Blueprint for Grantwriting

1
Blueprint for Grantwriting

• A guide for the beginning grant writer.
• SMSA Conference
• Bismarck, ND
• August 19, 2005

Deb Nelson DLN Consulting, Inc.
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Pre-Application Checklist

• Eligibility
• Deadline
• Competitiveness
• Restrictions
• Funder match

3
Proposal Sections

• Cover page
• Executive Summary
• Introduction
• Problem Statement
• Project Objectives
• Proposal Activities
• Evaluation Plan
• Budget Budget Narrative
• Attachments

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Cover Page

• Form
• Basic Information
• SF-424

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Executive Summary

• Major Points
• Excite
• Inspire
• Concise

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Introduction

• Agency Overview
• Current Programs
• Constituency/
• Demographics
• Collaboration
• Efforts

7
Identify Problem

• USE CURRENT DATA
• Problems
• Needs
• Issues
• TARGET YOUR AUDIENCE

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Goals

• Problem-oriented
• Positive Terms
• Global
• Best-case future scenario
• 2-3 Maximum

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Objectives
A specifically targeted outcome. -- Webster
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Objectives

• Benchmarks
• S.M.A.R.T.
• Specific
• Measurable
• Attainable
• Realistic
• Time framed
• AND
• Challenging
• Understandable
• Action-oriented

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Action Language
Acquire Establish Certify Purchase Maintain
Evaluate Increase Decrease Prevent Develop Ed
ucate Cite
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Weasel Words
Instill Foster Attempt Motivate Suppo
rt Inquire Try Become Aware
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Activities/Strategies

• Steps or Actions
• Should be designed specifically to accomplish the
  objective.

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Logic Model
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Funding Beyond the Grant

• Self-Sufficiency
• Project will be supported through your own efforts

• Self-Sustenance
• Project may continue to be funded through grants
  or donations.

16
Language/Buzz Words

• Strong
• Passionate
• Emotional

Use a Thesaurus
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Evaluation Plan

• Accomplishments of the objective
• How will the evaluation be done?
• Who will do it?
• How will data be collected?
• How will data be analyzed?
• What evaluation reports will be provided?
• Nose-counting may be requested, but it isnt a
  measure!

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Allowable Unallowable Costs

• Must be specifically related to the contract
• Are determined by the contracting agency or
  organization

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Budgeting

• Budgeting is the planning for and allocation of
  resources and expenditures for planned activities

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Budgeting Elements

• May Include
• Salary
• Travel
• Operating Expenses
• Materials
• Equipment
• Facility
• Evaluation

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Sample Budget
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Sample Budget Narrative

• Salary 100 FTE. 4 mo. X 1375/mo. 5,500.
  Fees will cover 500, 3,000 from block grant.
  Total request 2,000
• Asst. 75 FTE. 4 mo. X 800 X .75 2400.
  2000 from block grant. Total request 400.
• Materials covers costs of posters, brochures.
  1500 donated each from Rotary, Kiwanis. Total
  request 1000.
• Copies -- 200 to cover cost of newsletter
  donated by printer
• Total Budget 12,100. Total Request 3400.

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Letters
Commitment equals participation
Support equals agreement
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Assurances

• Use funds in manner in which they are intended
• Conduct an audit if required
• Are who you say you are

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Requests for Letters

• Letter of Inquiry/Intent

• Letter Proposal

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Tips for Success

• Know if your organization is eligible
• Know the funding period
• Contact the grants manager
• Know objectives before writing
• Have the total budget figured out
• Follow instructions
• Have the correct people sign
• Follow format exactly
• Be consistent
• Start early
• Dont give up!