Grant Writing An Overview of the Grant Writing

Grant Writing An Overview of the Grant Writing Experience Disclaimer: This module is for instructional purposes that expresses suggestions and tips for applying to grants and following up on grant reviews. If you follow these instructions, there is not a guarantee that you will receive funds from applied grants. This module was complied from research (ref. works cited).

Content of this Module: Click Here to End the Module Background on Grants How to Research for Grants What to Know About the Funder Preparation Before Writing Your Proposal Writing the Proposal Click on a specific topic to jump to that slide. What the Funder wants to See Resources for Writing a Proposal Grant Decision and Follow-Up Click Here to Go to the Next Slide Click Here to Go to the Previous Slide

Background Click on a question if you want to know the answer. If you know the answers to these questions, click the button below to continue to the next slide. What is a grant? What can I use the grant for? What types of grants are there? Who funds these grants? What do I need before I start researching grants?

Background: What is a Grant? A grant is a bounty, gift, or monetary award of financial assistance given to a grantee for specific purposes acknowledged, usually through writing, by the granter. By accepting this assistance, has the grantee agrees to certain requirements and obligations that must be met and sustained. http: //www. businessdictionary. com/definition/grant. html I’m Done! "What Is a Grant? " Federal. Grants. com "Grant. " Business Dictionary.

Background: What Can a Grant be Used for? Grant money can only be used in specific ways and must be spent on the project outlined in the grant application that was approved. How can you use your grant money: Equipment and Building Supplies New Shelves/ Storage, New Walk-in Freezers/ Fridges, and Building Expansions or Improvements (i. e heating, electricity, etc. ) Costs for Nutrition Food Programs and Services Example: Nutrition education programs for your clients I’m Done!

Background: What Types of Grants are there? (Here a few) General fund, general operating, or Restricted or special project grants: unrestricted grant: “grants to further the “grants for specific items or special general purpose or work of an organization, rather than focusing on one specific purpose or project. These types of grants cover the regular personnel, administrative, and miscellaneous expenses of an organization as they work on an existing program or project. ” Building or renovation: “grant for Taken From: A to Z Grant Writing with Linda Vallejo constructing, renovating, remodeling, or rehabilitating property. Funders generally give these grants to organizations they've given to previously. ” projects only. They're restricted because the organization can only spend the grant money on agreed-on project costs and items. ” Program development: “This grant provides organizations with support for specific projects or programs, as opposed to general operating grants. Program development may include the planning process or program expansion. ” I’m Done!

Background: Who Funds These Grants? Click on the entity in red below if you want to learn more about them. Corporations USA Givings 2014 Report [CATEGORY (Government) Foundations [CATEGORY NAME] $28. 13 B 8% What does this mean? ? ? • Individuals are the most to give to nonprofit charities annually. • Foundations & Corporations only make up 20% of national giving per year to non-profits, but still donate up to 71. 74 Billion Dollars. • “Bequests” are requested donations to non-profits through the wills of people who have passed. "Giving USA 2014. " The Giving Institution NAME] $17. 77 B 5% [CATEGORY NAME] $53. 97 B 15% 72% [CATEGORY NAME] $258. 51 B I’m Done!

How Corporations Give to Non-Profits Corporate- Sponsored Foundations “These are private foundations that create grants using funds from contributions of a for-profit organization. These foundations may have close ties to their sponsoring company, however they are an independent organization with their own business endowment and board of directors. ” Examples: Walmart Foundation & Wells Fargo Foundation. Corporate Giving Programs “These are grant making programs established and administered within a profit-making company. Their grant funds are related to the company’s current profit and may be budgeted in their operating expenses. ” Examples: Macy’s Giving Program. Matching Gifts through Employees “These are grants an employer will make to match its employees’ charitable contributions. For the employers to be aware of the employees’ charitable contributions, individuals must submit a form through their HR departments usually. ” Example: For every dollar donated to the cashier for a certain event, the employer will donate a dollar to match that donation. Corporate Sponsorships “This is a form of marketing in which a company pays for all or some of the costs associated with a project in exchange for recognition. ” Example: If you were hosting an event that had similar philanthropy interests as Albertsons, Albertsons may aid you in some costs, as long as they name is branded on your event. I’m Done! "Develop a Giving Program for Your Business. "

