This document provides tips for developing effective grant applications. It advises to plan strategically, research funding programs, develop relationships with government officials, engage partners and stakeholders, highlight the positive impacts of the proposed project, follow application instructions carefully, proofread, attach all required documents, budget accurately, and clearly demonstrate need. Common reasons for unsuccessful applications include failing to show need or relevance to the funding body's goals. Potential funding sources mentioned include provincial grants portals and programs.

1. Effective Grant Applications
Matt MacDonald
Deputy City Clerk
City of Belleville

2. Effective Grant Applications
PLAN
Strategic/Priority Planning
Asset Management Planning
Pre-project Planning

3. Effective Grant Applications
RESEARCH
Contact funding program staff
Ensure application fits criteria and intent of funding program
Be realistic – do not submit applications just to
submit

4. Effective Grant Applications
DEVELOP/NURTURE RELATIONSHIPS
Between Municipal staff and Provincial and Federal staff
Between elected Municipal Officials and Member of Parliament
& Member of Provincial Parliament

5. Effective Grant Applications
PARTNERS
Identify and engage individuals/groups that will benefit from
project
Seek support for project and include with submission

6. Effective Grant Applications
PROVIDE THE GOOD NEWS STORY
Provide the positives that will be achieved though the completion
of the project
Programs are designed to effect greatest number with limited
available resources

7. Effective Grant Applications
COMPLETING THE APPLICATION
Start early
Follow instructions
Proof read

8. Effective Grant Applications
COMPLETING THE APPLICATION
Attach all related information
Budget as accurately as possible
Demonstrate a need

9. Effective Grant Applications
WHY ARE APPLICATIONS UNSUCCESSFUL
Applicant fails to clearly demonstrate a need
Fails to demonstrate that project addresses an issue of the funding
program/body
Budget issues

10. Effective Grant Applications
POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES
Provincial Grants Portal
http://www.grants.gov.on.ca/GrantsPortal
Agri-Spirit Fund
http://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/aboutus/responsibility/agrispiritfund_e.asp
Ontario Municipal Program Guide
http://www.ontario.ca/en/municipal_guide/index.htm

11. Effective Grant Applications
Questions ?
Matt MacDonald
Deputy City Clerk
City of Belleville
613-967-3256
mtmacdonald@city.belleville.on.ca