Community Abundance Resource Training How to Get the Things You Need Obtaining Funding Through Grants Deb Olive 27 th April 2007

The Grants Nightmare! We generally hear about a grant two days before the application is due - then it’s a mad rush to think of something to apply for and to get all the forms filled in!

A Strategic Approach PLAN Identify priorities and needs Determine objectives and resources required to get there Identify existing skills and resources

Sources of Support Government grants Philanthropic grants Corporate sponsorship Community donations Community partnerships /resource sharing Social enterprise Fundraising

Keeping Up With What’s Out There Networks Subscriptions Websites

Useful Contacts / Links Grantslink Philanthropy Australia Queensland Government Funding website Community Groups - Advice, resources and funding for community groups) Easy Grants Information Service

What about employing a grant writer? Pros and Cons

Talent Within Your Group Identify – skills audit of the group - what skills are members willing to contribute? Recruit specific - seek volunteers with required skills

Talent Within Your Group Develop Succession planning – pass on expertise within the group Training / workshops – council, government, community sector, private sector Websites/resources Share with other groups

Talent Within Your Group Exploit! Build capacity across the group Share the workload Group owns projects – not the submission writer!

Tips for Writing Grant Applications Know your audience Write for that audience Don’t assume - reader may not know your group at all! Make your message clear Help them see the difference it will make!

Tips for Writing Grant Applications Organise your thoughts Most important information up front Short clear sentences and paragraphs Summarise main points Omit (words that are) unnecessary words Concise, direct and active speech Avoid jargon

Tips for Writing Grant Applications Design and Layout Break up text with white space. Use clear fonts that are easy to read. Use consistency in headings and margins.Use lists, tables and graphical information. Be organised and logical

Tips for Writing Grant Applications Design and Layout Break up text with white space Use clear fonts Make it easy to read Consistency in headings and margins Use lists, tables and graphical information Be organised and logical

Tips for Writing Grant Applications Presentation Keep it simple Size matters Contact details

Now, You Are the Grant Provider! You are responsible for screening and assessing grant applications. What will you be looking for?

Writing a Grant - Basic Steps 1.Organisational analysis 2. Assess needs and opportunities 3. Locate support, resources, funding 4. Ensure grant matches the criteria 5. Develop a plan /budget/outcomes 6. Writing and presentation

While you are waiting to hear. Check it arrived Lobby

After the Grant Decision! Successful Check the contract Do it Keep records Keep on schedule Acquittal / audit Refusal Seek feedback