Components of Foundations Foundation: “non-governmental entity that is established as a nonprofit corporation or a charitable trust, with a principal purpose of making grants to unrelated organizations, institutions, or individuals for scientific, educational, cultural, religious, or other charitable purposes. ” - Grant Space Types of Foundations to Focus on: ü Public • Private Foundation Community Foundations Private Foundations receive their funding from individuals, families, corporations, or a combination of those. ü Private • • • Private Foundations must distribute at least 5% of their prior annual assets through donations, grants, or gifts to other charitable organizations. Operating Independent (Family Operated) Company-Sponsored Foundations It is required by the IRS for the private foundations to annually file form 990 -PF. These forms are available to the public and can be useful for grant writing research These forms include information from foundations’ finances and board members to the organizations that were last awarded their grants. FOUNDATION BREAK-DOWN REPORTED IN 2013 Operating Community Public Foundations are public charities that usually operate a grant program. 4169 79616 Independent Corporate Public Foundation 2577 780 *Foundation Center Grant Space/ Foundation Center. Foundation Fundamentals: A Guide for Grant-seeking. Their funds are received through multiple, unrelated sources such as private foundations, individuals, and the government. Public Foundations keep their public charity status by continually seeking diverse funds. I’m Done!

What do I need before I start researching grants o Verify that your organization has 501(c)(3) tax exempt status. o Ask yourself if your organization and the people that you are serving really need a grant and if writing the grant is worth your time. It can take up to 6 -9 months to receive word from the funder if you were approved or not for the grant. If you are unsure about grant writing after this module, perhaps look into fundraising or think outside the box to achieve funding! o Be confident in your knowledge of your organization. You will have to write about the organization’s history, mission, targeted population, future projects, current funding & administrative expenses etc. If you are unsure about future projects or current projects that need funding, dig around for information from your staff, volunteers, and clients. o Notify your board and other organizational members that you will be applying for grants. Maybe one of your co-workers will know someone in the organization that you are applying to. I’m Done!

How to Research for Grants Ask these questions when you start your search. Who offers funds in my area of interest and/or the population that I serve? Examples of Interest: Hunger Relief, Human Services, Elderly, Youth, etc. Who offers funds in my geographic area? Start local first, then expand your search. Who will provide the type of support that I need? What kind of project do you need funded? Is it a big project? There will not just be one perfect match, make sure that you have several sources of funding. Grant Space/ Foundation Center

How to Research for Grants Where should you start searching? General internet search with your state’s name + ‘philanthropy’ (+human services or hunger relief). Grant databases like Foundation Directory (there is a free trial online). Your Local Library. The Foundation Directory is free online at these locations: Boise Public Library. Idaho Falls Public Library. Lewiston Public Library. Talk to stores and restaurants in your community to see if they have a local grant. Go to the end of this module to find a list of resources: press here to see them now Grant Space/ Foundation Center

What to Know About the Funders’ Motivations What motivates the grant makers? Private Foundations Primarily want to fulfill their philanthropic goals and interests, while supporting a variety of issues through an objective process. Corporations Primarily want to brand their name with an organization that is credible, volunteerworthy, and aligned with their philanthropic interests. Public Charities Usually want to make an impact in designated communities/ regions, while focusing on a specific population and issue. Grant Space/ Foundation Center

What to Know About the Funder Insiders Tips Are you Credible? The funders want to know if they can/should invest in you. Are you a legal nonprofit? Do you have a compelling mission that is compatible with their focus? Do you have strong leadership? Do you provide high-quality programs that meets a real need in the community? Does your service have measurable impact? Can you actually handle the grant money efficiently? Do your homework on the grant’s funder. What are their interests, goals, missions, etc. ? Research the funder’s IRS Form 990 to see who they have given grants to and more information about the company. Click here to learn more about IRS Form 990. Grant Space/ Foundation Center

