grant writing (from a reviewer's...
TRANSCRIPT
GET THE GRANT: GRANT WRITING FROM A REVIEWER'S
PERSPECTIVE Eli Guinnee
Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System
Get the Grant: Today: •Where to Look •Basic Proposal Structure •What do Reviewers look for? •Key points •Common Mistakes •Case Studies
Where to Look?
•Foundations • Foundation Directory
•Government Grants •Federal: Grants.gov •State: Get grant notices from
appropriate departments
•Local Businesses •Corporate Giving Programs
The Basic Structure of a Proposal
•Summary of the proposal •Include the amount requested and the “Why?”
•Organization description/history/mission •Background:
•Describes the problem •Demonstrates the need
The Basic Structure of a Proposal •Program description
•How will you address the problem? •Who does it serve? •What are the components of the project? •How will you assess success? •How do program goals line up with what the
funder wants to accomplish? •What collaborations does it leverage? •What bigger picture does it fit into?
The Basic Structure of a Proposal
•Program Timeline •When will the project begin and end? •When will the major component parts begin and end?
•When will funds be expended?
The Basic Structure of a Proposal
•Program Budget • Broken into categories if necessary (eg. salaries,
equipment, etc) • Might include in-kind support
•Budget Narrative • Describes each budget line and how the figures were
reached • Gives enough description to answer potential
questions • How will budget shortfalls impact the project?
What do Reviewers Look for?
• Applications that are complete and follow the instructions
• Is the application on time?
• Have all the parts been filled out completely?
• Proposals that are clearly communicated • Is it clear what the applicant plans to do with the money?
• Is it clear what the project is?
• Realistic budgets with a lot of backup (eg. quotes)
What do Reviewers Look for?
• Proposals that have demonstrated thoughtful planning • Is the applicant just chasing money or is the project part of a
well designed planning process?
• Does the proposed project meet the purpose and intended outcomes of the grant?
• Does the project help the granting agency accomplish what they hope to accomplish
• Does the application use the language I’m looking for?
Key Points– Most Importantly
•Read the Instructions! •What kind of proposals is the granting agency
looking for? •Can you structure your proposal to fit the
application? •Is it worth your time? •Follow the directions! •Meet Deadlines
Key Points– Timeline
•How often are applications reviewed?
•Does your program period match the timeline?
•What part of the applications will take the longest to put together?
Key Points—Talk their Language
• Build a relationship with the granting agency • Call and talk to them about your proposal • Ask questions! Ask for advice!
• Have clear goals and objectives • Make your Objectives “SMART” Specific Measurable
Attainable Relevant Time-bound “I want to make my library wonderful” vs. “To meet the needs of our young families, within 6 months the library will double the number of weekly baby storytimes”
Key Points—Sell it
•Demonstrate a clear need
•Clearly state how your project will fill a need or solve a problem
•Echo the granting agencies’ language
•Reference local economic development plans
•Know your story!
Key Points--Budget
•Make your budget realistic, have backing documentation
•The budget should demonstrate that grant funds are aligned with funding agency policies.
•Double check your math!
Key Points--Evaluation
•How will you evaluate whether your project is successful?
•Will you collect data, ask participants to fill out surveys?
Key Points--Take the Final Report Seriously
•Know it ahead of time: How you write the proposal may change when you know what you are expected to report.
•Are changes allowed?
•Will you be eligible for future funds if you do not fulfill the grant requirements?
Common Mistakes (and how to avoid them) • Not answering every question (Read instructions carefully…
and follow them!)
• Sloppiness (Have at least one other pair of eyes look at your grant)
• Lack of effort (Take your time! If it’s not worth your time, don’t do it
• Not knowing what the grant can cover (Read the Guidelines!)
Common Mistakes (and how to avoid them) continued… • Too much Copy and Pasting (Make sure your grant is tailored
to that specific application)
• Shoehorning (If your project does not fit the grant, don’t waste your time)
• Missing the deadline (Start early)
• Being a stranger (Call the agency before you submit)
Common Mistakes (and how to avoid them) continued… • Using language that is too conversational, or uses very very
very much hyperbole
• Using jargon or slang that a reviewer might not “get”
• Using overly complex language which might make your sentences: difficult to read, on one hand; annoying on the other.
(for all of the above, just write clearly and directly)
Case Study : Allegany County Area Foundation
You are the Reviewer! • Read the guidelines and instructions
• Read what the applicant wrote (in blue)
• Circle the mistakes the applicant made, and anything they did a great job of
• Complete the reviewer form
Case Study #1 Rich County Community Foundation Grant Application Instructions (excerpt)
Purpose
This year the RCCF is offering grants of up to $5000 for projects that bring music enrichment to rural youth.
How to Apply
Write a letter on intent including an Abstract (100 words or less), Project Narrative (1000 words or less), Budget, Budget Narrative, and Timeline.
Restrictions
Only 501(c)(3) nonprofits may apply. Funds must be expended by the end of 2017.
Case Study #2 Michaels “Peace through Crafts” Grant Application Instructions (excerpt)
Purpose
The Michaels Corporation is committed to bringing arts and crafts to underserved inner city communities to promote peace and understanding.
How to Apply
Submit an initial Letter of Intent by December 1. Projects selected for second round review will be asked to make a presentation at their nearest Michaels location.
Restrictions
Restricted to applicants within 20 miles of an urban Michaels retail location. Each grant is $15,000.
GET THE GRANT: GRANT WRITING FROM A REVIEWER'S
PERSPECTIVE Eli Guinnee
Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System
Thank you!