GrantWriting

1
Grant-Writing

• A non-profits guide to preparing grant proposals

2
Choosing a Funder

• The first step in grant-writing is to choose a
  supporting organization. The key to this process
  is to make sure that the funding organizations
  mission is consistent with that of the applicant
  and that the proposed program identifies with the
  funders objectives.
• Some resources for finding potential funders
  include
• Individual foundation websites
• Philanthropy publications
• Friends and donors contacts
• OFBCI Funding Opportunities monthly e-newsletter
  (http//www.in.gov/ofbci/2382.htm)
• www.grants.gov

3
Researching the Funder

• It is extremely important to research the funding
  interests of the organization before applying for
  funds. It can be especially helpful to get a copy
  of the organizations annual report and mission.
• The applying organization should familiarize
  itself with the funders entire application
  process, including their timetable, guidelines,
  instructions, and all grant requirements. At the
  beginning of the writing process, it is very
  important to pay close attention to all
  directions given by the funder. Upon submitting
  the final grant proposal, it is wise to include a
  cover letter which serves as a link between the
  proposal and the funders interests. This letter
  should not be long, but rather a short, one- to
  two-paragraph summary of the proposal.

4
Writing Process

• The following are the basic steps for the writing
  process of a grant proposal.
• Carefully read all instructions.
• Brainstorm ideas.
• Gather all materials background information,
  documentation, research, current facts and
  statistics about the population, etc.
• Contact the funder ask any questions, review
  deadlines and expectations, and notify them of
  the pending proposal.
• Create an outline of the proposal, followed by a
  first draft.
• Edit the draft for content. Ask Is everything
  included? Does the proposal address the funders
  stated concerns? Changes should then be
  incorporated into a second draft.
• Proofread the second draft, and have others
  proofread it as well.
• Complete a final draft. Double-check that format
  is consistent with the funders instructions and
  that all questions have been answered.

5
Basic Components

• Case for Support
• The main purpose of the case for support is to
  demonstrate the following two objectives
• How the program addresses a community need in a
  unique manner using appropriate logic and
  outcomes.
• What the impact of the funds will be on the
  program and community.
• The case for support consists of the following
  basic criteria
• The organizations mission and vision.
• The values and principles that guide the
  organizations work.
• A connection with the interests of the donors.
• A conveyed sense of urgency.
• An emotionally motivating, yet concrete and
  logical argument.
• Continued

6
Basic Components

• Case for Support, continued
• Also included in the case for support will be
  program background details, particularly the
  community needs the program addresses (including
  statistics, trends, and needs already met). This
  should provide a context for the programs and
  services the organization provides. Information
  should include the number of people served, how
  the money helps, positive trends in the
  community, and the impact the programs and
  services have had on the community.
• If applying for a new program, a need should be
  identified and a solution presented for the need,
  based on logic and feasibility. For more
  information on program development, please see
  the OFBCI resource on this topic.

7
Basic Components

• Budget Narrative
• The first place a funder looks after the cover
  sheet and executive summary is the budget
  narrative. The following are the basic steps for
  completing a budget narrative
• Review the program goals and objectives.
• Estimate the resources needed to obtain these
  goals.
• Determine other necessary costs.
• Explain any budget controls in place..
• Depending on the individual funders
  instructions, the budget narrative may also
  include an overview of additional support
  (fundraising, community support, etc).

8
Basic Components

• Organizational Information
• This short section should consist of a list of
  the organizations active leadership. This
  includes the organizational chart, board of
  directors, and volunteers.
• Attachments
• If allowable, attachments should be kept to a
  minimum, including only those most necessary to
  support the proposal. They may include
  testimonials, charts, design plans, etc.

9
The Follow-Up

• The follow-up is a very important, yet often
  overlooked, part of the grant proposal. It is
  wise to make sure that the application was
  received and to check on the status of a pending
  application. It is also a good idea to request
  feedback on an application, whether or not it was
  approved. This evaluation can help immensely to
  improve on the organizations next grant proposal.

10
Final Recommendations

• Follow all instructions!
• Proofread, proofread, proofread! Pay special
  attention to spelling, grammar, and fluidity.
• Find an appropriate length dont be too
  long-winded or too brief.
• Make sure that the format of the proposal
  (including all attachments) is appropriate for
  reproduction.
• Electronic format All elements should be
  compatible with the organizations computer
  programs.
• Paper format all components should be legible
  when printed in black and white ink.
• Dont write one sweeping proposal for mass
  distribution among funders! Every proposal should
  be written specifically to a funder and should
  apply directly to the organizations request for
  proposals.
• Only apply to a funding organization if the
  applying program is consistent with the stated
  funding interests.

11
Final Note

• This is only a general guideline to
  grant-writing, and for that reason, not all
  suggestions may be applicable for every proposal
  or funder. Keep in mind that each different
  funding organization has different individual
  requirements. Pay attention to all guidelines and
  instructions and follow them closely.

12
Additional Resources

• Council on Foundations (www.cof.org)
• Foundations Online (www.foundations.org)
• The Foundation Center (www.fdncenter.org)
• GrantSmart (www.grantsmart.org)
• The Grantsmanship Center (www.tgci.com)
• GrantStation (www.grantstation.com)
• GuideStar (www.guidestar.org)