Demystifying Grant Funding Processes

1
(No Transcript)
2

• During the grant writing process, potential grant
  recipients can often find themselves overwhelmed
  by the different requirements and expectations
  associated with applying for grants.
• However, with some guidance, the grant funding
  process is not as intimidating as it may seem.
• In this article, we will look at how to demystify
  the grant writing process and provide tips on how
  to write a successful grant application.

3
What is Grant Funding?

• Grant funding is a form of financial support from
  government, foundations, or corporations to
  provide funding for activities that promote the
  public good.
• These funders typically offer funding for
  initiatives that will assist local communities,
  certain demographic groups, or particular social
  issues like mental health, youth sports,
  community support, or indigenous art projects.
• To successfully land a grant award, a grant
  writer should be able to effectively communicate
  an organisations mission and objectives while
  identifying how the funding will enable the
  organisation to support the funder's initiatives.

4
Researching Opportunities

• One of the most important things to keep in mind
  when grant writing is that grants are highly
  competitive and often require a significant
  amount of research and preparation.
• When beginning your search for appropriate
  opportunities, its important to start by
  researching organisations that offer grants
  related to your area of interest or expertise.
• Typically, you can find such grants by browsing
  websites for your organisation's representative
  bodies as well as local, state, and federal
  governments.
• Additionally, grant writers should carefully
  assess any eligibility requirements such as
  geographic location or specific demographics
  before applying.

5
1. Understanding Eligibility Requirements

• It is important to understand the two types of
  eligibility requirements to demystify the grant
  funding process.
• Eligibility requirements are criteria that must
  be met before you can apply for a grant, and they
  generally fall into two categories statutory and
  programmatic.
• Statutory eligibility requirements pertain to the
  legal framework governing a particular type of
  grant. These may include applicant
  qualifications, organisation legal structure,
  geographic boundaries, or charity status.
• Additionally, there will be stipulations on
  eligible expenditure which defines the
  limitations on how funding money may be used.

6

• Programmatic eligibility requirements refer to
  how closely your project aligns with the goals
  and objectives of the granting agency's mission
  statement or program priorities.
• Whilst this may not be explicitly stated in the
  guidelines, there will be a section identifying
  the purpose or intended outcomes of the grant.
• Grant writers must align ensure the project they
  are seeking funding for has a strong alignment to
  these outcomes given that each factor often has a
  weighting assigned to the assessment process.

7

• This weighting may or may not be published in the
  grant guidelines.
• Depending on the size and scope of your project,
  you may need to provide additional information
  about its purpose and intended outcomes to meet
  these criteria and outcomes.

8
Preparing the Application

• Once you have selected an appropriate granting
  writing opportunity, it is time to begin
  constructing your proposal.
• A well-written proposal should be tailored
  specifically towards meeting the granting
  organisations specific criteria while
  effectively communicating why your project or
  program deserves their attention.
• To ease the process of preparing an application,
  it is important to develop an effective grant
  writing strategy.
• Grant writers should always re-read through
  eligibility requirements and guidelines carefully
  to ensure you have a complete understanding of
  the program and make a checklist as you do so.

9

• Once you have your grant writing checklist,
  identify priority items and those which will take
  the most time to complete.
• This may include any further research needed to
  strengthen your case, information that may need
  to be sought externally (such as assessments,
  quotes, support letters) or input from team
  members who are fully allocated to other tasks
  and have limited time, yet valuable expertise to
  contribute.
• Armed with this information you can get these
  things started immediately.

10

• The checklist will also serve as a final point of
  reference when the reviewing the completed
  application.
• This ensures your grant writing application is
  not only high-quality but has answered all vital
  elements identified in the guidelines.

11
Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Understanding key mistakes and how to avoid them
  is essential for successful grant writers. When
  seeking out grants, organisations should make
  sure they understand the requirements and
  eligibility of each one to determine their best
  fit.
• At a bare minimum, applications should be
  proof-read for any spelling or grammatical
  errors, and verifying the application has
  addressed all assessment criteria and met
  eligibility requirements.
• Lastly, it must tell a coherent, engaging, and
  credible story that captures the imagination of
  the assessors.

12
Overcoming Challenges

• Even armed with the above preparation, the grant
  funding process can often be confusing and
  overwhelming for those with no prior experience.
• Without a comprehensive understanding of the
  process, organisations are at risk of missing out
  on potential funding opportunities or being
  denied grants they would otherwise be qualified
  to receive.

13

• Organisations that are new to grant writing often
  utilise the services of a professional grant
  writer to reduce the burden of the grant writing
  process, whilst also increasing their chances of
  success.
• Professional grant writers are experts at
  researching potential sources of grant money,
  developing persuasive proposals, outlining an
  organisations need as well as articulating how
  the organisation plans to use the funds.
• Working with a grant writer ensures that all
  paperwork is filled out correctly and submitted
  on time while also ensuring that each application
  meets all qualifications needed for approval.

14
Making the Most of Grants

• In conclusion, the grant writing process does not
  have to be intimidating or overwhelming.
• By doing research on potential opportunities,
  understanding eligibility requirements, and
  preparing the best application possible,
  organisations can increase their chances of
  success in achieving grant funds.
• Additionally, by familiarising yourself with
  common mistakes and addressing any challenges
  that may arise during the process, you can make
  sure your organisation is well-positioned to
  acquire grant funding.

15
Please also friend or like us on Facebook
https//www.facebook.com/RedTapeBustersShaneBower
ing, follow us on Twitter Red Tape Busters or
check us out on YouTube just search for Red Tape
Busters.
16
Thank You!!