Developing a Grant Application

Transcription

1 Developing a Grant Application Fu-An Lin & Mindy Nobles Program Directors Academic Quality and Workforce Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board November 8, 2016

2 THECB Grant Programs for Institutions Lists of grants and Project Grants Home / Academic Quality and Workforce Division / General Information / Grant Programs and Other Trusteed Funds e-updates Go to Create an account Select Grant Information for Institutions 2

3 THECB Grant Programs for Institutions Types of grants Funding sources: -state vs. federal Methodology: -competition vs. allocation (based on eligibility & formula) Focus of presentation Generally applicable tips for grant proposal development Strategies for grants requiring project development 3

4 Know the Request for Applications (RFA) Applicant eligibility Application instructions and required components Application review process Grant program contact information Grant management requirements, particularly: Program evaluation Reporting schedule Never assume that each grant program s RFAs are identical across grant cycles. Upon award, the RFA becomes a major component of the grant contract. 4

5 Conceptualize a Quality Grant Application The RFA provides a conceptual framework for institutional planning. Purpose and overarching goals of the grant program Evaluation to ensure improvement and project outcomes There are common elements of a grant application. Description of project scope in relation to needs and challenges faced by the institution Project goals and objectives Implementation plan: steps and timeline Evaluation plan to determine outcomes Follow RFA requirements for content/format, if applicable 5

6 Conceptualize a Quality Grant Application What might the process look like? List the institution s current resources, programs, practices Outline details of the proposed project, including: o Targeted programs and students o Required resources, e.g., financial and staffing o Anticipated impacts on students, the institution, and the state Compare current practices and proposed project to RFA requirements and restrictions o Zero in on what addresses the RFA and enhances current practices o Work out connections to the RFA, particularly to the overarching purpose and requirements Involve administrators, faculty, & staff in planning and internal review prior to grant application submission 6

7 Conceptualize a Quality Grant Application Proposed project Institutional needs Purpose of RFA Impact on Students Community & Statewide 7

8 Conceptualize a Quality Grant Application Strong Planning Weak Planning Process driven by improved outcomes and performance Coherent plan coordinated across institution Commitment demonstrated by administration, faculty, and staff Compliance with RFA requirements Process driven by desire to stretch institutional budget A collection of unmet needs and political decisions Absence of institutional contribution & lack of sustainability beyond grant Lack of familiarity with RFA purpose & non-negotiables 8

9 Conceptualize a Quality Grant Application What do reviewers generally consider? Is the proposed project in line with the intent of the RFA? Is it clear, to a non-content expert, how the project is proposing to accomplish its goals and objectives? Is it a sound and reasonably ambitious plan? Is the request for funding justified? Reviewers need: CLARITY in presentation and writing with enough details COHERENCE in design, implementation, & evaluation CONFIDENCE in institutional commitment & potential for success 9

10 Conceptualize a Quality Grant Application Justification For identified needs and proposed strategies: Research-based evidence Institutional data & pertinent contextual information Strong connection to the intent of the RFA For the requested funding: Clear connection to the proposed project goals and activities, which align with the intent of the RFA No intention in using grant funding to replace available institutional resources (i.e., no supplanting) 10

11 Propose a Compliant Budget Demonstrate sufficient justification Supplement, not Supplant Address RFA requirements No prohibited costs Restrictions on indirect/administration costs Calculations and descriptions Travel costs (if allowed) o No international travel o State of Texas travel guidelines & GSA rates Timeline for completing specific budget items Use provided budget form, format, & definitions 11

12 Design a Sensible Evaluation Plan Connect to key indicators of implementation effectiveness progress toward achieving proposed goals Formative and Summative Key indicators = performance measures (metrics) Include required metrics per the RFA In creating metrics, think about whether they are: Aligned and consistent with the project design and goals Meaningful AND measurable Measurable with most relevant data that can be collected o data collection and analysis plan to be completed within grant period 12

13 Implement a Funded Project Past performance and compliance as essential for future grants With strong institutional planning, local grant management will: Follow through on planned grant activities by various parties at the institution administrators, faculty, staff/ program directors Abide by timelines specified for benchmark activities Maintain records, collect and analyze data for monitoring and reporting purposes o RFA: Reporting requirements and schedules 13

14 Implement a Funded Project Delineated roles at the institution for implementation: Administrators enforce accountability for completion. Departments/programs and project partners clearly understand obligations. THECB staff as resources for tackling issues: Reach out before it s too late. If unsure whether written approval for changes is required, send an . Record retention requirement: 7 years 14

15 Questions? Fu-An Lin Program Director Academic Quality & Workforce Mindy Nobles Program Director Academic Quality & Workforce