The Anatomy of a Successful Grant Application

1
The Anatomy of a Successful Grant Application
Presents...
2
Creative Communities Grant
Before you start Imagine -Create a basic
plan-Make sure your goals coincide with your
organizations mission
3
Creative Communities Grant

• Before you start
• Research
• -Start early!-Be certain the funder supports
  activities like yours

4
Creative Communities Grant

• Before you start
• Assistance
• -Questions? Ask the funder for help!
• -Will answer questions regarding how to write an
  application, whom you will be competing against,
  and how the application will be evaluated

5
Step 1 The Boiler Plate

• The Boiler plate is the first section of the
  grant application
• When are fiscal receivers appropriate?
• Applicant operating budget accumulated debts or
  assets
• Do not rush, be certain all information is
  correct

6
Step 1 The Boiler Plate Contd

• Project details
• Project summary
• A vital part of the application, is best left to
  do at the end
• Public service activity

7
Step 1 The Boiler Plate Contd

• Community demographics
• Major businesses or activities
• Community description
• Mission statement
• History of your organization

8
Step 2 Narrative Tell Your Story
Although the narrative is later in the
application, writing it first helps the applicant
organize his/her thoughts

• Write clearly and assume the evaluator knows
  nothing about your organization
• Respond to narrative questions and evaluation
  criteria/funders interests
• Identify the outcomes you expect from the
  project
• How will you evaluate your success?
• PROOFREAD!

9
E-Grant Budget pages
10
E-Grant Budget pages
11
Step 3 Budget
The budget is key-its the dollars version of
your narrative

• Make sure the budget relates to the project
  narrative and it adds up
• Dont forget in-kind donations they demonstrate
  community support!
• Make sure the PROJECT BUDGET income total equals
  the PROJECT BUDGET expense total
• Ask WAB staff if you need assistance

12
Step 5 Support Materials
If requested, the applicant must provide
high-quality support materials

• Fill out the checklist carefully
• The WABs Creative Communities grant program has
  a list of required support materials and a list
  of optional support materials

13
Step 6 Work Samples

• Include high-quality digital work samples such as
  a CD or DVD of your best work(s)
• Follow the required format for the digital work
  samples exactly
• For performance pieces, clearly identify the DVD
  chapter or CD track that you want the panel to
  see/hear
• Make an investment in this- get a professional to
  record your work

14
Authorizing Signature

• Application must be authorized and signed by
  someone who can legally obligate the organization
• This is for your organizations protection as
  well as the funders

15
Completed Application

• Go through the checklist of materials
• Make sure you have all required material in your
  packet
• Proofread

16
Deadlines

• Understand the deadline- is it an electronic
  deadline, a postmark deadline (WAB requires
  both), or an arrival deadline?
• Make sure application is submitted/sent and
  arrives on time

17
Panelists

• How are the panelists found? -Self
  nomination -Staff/board recommendation
• What are we looking for in a panel? -Knowledge
  of the particular discipline(s) -Geographic and
  cultural diversity -Gender balance -No conflict
  of interest