1 Grant Seeking Myths & Realities Prepared by Barry Nazar, DPA, Temple University Presented at the Jersey City Grantsmanship Training November 6, 2009,

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Grant SeekingMyths & Realities

Prepared by Barry Nazar, DPA, Temple University Presented at the

Jersey City Grantsmanship Training November 6, 2009, Jersey City, NJ

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Myth:

Reality:

Grants are “something for nothing”

Grants are rational deals between colleagues

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Myth:

Reality:

Writing grant proposals is an ordeal

Proposal writing is predictable and simple

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Myth:

Reality:

All you need is one well-written grant proposal

Winning grants depends on pinpointing matches and tailoring proposals

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Myth:

Reality:

You need to “know someone” to get a grant

You don’t need to know anyone to start, and relationships can be built as you go

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Myth:

Reality:

Grants are too inconsistent to deserve the attention of fundraising staff

Grants are consistently useful for certain projects and needs

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Myth:

Reality:

Grants are few, huge, and national

Grants are most often small, numerous, and local

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Myth:

Reality:

Taking grant funding means selling out your program

You control your programs, and you can select donors that fit with your mission

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Grant SeekingBasic Cycle of Activities

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Learn:

1.Your Organization’s needs & strengths2.Your Community & it’s needs3.Your potential Funders & their goals

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Match

1.Organize the list of Organization Needs & Programs2.Organize the list of Funders and their goals3.Match Programs and Goals

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Invite

1.Phone call / email2.Letter of Inquiry3.Meeting4.Site Visit5.Concept Paper6.Full Proposal

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Follow Up

1.Keep copy of original proposal on file2.Inform in-house people: board, staff3.Maintain a tracking form of all proposals outstanding4.Note funder requirements for reporting5.Update funder if other sources contribute to project6.Aim to build collegial relationship with funder

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Evaluate

1.Review the previous steps and adjust2.Find out why proposal funded or not funded3.Examine work effort and efficiency4.Update changes in Organization programs5.Update changes in Community needs6.Determine next grant/funder to pursue

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Exercise 1, Agency ScanExercise 2, Project Scan

Write ProposalsWriting TipsElevator SpeechLogic ModelsImplementation Plan

LocateKey Funding Sources

Reporting & PerformanceJersey City System

This Workshop

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If you need the money now, you have started too late

Before You Begin Writing the Grant Proposal:

Rule #1: Believe that someone wants to give you the money!!

Project your organization into the future

Start with the end in mind...look at your organization's big picture. Who are you? What are your strengths and priorities?

Create a plan not just a proposal

Do your homework: Research prospective funders. Try and search locally first.

Target funding source that has interest in your organization and program.

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Set Up an Office to ManageYour Grant Seeking Operations

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Key Files to Maintain in Your Grant Seeking Office

Organization & Program Files:

Organization ResumeBoard ListBios of key people501(c)(3) letterOrganization budget for current yearCurrent financial statementLast two audited financial statementsMost recent IRS 990By-LawsAnti-discrimination policyLetters of supportNewspaper clippingsStoriesProject summaries

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Key Files to Maintain in your Grant Seeking Office

Community Files:

Press clippingsAnecdotesStatisiticsPublished reportsNewsletters & materials from other nonprofitsOther community-related information or files

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Key Files to Maintain in your Grant Seeking Office

Funder Files:

Set up a folder for each funder candidateSort AlphabeticallyCreate a corresponding computer folderKeep these synchronized

Special Files:

Keep information that is in flux (4 files) (1) To read and consider (2) Funders to contact (3) Folders to make (collection notes) (4) Grant tracking (ongoing record

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Why Do You Want to Do All This Stuff?

Checklist of Application Materials Please be sure to include the items on the checklist that apply for your particular case in your application packet. Each item should be clearly identified and arranged in the following order. In order to help conserve paper, please provide double-sided copies whenever possible.

Application for Federal Assistance, SF 424. The Federal Standard Form SF 424A A one page summary cover sheet. Narrative of the proposal not to exceed 10 pages. Key Contacts information sheet. Detailed, itemized budget. Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters. Certification Regarding Lobbying. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities. Letters of commitment, memoranda of understanding, or other documents. Resumes or biographical information regarding the lead investigator and other key personnel in the grant application. Any additional information deemed useful by the applicant. Please include one original (with original signatures where appropriate) and four copies of the application packet.