The document discusses the grant application process, including identifying community needs through research, understanding the difference between proposals and grants, shifting perspective to be cause-focused rather than organization-focused, and the steps in the application process from preparation and research to developing the proposal and applying for funding.
The document discusses the grant application process, including identifying community needs through research, understanding the difference between proposals and grants, shifting perspective to be cause-focused rather than organization-focused, and the steps in the application process from preparation and research to developing the proposal and applying for funding.
The document discusses the grant application process, including identifying community needs through research, understanding the difference between proposals and grants, shifting perspective to be cause-focused rather than organization-focused, and the steps in the application process from preparation and research to developing the proposal and applying for funding.
The document discusses the grant application process, including identifying community needs through research, understanding the difference between proposals and grants, shifting perspective to be cause-focused rather than organization-focused, and the steps in the application process from preparation and research to developing the proposal and applying for funding.
- Identify various steps in grant application process
- Describe research & preparation in grant application process - Describe various steps in writing & submitting a grant application - Identify & explain the components of proposal design - Identify various funding sources, types of grants, & where to look for them - Recognize the importance of knowing & building relationships with funders - Recognize the importance of accountability to funders - Identify practical tips to write and polish grant applications 2 Overview
- Grant applications success rate of ~33%
- Incomplete grants applications rate of 95%
3 Challenges Applying for Grants - Getting clarity from the - Building relationships Board on projects to - Clarifying eligibility seek funding for requirements - Researching & finding - Structuring the grant grants that fit needs application - Answering application - Addressing operational questions sustainability - Understanding grant - Writing a budget terminology
4 Proposals vs. Grants - A request for money - A sum of money given by - A grant proposal is a an organization for a tool non-profits use to particular purpose address important - A grant award is an issues within their investment in positive communities change - A grant proposal is a call - Is not FREE money to action - A grant proposal is a clear, logical persuasive, well-supported argument for change
5 Underlying Principles - Non-profit organizations are not entitled to support – they must earn it - Proposals are not only about “raising money” but also about “creating relationships, partnerships, friendships” - Proposal writing involves “selling” your organization to a potential funder - Focus on the needs your organization is meeting in the community rather than the needs of your organization - Don’t decide to raise money today and expect to have it tomorrow 6 Shift your Perspective From: Organization To: Cause Focused Focused Q: What’s the problem? Q: What’s the problem? A: Our organization doesn’t A: An explicit community have enough money. need. Q: What’s the solution? Q: What’s the solution? A: Give us more money! A: Your evidence-based program and services.
Q: What’s the result? Q: What’s the result?
A: We remain operational! A: The community need is impacted. 7 Steps in the Grant Application Process
8 Research & Preparation
9 Research NEEDS (Issue identification/deficit perspective) - What is your idea? Is the idea or project based on an identified need in your community or communities?
OPPORTUNITIES (asset perspective)
- What is your idea? Is the idea or project based on an identified opportunity?
What EVIDENCE (qualitative and/or quantitative) do
you have that shows this need/issue/opportunity exists? 10 Planning Questions for Consideration: - Why should your community project or program exist? - What does your project expect to do? Describe the future: what outcomes do you expect to achieve? - What resources will you use? - How and when will the project or program operate? - What support is needed? - How will the project or program be financed beyond grant dollars? Is it sustainable… 11 Example A local Neighbourhood Association is looking to build a playground as there are no playgrounds or parks in the community. On the grant application, the Association includes statistics from a city assessment that indicates there are 430 families with children aged 12 or under living in the neighbourhood.
12 Summary: Grant Writing 101 - Part 1 - Covered underlying principles - Grants as opportunities for non-profit to partner with a funder to do work together in the community - Community needs vs. needs of your organization - Benefits of cause-focused vs. organization-focused perspective - Identified the various steps in grant application process - Preparation & research stage - Developing & writing proposal/plans - Getting to know your funding source - Applying for the grant - Described the research & preparation step - Needs, opportunities & evidence 13 CDU Consult Line: Dial 310-0000, then 780-963-2281
