What You Really Need to Know to Get Grants

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What You Really Need to Know to Get Grants

• Heidi Yaple
• Grant Writer and Grants Compliance Manager
• Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians

First Annual Conference for Michigans Clean
Water Corps Program October 29, 2005, Ralph
MacMullan Conference Center, Higgins Lake MI
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GRANTS are ideas that when turned into action
will help a target population and a community.
Grants often result in new knowledge about how to
reduce a problem or prevent a problem.
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Grants vs. Fundraising
Whats the difference?

• Grants fund specific ideas or projects that most
  often attack problems through innovative programs
  and services. With grants you sell an idea.
• Fundraising is the solicitation of money from
  individuals and corporate donors usually on a
  one-time basis and usually based upon an
  aggressive and individualized short-term
  marketing program. Fundraising promotes the idea
  of just send money.

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Both grants and fundraising are very competitive.
It is extremely important there is certainty
about your organization (purpose, organizational
structure, finances, etc.) and what you want to
accomplish.
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Sources of Funding

• Federal Government (Federal Register,
  www.fedgrants.gov )
• State Government (Telephone Directory, online
  search)
• Local Government (Chamber of Commerce, City and
  County Planning Departments)
• Foundations (National, State, Local, Private)
• Corporations (National, State and Local)

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A Few ReasonsWhy Grants Are Not Funded

• A negative attitude
• Failure to do your homework
• Ignore foundation/funding agency guidelines
• Failure to complete reports or failure to inquire
  about follow-up requirements
• Excessive use of acronyms or jargon
• Missing the due date!
• Failing to thank the foundation when a grant is
  given
• Unaware of grant opportunities

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Homework or Know Your Organization

• What is the VISION?
• Do you have a MISSION?
• What are your GOALS or focus? What do you want to
  accomplish?
• What is the NEED for your organization? Is the
  need documented through valid data and statistics?

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A few things you should know about your
organization before you begin

• The legal name of your organization
• Address, City, State
• Demographics
• Date organization was founded
• History of organization beginnings
• Statistics related to organization purpose
• Mission
• Population served type and size
• Unique qualities or your organizations niche or
  area of expertise

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Once you are familiar with your organization you
can identify specific needs and goals for
particular projects. Documentation to support an
identified need is critical. Careful planning can
lead to an easier job when writing a proposal.
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Homework Know the Funder!

• Researching these areas is just as important if
  you really want to be funded

• Eligibility requirements
• Types of support
• Funding limitations
• Geographic area
• Application information guidelines
• Fields of interest
• Financial information

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Government funding availability is often referred
to as an RFP (Request For Proposals). An RFP has
a specific purpose and focus and has clearly
defined eligibility, funding parameters and
application guidelines.Some foundations use a
Common Grant Application. This application
outline is available on-line through the Council
of Michigan Foundations.
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Organization Another Key to Success
Define the Problem
Assess the Need
Develop a Strategy
Create a Program-Driven Budget
Locate Different Funding Sources
Program Funded!
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Components of a Proposal

1. Cover Letter and Title Page
2. Abstract (Summary or Executive Summary)
3. Introduction
4. Problem/Need Statement
5. Objectives
6. Plan of Operation activities, strategy,
   timeline
7. Evaluation
8. Future Funding
9. Dissemination Plan
10. Budget
11. Bibliography/endnotes (when applicable)
12. Appendix support letters, documentation, IRS
    determination letter, etc...

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Writing Style and Presentation Tips

• Restrictions or limitations
• Sections to include
• Required information
• Information Organization
• Font size and type
• Stapled, binder clip, bound?
• Margin size
• Page numbering?
• Sentence or word length
• Cover sheet information
• Format specifications

The 1 Tip Follow the RFP (or application)
guidelines! Look for
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Finding all the detailed instructions can be one
of the most important tasks you will do as part
of preparing your proposal. Always follow the
instructions carefully and to the letter!
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A Few More Hints

• Most common font size 12 point, type New
  Times Roman
• Avoid using a font that is hard to read
• Watch the amount of white space dangling words
  that extend a paragraph or another line or only a
  few words on a page
• Justified margins look the best! Right and left
  margins should be the same (unless otherwise
  instructed)
• Use decimal tabs for number alignment in budget
  presentation
• Avoid using pronouns especially I
• Dont say you want to to do something say you
  will!