1. Grant Writing Essentials
Welcome
Grant Writing Essentials
Octavia Kuransky, MS Psychology
Psychology for the Real World

2. Let’s Begin at the Beginning
Why are there non-profits?

3. Funding is a 2-way street
The Funder has Goals & Objectives
The Agency has Goals and Objectives

4. The goal of a proposal is to get agency & funder moving in the same direction

5. 3 Steps to a Successful Proposal
1.Understand Your Program
2.Understand Funder’s Program
3.Understand How
1 & 2 Fit Together F
Fundability

6. Learning Objectives for Today
Components of a Successful Grant Proposal
Fundability of the Project
Research Methods to Locate Grants
5 Most Common Mistakes
5 Things Pro’s Do
Resources

7. Components of a Proposal
Background on the Program
Establishing the Need
The Solution
Benefit of the Solution (Outcomes and Objectives)
Budget
List of Board of Directors
Attachments

8. Grant Guidelines provide the specific details for a specific funder
Information in grant guidelines include where the funder funds, what the funder funds, what the funder does not fund, eligibility requirements, important dates, priority funding areas and more
Grant guidelines change regularly

9. Grant Vocabulary (these are also elements of a proposal)
Grant Guidelines – instructions from funders
Mission – purpose of the agency
Program – the overarching operation
Project- more specific activity of the program
Goals – general drive of the program (or project)
Objective- specifics of the goals
Outcome – measurement of the results
Collaboration – inter-agency work

10. Background of the program (suggested info for inclusion)
How long has the program been in existence?
What successes has the program had?
What other agencies does the program work with? (collaborations)

11. Do You Know the Background of Your Agency?
Write some background for your agency here:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

12. Establish the Need (suggested info for inclusion)
What is the problem the program or the project addresses?
How does the problem affect the community?
How many people are affected?

13. What is the Need for Your Community?
Describe the need for your community here.
__________________________________

14. The Solution (suggested info for inclusion)
How does your program or project address the solution? (This could be the same as the goal of the agency)
What is the long term projected affect of your project?

15. The Central Alabama Women’s Business Center seeks to increase the financial stability of women by increasing the number of successful business start-ups in Jefferson and Walker counties.
Example

16. How does your solution address the need in your community?
__________________________________

17. A necessary part of the solution are measurable objectives and outcomes.

18. WBOP Objectives
Educate 10 women in Jefferson County in business start up
Launch 6 women owned businesses in Jefferson County
Educate 10 women in Walker County in business start up
example

19. What are the agency Objectives?
Write your agency objectives here:
__________________________________

20. Two (2) WBOP Outcomes example
Six women participating in WBOP will learn business fundamentals including money management
Six women participating in WBOP will earn a minimum of $600 from their business as a result of their business in one year
example

21. What are the agency Outcomes?
Document your agency outcomes here:
__________________________________

22. The Budget Needs to reflect reasonable expenditures for the project
Some funders may have limits on
% of project to program
Needs to respect funder’s history
with regard to funding
Request needs to be sufficient to
address the need

23. Attachments Funder grant guidelines will list required
documents. Generally they are:
The IRS determination letter
The program budget
Most recent tax return
List of BOD with affiliations
Most recent Audit

24. How To Find Funders Google (example)
Alabama Association of Non-Profits
Foundation Center
Look at the funders of similar agencies
Grants.gov (example)
Alabamagiving.org
Alabama.grantwatch.com (cost $$$)

25. 5 Most Common Mistakes New Grantseekers Make
Mismatch on funding priorities
Lack of clarity on request
Lack of clarity on benefit
Unsubstantiated budget
Allow funding to drive program development

26. 5 Things Pro Grant Seekers Do
Read the grant guidelines
Interview with the Funder
Research the Funder
Confirm the clarity of purpose for the request
Include all requested materials

27. Additionally…
The Board of Directors
Start Ups
Fiscal Agents

28. Q and A ______________________
Thank you for your attendance and participation.