Bricca P. Sweet, Ed.D. - Bricca@Ed-LBEX.orgStacy L. Bahr – SHAKE.SBahr@gmail.com

Chris Torrence – SHAKE.Ctorrence@gmail.com

NC CAP - Synergy 2009Greensboro, NC – April 30, 2009

Successful Grant SeekingFor Everybody!

April, 2009 2Achieving Sustainability: Successful Grant Seeking for Everybody!

Who Are We?

Please – stand up if

…

April, 2009 3Achieving Sustainability: Successful Grant Seeking for Everybody!

Agree, Disagree, Can’t Decide

Program publicity is an extra duty.

Our local partners could contribute substantively to our program.

Only grant-seeking experts should develop grant proposals.

Every member of our program could help with developing sustainability.

April, 2009 4

Workshop Purposes

GOAL: Be able to successfullydevelop sustainability resources

OUTCOMES:~ Action plans for building local resources~ Site-based techniques for working with

partners~ Identify potential funders~ Seek sustainability grants

Achieving Sustainability: Successful Grant Seeking for Everybody!

April, 2009 5

Sustainability

It’s exactly like the Wendy’s ad!

Where’sthe

BEEF??

Achieving Sustainability: Successful Grant Seeking for Everybody!

April, 2009 6

Vital to Sustainability??

A

GREAT Program!Achieving Sustainability: Successful Grant Seeking for Everybody!

April, 2009 7

Sustainability Model Components Program Visibility

Community-based enrichment with media involvement

Dissemination; practices & findings Local Collaboration

Partner Cost-Sharing Donated Goods, Services, and Facilities Financial Sponsorships

(Corporate & Community) External funds – Mostly GRANTS!

Achieving Sustainability: Successful Grant Seeking for Everybody!

April, 2009 8

Possible Local Partners

Civic Groups School Board Church Groups Chamber Retirees Medical Retail Parks & Rec

Law Enforcement County

Commissioners Town Council Firefighters Cooperative

Extension Realtors

Achieving Sustainability: Successful Grant Seeking for Everybody!

April, 2009 9

Local Community Experience

What makes your own communities unique?

What are the drawbacks of those unique characteristics?

What are the strengths of those unique qualities?

Achieving Sustainability: Successful Grant Seeking for Everybody!

April, 2009 10Achieving Sustainability: Successful Grant Seeking for Everyone

Developing Local Resources

Board of Directors Development Committee Clear Goal & Mission Define & Assign Prospects Practice “Pitch” & Follow-Up Get out there and ask them! Recognition & Hoopla!

April, 2009 11

What Now??

You have a GREAT program - highly visible, substantive partners, innovative, reaches those who most need help – still, can not continue without funds for salaries & transportation???

Call Grant Busters!!!Achieving Sustainability: Successful Grant Seeking for Everybody!

April, 2009 12

Essential Grant-Seeking Steps

1. Identify specifically what we need to sustain and what each part will cost.

2. Match our needs with funders’ interests – be clear about why they’re giving their money.

Achieving Sustainability: Successful Grant Seeking for Everybody!

April, 2009 13

Search for Funders

GrantStation.com – Cost w/ discounts available. Lots of great tips on website. Weekly newsletter.

Grants.Gov – Free; electronically find and apply for over $400 billion in Federal grants.

SchoolGrants.org – Free; K-12; includes sample proposals.

Links on Ed-LBEX.org; Google searches too.

Achieving Sustainability: Successful Grant Seeking for Everybody!

April, 2009 14Achieving Sustainability: Successful Grant Seeking for Everyone

Common Grant Application

1. Introduction and Background of Organization

2. Describe problem & program3. Evaluation plan & its uses4. Structure, Admin, Finances5. Detailed Budget & Narrative6. Supporting letters & evidence

April, 2009 15

The Problem Statement

Choose your variables! Why are they important? (Significance)

Desired level for kids & families?How do you know? Research State & National averages on

the desired variables and their related factors

Current level? How do you know? Local needs data on the desired

variables and their related factors

Achieving Sustainability: Successful Grant Seeking for Everybody!

April, 2009 16

Solution to the Problem

WHAT will help move your youth and family from the current level to the desired state? How do you know? Research on theories & programs Results of best practices - evidence

HOW has your program already helped? Evidence / Testimonials

Achieving Sustainability: Successful Grant Seeking for Everybody!

April, 2009 17

Practice - Problem Statements

What are you planning to influence (“variable of interest”)?

What is the desired level for your kids and families?

What is the current level?

How does your program move kids and families to the desired level?

Achieving Sustainability: Successful Grant Seeking for Everybody!

April, 2009 18

Sample Budget Format

PERSONNEL Monthly % of # Mos w/

Position Base Salary Time Grant

Family Educator $3,600 50% 12

TOTAL Local Cash Local GRANT

Cost Match In-Kind Cost

$21,600 $9,000 0 $12,600

($3,600 x 12 x .50) (3600 x 10 x .25)

Show Your Work!Achieving Sustainability: Successful Grant Seeking for Everybody!

April, 2009 19

Proposal Development Tips

Remember, it’s all about your kids & families

Get in the funder’s shoes Focus on audience FOLLOW DIRECTIONS Write with passion

(1st person, active voice) Be specific!!

Achieving Sustainability: Successful Grant Seeking for Everybody!

April, 2009 20

Winner’s Attitude

Surest way to NOT get funded? Don’t apply!

Lesson? Ask for help!

Your kids deserve your best!

Achieving Sustainability: Successful Grant Seeking for Everybody!

April, 2009 21

Wrap - Up

WILL YOU & YOUR staff:

1. Enhance community involvement and program visibility?

2. Build local resources that contribute to your program’s operation ?

3. Obtain sustainability funds?

Achieving Sustainability: Successful Grant Seeking for Everybody!