1. GRANTWRITING 101: Writing Successful Grants
6/30/2005
GRANTWRITING 101: Writing Successful Grants
This is the introduction to the program. The goal you are trying to achieve is to relax the participants and make them feel they are part of the process.
It is good to use some type of ice breaker where everyone talks about themselves.
Since time is limited, you can have people give their name, job, agency and why they are here.
Then using easel pads – list what everyone says even if a duplication.
Post the sheets on the wall where everyone can see them and go through the items. Note what you are going to do and what you aren’t going to cover. This will keep participant expectations.
If you aren’t going to cover something and know where they can go to get the information tell them.
GO TO NEXT SLIDE AND SPECIFICALLY LIST THE GOALS TO BE ACCOMPLISHED
Sharon Schnelle, Presenter
Sponsored through
Successful Grant Writing

2. Goals of Training Participants will understand
6/30/2005
Goals of Training
Participants will understand
The basics of resource acquisition (FORM)
How to write effective problem statements and program outcomes/objectives
How to prepare/submit proposals for funding
The basics of logic model planning
How to research funding sources
Program Planning – We will be discussing how to plan for a grant. You should start to plan for an activity long before you consider applying for a grant. Create a notebook and put all the information you collect and write in the notebook. Then when you go to actually write the grant you can get information out as appropriate for the grant.
Problem Statement & Objectives – These two items are probably the most critical in the application and usually the poorest written. We will be spending quite a lot of time on these two items so you can understand how to put them together. From a reviewers perspective, it you can’t get these right, then you don’t deserve the grant. You probably don’t know what you want to accomplish.
Organizational Credibility – How your organization is perceived is critical your ability to actually obtain funding. We will be discussing what your organization can do to improve the perception of grantors.
Prepare Proposals – As we talk today, I will be giving you suggestions on what needs to be in a grant application and how reviewers respond to grants. This will be practical advise on how to put the proposal together.
Funding Sources – Here’s probably what you all came to hear [this is usually the case but change based on what expectations were] but we will be leaving this to the last thing. This is one way to keep you hear!  Seriously, this is last because all of the other parts of the process need to be completed before you start looking for funding.
Successful Grant Writing

3. Grantwriting 101 AGENDA Welcome & Introduction
6/30/2005
Grantwriting 101 AGENDA
Welcome & Introduction
Basic Housekeeping information
Proposal Basics
Planning Process Skills
Practicing the Skills
Budgeting
Funding
Talk briefly about schedule for the day, If possible have posted on wall ahead of time.
This Morning we are going to be covering the following:
Welcome – we have already done this but lets cover a few of the comfort basics:
We will be taking frequent breaks – however, if you need to leave for something please feel free to get up
The bathrooms are _______________
We will be breaking at _______ for lunch, we will resume promptly at _______ please be here because we are starting on time
Feel free to interrupt me if you have questions. I want to be able to provide answers to as many of your questions as possible
I ask that you turn all cell phones off or set them on vibrate, thank you
Take a few minutes and go through the folder. Explain what is in each section and when we are going to use it.
The rest of the morning we will be talking about Proposal Basics which is what goes into a grant and starting a discussion of the Planning Process
Depending on how far we get we will complete the Planning Process this afternoon and then talk about how to do Budgets. We will end the day discussing how to go about finding Funding for your program.
Also, if you were wondering, on the table in front of you are pipe cleaners. There is no special purpose, they are just there for you to play with if you get bored or need something to do.
NOW LETS TURN TO THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF PROPOSALS
Successful Grant Writing

4. Understanding the Basics of Resource Acquisition
FORM
(Foundation of Resource Management)
The most essential element to remember in grantwriting and resource acquisition is diversification of funding streams! It is best to not have all your eggs in one basket especially if the program or agency is completely grant driven
The type of funding source will dictate the type of proposal or approach you take to securing funding
Other
Federal
Private
Donors
State
Local
In-kind
Volunteers
Foundations
Investments/
Endowments
Corporations

5. Grantspeak: Learning to speak the language
Allowable Cost – a cost for which the grantee may be reimbursed under a grant or contract.
Award Letter – written notification from the funding agency indicating a project has been funded for how long, and in what amount.
Block grants – the grouping of many categorical grant programs into an overall functional area (I.E. Law Enforcement, Juvenile Justice, etc.)
Budget – a plan for financial operation consisting of an estimate of proposed revenue and expenditures for a given period of time and purpose
Budget Cycle – The fiscal year (i.e. July 1 – June 30) that is designated by the funding sources as to when they will make grant awards.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) – Regular publication put out by federal government that lists federal grant and loan programs that are available and accepting applications.

