General Grant Writing Tips

Research the problem/need and the program before beginning the grant proposal Review research on similar problems/needs and programs in other jurisdictions Contact local agencies or shareholders to obtain information on the magnitude and nature of the problem Cite research in your grant proposal Use data to outline the problem in your jurisdiction Read the guidelines and instructions carefully Make sure your program is in line with the priorities stated by the agency (all need is great but not all sources are inclined to serve those needs)

General Grant Writing Tips Grant ideas should be innovative and creative. Keep goals realistic Examine how much you can reasonably expect to accomplish in one year Develop a mid- and long-range plan for the project What can you accomplish in 2 years? What can you accomplish in 4 years? Objectives are Measurable, time-specific results that you expect to accomplish Based on realistic expectations that are more narrowly defined than goals

General Grant Writing Tips Clarity of communication is very important Make sure you paint a clear picture of your program Have someone not involved with the project review and proofread the grant (critical suggestion) Beware of acronyms – they may be confusing to the reviewer Follow the grantor’s instructions precisely Applications can be turned down if they do not meet the agency’s requirements

Grant Writing Tips Include performance measures Your proposal should discuss how the program will address the problem Specifically identify the target population/area

General Grant Writing Tips Collaboration is important How will you work with other agencies in the community to develop and implement the program? Include an evaluation component Your proposal should include methods for evaluating the effectiveness of the project Discuss how you will measure whether the program is successful Address project sustainability If the project is successful, how will you continue the project after funding has ended?

Problem Statement

Purpose of the Problem Statement It represents the reason behind the proposal. Why does my community or agency need the funds? Problem statements should be problem-focused, not resource-focused Discuss why the community needs targeted resources, rather than discussing the resource or personnel deficits of the agency It specifies the conditions that you would like to change Give specific examples of the change you would expect from this program The problem statement should be supported by local data. Source of local data must be cited.

Problem Statement Summary Overall, the problem statement should: Summarize the problem Local data must be used Show your familiarity with research on the topic Reinforce your credibility for addressing the problem What type of training and experience does the program staff have to address the problem? Justify why the program should be examined Be problem-focused not resource-focused

Project Description

General Framework A description of what you are proposing to do and how you intend to do it Identify specific roles and tasks for each staff person; include job descriptions, if necessary An explanation as to why this proposal is appropriate to address the problem What is necessary to achieve objectives? A description of how this proposal will differ from what is currently being done to address the problem The program must address a problem in a new way Grants should not just expand on existing human resources

Purpose of the Project Description Specify the SIMPLE outcomes of your project Specific – identify what your program will change Immediate – indicate the time frame for each phase of the project Measurable – what will you use as measures of project performance and outcomes Practical – how is your program a real solution to the problem Logical – how does each element of your project contribute to achieving your overall goals Evaluable – how much change must occur for the project to be effective

Project Description Identify a Target Population Who is the program about - be specific! Estimate the number of participants Be sure that the program staff can provide intense, targeted services to all project participants For juvenile projects, specify age range of participants A program that addresses the needs of yr olds should be different from a program that includes yr olds

Project Description Identify a Target Population (cont.) The nature of the criminal offense that qualifies the person for the intervention For example, a drug court program may want to focus on only felony drug offenders Could the program focus on a specific geographic region? Consider developing a pilot program that addresses the needs of one area before implementing the program to the entire city

Project Description Grantee Requirements Renewal Grants If this is a continuation request, provide a description of the impact of the prior year’s activities and the reasons for project modifications Include definition of the commitments, roles, and responsibilities of all partnerships and other agencies who will assist with this project, including additional funding resources Provide management plan, flowchart or timelines Cost benefits of this program

Outcomes and Performance Measures

Anticipated Outcomes and Performance Measures Specific quantitative measurements used to determine the outcomes and impact of your project (please refer to project descriptions) An explanation of what will be measured, how it will be done, and how the information will be used What will change if the project is successful?

Tips for Successful Grant Implementation Conduct Pre-Implementation Meetings Clearly define roles for each participant Contact communities or agencies that have successfully implemented a similar project What was the target population of the project? What ‘best practices’ can be included in current program? Schedule monthly or weekly meetings during the implementation phase Written agreements between partnership agencies Goals, objectives and performance measures clearly understood by all implementing and partnership personnel including administrative and elected officials

Tips for Successful Grant Implementation Define a specific target population Be Specific For example, juveniles who are arrested for the second time for a serious non-violent offense Work with project staff to identify target population Communicate the specific characteristics of the target group to the entire project staff