This document provides guidance on writing grant proposals. It notes that applying for grants does not guarantee funding and that grants typically fund projects for specific time periods. It recommends having someone from the organization write the proposal and outlines sections to include like an introduction, needs assessment, objectives, evaluation plan, budget, and appendices. The document also discusses researching funders, common funded activities like those from 501(c)(3) organizations, and including required IRS documentation like tax-exempt status.

1. Writing Grant Proposals
Patrick Nehring
UW-Extension Waushara County

2. 2005 Contributions by non-governmental
entities and individuals in the US
by Source of Contribution
5% 12%
7%
76%
Corporations
Foundations
Bequests
Individuals
Giving Institute/American Association of Fundraising Counsel - www.aafrc.org/

3. A Few Things About Grants
 Be prepared that applying for a grant does
not guarantee you will receive funding.
 Many grants are setup to fund a project
during a specific time period and it may not
be possible to renew the grant indefinitely.
 Grants have there own time frame and the
approval process may take a long time.
 Have someone in the organization write the
proposal. If you hire a grant writer, be
involved. You probably know more about the
program.

4. Guides to Writing Grant
Proposals
 Internet Guides
 www.dfwonline.org/
 http://researchguides.library.wisc.edu/cont
ent.php?pid=16143&sid=108666
 http://www.grantproposal.com/
 Published Guides
 http://researchguides.library.wisc.edu/cont
ent.php?pid=16143&sid=108601

5. Commonly Funded Activities
 Not all non-profits are looked at equally
 Prefer “charitable” organizations and
activities as defined by Section 501(c)3
of the US Internal Revenue Code
 501(c)3 Charitable Organization
 Sometimes 501(c)4, 501(c)8, 501(c)10,
501(c)13, and 501(c)19 if public use
 Unit of government for public purposes

6. 501(c)3 Activities
 Religious
 Educational
 Scientific
 Literary
 Public safety
 Fostering amateur sports competition
 Prevention of cruelty to children or animals
 Charitable
Source: Internal Revenue Service

7. “Charitable” Activities include:
 Relief of the poor, the distressed, or the
underprivileged
 Erection or maintenance of public buildings,
monuments, or works
 Lessening of neighborhood tensions
 Elimination of prejudice and discrimination
 Defense of human and civil rights secured by law
 Combating community deterioration and juvenile
delinquency.
Source: Internal Revenue Service

8. Wisconsin Grant Libraries
 UW-Madison Memorial Library:
Grants Information Center
 http://grants.library.wisc.edu/
 UW-Stevens Point University Library:
Foundation Collection
 http://library.uwsp.edu/depts/foundation/index.htm
 Marquette University Memorial Library:
Funding Information Center
 www.marquette.edu/library/fic/index.html
 New libraries at UW-Eau Claire, UW-La
Crosse and looking for a host library in

9. Wisconsin Grant Internet Lists
 UW-Extension Center for Community
Economic Development: Fund-Raising
& Grant Writing Links
 www.uwex.edu/li/andy/grants2.html
 Wisconsin DATCP – “Got Moo-La?”
 http://www.datcp.state.wi.us/mktg/business/bu

10. Federal & National Grant
Sources
 US Department of Health and Human
Services is the managing partner of the
Federal Grants.Gov Initiative
www.grants.gov
 GuideStar has a search option with a
brief description and link to foundation
websites. Keyword search “foundation”
www.guidestar.org/search/

11. Research the Grant
 Who do they give to?
 What are they interested in?
 How much do they usually give out?
 Where do they give?
 Sources of Information
 Internet
 Library
 990 Forms

12. Form 990
 Generally Tax-Exempt Organizations
(Non-Profits) must file a 990, 990 EZ or
a 990PF Form with the IRS
 http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=96103,00.html
 Access to 990 Form Information
 Foundation Libraries
 Internet Sources
 GuideStar – www.guidestar.org/search/

13. Grant Proposals
 Follow Directions
 Be aware of the evaluation system. If there is
point system, plan accordingly.
 Use the terms and key words given.
 Use common language. Don’t assume
everyone will understand the acronyms,
jargon, and abbreviations
 Be concise, but give specific details

14. Letters of Intent/Inquiry
 Preferred by some, but not by all
 Why you are seeking funds
 Describe the need you will address
 Summarize the project you are seeking
funds for
 Describe your organization
 Ask how to submit a full proposal
Source: Donors forum of Wisconsin

15. Introduction – Organization Information

16. Needs Assessment and Problem
Statement – Project/Program Description

17. Sources of Information
 UW-Extension Waushara County Web Site
 Statistics and Studies for Waushara County
 www.uwex.edu/ces/cty/waushara/
 US Census Bureau
 www.census.gov
 Wisconsin Agencies
 www.wisconsin.gov/state/core/agency_index.html

18. Objectives – Project/Program Description

19. Evaluation – Project/Program Description

20. Future and Other Necessary
Funding – Funding Considerations

21. Budget

22. Appendices – Support Materials

23. Tax Exempt Status
 Tax-Exempt Organizations (Non-profits)
 www.irs.gov/charities/
 Units of Government

24. www.uwex.edu/ces/cty/waushara/