6. MORE Grantspeak:
Demonstration Grant – grant given to test the feasibility of an idea, approach, or program
Direct Cost – expenses which can be itemized by categories (i.e. salaries, wages, travel, other)
Fringe Benefits – benefits such as life, health insurance, retirement, unemployment compensation that are paid in addition to salary
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) – amount of time spent or required in a less than full time activity divided by the amount of time normally spent (based upon 2080 hours for full time service)
Goal – general statement of what the project hopes to accomplish, reflecting the long-term desired impact of the project on the target population and any target goals identified in the priority areas of the funding source.
Grantee – one who receives the funding and administers the grant
Grantor – Agency or entity which gives the funds to carry out the project
Influencing factors – factors affecting the achievement of an outcomes; sometimes referred to as “barriers”

7. Yet still MORE Grantspeak:
Inputs – the resources dedicated to or consumed by the program; usually the first box in the logic model representation of the program.
Logic Model – Graphic representation of a program detailing the inputs, activities, outputs, and the short-term, intermediate, and long-term outcomes as well as any influencing factors.
Letter of Support – letter submitted in conjunction with the proposal that demonstrates proven success of the program in the community
Matching Funds – cash or “in-kind” support contributed to the project
Memorandum of Understanding /Agreement (MOU or MOA) – formalized agreement between entities detailing the nature of the collaboration and support.
Objectives/Outcomes – sometimes used interchangeably; statement which defines the measurable result the project expects to accomplish
Outputs- the quantifiable, credible, and measurable work accomplished through the project (i.e. number of parenting classes taught, number of nights of shelter provided, number of meals delivered).
Request for Proposal (RFP)- the solicitation put out by a funding source detailing the criteria by which funding decisions will be made.

8. Types of Funding Federal Formula Grant Funding
6/30/2005
Types of Funding
Federal Formula Grant Funding
Block funding comes to states
Administered through agency such as Office of Criminal Justice Services or Department of Youth Services
State agency passes dollars to local providers
usually selected through the RFP process or through grant solicitations)
Example:
Edward J. Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (Administered through Office of Criminal Justice Services)
Violence Against Women Act Grant (Administered through Office of Criminal Justice Services)
Federal
Local
State
Successful Grant Writing

9. Types of Funding Federal Discretionary Grant Programs
6/30/2005
Types of Funding
Federal Discretionary Grant Programs
Funds distributed at discretion of federal agencies and awarded on a competitive basis to public and private nonprofit organizations.
Funding ranges from single awards for research, evaluation, and technical assistance to multi-site awards for program development.
Congressional Earmarks
Hard Earmarks: Congress directs the Federal agency to provide certain funds to specific identified programs.
Soft Earmarks: Congress identifies a program and directs the Federal agency to:
Evaluate the program.
Fund the program, if warranted.
Example:
Department of Justice (Sex Offender Management Program)
OJJDP (Mentoring)
Grant Authorities are looking for specific items. To address these:
Read the instructions in the RFP – they are very specific and provide information on the what the grantee is looking for.
If you have questions call the federal agency. This gives you a contact within the agency and will allow you to clarify any confusion you have
Key factors they look for in a grant are:
Partnerships – more than one organization will be working on the project. Most problems are not the result of a single cause. It will take several groups to make changes to solve the problem
Sustainability – Have you made provisions for the continuation of the project once the funding is gone. They want to make system changes which means the project needs to go on after it is proven
Cost Savings – Will there be a long range cost savings as a result of the program. For example: for a community corrections program there might be cost savings from lower cost treatment than jails, income from taxes on income, and less welfare with child support being paid.
Special Requirements – Did the applicant provide information on the special requirements from the request for proposals.
Successful Grant Writing

10. Types of Funding State Funding Programs Example: Specific to the State
6/30/2005
Types of Funding
State Funding Programs
Specific to the State
Passed by legislature to solve specific problem
Example:
Jail Domestic Violence Funding
Family Violence Prevention Fund (Administered through Office of Criminal Justice Services)
Ohio Victims Compensation Fund (Administered through the Ohio Attorney General’s Office)
Successful Grant Writing

11. Types of Funding Private Foundation/ Corporation Example:
6/30/2005
Types of Funding
Private Foundation/ Corporation
Usually supports specific interests and often prefer direct services
Family/Management may dictate use
May be managed by bank
Large funding base - money from one or many families
Typically only fund 501(3)(c)
Committed to helping either specific communities or national focus.
Example:
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (National Focus)
Natural Helpers (Montgomery County)
Greater Cincinnati Foundation (Local Community)
13 County region that will fund
Foundation funding is a large untapped source – there are over 66,000 foundations nationwide
Foundations are looking for specific types of things:
Did you do your homework? Want to know that you took the time to research the foundation to see what the fund
Look at the RFP and call someone to talk about the funding
Some foundations have funding cycles some will take unsolicited requests. Information on this might be in the foundation directory but is available if you call them
If they offer a grant writing workshop, did you attend? Always a good idea to go if you are interested in funding from them and the workshop is accessible. Will allow you to meet people at the foundation and make contacts.
Did you follow instructions – Number one complaint – writers put in what they think you want to know not what they ask for
Use a logic model – the problem and approach need to match. What you say is the problem must be what you are solving through your approach
Successful Grant Writing

