copyright, 2006 ©douglas benson, mdh the seven "r's" of grant writing douglas benson...
TRANSCRIPT
Copyright, 2006 ©Douglas Benson, MDH
THE SEVEN "R's" OF GRANT WRITING
Douglas BensonOffice of Primary Care & Financial AssistanceMinnesota Department of HealthSt. Paul, MN [email protected]
Introduction
The subject of my presentation is proposal writing.
But remember that a proposal does not stand alone. It must be part of a grant’s process involving the Seven “R’s” of Grant Writing.
The Seven R’s
Research Writing Responsive Reporting Relationship(s) Reliable Performance Respectful
Introduction (cont’d)
An application must be part of a process of planning, of research on, outreach to, and cultivation of, potential funding foundations, individual and corporate donors.
The process is grounded in the conviction that a partnership should develop between the applicant and the funder.
•Remember - it is hard to give money away
•Grant or foundation funds have no value until awarded and the project successfully completed.
Research
What are your problems or needs? What would you like to accomplish? What are your priorities? How much will it cost and why? What are the possible sources for
funding? What are their priorities and timelines?
Plan
Define the purpose of your application. The outcome you seek:
Inform Persuade Motivate to action Sell Your Proposed Project
TIP Identify and organize your
key points
Grant Writing Process
Prepare Plan Construct Review Submit Administer Evaluate
Prepare
Establish a Positive Mind-Set Value your message Visualize yourself succeeding Visualize your audience responding Prepare an attention getting proposal
• Present a problem• Relate an incident• Offer an opportunity
Components of a Proposal
Applicant Information (1 Page) Executive Summary (1 Page) Statement of Need (2 Pages) Project Description (3 Pages) Budget (1 Page Accounting Form
(1 Page Budget Justification) Conclusion/Summary (2 Paragraphs)
Prepare and Plan
Define the purpose of your application: Knowledge Experience Needs Goals and Objectives Opportunities
Writing
Illustrate and support Key Points with evidence and visuals.
Key Points Of Application Problem and Solution Statistics Testimonials/Incidents Exhibits
Writing (cont.)
Original Comprehensive Convincing Compelling and Persuasive Timely Appealing (Visually and Memorably) Quality Workmanship
TIP Develop transitions or
bridges between key points.
Writing (cont’d)
Review your application presentation And your visuals for:
Clarity Relevancy Eye-appeal Visibility Quality Memorability
Writing (cont’d)
Review Your Application - Does it: Have a strong opening Clear key points Logical flow Vivid Language Credible evidence
and...
Writing (cont’d)
Also have a Memorable close Clarity of message Identify and eliminate distracting jargon Results and action orientated Are the results obtainable?
Responsive
Be responsive to the needs and problems of your community and your institution
Aim to meet funders needs and priorities Meet other stakeholder needs Talk in terms of your audience’s interest
Involve and entreat your audience
Reporting
Progress and achievements against milestones
Financial Reporting Publicity and Public Relations
Relationship(s)
With existing funders With potential funders and donors Build rapport and trust with funders and
reviewers Think in terms of their interests
Reliable Performance
Tell them what you are going to do Tell them what you have done Tell them why you need them and NOT
why they need you! Do what you said you were going to do!
And then tell the provider what you have done because of their assistance!
Be Respectful of Everyone
Treat all project partners with respect Treat project reviewers with respect - i
t’s a tough and thankless task Treat Program Officers with respect Even if denied funding, treat
foundation or agency representatives with respect
Evaluate
Strive for continuous improvement: Measure the success of your effort. Identify the strengths as well as
areas to improve. Decide how you will improve
the next time.
TIP Remember to PLAN /PREPARE / PRESENT/
PERSIST
The Seven R’s
Research Writing Responsive Reporting Relationship(s) Reliable Performance Respect
Doug Benson
Office of Rural Health & Primary Care
Minnesota Dept. of Health
85 E. 7th Place, Suite 220
St. Paul, MN 55101
(651) 282-6348