Grant Writing …a few tips …a few ideas…a little good luck

What is a grant?

Money given to a qualified nonprofit organization for charitable purposes.

Why should I write a grant?

If you don’t who will?

Start with an idea

Identify the problem

Figure out what you really want

or

Be Brave

Take a chance

Failure is part of the process, so try to embrace it

Think big

Take a risk

Prepare the project and goals

Write out what you want to be able to doList your goals

List the hardware that you want to meet that goal

Figure out a project that will get you to that end

Open yourself to possibilities

Make a big list

Then begin to prune it down

Ask for helpWho else can help you with this project?

PlanningWritingCelebratingCarrying out the projectDon’t forget administration!!

Read the guidelines

again and again and again!

Be very careful with this step.

Make very sure you know what the grant is asking for

Read it over and over

Describe the Project

Keep the writing simple

Junk the jargon

Ask a non-educator to read it

Does it make sense?

Less is more

Identify measurable points and objectives

•Be Clear•Be Concise•Be Sure of yourself

Grant Web SiteSurfing

Are there additional suggestions?PDF of ideas?

Helpful hints?

Are there examples of past grant recipients?

Are there additional links?

Don’t Get Too Over Ambitious

Be realistic – but dream

Make sure it is something you can actually accomplish

SustainabilityConsider the future

What can you continue after the grant is gone?

Which Administrators to you need to include?

Last But Not Least…

The titleCatchy names might help

Catchy names might not

The final draftBorders?

Pictures?

Reread one more time – just to make sure

Make sure it is mailed or emailed with time to spare

Try, Try Again

I wish it was always 100%, but it can’t be

Be ready to try it again…

Don’t send the same grant out again

At least wait until you know if you’ve got the money or not

Failed Attempts

Best BuyFall 2006

Fall 2007

Star Schools Grant Fall 2004

Successful AttemptsNEA Innovations Grant Fall 2006

Refused at first submission

NEA suggested I allow it in the pool for the the Fall

Successful Attempts

Washington County Riverboat Foundation Fall 2007

Accepted, but not for full funding

Resubmitted with an amended budget