12. Types of Proposals Government (Federal, State, Local)
6/30/2005
Types of Proposals
Government (Federal, State, Local)
Usually a very formal process
Detailed
Solicited (through a released Request for Proposal)
Usually competitive
Specific instructions
Specific evaluation criteria
No cover letter required but may include as optional
There are basically two types of funding available for grants: governmental and private funding. Government Proposals are different from private:
The regulations are usually very detailed and come put through a request for proposal. Governmental funding programs are set by law and must follow specific regulations. The RFP is a way for the government to let applicants know what the legal requirements are
Government grants are almost always solicited rather than unsolicited – the guidelines are published on the internet either through Federal Register, federal agency websites, or State agency websites. We will talk more about how to find them later.
The applications processes are usually competitive - Why?? Where does the money come from? The public through taxes - What does the public want assurances for? To make sure money is being spent wisely and we are getting the best project for the money
Very specific instructions are given in RFP. FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS – If you don’t they are likely to not even review the proposal. Examples – if they say 20 pages submit 20 not 22 or 25. In some instances they stop reading at page 20 and everything after that is not included in the scoring
Government agencies include evaluation criteria and their value is usually included in the RFP. This is a way to be fair to the applicant
Government does not read cover letters. Usually thrown out or just attached to the back.
Successful Grant Writing

13. Types of Proposals Private / Foundation
6/30/2005
Types of Proposals
Private / Foundation
Usually less formal detail required
Can be unsolicited or solicited
If no formal RFP, then few instructions given
Credibility is the key
(establishing a relationship with the funder is important)
Can use a cover letter proposal as initial contact
Usually limited to the priorities and initiatives of the funder
Private funding is much different:
The proposals are much shorter and provide considerably less detail. They can be as short as a 1 or 2 page letter or they can be seven or eight pages. Most foundations are small and have only 1 or 2 staff. They don’t have time to read long proposals.
Depending on the funding source, unsolicited applications are accepted. Only the larger foundations like Robert Wood Johnson, Edna McConnell Clark, Annie E. Casey, and the Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati do mass solicitations. These are related to a specific problem they want to see innovate responses. An example would be Robert Wood Johnson Foundation solicitation to reduce high risk drinking among college students. Universities across the country proposed project that would use an environmental model. These programs provided a model for federal Department of Education funding of college high risk drinking projects.
Most are not reviewed completely. The reviewer may have another job and only reviewing part time. They only read first two paragraphs to decide if they are interested.
Not as much information is provided to the applicant about what should be in the application. Instructions, if provided, are general with no explanations
Credibility is a key – sine they don’t have staff who can investigate an organization to determine if they will do what they propose. The reviewer wants to fund someone they know can do the job.
Cover letter is critical. If all they have time to read is the cover letter, that is what determines if they want to go farther and read the rest of the proposal.
Successful Grant Writing

14. Typical Contents of Proposals
6/30/2005
Typical Contents of Proposals
Sample Government
Form (SF 424 or similar)
Budget Forms
Abstract
Objectives / Need
Key Staff
Results and Benefits
Methodology
Evaluation Plan
Organizational Profile
Assurances
Attachments
Sample Private
Cover Letter
Summary
Introduction
Problem Statement
Objectives
Approach
Evaluation Plan
Future/Other Funding
Budget
Attachments
This is a summary of the types of information provided in both types of applications:
The government proposal is much more detailed. Usually they end up being about 20 pages. They provide specific forms for some of the information. E.g. – SF 424 for basic identifying information and budget forms
Private funding applications are much shorter and simpler.
The information in both applications is the same, the difference is the level of detail. This is why you need to develop a master application that you can excerpt for either type.
Successful Grant Writing

15. Elements of the Basic Proposal
6/30/2005
Elements of the Basic Proposal
Cover Letter
Summary
Introduction
Problem Statement
Goals / Objectives
Approach
Evaluation Plan
Future/Other Funding
Budget & Narrative
These are the basic components of any proposal. We will be discussing all of them in detail:
Cover Letter – should be no more than two or three paragraphs. We will discuss a suggested format
Summary – this is also an abstract for the project. In as few words as possible you need to explain the problem, objective, approach, evaluation, and cost of the project.
Introduction – this is the statement which clearly indicates the credibility of the agency
Problem Statement – the most crucial part of the application. This is the first thing a reviewer reads and sets the tone for the rest of the review.
Objectives – these are statements which indicate how you are going to change the problem to improve the system. They are used by reviewers to determine if the program is realistic and logical.
Approach – this is the meat of the proposal where what you are planning to do is explained. However, it must be linked to what you say in the problem statement.
Evaluation Plan – a description of how you are going to prove you are successful
Future/Other Funding – how you are going to continue the program once grant funding is gone
Budget – if approved shows how you will spend the money
SINCE THE MOST WEIGHT IN ANY PROPSAL GOES TO THE PROBLEM STATEMENT AND OBJECTIVES WE WILL DISCUSS THOSE FIRST
Successful Grant Writing

