are identified, organize them into a timeline. Be sure the roles and responsibilities of key partners and people are clearly outlined. Be sure the credentials of key people support their roles and responsibilities.

Evaluation… What are the criteria for successful achievement of your objectives? What tools will be used to assess process and degree to which objectives are met?

Planning Your Evaluation What questions do you need to answer about your program? What kinds of data will need to be collected? At what points? Using what strategies or instruments? Using what comparison group or baseline? If you use a sample of participants, how will this sample be constructed? What strategies will you use to determine whether or not the program is being implemented as planned? How will you make mid-course corrections?

Budget & Budget Narrative… Must include specific itemization of ALL expenses and income. Narrative briefly describes budget items. Be sure you have shown how you arrived at each budgeted amount. Be sure the address future funding as well.

Steps in the Budgeting Process Establish the length of time the budget will cover. Estimate the expenses for the program (be sure to include everything you mentioned in the narrative). Estimate overhead costs (if necessary). Estimate the value of donated goods and services that will be used. If you include them as income, you must also include them as expenses! Estimate income for the program.

Appendix… Letters of support Supporting documentation: resumes proof of non-profit status proof of tax exempt status