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Grant Writing and Budgeting
Credits:Laura RubinHuron River Watershed Council
andMichael DonahueGreat Lakes Commission
1st Step: Project Idea Think it all out and know it thoroughly Be succinct; one sentence description Establish partnerships; contact them Leverage funds Estimate budget
Research (don’t skip this step) What is out there?
Libraries for CDs and publications Web searches List-serves Services Word of mouth Other similar project funding
Research (don’t skip this step) Decide if it’s a good fit
Who are they and what do they fund Search web Look at trustees/board Timeline Know their region, focus, interests, people
Read RFP or Guidelines Read thoroughly, a couple of times Follow it exactly in your writing Answer their questions Follow their format
Write Proposal Use clear and concise language Be straightforward Follow their format Set clear goal/s and objectives and
complimentary tasks Evaluation Partnerships
Budgeting Salary and fringe Contractual Equipment and Supplies Other Direct Indirect Inflation and unknowns
Tips and Nuggets Establish relationships with funders and
contacts Show them your excitement Be clear and simple; one sentence Persistence works
“Don’t put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) until you have a
high probability for success” Establish relationship with program officer Consider letter of inquiry Submit draft, if appropriate Program officer will be your advocate Pursue multiple sources, but always be up front
about who else you’re talking to Don’t’ be shy – foundations/funders want to be
overwhelmed
“Tell them what they want to hear”
Comply with every requirement Address criteria point-by-point Use the funder’s terminology
“Budget for uncertainty” Anticipate the unanticipated in staffing,
funding, travel and timeline Ask for what you really need – don’t “pad”
or “lowball” but accommodate uncertainty Maximize cost-share and line up support
quickly Make sure you can deliver on promises
“Position yourself for the next step”
Securing funds for one project opens doors to the next
Use the project proposal to set up opportunities for further work
“Don’t overlook the important elements”
Budget in time and money for evaluation Provide for dissemination and publicity Keep your program officer informed,
updated and involved Credit the funder whenever, however you
can
“There is no shortage of funds for a good project”
The universe of potential funders is large Research on funding sources is as important
than research on the proposal topic Remember– the gestation period (i.e.,
concept to reality) can be lengthy
“Words to Live By – Never, Ever ” Miss a deadline Ignore submittal requirements Let a typo get by Miscalculate a budget List partners you haven’t contacted “Shot gun” a proposal
Final project deliverables The “black book” is required. Additional documents are usually needed:
Presentation at professional and/or academic conferences (e.g., poster, paper, workshop).
Article in professional magazine and peer-reviewed journals.
Presentation to client and their community. Technical report for dissemination by client. Webpage release of findings. Brochure, summary report, press-release, etc.