16. 6/30/2005
Proposal Basics
FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS – be sure to review the RFP carefully looking for the key criteria that your application will be scored on.
Check eligibility for funding to be sure they will accept your application
Keep word choice simple & to the point (avoid using terminology that is confusing and specific to your discipline if it cannot be readily explained)
No generalizations or assumptions - Don’t assume the reader is familiar with or conversant in your area of service)
Who says?
Who cares?
So what?
Why?
Proposal should reflect a well thought out plan
Before we begin to discuss specific parts of a proposal there are some general items we should go over. These items apply to all sections of the grant:
Simple & to the point – One thing to remember is to keep word choice simple and to the point. Words like contradiction, disinclination, and prevaricate have their place in written work, but not in a grant proposal. The words in a proposal should be easy to understand, and should not sound stuffy. Stick with the shorter words whenever possible, and the reader will be grateful.
Don’t use jargon or other terms specifically related to your field. When drafting a grant proposal, it is very important to write on a layperson’s level. If technical terms are necessary, remember to explain them fully. That way the reviewer will know exactly what you are saying.
Acronyms have become the bane of many grant reviewers. What is common parlance for the applicant could be Greek to the reviewer. Don’t use acronyms unless absolutely necessary. If you do use them spell out the acronym and put the letters in parenthesis. Also don’t just define acronyms on the first page and then use it again and again. Every time you use an acronym spell it out. Reviewers don’t want to flip back to the beginning to define a term.
Use the “Grandmother Test” – find someone (spouse, wife, children, grandmother, etc.) to review the application and see if they understand it. If they don’t make changes to it until they do. Then you can be sure the reviewer will understand it.
No generalizations or assumptions – Don’t assume the reviewer know the facts in the situation. Reviewers are not always from your field. They may have expertise in research or evaluation and that is why they are on your review team. Always explain your conclusions. Ask yourself “Who Says?”, “Who Cares?”, “So what?”, and “Why?”. Those are the questions the reviewer will be asking.
Well Thought Out – Reviewers are looking for projects that the authors have spent time putting together and are logical. The proposal should follow through from the beginning to end and make sense. The issues you raise in the problem statement should be the issues you address in your objectives and approach. Don’t put a problem in that you are not going to address. This indicates you are solving the problems you identify.
Successful Grant Writing

17. Proposal Basics Minimize adjectives Be honest but don’t self-indict
6/30/2005
Proposal Basics
Minimize adjectives
Be honest but don’t self-indict
Consider grant reviewers and the knowledge base of those who may review the application
Be positive
Client-driven (outcomes should be client-focused)
Demonstrate your credibility – be sure to include any similar service your agency is already doing, or discuss any similar projects you have administered in the past that will establish your capacity to succeed.
Check the point
Neatness Counts – be sure to proofread!
Minimize Adjectives – Don’t use flowery language. Keep the writing short and sweet. A problem is a problem not a “huge” problem or an “overwhelming” problem. Neither of these adjectives can be quantified. E.g. is it huge if it is 50% or 70%. The adjectives don’t add anything to the information you are providing. Reviewers want the information provided in as clear and short as possible.
Don’t self-indict – All through the proposal you are trying to get the grantor to see you are the best organization to complete the project. If you are the best organization you can’t do anything wrong. If there is an issue, word it in a positive light. E.g. Your response time is not increasing because you don’t have enough officers because the local council doesn’t like the chief. You have an increased response time as a result of reduced resources. You are revaluating the assignment of officers to the high crime areas to reduce response tome …
Consider Grant Reviewers – Since grant reviewers are taking time out of their schedules to review applications, applicants should avoid providing excess information. Many reviewers have to review and make comments on quite a few applications in a short amount of time. Usually they are doing the reviews in addition to their regular jobs. They don’t want to spend hours reviewing and evaluating one application. Keep the proposal short and sweet. Say as much as you can in as little space as possible. Don’t attach extraneous material. Only attach that information is critical to the application or is requested by the grantor. Sometimes reviewers don’t read attachments.
Be Positive – All problems have a solution. If they don’t why are you applying for money. The proposal should be written from a positive viewpoint. If you have a problem you can’t solve don’t include it. If you have a solution you think may not work don’t include it.
Client Driven – With reduced resources, grantors want to see programs that is going to address a problem for a specific group of people. That means – the proposal should be directed toward helping others not your organization. The project should not be just to hire more people or purchase equipment. The people who benefit from the program should be outside your organization.
Successful Grant Writing

18. Planning Matrix: Getting Started
Identify the problem statement which consists of analysis of the nature and extent of the problem or need, and the reasons or causes.
Develop Program Objectives and Outcomes that are related to the identified problem
Discuss the Approach to be used and how will it help overcome the problem identified in order to positively impact the target population. Discuss how that approach used will help meet the stated goals and objectives for the program.
Conduct an Evaluation of the program to determine its effectiveness. Through information obtained through the evaluation changes and alterations can be made to the approach.

