2. Since it is early in the game, I thought you should know…  Step by step approach to answering an rfp  Definition and overview of each proposal section  We won’t talk about locating resources, determining a match, writing letters of inquiry, or reporting

3.  Read! (BEFORE you write!)  Be sure the grant is what you want  Follow the instructions!  Answer the questions!  Meet the deadline!  Reap the rewards! WINNER!!

4.  Submission address  Submission deadline  Number of copies  Specs – paper size, type size, font restrictions  Page limits  Bound, stapled, clipped

6. http://grantwritingoilcreek.pbwiki.com

7.  Do as you are told  Answer each question  Follow directions  Answer only what they ask for

8.  Be honest

9.  Prevent stress  Stick to the task  Be realistic  Can you do it?  Is it worth it?

10.  Speak English  No acronyms  No technical terms  No jargon  No slang  It’s not poetry class  Big words don’t always impress  Small words can have the big punch

11.  Use white space  Leave white space  Use charts  Use graphs  Use diagrams  Use maps  Use applicable pictures or graphics

12.  Provide the facts  Limit anecdotes  Storytelling or bluffing will get you nowhere

13.  Focus on the positive (ok – try)  Aim high  Be upbeat  Keep your voice clear  Showcase your talents

14.  Proofread! ◦ Pages in order ◦ Number pages consecutively ◦ Be consistent ◦ Check Table of Contents ◦ Eliminate clichés ◦ Use action words ◦ Use positive statements ◦ Watch sentence and paragraph length ◦ Double check budget  FINISH ON TIME!

16.  Provide all the information  Don’t make them guess

17.  Include an accurate and complete budget

18.  Tell them about your past ◦ It is a good thing to say, In 1993 and 1999….

19.  It’s not about you  It’s not about me  Show cooperation and collaboration

20.  Don’t jump around  Stay on target and on task  Don’t give up  Stay in the game until the end

21.  Don’t make the reader guess  Don’t drop clues to what you are trying to say – say it

22.  Get approval before you start ◦ From your trustees ◦ From the funding agent  Get appropriate signature  Do what you say!

23.  Submit on time  Don’t let your project blow up  Keep to your timeline

24. Abstract (Executive Summary) Introduction Needs Statement Program Description Goals Objectives Method Timeline Evaluation Budget

25.  Ahhh. We’ll come back to this!  Write it last!

26.  Information about YOUR library  Information about YOUR area  Vision  Mission  Problem or issue  What you want to do (briefly)  Why you want to do it  Why are you qualified

27. WHATWHOWHEREWHENRESULT PopulationService AreaUS Census20058890 PopulationCountyUS Census200523000 Card holdersYour LibraryILS2007? CirculationYour LibraryILS2007?

28.  What is currently being done  What will your role be  Why are you qualified  What will the result be  What do you have  What do you need  What do you want

29.  Measurable  Attainable  Realistic  ABCD

30.  Objective ◦ Who a-audience ◦ Whatb-behavior ◦ Whenc-condition ◦ How muchd-degree

31.  Scope and sequence  Timeline

32.  How each goal will be met  How you will gather data  How you will keep records  Summative vs. formative  Informal vs. formal  Great guide to evaluation… ◦ http://www.managementhelp.org/evaluatn/fnl_eval.htm#anchor1585345

34.  Make sure it adds up!  Use accounting principles  Match the narrative  May require an explanation  No miscellaneous category  Benefits separate from salaries  May include budget narrative if explanation is needed

35.  Personnel  Benefits  Contracts  Supplies  Equipment – Check $$$  Travel  Other ◦ Phone, mail, meals…depends on rfp

36.  In-kind  Other funding  Requested  Total

37.  Not part of a particular project or grant  Necessary to run the grant and the organization  Also known as F&A – ◦ Facilities and Administration costs

38.  Ahhh. Here we are again!  Who you are  Purpose of grant  Objective of grant  How are you going to do it  How much will it cost  Your requested amount

39.  Tax Exempt certificate  By-laws  Board of Directors/Trustees list  Audited financial statement (most recent)  Budget  Service area  Support letters  Diagrams/maps

40.  Thou shalt: ◦ Give them what they ask for ◦ Do not ramble – stay focused, brief, concise ◦ Be organized – state the facts ◦ Not write poetry – careful of quotes ◦ Stay grounded – be realistic ◦ Live with your promises ◦ Be positive ◦ Ask for money – no wishy-washy ◦ Proofread!

41.  Pages in order  Consistent headings  Consistent names and titles  Acronyms identified  Paragraph – no longer than seven sentences  Check Table of Contents  Budget add up  Jargon, cliches…  Adjectives/Adverbs  “To be” or “be able to”  Would, could – will, can

42.  Winners have simply formed the habit of doing things losers don't like to do. -Albert Gray  Daring ideas are like chessmen moved forward. They may be beaten, but they may start a winning game. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe  Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.- Special Olympics Motto