Grant Proposal Writing

Transcription

1 Grant Proposal Writing Presented by Vivian A. Smith, CFRE February 4 th, 2013

2 Workshop Outline Grants and Giving Granting Organisations Identification and Research Cultivation and Solicitation Acknowledgement and Stewardship Letters of Intent

3 Why do people give?

4 Overview of the Third Sector Government Outcomes Tax incentives Wealth and new wealth Internet Demographics Entrepreneurship

5 Results of These Changes Rapid growth Competition Accountability and community priorities Tools and services Digital divide

6 Results of These Changes Venture philanthropy Social entrepreneurship Diversity Boundaries Money and donors Planned gifts

7 Foundations in Canada Increase in number of foundations Total assets Total grants

8 Foundations in Canada Distribution resembles population

9 Foundations Today Refocusing, improving Different priorities More proactive Collaboration, partnerships

10 Type = Reasons for Giving Private foundations Public foundations

11 Preparing for the Proposal Research, research, research Listen, listen, listen Write, write, write Make contact

12 Preparing for the Proposal Follow rules Don t waste their time Go deep Call other recipients Be accountable/appreciative

13 Research Sources Environmental scans Census data, demographics and databases

14 The Perfect Storm Grant-maker s Values Proposal Logics X Proposal Psychologics Applicant Credibility

15 Grant-maker s Values Specific Their mission The gap Their values

16 Applicant Credibility Three types

17 Proposal Logics Problems Objectives Benefits

18 Proposal Psychologics Emotional needs

19 Tailor proposals RFP / Guidelines Hot Buttons & Distinctive Features The Perfect Grant Application Strategic Thinking & Pre-Proposal Contact Evaluation Criteria

20 Writing the Proposal Professional Precise The reader The criteria Sometimes it pays

21 Writing the Proposal Executive summary Introduction Project overview High level work plan Budget References

22 Strategic Preparation Strategic thinking Pre-proposal contact

23 Buttons & Features Hot buttons (primary) Distinctive features (secondary)

24 Evaluation criteria Set by funder/grant-maker Yardsticks Who is reading proposal

25 Grant application 1. Proposal (4) 2. Budget and budget narrative (5) 3. Appendices (6) 4. Project summary (3) 5. Application form (2) 6. Cover letter (1)

26 The Proposal Six Elements #1 - Problem: the why #2 - Objectives: the what #3 - Methods: the how #4 - Qualifications: the who #5 - Budgets: the how much #6 - Benefits: the who for

27 Writing the Proposal x 4 Write first draft and review for content and organisation

28 Writing the Proposal x 4 Write second draft and review for clarity

29 Writing the Proposal x 4 Write third draft and review for mechanics

30 Writing the Proposal x 4 Write fourth draft and review for design

31 Budget & Budget Narrative Credibility, value Incomplete = Inflated = Low =

32 Budget & Budget Narrative Narrative = bridge Persuasive Descriptions

33 Budget & Budget Narrative Personnel Non-personnel Indirect

34 Appendices Supportive information to further strengthen proposal

35 Project Summary Abstract Quick overview Brevity but

36 Application Forms Sometimes asked for May seem overly bureaucratic Can indicate carefulness, efficiency and passion

37 Cover Letter Generally short in length

38 Letter of Intent 9 Elements

39 Title and Overview Top of first page Overview to summarise

40 Project Aims & Objectives Reflect guidelines Reiterate the hot buttons

41 Target Population Where Who Guidelines

42 Expertise & Experience Who is responsible Establish credibility

43 Project Framework How Hit those hot buttons Customise details Analyse and synthesize

44 Evaluation How Evaluation and outcomes Funder s concerns

45 Sustaining Efforts Ongoing funding and activity Sustainable

46 Task, Timetable & Budget When How much

47 Contact Person Name Position Contact information

48 What will you do?

49 Categorical Policy Personal judgment What will you do?

50 So Now What?