19. Problem Statement (Needs Assessment)
6/30/2005
Problem Statement (Needs Assessment)
The most important part of the proposal
Set the stage for the entire proposal –
you should be able to paint a picture of the situation and explain why there is a need
Needs Assessment vs. Problem Statement
Local Foundations and Corporations generally require information relating to a needs assessment which focuses on condition in the lives of the clients you wish to change
Government and National Foundations generally require information relating to problem statement that focuses on a situation that can be related to similar situations in other communities and show the broader implications of the proposed program (National Scope)
The Problem Statement is probably the most critical part of the application. If you look at scoring systems for grants, the problem statement usually gets a very large percentage. The rationale is: if you can’t describe what the problem is then you most likely will not have any impact. The problem statement sets the stage for the entire proposal.
The purpose of the proposal should be to meet a need or solve a problem. This being the case, clearly and concisely identify for the funding organization exactly what need is going to be met or what problem is going to be solved. When writing the basic proposal, assume the person reading it will have no background or experience with the problem to be solved or need to be addressed. There are no problems which are self evident to all sources. The problem statement is making the case for why it is necessary to fund the proposal.
The problem or need statement should include the nature and extent of the problem or need. A clear and concise picture of the existing situation should be painted for the funding organization. The statement should also include the reasons and causes of the problem or explain the need. This section of the proposal will enable the reader to learn more about the situation and will help establish the fact that your organization understands the problem or need and can address the issues.
USE THE PLANNING MATRIX TO DEFINE NATURE/EXTENT AND REASOSNS/CAUSES – have the group discuss what the differences between the two are. The major difference is that nature and extent are what you see as the problem with numbers and data. The reasons and causes are the why of the problem. Why are the conditions occurring as outlined in nature and extent. An example of this could be: crime rates for burglary have been increasing in a neighborhood over the past three years. After investigation it was determined that none of the homeowners lock their doors. The number of crimes is the nature/extent and the locking the doors is the reasons and causes.
Remember that not having a project or the extras that go along with one is not a problem in and of itself. The problem is not the lack of a computer, but that there is an identifiable problem, like youth gangs in the neighborhood. The computer, then, is simply a tool, a method that will help solve the gang problem.
Successful Grant Writing

20. National Institute of Justice
6/30/2005
Problem Statement
Basic Requirements
Should be related to purpose and goals of the organization –
there should be a mission fit (goes to credibility and capacity)
Should be specific and clearly defined
Supported by valid data (citing sources) and testimony from experts that is timely and credible
Should have boundaries
Problem should be of reasonable dimensions and realistically achievable
Should be understandable and client focused
Stated in terms of client needs, and not in terms of needs of your organization.
Identify who will benefit from the solution
A neighborhood or the entire community
Criminal justice practitioners
Offenders or victims
Your organization
All of the above
Should be solvable
Try not to focus on problems that are outside of the scope of your agency or would take longer than the scope of the grant to solve
National Institute of Justice
The problem you specify in your proposal should be a manageable problem.
The narrative should be very specific when you describe the problem. Do not use generalizations. Relate it to your community. You can’t solve all crime with any grant. You may however, be able to address one crime like burglary, domestic violence or substance abuse. Let the grantor know what you want to address.
The boundaries of the problem should be clearly identified. You can talk about the big picture but always narrow the focus down to what you specifically are going to address. For example: Reentry is a major problem for offenders coming back to the community. Currently they have a high rate of return to prison. Well, in Ohio over 20,000 inmates come back annually to Ohio communities. You can’t get a grant to cover all 20,000 the resources aren’t there. So you set the boundaries on your target population to 200 offenders who are convicted of a violent felony and have served 1 year or more in prison. Always include the rationale for why you set the boundaries you did.
The problem should be understandable. This is the place where the “Grandmother Test” comes in. As we write and talk, if we know our field we have the tendency to skip over facts, information and explanations. The problem statement makes perfect sense to us but may not to the reviewer.
The problem statement must also be solvable. There are lots of things we could do, less that we want to do, and still less that we are able to do. You can not solve the ills of the world in one grant application. For example: there is research that one of the major causes of crime is economic in nature. If offenders had good jobs they wouldn’t need to turn to crime. Well you are not going to be able to solve poverty or unemployment in one application. However, you may be able to target specific industries in your are, provide training, and get some offenders employed at a livable wage.
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21. Problem Statement Provide reasons and causes Identify Consequences
Demonstrate through local and national statistics and information that there is a problem.
Current Research
Local Research
Anecdotal information
Who’s involved
Which reasons addressed
Identify Consequences
Death or serious injury
Loss of property
Joblessness
Commit new crimes
Nothing

22. Problem Statement Personalize the Problem and make it interesting
6/30/2005
Problem Statement
Personalize the Problem and make it interesting
Why should the funder care?
Within their area of interest
Response to solicitation
Have made similar grants
Current issue with national or regional attention
MAKE IT VERY CLEAR !
“The problem to be addressed in this proposal is…”
Lack of juvenile sex offender programming in my community
Lack of mental health services for mentally retarded youth in the juvenile justice system
Lack of housing for women who are victims of domestic violence.
Successful Grant Writing