Preparation Before Writing Your Proposal Outreach to the grant funder, if applicable. This will allow you: To see if you are a good fit for their grant. To introduce yourself and your organization’s mission and goals. To stand out compared to other unknown applicants. First, see if anyone in your organization already has a connection with the funder. If there is someone, have them introduce you to their source. If there is not, make the call yourself. Grant Space/ Foundation Center When you call the company, do the following: Know who you’re talking to and why. Introduce yourself, organization and project. Keep the conversation brief and to the point. Link the project that you want funds for to the company’s interest. Talk about why the project is needed and how it will affect people. Respect the Funder’s time. Discuss why you are approaching the company. Lastly, if possible secure a meeting or at least be invited to apply for the grant.

What the Funder Wants to See Make each grant proposal unique to fit the funder. The funder wants the grant to be like a persuasive essay. It needs to be impactful but also must be written in a professional, business-like manner. It must address the needs of the people that you serve. It is not about your organization, but rather how this grant will help you serve better. It must be accurate and the request must be realistic. Do not be overly-emotional in your request. Some emotional anecdotes are fine, as long as they have a point that relates to the grant request. Measurable Data. They want to see statistics, facts, numbers around the people that you serve, the volunteers that you have, and the lbs. or meals that are distributed each year. Proof-read your grant proposal. Funders want a proposal free of grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Grant Space/ Foundation Center

Writing the Proposal 1. Reread the funder’s guidelines and follow it to the ‘t’. 2. Understand in what format the proposal should be. 3. Do you need to write a full proposal or a letter of inquiry? A letter of inquiry is a shorter proposal that is usually 2 -3 pages. A letter of inquiry may be the first step to the funder. If the funder approves it, the company may request for a full proposal next. 4. Write a Cover Letter with your proposal to address the funder. What should you include in this cover letter: Your organization’s name. How your project matches with the funder’s interests. Grant Space/ Foundation Center

How to Write a Full Proposal Components of a Full Proposal Click on each component if you want to know more about it. All of these topics should be included in your full proposal: Statement of Need Project Description Evaluation Organization Conclusion Addition Attachments Are you ready to submit your proposal? Grant Space/ Foundation Center.

How to Write a Full Proposal: Statement of Need This section of your proposal tells the funder: Why the project is needed. What problem/ issue you are trying to solve. What statistics or measurable facts relate to this problem/issue. Description of the problem/ issue and who/ what is being affected by it. I’m Done! Grant Space/ Foundation Center.

How to Write a Full Proposal: Project Description This should be the longest and most detailed section in your proposal. Include the following in this section: How do you plan to address the issue/ problem that you reported in your statement of need? Include the what, why, who, when, where of the project: What kind of project is it? Why did you pick your goals and objects? Who will be creating/ implementing the project? Include key staff members, volunteers, and partners and how they relate to the project. Highlight their leadership abilities. When will the project be implemented? Include a timeline of the project’s events. Where will the project be implemented? Is this project located just at the food pantry or will it be out in the community? I’m Done! Grant Space/ Foundation Center.

How to Write a Full Proposal: Evaluation This section explains how you will know and report back to the funders regarding the success of your program. Explain how and when you will track your success rate and impact upon the community either through quantitative or qualitative efforts. You could use surveys or comments from those who are affected. What the funders want from you in this section: What kind of data will you collect? How will you collect this data? How will you analyze the data? What will you do with this information? I’m Done! Grant Space/ Foundation Center.

How to Write a Full Proposal: Organization Why are you the best organization to do this work? Describe your organization’s: History Mission Programs & Services Leadership Accomplishments How will your organization sustain your project after this grant period ends? Will you seek other funds? Examples: more grant rewards, fundraisers, donations, garage sales, etc. I’m Done! Grant Space/ Foundation Center.

How to Write a Full Proposal: Conclusion This is the lasting impact statement. Remind the funder how your project relates to its interests. Write about the impact this grant will bring to your community. I’m Done! Grant Space/ Foundation Center.

