Building a Successful Grant Seeking Program for Academic Libraries University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries Bess de Farber Grants Manager February 18, 2010

What’s the question you want the FUNDER to ask after they’ve read your proposal? Will you MARRY me?

What is a grant application? Business plan Partners Assessment of organizational capacity

What is grants management? 1.Researching prospects Matching a program to a specific grantmaker using research and interview techniques Matching a dollar amount to a funder’s history Knowing or learning about the grant reviewers and priorities Determining how to “create the best mental movie” for all the grant reviewers Selecting strong partners Knowing what to do when the application is funded or rejected Ensuring that the completion of the funded program is as positive an experience for the funder as the day the grant application was chosen to be funded.

Components that make grant seeking work in Academic Libraries 1)Dean’s support combined with active librarians and staff

Components that make grant seeking work in Academic Libraries 2) Knowledge and Access to Assets

Components that make grant seeking work in Academic Libraries 3) Current Projects and Programs

Components that make grant seeking work in Academic Libraries 4) Project and Program Management

Components that make grant seeking work in Academic Libraries 5) Fundable priorities

Components that make grant seeking work in Academic Libraries 6) Support and Trust (from all levels)

Components that make grant seeking work in Academic Libraries 7) Convening methods and existing cooperative and/or relationships

Components that make grant seeking work in Academic Libraries 8) Standard procedures

Components that make grant seeking work in Academic Libraries 8) Two-way positive/honest communication and relationships

Common Mistakes  Not enough to time request letters of commitment or support  Didn’t read the guidelines carefully  Didn’t create your own checklist for each deadline  Didn’t get organizational buy-in or the project is not mission-based  Delegation problems  Didn’t factor packaging or electronic submission time  Can’t produce honest partners  Didn’t know the funder  Lack of knowledgeable facilitator with access to get the job done (pre or post award)