Grant writing 101Beth Kivel, Ed.D.

Beth Erickson, Ph.D.

California State University, Sacramento

Grantwriting – Is it art or science or both? Why write a grant? Is it really only about the money? Grantwriting as art – writing a compelling narrative

to convince someone that you and/or you and your colleagues have a good idea

Grantwriting as science – using data (quantitative and qualitative) to support your argument as to “why” your project should be funded

Who funds grants? Foundations – 501(c)(3) organizations (tax

exempt, non-profit) funding entities – Ford Foundation, Pew Charitable Trust, Rockefeller Foundation, Target, etc.

Government entities – local, regional, state, federal

Types of Foundations Private foundations

Are supported by an individual, a group of individuals, a family, or a company.

Exist for the sole purpose of making grants for charitable, educational, or religious purposes or, in some cases, of carrying out such activities themselves

Corporate foundations are usually private non-operating foundations with close ties to the corporations that provide their funding. They are often "flow through" foundations that use funds

received last year to make grants this year. Philanthropic priorities are usually set by the chief

executive officer of the corporation or by a committee appointed by the foundation's board of directors.

Community foundations are public charities, supported by the pooled contributions of a large number of donors. Community foundations usually confine their grant-making

to a specific locale, and decisions are made by trustees who represent a broad spectrum of the community's residents. (e.g., Sacramento regional community foundation)

Private non-operating foundations: These are foundations that give money but don’t

necessarily run programs.

Finding a funder that fits Source of funding – foundation or government,

you need to determine the fit by asking these three questions: Does this funding source support your project (e.g., after-

school program, sports program, etc.) Does this funding source support your population (e.g.,

children, seniors, people with disabilities, etc.) Does this funding source support programs in your

geographic region? These three questions should help you strategically

identify the best funders for your project.

Some initial steps before the grantwriting process begins

Gather background information and documentation in these three areas (concept, program, expenses): Concept – You have to explain how a particular

project reinforces the overall direction of an organization and a funder needs to be convinced that the case for the project is compelling

Program – follow this checklist Identify the nature of the project and how it will

be conducted The timetable for the project The anticipated outcomes and how best to

evaluate the results and Staffing and volunteer needs, including

deployment of existing staff and new hires

Expenses – The main financial data gathering takes place after the narrative part of the master proposal has been written. But, you should sketch out broad outlines of the budget to ensure that costs are commensurate with outcomes

Overall tips Get your thoughts sorted out Develop an outline Avoid jargon Be compelling Keep it simple Keep it generic

7 parts of a successful grant

1. Executive Summary

2. Organizational Background

3. Statement of Need

4. Project Description

5. Evaluation

6. Budget and Funding Considerations

7. Cover Letter

“Draft” a Master Proposal Umbrella statement of your case and

summary of proposal (COMPLETED AT THE END – YOU CAN’T

SUMMARIZE WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW)

1 Page

Statement of Need Why this project is necessary

2 Pages

Statement of need Why is this project necessary (2 pages)

Usually one of the most difficult components of the grant to complete

Must help funder understand “why” this issue is important

Which facts or statistics best support your project

More tips. . . Use anecdotes Provide real life examples Supply quotes from those who have

benefited from your program Emphasize the needs of those you serve,

not your own Always make the funder feel that there is

hope that the problem will be solved

Provide compelling “evidence” But, give the reader hope Do you want your project to be a model? Is it reasonable to portray the need as acute? Can you demonstrate that your program

addresses the need differently or better than other projects that preceded it?

Avoid circular reasoning by identifying the “real” problem – the absence of something isn’t necessarily a problem. But, the consequences of the absence of something can be a problem.

Possible sources of data Needs assessments conducted by objective

outside parties Focus groups Interviews with stakeholders Media coverage Reports from government agencies or other

nonprofits Demographic studies Projections for the future about the status of

things. . .

Project Description Nuts and bolts of how the project will be

implemented and evaluated

3 Pages

Project Description Nuts and bolts of how the project will be

implemented (3 pages) Usually includes:

Overall project narratives and goals Objectives (how you will carry out the goals of your

project?) Staffing/administration (who will run the project?) Evaluation (did you accomplish your goals and

objectives?) Sustainability (how will you keep the project going once

the grant money ends?

Budget Financial description of the project plus

explanatory notes

1 Page

Organizational Background History and governing structures of the

organization; the activities, customer base, and services should be outlined.

1 Page

Conclusion Summary of the proposal’s main points.

Package the proposal Tailor your Master Draft to the funder’s

specifications Create a checklist for attachments

501(c)3 Letter Organization Budget Audited Financials List of Board of Directors List of Other Funders

Suggestions Answer the questions that are asked in a

succinct and concise manner. Put together a neat clean package. Edit your responses to match their criteria Don’t be shy about your needs Start small. Build your legitimacy

Research Potential Funders National Foundations: www.fdncenter.org www.guidestar.org The Foundation Center (2004). The Foundation

Center’s guide to proposal writing (4th ed.). New York: The Foundation Center.

Community Foundations: http:www.foundations.org/

communityfoundations.html

Government funding opportunities www.grants.gov Local and state funding: Check your local city website for Office of

Grants Planning and Management