Grant Writing Basics

Brook Wingate & Rich Whittington TRIAD STAGE

What is a grant? O A structured way in which a corporation,

foundation or individual chooses to share their philanthropic resources with an organization whose mission they care about.

O The application questions and format allow the

grantor to review consistent information from prospective grantees.

O Most grants are project-specific.

Before You Begin O Make sure you know AND can articulate:

O Who You Are O What You Do and Why it is Important O Who You Serve

O Consider creating a Style Guide (especially when several people are writing for the same organization). O The look of the organization – logos, fonts, colors O What names you use (and how you spell them)

The Basics – Who You Are O Tax Exempt Status O Organizational structure (board and staff) O Organization mission

O Brief History of Organization

O Overall Budget

The Basics – What You Want

O Program or Project Description

O Project Budget

O Total Cost

O Amount of request

O Other funding sources

O Population(s) Served

O Outcome/Benefits to community

Examples – Who You Are O Brief description of your organization's history,

mission and primary activities. O State the organization’s mission. O Briefly describe the organization and its

background. Indicate whether it has any standing programs and if the organization has paid staff, or operates using consultants or volunteers.

O List all Board members by name and include area of expertise, gender, and ethnicity or race.

Examples – What You Want O Explain how the grant funds will be used, what will be

accomplished, who will benefit and what will change in the community if this request is funded.

O What is the time frame for the project? O What is your desired outcome? O How will progress be tracked? O Describe collaborative efforts-formal or informal-you

have established or plan to establish with organizations working on similar issues or providing similar services.

O Discuss the plans and methods being used to raise all funds necessary to accomplish the project as proposed. Indicate all commitments already obtained.

Which comes first? O Ideally, your programs will be chosen based

on your mission and goals and you will find grants to support those.

O Sometimes the reverse approach is necessary. Understand major grant opportunities and consider if your programs need to align (NEA, NCAC).

O FIRST: Does your program align with their funding priorities as they have described them? Do not waste your time or theirs trying to “make it work”.

O Grantors have varying degrees of reporting requirements. Ensure you have systems in place to accurately monitor the progress of the grant and meet reporting requirements.

O When contact information is provided, call the staff. Begin a relationship, ask questions.

Getting Started – Before Writing

Getting Started - Writing O Read questions and requirements very

carefully. Answer every single part of every question.

O Write Smart – drafts, proof-readers, readers unfamiliar with the program.

O Follow submission guidelines carefully.

Writing for Fundraising O Remember – SELL! – every answer is an opportunity

to promote your organization and program. O DON’T: Triad Stage is a professional theater. O DO: Triad Stage is an award-winning, professional

theater with eleven seasons of proven success. O Be Honest – grantors do follow up, so you have to be

able to do what you say O Own your challenges – don’t gloss over issues;

instead, show how you address them and/or how the grant will help you meet those challenges.

Writing for Fundraising O Be Specific – stay away from broad generalizations,

especially in impact and outcomes O DON’T: This program will help hundreds of children

receive a more well-rounded education. O DO: This program will enable 200 children at

Sternberger Elementary School to receive more than 10 hours of hands-on arts education each week.

O DON’T: Arts education helps students succeed in the classroom.

O DO: Children who participate in arts education have a 50% higher graduation rate than those who do not.

Writing for Fundraising O Avoid Jargon – do not assume that every

grant reviewer will know theater (exception: when the grantor is a theater organization)

O Include external quotes and/or accolades, when they support your answer(s)

Finding Grant Opportunities O Foundation Center

O By subscription O Public Library O Visit grantspace.org to find locations throughout

the country where information can be accessed

O The Chronicle of Philanthropy (Washington, D.C.) O Daily on line O Offers podcasts, webinars, trend information along

with recent grants made

O The Philanthropy Journal O Blogs, trends

Finding Grant Opportunities O Facebook/Twitter

O Like/follow similar organizations around the country and watch for grant award announcements

O Local community foundation

O Get to know grant programs and program officers who can align your organization with prospective donors.

O Annual reports and website searches O Who / what organizations are contributing to

similar organizations?

Finding Grant Opportunities O Utilize your board

O Gather information at the onset of each new fiscal year to help generate opportunities: O Employers

O direct opportunity for funding? O Organizationally? O Departmentally?

O Houses of worship O Social, Service, Fraternal Club memberships (do

they have grant programs?)

Keys to Success O Understand the grantor:

O What is their purpose/goal for the community? O Have they funded the arts/theater in the past? O Who is on their Board? Do you have a connection?

O Understand your organization: O What is your mission? O Why are you important? O How does this project further your mission?

O Understand the grant process: O Follow guidelines. O Meet deadlines. O Answer questions completely.