GRANT WRITINGThe Basics

WHY GRANTS?

Why is grant writing such a hot button topic? Words matter

It will be all they have!

Steps in the process (Koch 8-10) Abstract—Intro—Organizational description—Statement of need—

Goals/objectives—Activities/outcomes—Evaluation—Dissemination—Budget/constraints

Must be familiar with who you are, what you want, and who you can get it from

Who are you? Grassroots, social service agency, advocacy groups, individual? 501(c)

(3)?

KEY THINGS TO CONSIDER

You absolutely must always address the “So what?” question Koch p. 24-25

Focused goals lead to measurable objectives This will help!

Tell us who will benefit and show us that the project is doable

External funding should NEVER drive your organization Design tricks

Benefit many, collaborative, inclusive, investment, leverage, replicable, continued

IN YOUR OFFICE/AREA

Don’t be intimidated by the amount of work you have to put forth

Need to know institutional info, long-range goals, PR efforts

Want good partnerships within your office Especially between budget person and the grant writer (if they’re

different)

Know the needs and accomplishments of your organization (KK113)

Team-driven proposals are tough And they are NEVER written by an actual team

Find quantifiable data on your efforts, know the relationships you have, and figure out who you are competing against!

MUST HAVE A HOOK!

Be persuasive! This will create the link with the grantor Need to know their POV

Direct service, research, research for policy, research for activism, education, activism

Ideology 100% can matter Use buzzwords

Can make or break some proposals

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER ABOUT WHERE TO APPLY Eligible? Geography? Subject matter? RFP? Amount of money? Problem-solving approach? There are trends! Foundation considerations (Koch 43)

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Must match started goals, preferences, and limitations of grantor

www.foundationcenter.org IRS990-PF (KK 86) What grants have they made? Koch p. 33—roadmap Conferences and workshops

KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE: FOUNDATIONS Effect social change Associate with greatness Peer review with criteria Paper you write for class—build case No assurance of being read in full National, regional/local, family, community, non-grant-

making, independent private, federated, corporate, financial institutions

KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE: CORPORATIONS Visibility and marketing Different audience Short, bullets, clear link to them

KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE: GOVERNMENT Need that needs addressed Federal Register (designated period) Complex and time-consuming Review committees Departmental program officers Teams of reviewers Will ALWAYS know review criteria

PAY ATTENTION TO THEM!

Less freedom Help them give you points (p. 77 Koch)

ADVICE POINTS

No two applications will be the same Don’t be afraid to call program officers (but be quick and

on point!) See what they’ve funded lately Use the teleconferences Don’t do anything they don’t ask you to You MUST follow directions Must answer every question/topic Learn from rejections!!

WHAT CAN I DO TO BE PREPARED FOR GRANT OPPORTUNITIES? Potentially needed documents (KF 60-62) Boilerplate materials (KF 63-64) Information to collect/update regularly (KF 68-69)