Grant Training WorkshopPart I
Grant Training WorkshopPart I
Welcome
Trainer: Howard Brown, PhD
Youth Learning Institute
Clemson University
Training GuidelinesTraining Guidelines
Ask QuestionsRespect DifferencesHave Fun!
Training ObjectivesTraining Objectives
To acquire a better understanding of the grant-writing process
To learn the basic elements of a grant application
To be encouraged to begin writing grants
Myth: Grants are something for nothing – free money
Reality: Grants are rational deals between colleagues.
Popular Grant MythsPopular Grant Myths
Myth: Writing grant proposals is an ordeal
Reality: Proposal writing is predictable and simple
Popular Grant MythsPopular Grant Myths
Myth: All you need is one well-written grant proposal
Reality: Winning grants depends on pinpointing matches and tailoring proposals
Popular Grant MythsPopular Grant Myths
Myth: Grants are awarded to those applicants with the greatest needs
Reality: Most grants go to applicants whose proposals seem most likely to deliver services and meet the agency’s goals.
Popular Grant MythsPopular Grant Myths
Myth: Successful grant writing requires connections, and I don’t have any
Reality: What’s required is the ability to write a quality proposal that is convincing
Popular Grant MythsPopular Grant Myths
If I had a grant…..If I had a grant…..
Think about what your organization would do if it received a grant for $100,000.
Preparation StepsPreparation Steps
Needs Assessment – wish list Research sources of funding Contact foundations and corporations Determine eligibility Begin gathering documents Look for partners
Organizational DocumentsOrganizational Documents
501(c) 3 or legal document Written description of the organization,
history, brochures, activities, target audience
Budget – financial reports for 2 years Audit report List of Board Members
The Grant Proposal – Key ElementsThe Grant Proposal – Key Elements
Cover Letter Executive Summary Narrative Capacity Evaluation Budget Appendices
Cover LetterCover Letter
The cover letter may be the most important document in the grant application.
Executive SummaryExecutive Summary
This is the last thing you write Take excerpts from your narrative Keep it to one page
NarrativeNarrative
Needs Assessment
a. Specific problem, opportunity, need and the community involved
b. Define the community – demographic data, target audience
NarrativeNarrative
Program Goals and Objectives
a. List overall goals
b. List specific objectives or ways to meet the goals
c. Target at most three goals
d. List the desired outcomes
NarrativeNarrative
Methodology – describe the process
a. Briefly restate the goals
b. Clear description and explanation of program scope and activities
c. Sequence of activities, staffing
d. Timeline of activities
CapacityCapacity
Organization identity and purpose, constituents and service area
History, mission and goals Description of current programs,
statistics, strengths Long-range goals Evidence of accomplishments Evidence of fiscal responsibility
BudgetBudget
Prepare a budget that is consistent with your narrative
Check the funder’s guidelines on budget restrictions
Do not make the budget top-heavy with personnel
List all donated services (in-kind) including volunteers
BudgetBudget
Provide a Budget Rationale that links expenses to proposed activities
See sample budget in handouts
AppendicesAppendices
First, check to see what is permitted Verification of tax exempt status List of officers and board of directors Financial statements for last fiscal year Current general operating budget List of other current funding sources Resumes/bios of key personnel Support letters from partners
Essential TipsEssential Tips
Take the first step Start small Ask for help Look for needs close to home –start in the
community Find partners and build relationships Be careful what you ask for, you may get it
Assignment for Part IIAssignment for Part II
Make a list of funding needs/projects Prioritize your list Write a brief project description Write a letter of inquiry Be prepared to share with the group
and receive input
Writing a Letter of InquiryWriting a Letter of Inquiry
Introduce your organization Get to the point of the need request Give the total cost of the project Thank funder for their time Attach supporting documents,
brochures