Grantwriting 101:Let the Game Begin

Since it is early in the game, I thought you should know…

Step by step approach to answering an rfp Definition and overview of each proposal

section We won’t talk about locating resources,

determining a match, writing letters of inquiry, or reporting

Note to the players:

Read! (BEFORE you write!) Be sure the grant is what you want Follow the instructions! Answer the questions! Meet the deadline! Reap the rewards!

WINNER!!

Instructions

Submission address Submission deadline Number of copies Specs – paper size, type size, font

restrictions Page limits Bound, stapled, clipped

What to know UP FRONT!

Request for Proposals

Know the Rules to These

Eight Games

http://grantwritingoilcreek.pbwiki.com

Do as you are told Answer each question Follow directions Answer only what they ask for

Simon Says

Be honest

Truth or Dare

Prevent stress Stick to the task Be realistic Can you do it? Is it worth it?

Fear Factor

Speak English No acronyms No technical terms No jargon No slang It’s not poetry class Big words don’t always impress Small words can have the big punch

Scrabble

Use white space Leave white space Use charts Use graphs Use diagrams Use maps Use applicable pictures or graphics

Pictionary

Provide the facts Limit anecdotes Storytelling or bluffing will get you nowhere

Trivial Pursuit

Focus on the positive (ok – try) Aim high Be upbeat Keep your voice clear Showcase your talents

American Idol

Proofread!◦ Pages in order◦ Number pages consecutively◦ Be consistent◦ Check Table of Contents◦ Eliminate clichés◦ Use action words◦ Use positive statements◦ Watch sentence and paragraph length◦ Double check budget

FINISH ON TIME!

Perfection

Eight Games You Do NOT

Want to Play

Provide all the information Don’t make them guess

Clue

Include an accurate and complete budget

Price is Right

Tell them about your past◦ It is a good thing to say, In 1993 and 1999….

Memory

It’s not about you It’s not about me Show cooperation and collaboration

Solitaire

Don’t jump around Stay on target and on task Don’t give up Stay in the game until the end

Musical Chairs

Don’t make the reader guess Don’t drop clues to what you are trying to

say – say it

Charades

Get approval before you start◦ From your trustees◦ From the funding agent

Get appropriate signature Do what you say!

Trouble

Submit on time Don’t let your project blow up Keep to your timeline

Time Bomb

Abstract (Executive Summary)IntroductionNeeds StatementProgram Description

GoalsObjectives

MethodTimelineEvaluation

Budget

Playing by the RulesWhat needs done to win?

Ahhh. We’ll come back to this! Write it last!

Executive Summary

Information about YOUR library Information about YOUR area Vision Mission Problem or issue What you want to do (briefly) Why you want to do it Why are you qualified

Needs Statement

WHAT WHO WHERE WHEN RESULT

Population Service Area US Census 2005 8890

Population County US Census 2005 23000

Card holders Your Library ILS 2007 ?

Circulation Your Library ILS 2007 ?

Collect Data

What is currently being done What will your role be Why are you qualified What will the result be What do you have What do you need What do you want

Narrative/Program Description

Measurable Attainable Realistic ABCD

Goals and Objectives

Objective◦ Who a-audience◦ What b-behavior◦ When c-condition◦ How much d-degree

Writing Objectives

Scope and sequence Timeline

Method

How each goal will be met How you will gather data How you will keep records Summative vs. formative Informal vs. formal Great guide to evaluation…

◦ http://www.managementhelp.org/evaluatn/fnl_eval.htm#anchor1585345

Evaluation

Evaluation Guidehttp://www.managementhelp.org/evaluatn/fnl_eval.htm#anchor1585345

Make sure it adds up! Use accounting principles Match the narrative May require an explanation No miscellaneous category Benefits separate from salaries May include budget narrative if explanation

is needed

Budget

Personnel Benefits Contracts Supplies Equipment – Check $$$ Travel Other

◦ Phone, mail, meals…depends on rfp

Budget Categories

In-kind Other funding Requested Total

Budget Colums

Not part of a particular project or grant Necessary to run the grant and the

organization Also known as F&A –

◦ Facilities and Administration costs

Indirect Costs

Ahhh. Here we are again! Who you are Purpose of grant Objective of grant How are you going to do it How much will it cost Your requested amount

Executive Summary

Tax Exempt certificate By-laws Board of Directors/Trustees list Audited financial statement (most recent) Budget Service area Support letters Diagrams/maps

Common Attachments

Thou shalt:◦ Give them what they ask for◦ Do not ramble – stay focused, brief, concise◦ Be organized – state the facts◦ Not write poetry – careful of quotes◦ Stay grounded – be realistic◦ Live with your promises◦ Be positive◦ Ask for money – no wishy-washy◦ Proofread!

The Rules

Pages in order Consistent headings Consistent names and titles Acronyms identified Paragraph – no longer than seven sentences Check Table of Contents Budget add up Jargon, cliches… Adjectives/Adverbs “To be” or “be able to” Would , could – will, can

Proofing Your Document

Winners have simply formed the habit of doing things losers don't like to do.

-Albert Gray

Daring ideas are like chessmen moved forward. They may be beaten, but they may start a winning game.

-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. - Special Olympics Motto

Words of Wisdom