How to Write a Full Proposal: Additional Attachments What attachments do you have to give to them? You may have to give them: A copy of your IRS letter of determination 501(C)(3) Project Budget Your 990 Form Operating Budget Last Years Budget vs. Actual List of Your Board of Directors *Perhaps add brief, biographical information on your key staff members. Letter of Support *Ask a staff member from The Idaho Foodbank for a letter of support. I’m Done! Grant Space/ Foundation Center.

Grant Decision and Follow-Up Click here to see what you should do if your proposal was…. . Accepted Declined

If Your Proposal was Accepted… Congratulations Send the funder a thank you note. If you have to sign a contract, read it closely. Remember when you must send reports to them. If the funding that you were approved for doesn’t cover the entire budget for your project, you must decide if you can go forward with the project or not: If you need to alter your project to fit the new budget, notify the funder. If you don’t think you can start your project with the provided funders, notify the funder: You can ask them if you can transfer their funds to a different project. If they say no, they may take their funds back. Enjoy the funding if it does work with your budget! Keep the funder in the loop. Invite the funder to volunteer at your organization. Invite the funder to events that you host for the community. Grant Space/ Foundation Center.

If Your Proposal was Declined… Try Again Call the funder, if appropriate, and ask for any feedback about your grant. If you feel that your feedback was positive and you still think your organization fits with the funder’s interests and guidelines, try applying for the grant next year. Keep trying different grant applications. Don’t place all your eggs into one basket! Grant Space/ Foundation Center.

Resources for Researching Grants http: //www. guidestar. org/Home. aspx http: //www. idcomfdn. org/Homepage http: //www. idahononprofits. org/grant-opportunities http: //www. fundsnetservices. com/searchresult/42/Idaho-Grants. html http: //idaho. grantwatch. com/ Go Back to “How to Research for Grants” Grant Space/ Foundation Center.

Resources for Writing a Proposal https: //owl. english. purdue. edu/owl/resource/981/1/ http: //grantspace. org/tools/sample-documents http: //nonprofit. about. com/od/foundationfundinggrants/tp/grantproposalhub. htm http: //writingcenter. unc. edu/handouts/grant-proposals-or-give-me-the-money/ http: //www. dummies. com/how-to/content/grant-writing-for-dummies-cheat-sheet. html http: //www. nonprofithub. org/grant-writing/when-to-start-nonprofit-grant-writing/ http: //www. arc. gov/funding/howtowriteagrantproposal. asp

Works Cited "What Is a Grant? " What Is a Grant? Federal. Grants. com, n. d. Web. 10 Nov. 2015. "Grant. " Business Dictionary. Web. Finance, Inc, n. d. Web. 10 Nov. 2015. <http: //www. businessdictionary. com/definition/grant. html>. Vallejo, Linda. "A to Z Grantwriting. " A to Z Grantwriting. N. p. , 1995. Web. 10 Nov. 2015. <http: //atozgrantwriting. com/>. "Develop a Giving Program for Your Business. " MCF. Minnesota Council on Foundations, 2015. Web. 10 Nov. 2015. <http: //www. mcf. org/donors/business-giving>. Beiting, J. D. "Giving USA 2014. " Benefactor Group. The Giving Institution, 16 June 2014. Web. 10 Nov. 2015. <http: //benefactorgroup. com/giving-usa 2014/>. "What Is a Foundation? " Grant Space. Foundation Center, n. d. Web. 10 Nov. 2015. <http: //grantspace. org/tools/knowledge-base/Funding. Resources/Foundations/what-is-a-foundation>. Kurzig, Carol M. "What Is a Foundation? " Foundation Fundamentals: A Guide for Grant-seeking. 8 th ed. New York: Foundation Center, 1981. 1 -20. Print. http: //grantspace. org/tools/knowledge-base/Funding-Research/proposal-writing/grant-proposals Grant Space/ Foundation Center. "Introduction to Finding Grants Webinar. " Grant. Space. Foundation Center, n. d. Web. 09 May 2016. http: //grantspace. org/training/self-paced-training/introduction-to-finding-grants