This is a presentation that Mike McDowell and myself put together for a seminar class my senior year.

1. Grant Writing Dan Hager & Mike McDowell

2. What is a grant? In general, a grant is funding provided by a charitable-giving foundation, public charity, or a government agency to a nonprofit organization. It is expected with this funding that the nonprofit organization will perform specified activities for the common good. May also come from corporate giving programs or nonprofit intermediaries. Smith, Nancy B., and E G. Works. The Complete Book of Grant Writing. Naperville: Sourcebooks, Inc., 2006. N. pag. Print.

3. Who qualifies for grants? Government Organizations Education Organizations Nonprofit Organizations For-profit organizations (other than small business) Small Businesses Individuals http://www.grants.gov/aboutgrants/eligibility.jsp

4. Requests for Proposals (RFPs) When a government issues a new contract or grant program, it sends out RFPs to agencies that it believes may be qualified to participate. An RFP lists project specifications and application procedures. While a few foundations occasionally use RFPs in specific fields, most prefer to consider proposals that are initiated by applicants. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-request-for-proposal-rfp.htm

5. Requests for Proposals (RFPs) RFPs change in structure from one situation to another. Each proposal will require you to meet different goals and objectives depending on what grant you’re applying for. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Request_for_proposal

6. Reading and Analyzing RFPs Key items to look for in an RFP before developing a proposal Eligibility criteria Project purpose Deadline Number of grants available Funding limits Smith, Nancy B., and E G. Works. The Complete Book of Grant Writing. Naperville: Sourcebooks, Inc., 2006. N. pag. Print.

7. Federal Register Departments within the federal government determine priorities for domestic programs it wants to launch. Departments then publish those programs in the federal register in anticipation of funding the annual budget. Essentially a catalog of federal grants that organizations are able to apply for. http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp

8. State Grants State Governments make funding available for certain projects they deem important to the growth of the community. Depending on what the state sees as a need, they will provide funding towards certain interests. Example: California Energy Innovations Alcohol and Drug programs Developmental Disabilities Waste Management http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp

9. Before you write… Gather information Outline the grant proposal Develop a schedule Request letters of support Write a first draft Meet with a design team; review draft Recruit an outside reader Smith, Nancy B., and E G. Works. The Complete Book of Grant Writing. Naperville: Sourcebooks, Inc., 2006. N. pag. Print.

10. Before you write… Complete the final edits Complete all forms Put the grant proposal packet together Deliver the grant Smith, Nancy B., and E G. Works. The Complete Book of Grant Writing. Naperville: Sourcebooks, Inc., 2006. N. pag. Print.

11. 5 Components of Every Grant Proposal An abstract or executive summary The statement of need or problem The project description An evaluation plan A budget Smith, Nancy B., and E G. Works. The Complete Book of Grant Writing. Naperville: Sourcebooks, Inc., 2006. N. pag. Print.

12. The Grantwriting Craft Explain acronyms and terms Use the active voice First or third person? Speak with Authority Use “will” not “would” Be politically correct Check spelling, grammar, and punctuation Smith, Nancy B., and E G. Works. The Complete Book of Grant Writing. Naperville: Sourcebooks, Inc., 2006. N. pag. Print.

13. While You Wait Due Diligence is done by the grantmakers to investigate the applicant organizations qualifications to receive the grant. Things they look for Organizational stabilityand sustainability Track record Partners Program Smith, Nancy B., and E G. Works. The Complete Book of Grant Writing. Naperville: Sourcebooks, Inc., 2006. N. pag. Print.

14. While You Wait Be prepared for site visits from foundation grant officers. Preparation Following Up Reporting progress or setbacks Smith, Nancy B., and E G. Works. The Complete Book of Grant Writing. Naperville: Sourcebooks, Inc., 2006. N. pag. Print.

15. You Got the Grant! Media releases are not necessary for all grants received, but for some you want you want the community to be aware. Create a press release to create a “buzz” within the community. Be gracious You got the grant, but… Challenge grants Progress Reports Smith, Nancy B., and E G. Works. The Complete Book of Grant Writing. Naperville: Sourcebooks, Inc., 2006. N. pag. Print.

16. You Didn’t Receive the Grant No limit to how many times an organization/person may apply for a grant. It only takes one trustee to override the grant officer when denying a grant. Request Notes Smith, Nancy B., and E G. Works. The Complete Book of Grant Writing. Naperville: Sourcebooks, Inc., 2006. N. pag. Print.

17. Activity You have been awarded a grant of $20,000 for a new playscape, but must follow the grant guidelines to be awarded the money. Use the RFP provided to determine which companies have met the specified criteria. (Required items in design) Community foundations (recreation departments) will usually send an RFP to all organizations who have done similar work for them in the past.