An overview of how to get started in the grant writing process. Originally given at the United Methodist Church - Community Developers Program Training Event September 15, 2010 Scottsdale, AZ

1. Grant Proposal
Development for
Scary Cats Newbie's

2. “The greatest barrier
to success is the fear
of failure.”
Sven Goran Eriksson

4. Corporations
Foundations
Government

6. Before you apply…
• Begin with the end in mind.
• Develop a plan.
• Start out small.

11. Grant Writing Style
• Avoid jargon
• Introduce acronyms
• Clear & Concise
• Write to persuade
• Stick to the facts

12. Summary/
Abstract
Appendices Problem/Needs
Statement
Elements of a Goals &
Reporting Grant Proposal Objectives
Itemized &
Methodology
Narrative Budget
Evaluation

15. A Good Problem Statement
Should:
• Show that you understand • Demonstrate that your
the problem approach is creative or
innovative
• Demonstrate that this is an
important problem to • Describe how this project
solve, locally, regionally fits into the already
and/or nationally existing goals of the
organization
• Clearly describe the
aspects of the problem • Be succinct and
that your project will persuasive
address, and what gaps
this will fill

19. Goals Need Objectives
• Goals are the „what‟, Objectives are the „how‟.
– Example:
• Goal - The number of homeless youth in Houston will
decrease by 10%.
• Objectives – To create a parent hotline; To conduct
weekly youth/parent dialogues at the largest Smith
High School; To parent to parent mentoring for
adults who have a child absent from the home.

23. Budget Tips:
• No more than 10% towards
administrative costs
• % of time on project vs. % of time
worked
• (Fringe) Benefits
• Is there a budget „match‟ requirement
• What‟s allowable? (i.e. P.O.‟s,
Consultants, Subcontractors)

25. Appendix
• Resumes of key staff
• Letters of Support/Commitment
• Sample questionnaires, focus group
questions
• Job Description
• Board of Directors
• Annual Report
• Facilities & Insurance
• References or Bibliography
• Tax Returns/990s

27. The Last Minute Tips
• SPELL AND GRAMMAR CHECK
• No fancy covers or formatting
• Electronic, paper or both
• Due Date: “received by” or
“postmarked”
• Street address or P. O. Box.
• Multiple Copies

28. Common Reasons Proposals Fail
• Deadline not met • Appeared beyond
• Guidelines not capacity
followed • Method/Strategy
• Not innovative weak
• Did not meet • Unrealistic budget
priorities • Little ROI
• Poorly written

31. For tips and resources visit us on
Facebook or Twitter
@VergeConsulting.
www.vergeconsultinggroup.com
kkj@vergeconsultinggroup.com