Grant Proposal Writing Presented by Vivian A. Smith, CFRE February 4 th, 2013
Workshop Outline Grants and Giving Granting Organisations Identification and Research Cultivation and Solicitation Acknowledgement and Stewardship Letters of Intent
Why do people give?
Overview of the Third Sector Government Outcomes Tax incentives Wealth and new wealth Internet Demographics Entrepreneurship
Results of These Changes Rapid growth Competition Accountability and community priorities Tools and services Digital divide
Results of These Changes Venture philanthropy Social entrepreneurship Diversity Boundaries Money and donors Planned gifts
Foundations in Canada Increase in number of foundations Total assets Total grants
Foundations in Canada Distribution resembles population
Foundations Today Refocusing, improving Different priorities More proactive Collaboration, partnerships
Type = Reasons for Giving Private foundations Public foundations
Preparing for the Proposal Research, research, research Listen, listen, listen Write, write, write Make contact
Preparing for the Proposal Follow rules Don t waste their time Go deep Call other recipients Be accountable/appreciative
Research Sources Environmental scans Census data, demographics and databases
The Perfect Storm Grant-maker s Values Proposal Logics X Proposal Psychologics Applicant Credibility
Grant-maker s Values Specific Their mission The gap Their values
Applicant Credibility Three types
Proposal Logics Problems Objectives Benefits
Proposal Psychologics Emotional needs
Tailor proposals RFP / Guidelines Hot Buttons & Distinctive Features The Perfect Grant Application Strategic Thinking & Pre-Proposal Contact Evaluation Criteria
Writing the Proposal Professional Precise The reader The criteria Sometimes it pays
Writing the Proposal Executive summary Introduction Project overview High level work plan Budget References
Strategic Preparation Strategic thinking Pre-proposal contact
Buttons & Features Hot buttons (primary) Distinctive features (secondary)
Evaluation criteria Set by funder/grant-maker Yardsticks Who is reading proposal
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)
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
Writing the Proposal x 4 Write first draft and review for content and organisation
Writing the Proposal x 4 Write second draft and review for clarity
Writing the Proposal x 4 Write third draft and review for mechanics
Writing the Proposal x 4 Write fourth draft and review for design
Budget & Budget Narrative Credibility, value Incomplete = Inflated = Low =
Budget & Budget Narrative Narrative = bridge Persuasive Descriptions
Budget & Budget Narrative Personnel Non-personnel Indirect
Appendices Supportive information to further strengthen proposal
Project Summary Abstract Quick overview Brevity but
Application Forms Sometimes asked for May seem overly bureaucratic Can indicate carefulness, efficiency and passion
Cover Letter Generally short in length
Letter of Intent 9 Elements
Title and Overview Top of first page Overview to summarise
Project Aims & Objectives Reflect guidelines Reiterate the hot buttons
Target Population Where Who Guidelines
Expertise & Experience Who is responsible Establish credibility
Project Framework How Hit those hot buttons Customise details Analyse and synthesize
Evaluation How Evaluation and outcomes Funder s concerns
Sustaining Efforts Ongoing funding and activity Sustainable
Task, Timetable & Budget When How much
Contact Person Name Position Contact information
What will you do?
Categorical Policy Personal judgment What will you do?
So Now What?