Grant Writing in the NonProfit World

1
Grant Writing in the Non-Profit World

• Grant writing as a unique genre
• Essential for the survival of non-profit
  organizations
• Requires specific knowledge and rhetorical
  strategies

2
A Closer Look at SACI

• On campus non-profit student organization through
  MSU Counseling Center
• Provides support to survivors of sexual assault
  and their families
• Works with other community organizations and
  resources to promote safety and education

3
Interview Process

• Interviewee Ann Flescher (program director)
• Examination of VOCA grant and RFP
• Analysis of steps and genres

4
The VOCA Grant

• Federal funding administered by the state
• Direct result of the Victim of Crime Act passed
  in 1986
• Designed to allocate funds to community
  organizations supporting the survivors of violent
  crime

5
VOCA RFP and Other Demands

• Applicants must be invited
• Strictly monitored, money regulated for specific
  use (example pens and fliers must support
  survivor)
• Requires detailed service records and budget
  information

6
Application

• How the money will be used and why it is
  effective rather than why it is deserved
• Online application, no networking demands
• Spending justification and program successes
  rather general demands for funding problem
  already established

7
Genres and Persuasion

• Specific rhetorical techniques
• Fewer social obligations with increased argument
  for effectiveness
• Different from other forms of grant writing,
  particularly within the non-profit sector

8
Conclusion

• Grant writing is unpredictable and variable with
  each situation
• Every RFP has unique demands requiring different
  rhetorical use
• Grants are essential for the survival of certain
  non-profits
• Fate of organization can lie in the hands of the
  grant writer