Grantwriting 101: Let the Game Begin

1. Grantwriting 101:Let the Game Begin

2. Note to the players: 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

3. Instructions • 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!!

4. What to know UP FRONT! • Submission address • Submission deadline • Number of copies • Specs – paper size, type size, font restrictions • Page limits • Bound, stapled, clipped

5. Request for Proposals

6. Know the Rules to TheseEight Games http://grantwritingoilcreek.pbwiki.com

7. Simon Says • Do as you are told • Answer each question • Follow directions • Answer only what they ask for

8. Truth or Dare • Be honest

9. Fear Factor • Prevent stress • Stick to the task • Be realistic • Can you do it? • Is it worth it?

10. Scrabble • 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

11. Pictionary • Use white space • Leave white space • Use charts • Use graphs • Use diagrams • Use maps • Use applicable pictures or graphics

12. Trivial Pursuit • Provide the facts • Limit anecdotes • Storytelling or bluffing will get you nowhere

13. American Idol • Focus on the positive (ok – try) • Aim high • Be upbeat • Keep your voice clear • Showcase your talents

14. Perfection • 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!

15. Eight Games You Do NOT Want to Play

16. Clue • Provide all the information • Don’t make them guess

17. Price is Right • Include an accurate and complete budget

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

19. Solitaire • It’s not about you • It’s not about me • Show cooperation and collaboration

20. Musical Chairs • Don’t jump around • Stay on target and on task • Don’t give up • Stay in the game until the end

21. Charades • Don’t make the reader guess • Don’t drop clues to what you are trying to say – say it

22. Trouble • Get approval before you start • From your trustees • From the funding agent • Get appropriate signature • Do what you say!

23. Time Bomb • Submit on time • Don’t let your project blow up • Keep to your timeline

24. Playing by the RulesWhat needs done to win? Abstract (Executive Summary) Introduction Needs Statement Program Description Goals Objectives Method Timeline Evaluation Budget

25. Executive Summary • Ahhh. We’ll come back to this! • Write it last!

26. NeedsStatement • 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

27. Collect Data

28. Narrative/Program Description • 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

29. Goals and Objectives • Measurable • Attainable • Realistic • ABCD

30. Writing Objectives • Objective • Who a-audience • What b-behavior • When c-condition • How much d-degree

31. Method • Scope and sequence • Timeline

32. Evaluation • 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

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

34. Budget • 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

35. Budget Categories • Personnel • Benefits • Contracts • Supplies • Equipment – Check $$$ • Travel • Other • Phone, mail, meals…depends on rfp

36. Budget Colums • In-kind • Other funding • Requested • Total

37. Indirect Costs • 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

38. Executive Summary • 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

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

40. The Rules • 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!

41. Proofing Your Document • 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

42. Words of Wisdom • 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