1. Grant Writing and Budgeting Credits: Laura Rubin Huron River Watershed Council and Michael Donahue Great Lakes Commission

2. Laura Rubin Huron River Watershed Council

3. 1 st Step: Project Idea Think it all out and know it thoroughly Be succinct; one sentence description Establish partnerships; contact them Leverage funds Estimate budget

4. Research (don’t skip this step) What is out there? Libraries for CDs and publications Web searches List-serves Services Word of mouth Other similar project funding

5. Research (don’t skip this step) Decide if it’s a good fit Who are they and what do they fund Search web Look at trustees/board Timeline Know their region, focus, interests, people

6. Contact Contact funder or “contact person” if allowed… IF ALLLOWED, do it IF NOT, don’t ever

7. Read RFP or Guidelines Read thoroughly, a couple of times Follow it exactly in your writing Answer their questions Follow their format

8. Write Proposal Use clear and concise language Be straightforward Follow their format Set clear goal/s and objectives and complimentary tasks Evaluation Partnerships

9. Budgeting Salary and fringe Contractual Equipment and Supplies Other Direct Indirect Inflation and unknowns

10. Tips and Nuggets Establish relationships with funders and contacts Show them your excitement Be clear and simple; one sentence Persistence works

11. Michael Donahue Great Lakes Commission

12. “Don’t put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) until you have a high probability for success” Establish relationship with program officer Consider letter of inquiry Submit draft, if appropriate Program officer will be your advocate Pursue multiple sources, but always be up front about who else you’re talking to Don’t’ be shy – foundations/funders want to be overwhelmed

13. “Tell them what they want to hear” Comply with every requirement Address criteria point-by-point Use the funder’s terminology

14. “Budget for uncertainty” Anticipate the unanticipated in staffing, funding, travel and timeline Ask for what you really need – don’t “pad” or “lowball” but accommodate uncertainty Maximize cost-share and line up support quickly Make sure you can deliver on promises

15. “Position yourself for the next step” Securing funds for one project opens doors to the next Use the project proposal to set up opportunities for further work

16. “Don’t overlook the important elements” Budget in time and money for evaluation Provide for dissemination and publicity Keep your program officer informed, updated and involved Credit the funder whenever, however you can

17. “There is no shortage of funds for a good project” The universe of potential funders is large Research on funding sources is as important than research on the proposal topic Remember– the gestation period (i.e., concept to reality) can be lengthy

18. “Words to Live By – Never, Ever ” Miss a deadline Ignore submittal requirements Let a typo get by Miscalculate a budget List partners you haven’t contacted “Shot gun” a proposal

19. Final project deliverables The “black book” is required. Additional documents are usually needed: Presentation at professional and/or academic conferences (e.g., poster, paper, workshop). Article in professional magazine and peer-reviewed journals. Presentation to client and their community. Technical report for dissemination by client. Webpage release of findings. Brochure, summary report, press-release, etc.

20. A poster

21. Check webpage for more. Book, journal article, newsletter, product design …