23. Problem Statement Characteristics of Weak Problems
6/30/2005
Problem Statement
Characteristics of Weak Problems
Focus on your organization
Does not communicate what is in it for the funder.
How does the project relate to their area of interest
Focus on hiring staff
Not responsive to the RFP
Focus on purchasing equipment
Language not compelling
We desperately need…
We do not have …
We lack …
Successful Grant Writing

24. Problem Statement Characteristics of Strong Problem Statement
6/30/2005
Problem Statement
Characteristics of Strong Problem Statement
Focuses on the client or their situation
Paints a picture that consequences of not responding are unacceptable to all
Effectively documents the need to be met or problems to be solved with proposed funding
Clearly links to the proposed goals and objectives and the identified approach to the problem
Successful Grant Writing

25. PROBLEM STATEMENT
Exercise One: In a group, complete the Exercise 1 handout in your packet.
Exercise Two: Write a problem statement related to a program or project that might be implemented through your agency.

26. Logic Model Presents a “snapshot” of a program
Graphic representation of the program, “theory” or “action” – what it invests, what it does, and what results are achieved
Logical chain of if-then relationships
If x occurs then y will occur
Why do we need to do this?
Helps identify the connection between what we do and impact the program is having
Provides a common vocabulary and helps in program planning
Helps focus on quality and continuous improvement

27. LOGIC MODEL

28. Logic Model Logic Model Exercise 1 Group proposed program
Mystery Community Clinic Senior Care Program
Logic Model Exercise 3
Your agency problem and program

29. Sample Logic Model Program Evaluation Logic Model:
Mysteries Community Clinic Senior Care Program

30. Objectives Show what you want to achieve Must be measurable
6/30/2005
Objectives
Show what you want to achieve
Must be measurable
Must be achievable
Must relate to the problem
Must be time limited
Must include an outcome objective
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31. 6/30/2005
Goals/ Objectives
GOAL – general statement of what the program hopes to accomplish. Should reflect the long term desired impact of the program on the target population and any target goals required by the funding source
Outcome Objectives
Indicate a positive or negative change
Clearly indicate the impact of the project
Show what the condition of the problem will be in the future
Statement which defines a measurable result the project expects to accomplish
Process Objectives
Measure of what the project will do
Measure of activities
Means to the ends
Statements of primary methods written in a time-limited way
Develop process objectives only if requested by funder
Successful Grant Writing

32. Objectives Sample Outcome objectives:
6/30/2005
Objectives
Sample Outcome objectives:
A decrease in the rate of infant mortality in Adams County to at least the state average of 8.5 per 1,000 births, within the first three years of the Outreach program.
A decrease of 25% in the recidivism of parolees returning to Mansfield during the first project year.
A decrease by 25% in the number of successful burglaries during the three years of the project.
Successful Grant Writing

33. Objectives Sample Process objectives
6/30/2005
Objectives
Sample Process objectives
Train 100 counselors to new treatment method first year.
Increase the awareness of 500 elderly citizens about neighborhood watch.
Install NIBRS laptops in all police cruisers by 2003.
Successful Grant Writing

34. Approaches/ Project Description
6/30/2005
Approaches/ Project Description
Narrative description of what will be done
Relates to reasons for the problem
Describes
Who will be involved & criteria
Key staff
What will happen
When
Where
How
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35. Approaches/ Project Description
6/30/2005
Approaches/ Project Description
Responds to any special requirements
Explains why this approach
Provides a timeline
Should relate back to the identified problem statement and/or needs assessment
Successful Grant Writing

36. Approaches/ Project Description
6/30/2005
Approaches/ Project Description
Who?
Who is being served?
Who is performing the activity?
Who is participating?
What?
Assume reviewer knows little or nothing about your field
What is going to occur?
Very detailed
Very specific
Successful Grant Writing

37. Approaches/ Project Description
6/30/2005
Approaches/ Project Description
Where?
Where exactly will each activity occur?
Describe each site if more than one.
Create a mental picture of the setting.
When?
Year
Month
Week
Time of Day
Show timeline
Successful Grant Writing

38. Evaluation Benefits and Reason for doing evaluation
6/30/2005
Evaluation
Benefits and Reason for doing evaluation
Provides feedback about what worked and what failed for the program
Gain insight into effective strategies on how to improve
Measures impact the program is making
Required by funder
Successful Grant Writing

39. Evaluation Two types of evaluation
6/30/2005
Evaluation
Two types of evaluation
Outcome or Summative (involves assessing the outcome at the conclusion of the program and measures how change that has occurred as a result of the program)
Shows what impact you have on problem
Helps justify program
Process or Formative (involves monitoring the “process,” ensuring activities are completed on time and on target, while the program is ongoing)
Tells you if you’re on track
Points to improvement
Successful Grant Writing

