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Copyright Samuel Mahaffy, Ph.D.
Getting to ‘Yes’!
The Art of Grant Writing
Copyright Samuel Mahaffy, Ph.D.
Why Write a Grant?
Four Reasons to Write a Grant Application
Stimulate Professional Development
Enhance Organizational Capacity
Improve or Enhance Services
FIND FUNDING!
Copyright Samuel Mahaffy, Ph.D.
Grant Writing as an Art
A high-quality grant application is:Thoughtfully plannedCarefully preparedConcisely packaged
Copyright Samuel Mahaffy, Ph.D.
You CAN write successful grant applications!
Copyright Samuel Mahaffy, Ph.D.
Developing Ideas for the Proposal
Document your case with pictures and statistics
Articulate a clear need and how you will meet it.
Build on your mission
Copyright Samuel Mahaffy, Ph.D.
Do Not ‘Go it Alone’
Gain the Support of your Stakeholders!Organizational supportCommunity supportConsider a community advisory committee
Copyright Samuel Mahaffy, Ph.D.
Identifying Funding Resources
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance www.cfda.gov
Federal Grants: www.grants.govFoundation Center www.foundationcenter.org
DON’T PAY FOR WHAT YOU CAN GET FOR FREE!
Copyright Samuel Mahaffy, Ph.D.
Contact Samuel MahaffySamuel Mahaffy, Ph.D. is one of the most successful grant writers in the Northwest United States. Along with his Associates he has gained more than $12M in funding for nonprofit programs. Samuel Mahaffy has written more than sixty (60) successful grant applications to federal and state agencies, and regional and national foundations. For many organizations facing financial sustainability issues, he has helped to develop innovative strategies for new funding streams. Samuel Mahaffy has assisted more than five hundred nonprofits and NGOs around the world. He has worked with institutions of higher learning, community and faith-based organizations, and public and private agencies. He offers training to organizations in grantwriting and mentorships to individuals. Samuel Mahaffy is a member of the Academy of Management, an Associate of the Taos Institute, a Founding Member of Comprehensive Nonprofit Services and an independent consultant. He earned his Ph.D. from Tilburg University in the Netherlands through the Taos Institute.
Contact information: [email protected] www.samuelmahaffy.com or www.comprehensivenonprofitservices.com.
Copyright Samuel Mahaffy, Ph.D.
Getting Organized to Write a Proposal
Develop a concept paperNarrow down a list of potential fundersGet feedback and dialog about your conceptResearch—Do your homework!!!
WHAT IS ‘BEST PRACTICE’?
Copyright Samuel Mahaffy, Ph.D.
Basic Components of a Proposal
1. Cover letter2. Summary or abstract3. Introductory description of the organization4. Problem statement or needs assessment5. Project objectives6. Project design or methods7. Expected outcomes8. Project evaluation9. Sustainability10. Project budget
Copyright Samuel Mahaffy, Ph.D.
Most Common Mistakes
Jargon or clichés Reinventing the wheel Biting off more than you can chew No clear outcomes
You said what?
Copyright Samuel Mahaffy, Ph.D.
Cover Letter to a Foundation Application
• One page• On letterhead• Demonstrate how you meet agency or
foundations priorities• Use the funder’s language!• Be professional and respectful
Copyright Samuel Mahaffy, Ph.D.
Proposal Summary: Outline of Project Goals
Keep it brief and to the point. Include:Description of the applicantProblem to be addressedStatement of objectiveOutline of activities or servicesEvaluation designExpected outcomesCost/benefit
Copyright Samuel Mahaffy, Ph.D.
Introduction: Presenting a Credible Applicant
Brief history of the organization and significant accomplishments
Qualifications of professional staffReference any funding being sought
elsewhereManagement & decision making structureOrganizational structure
Copyright Samuel Mahaffy, Ph.D.
Problem Statement or Needs Assessment
Document a formal or informal needs assessmentGive evidence of conversations with stakeholdersShow who will benefit and howNature of the problem with hard and specific evidenceWhat are you doing about the problemExisting gaps in addressing the problem (how does
your effort fit into others?Show how the problem will be effectively addressed Identify how the effort will be sustained
Copyright Samuel Mahaffy, Ph.D.
Identifying the Core Issue
The lack of a program or facility is never the problem. Define the problem correctly. For example, the lack of a medical center in an economically depressed area is NOT the problem. The problem is that people in the area have health needs that are not currently being met, and may not have the resources to find alternatives.
Copyright Samuel Mahaffy, Ph.D.
Project Objectives: Goals and Desired Outcomes
Use quantitative languageBe specific as to anticipated outcomesBe realisticDo not confuse objectives with methods or
strategies
Copyright Samuel Mahaffy, Ph.D.
Program Methods and Program Design: A Plan of Action
Activities to occurStaff needed to operate the activityFacilities used, transportation, and support
servicesDiagram the design (draw a picture)Justify the designHighlight innovation and efficiencyProvide analysis, timetables, work plans
schedules, etc. in appendix when appropriate
Copyright Samuel Mahaffy, Ph.D.
Evaluation Component is Essential!
Build evaluation into the designChoose an experienced inside or outside
evaluatorDescribe methods of measurementFormative and summative evaluationHave baseline data availableEffectiveness research may win or lose your
proposal
Copyright Samuel Mahaffy, Ph.D.
Future Funding
• Describe a plan for continuation• Project ongoing income and expense• Demonstrate community support for
continuation
Copyright Samuel Mahaffy, Ph.D.
Budget Development Include salary and benefits in personnel costs and % of effort Identify contractors and qualifications Show break-down of non-personnel expenses Total and summarize each category Provide justification for the budget Identify cash or in-kind contributions and know which is which
************************* Use available resources for model budgets
Federal Grants: www.neh.gov/grants/guidelines/pdf/BudgetInstructions.pdf)
Foundation Grants: http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/tutorials/prop_budget/index.html
Copyright Samuel Mahaffy, Ph.D.
Proposal Appendix
Keep it simple Avoid generic itemsInclude staff resumes where appropriateInclude data tables and referencesOrganizational documents where appropriateList of Board of Directors and contact
information
Copyright Samuel Mahaffy, Ph.D.
Additional Proposal Writing Resources
Common Grant Application (National Network of Grantmakers): www.nng.org/cga.html
Grant Writing tip sheet from NIH: http://grnts1.nih.gov/grants/grant_tips.htm
Writing a successful grant proposal (Minnesota Council on Foundations) http://www.mch.org/mch/grant/writing.htm
Copyright Samuel Mahaffy, Ph.D.
Reach for the Sky!You can do it!!!