This document provides guidance on writing effective grant proposals in 3 main sections: 1) It outlines best practices for grant writing such as following directions, knowing your audience, and being concise. 2) It asks questions to consider when planning a project such as who it will impact and how you will ensure it can be completed on time. 3) It reviews the typical components of a grant proposal including a cover letter, proposal summary, objectives, evaluation plan, and budget.

1. James M. Thompson, PhD Southeast Center for Strategic Community Development April 11, 2010 African American Caucus Grant Training

2. To demonstrate effective strategies of turning your project ideas into potential grant proposals To gain a general understanding of the basics of grant writing To become familiar of each component of the grant writing application and process

3. You should… Follow directions Know your audience Be concise Be optimistic Have passion Know what you are seeking and purpose You should not… Make assumptions Exceed the maximum number of pages, graphs, charts, budget, etc. Be late

4. Think of your ideal, completed project Who will it impact? How will you ensure potential funding agencies that you will complete the project by the grant deadline? If your project is funded, will you have the resources to execute the project in a timely fashion? Why should your project receive funding over other applicants?

5. Cover Letter Proposal Summary Introduction Problem Statement or Needs Assessment Program Objectives Methodology Evaluation Proposal Budget

6. First impression to market your idea Brief description of the proposed project Neatly written and to the point on letterhead Address it to a specific individual at the funding agency Show confidence in your proposal Don’t sound desperate Be objective

7. Usually a maximum of one page A concise snapshot or summary of the entire grant proposal Establishes the foundation for the application Should peak readers’ interest to want to know more about your project idea Some readers may not read the entire proposal if the summary is poorly written.

8. Establish credibility with your readers Who are you? Why should we fund your project? Describe any prior experiences and qualifications working with grants. Describe your school in terms of size, student demographics, special needs, goals, mission, philosophy, etc.

9. Be realistic – you are not trying to save the world! Conduct research, collect statistical data, and be able to articulate the real issues What are some best practices? Who is your target population? What is your anticipated change to your target population? What is so unique about your approach to making the proposed change?

10. Directly related to the problem statement or needs assessments Increase, decrease, reduce, improve… Measurable (numbers) criteria that will guide you through each step of the implementation Who will be doing what? When will it happen?

11. Directly related to the program objectives What steps will be taken in order to accomplish the program objectives? Justify to readers your capabilities of implementing the proposed project Include best practices and current research How will participants be selected? How will staff be recruited and trained? Time charts

12. Collect data throughout the life of the grant Results Evaluation Were you able to effectively implement your program and accomplish each objective? Process Evaluation Were you able to execute the program as outlined in your proposal? Did you have to implement other measures and objectives during the life of the grant in order to meet the objectives?

13. Accuracy is the key – double check Do not exceed the maximum grant amount Research each item included in the budget Follow the application format

14. Be sure to set aside enough time to submit your grant proposal Arrange time in advance for signatures Do you have to submit several photocopies along with the original grant proposal?

15. Wait patiently and be optimistic Continue to search for other potential funding agencies Recycle your proposed idea It is not the end of the world nor is it the game of baseball! Learn from prior pitfalls and mistakes Continue to hone your grant writing skills

16. Thanks for your attendance and best wishes in your grant writing endeavors!