40. Evaluation Flowchart

41. Evaluation Need not be Some evaluation is better than none
6/30/2005
Evaluation
Need not be
Expensive
Complicated
Time consuming
Some evaluation is better than none
External evaluator is sometimes seen as more objective than internal
Evaluator should be qualified
Evaluation plan should be meaningful, related to goals and objectives, and be an honest examination of program
Successful Grant Writing

42. Organizational Capacity
6/30/2005
Organizational Capacity
Mission & History
Capacity to administer
Similar Experience
Accomplishments
Role in community
Who is served
How served
Outside endorsements
Letters of Support
Memorandums of Understanding/ Agreement
Successful Grant Writing

43. Organizational Capacity/ Credibility
6/30/2005
Organizational Capacity/ Credibility
Awards
Active participation and contributions to the field positively viewed
Fiscal Accountability
Staff Credibility
Qualifications are more than degrees
Boards, other volunteers
Funding sources
Licenses
Successful Grant Writing

44. Summary/Abstract/ Executive Summary
6/30/2005
Summary/Abstract/ Executive Summary
Section by itself that summarizes the proposal
Can be one paragraph to one full page in length
Identifies applicant and helps establish credibility
Identifies the Problem to be addressed
The problem to be addressed is ….
Identifies the Goals/Objectives to be achieved
Identifies the Approach to help achieve success
Identifies how the program will be evaluated
Evaluation of this grant will be addressed in the major objectives of the program that are identifiable, measurable, quantifiable, and time-phased
Evaluation results will be used to improve program for next year
Identifies the resources needed to achieve success (Budget)
Total cost of project is …, we expect other funds in the amount of … and are requesting …for …
Successful Grant Writing

45. Letters of Participation/Support
6/30/2005
Letters of Participation/Support Do
Get letters from agencies who will be involved
Get letters early
Have letters state level of involvement with the proposal and program implementation
Don’t
Have them all say the same thing
Have them only complement the program
Memorandum of Understanding
A more formal agreement between agencies that explicitly outlines the roles and responsibilities of each for the proposed project
Be sure it is signed and dated
Letters of participation are used to determine support for the project and the authors involvement in the project. They are critical to the success of any review of the grant.
What are reviewers looking for
Successful Grant Writing

46. Budget Identifies cost of response to problem
6/30/2005
Budget
Identifies cost of response to problem
Tied to project description and approach to justify the need for each budget item
Clearly shows how costs are calculated and contains only essential expenses
Shows what you are contributing
In-kind
Volunteer
Cash-match
Successful Grant Writing

47. Budget Budget Narrative Include only if requested by funder
6/30/2005
Budget
Budget Narrative
Include only if requested by funder
Narrative link between budget and approach
Link staff to approach
Explain consultants rather than staff
Explain all travel
Explain indirect costs
Successful Grant Writing

48. Cover Letter Important for private funding Short letter
6/30/2005
Cover Letter
Important for private funding
Short letter
Sentence about project title and amount
Two sentence description about approach
Sentence about credibility
Sentence about contacting
Successful Grant Writing

49. Proposal Process Some factors are beyond applicants’ control
6/30/2005
Proposal Process
Some factors are beyond applicants’ control
Control the factors you can
Make the application as strong as possible
Eliminate all possible weaknesses
Be positive
Successful Grant Writing

50. Proposal Problems Common mistakes Sloppy writing
6/30/2005
Proposal Problems
Common mistakes
Sloppy writing
Not following directions
Waiting until last minute
Irritating reviewers
Waiving red flags
Successful Grant Writing

51. Proposal Problems Improving your writing
6/30/2005
Proposal Problems
Improving your writing
Purchase a style book like Stunk & White’s Elements of Style
Take a writing or grammar course
Have a strong writer critique your proposal
Successful Grant Writing

52. Proposal Problems Not following directions Wrong number of copies
6/30/2005
Proposal Problems
Not following directions
Wrong number of copies
Stapling copies
Missing deadlines
Wrong signatures
Using outdated forms
Sending unwanted attachments
Deviating from format
Missing signatures
Successful Grant Writing

53. Proposal Problems Waiting until last minute Inadequate planning
6/30/2005
Proposal Problems
Waiting until last minute
Inadequate planning
Proposal not logical
Forget crucial elements
Problems with collaboration
Successful Grant Writing

54. Proposal Problems Irritating Reviewers Not following directions
6/30/2005
Proposal Problems
Irritating Reviewers
Not following directions
Flowery language that means nothing
Appending “filler” material
Providing too much information
Gearing only to money
Successful Grant Writing

55. Proposal Problems Waiving Red Flags Padding the budget
6/30/2005
Proposal Problems
Waiving Red Flags
Padding the budget
Computers and related equipment
Unjustified travel
“Miscellaneous” budget category
Exceptionally high consultant costs
10% of all existing staff
Successful Grant Writing

56. Strong Proposals Compelling problem Innovative approach
6/30/2005
Strong Proposals
Compelling problem
Innovative approach
Thorough research
Clearly written
Well organized, complete
Credible organization
Exemplary
Grant
Proposal
Successful Grant Writing

57. Finding Out What Is Available
6/30/2005
Finding Out What Is Available
Investigate
Internet
Periodicals
Library
Seminars
Successful Grant Writing

58. Internet - Websites The Grantsmanship Center - www.tgci.com
6/30/2005
Internet - Websites
The Grantsmanship Center offers a searchable database of funding sources as well as abstracts of successful proposals. Their full network links to funding sources in all 50 states.
Access to the daily federal register is free to government and private non-profits.
Access to wining grant proposal summaries is available for free. CDs with the full grant proposals cost from $29 to $99 depending on what you need.
Access to a listing of the top 50 foundations in each state is free. If there is a website for the foundation a link is provided.
A “comprehensive” searchable database of government, corporate and foundation funding is available at a cost of $495 per year.
Foundation Center offers a comprehensive directory linking you to private foundations, corporate giving programs, and other sources of non-profit funding.
There are four levels of membership for blanket searches of the foundation directories on line. Cost for basic service is $19.95 per month for basic service (access to 10,000 largest foundations) to $ per month or $995 per year for access to almost 80,000 per month.
If you know your foundation’s name you can use their finder program to learn about the foundation and get copies of the IRS 990 form. You will also get a contact and website if available.
GuideStar.org provides information on the financial capabilities of different foundations and funding organizations.
The basic service is free. Basic service allows you to find a foundation if you have name or location, get contact information, and copies of the last four IRS 990 forms. IRS 990 forms tell you what their income is and who was awarded grants in what amount. 990s help you determine what the size of your grant request should be.
The Select membership gives you slightly more information about the operation of the foundation and returns more organizations per search. The cost is $30 per month or $300 annually.
The Premium membership allows you full access to the database. The cost is $100 per month 0r $1,000 annually
GrantsNet is the funding website for the US Department of Health and Human Services. The website provides funding information for all grants administered through their organization including substance abuse programs.
The Federal Register provides information on all federal government grants. All program guidelines are published in the register first for comment then in their final form. Access to the information is free on the website.
Grants.gov is the federal grants portal. A searchable database of all federal grants is located at the site. Current solicitations and applications are available. Access to the information is free on the website.
The Grantsmanship Center -
The Foundation Center -
GuideStar.org –
GrantsNet -
The Federal Register -
Grants.gov –
Ohio Grant Makers –
Successful Grant Writing

59. Periodicals The Chronicle of Philanthropy - http://philanthropy.com/
6/30/2005
Periodicals
The Chronicle of Philanthropy -
TGCI Magazine -
Dollars & Sense -
The Chronicle of Philanthropy provides information on funding and other information on the non-profit world. This is a good grant source that provides information on grants including available funding, recent grants made, annual reports from foundations, and how to raise funds. The subscription is $72 per year for the chronicle but this also allows you to search on line databases.
TGCI Magazine is published by The Grantsmanship Center. It provides information on funding, grant writing, and other grant issues. Subscription to the magazine is free if you are a government agency or non-profit. You can sign up on the web.
Dollars and Sense is a publication of the Ohio United Way. Subscriptions cost is $25 per year and the publication comes out monthly. The publications provide information on foundation and government funding available. You can subscribe on line at
Successful Grant Writing

60. Library Foundation Directory Ohio Grants Guide Grant Writing Books
6/30/2005
Library
Foundation Directory
Ohio Grants Guide
Grant Writing Books
Successful Grant Writing

61. Seminars The Grantsmanship Center The Grant Institute
6/30/2005
Seminars
The Grantsmanship Center
The Grant Institute
Foundation Seminars –
Cincinnati Health Foundation –
healthfoundation.org
Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services
The Grantsmanship Center provides week long trainings for people in grant writing. The course is held all over the country and frequently sponsored by United Ways. The cost is $600 for the five days. With the course you get one year free membership in the TGCI website.
The Grant Institute is a private non profit organization that provides grant writing training. The basic course is a three day course and costs about $600.
Foundation Seminars are offered by many different foundations. The Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati offers a variety of one day classes about different parts of the grant writing process like Demystifying Evaluation. The cost is about $20 per person. If you are thinking about applying for foundation funding and the foundation offers seminars, attend the seminars. It will allow you hear what they are looking for and you can make contacts for follow up questions.
Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services offers a one day seminar on grant writing. The seminar covers the basics of the training and participants practice those basics.
Successful Grant Writing

62. Final Notes If you are funded, administer it responsibly
6/30/2005
Final Notes
If you are funded, administer it responsibly
Your grant history will follow you
If you don’t get the grant, ask for reviewers’ comments – written or over the phone
Use the information to strengthen future applications
Successful Grant Writing

63. Contacts Walter Brown brown@ocjs.ohio.gov 614.728.5466 Sharon Schnelle
6/30/2005
Contacts
Walter Brown
Sharon Schnelle
Erika Zito
These are the contacts in our office who will be able to help you if you have a grant writing question.
Please take a couple of minutes before you go and complete the evaluation for the training. This will provide feed back to help improve the course.
Successful Grant Writing